Private Thessaloniki: Markets, Mansions & Monuments
Thessaloniki, Greece
From EUR 188.00
Office phone number: +30 698 067 9166
Private Thessaloniki: Markets, Mansions & Monuments
Thessaloniki, Greece
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.

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Tour snapshot
If you’re looking for an all-encompassing introduction to the wonders of Thessaloniki, then this tour is perfect for you! Together we’ll spend the morning exploring the city’s main historic hotspots with your local guide giving you the lowdown on its fascinating ancient history. Then we’ll go off the beaten track to discover the bustling markets and hidden gems in the pretty backstreets of this delightful world heritage site. Our tour ends just in time for you to grab a spot of lunch from a local taverna and ponder what to do next!
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
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Highlights
- Explore Thessaloniki’s top historical sites with a local guide leading the way
- Visit the hidden markets, alternative neighbourhoods and secret backstreets that tourists don’t usually find
- Go subterranean with us and explore the crypt of Agios Dimitrios, the patron saint of the city
- Discover the oldest Christian church in all of Greece
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
- Your tour visits Agios Dimitrios church and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Thessaloniki, giving you a sense of the city's rich history, as well as supporting local cultural heritage.
- On this tour you will visit 100% local, family-owned businesses and meet a local greengrocer, cheesemonger, butcher, and fishmonger who sell their own and Greek-only products. Supporting small-scale, locally-run businesses helps to preserve the traditional character of old Thessaloniki.
- At least one store on your itinerary is dedicated to the preservation of locally-produced crafts.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Meeting point:
In front of the Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos in Aristotelous Square, Address: Egnatia 78, Thessaloniki 546 24.
View on Google Maps.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: Various
- Ending point:
Tsimiski Street.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, entrance to crypt, coffee, water and refreshments during the tour.
Exclusions: Entrance ticket (EUR 2) for Rotunda, additional food and drinks, souvenirs or personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide and driver.
Are you ready for an adventure into the heart of ancient Thessaloniki? Discover this multicultural city through its famous landmarks.
We will start in Aristotelous Square, the city’s most popular and impressive thoroughfare. Here we will talk a little about the fascinating past of Thessaloniki, both ancient and modern.
We will then move on to one of the most famous landmarks in the city, the crypt of Ayios Dimitrios, the patron saint of Thessaloniki. We will venture underground into this mystic resting place, where St. Dimitrios was martyred. Interestingly, the area was converted into an exhibition space in 1988 that displayed historic items that had been recovered from the dramatic fire that took hold of the city in the 5th century CE, such as sculptures and other decorative items.
We'll continue with more historical big hitters and include stops at the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda and one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.
We will now find ourselves in the busiest and most commercial area of the city. Here you will see Turkish baths, pretty flower shops and locals going about their daily business. We'll then make our way to the city's colourful open-air markets. Dating from the 12th century, the stalls stock a dizzying array of fresh produce including fish, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, spices and even a traditional butcher, which all together vividly evoke the city’s ancient past.
Your journey through Thessaloniki will end in the attractive Ladadika district, famous for its historic role in trading oil. You will find some of the city’s best cafes, restaurants and bars here. Stories from years gone by will come alive as your local guide leads you through the neighbourhood's atmospheric paved alleys.
When the tour ends, why not have a break and a bite to eat while you reflect on all that you have learned about the city and its stunning heritage? Don’t forget to ask your guide for hints and tips on where to go and what to do during the rest of your stay in Thessaloniki.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, entrance to crypt, coffee, water and refreshments during the tour.
Exclusions: Entrance ticket (EUR 2) for Rotunda, additional food and drinks, souvenirs or personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide and driver.
Dress standard: Dress standard: Please wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a hat and sunscreen in the summer months.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge.
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Dietary Notes
This tour has only one coffee break.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +30 698 067 9166
Email address: info@thessalonikiurbanadventures.com
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