Thessaloniki, sightseeing tour in the city of Thessaloniki

Thessalloniki, the “Nymph of the Thermatic Gulf” is amphitheatrically situated on the slopes of Mount Chortiatis. Founded by the Greek Macedonian King Kassander, he named the city Thessaloniki after his wife who was also the half sister of Alexander the Great. Throughout the Roman period, it was the capital of Macedonia Scounda and during the Middle Ages, it was the second city of the Byzantine Empire. For 400 years it was occupied by the Ottoman Empire, until it was finally freed in 1912. Start your excursion viewing the White Tower, an historical landmark before continuing on to visit the Archeological Museum which houses interesting Greek and Macedonian finds from the Archaic, Classical and Roman periods, with the most important exhibit of all being “The Gold of Ancient Macedonia”. From here, drive by the International Trade Fair grounds and the Aristotelion University, which was established in the 1926 and today is the largest of all of the universities situated in Greece. Next, make your way up to the once upon a time, Acropolis located in the upper part of the city. It is here, where you will have a superb panoramic view of the entire city with the Thermatic Gulf and Mount Olympus in the background. Your next visit will be to the Basilica of St Demetrios, which was erected in the 5^th Century AD. The five-aisle basilica suffered a tragic fire in the year 1917 but was later restored in 1948. Marvel at the beautiful mosaics, dating back from the 5^th to 9^th Centuries. From here, follow your guide to the area located under the basilica, where you will see famous crypt, which according to tradition, was once the confinement for an officer by the name of Demetrios who was later executed by the Emperor Gallerius. Today, St. Demetrios is the patron saint of the city. Return to your motorcoach and drive along the modern street, Egnatia, named after the famous Roman road, Via Egnatia. Whilst driving, view the Arch of Gallerius and St. George’s Rotonda. Before returning to the ship, enjoy a short stop at the well-preserved Byzantine Basilica of St. Sophia, and 8^th Century structure, rich in mosaics and frescoes.