Best Thessaloniki Shore Excursion: Discover the City’s Highlights
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
Not yet rated
No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.
Quick answer
Is Best Thessaloniki Shore Excursion: Discover the City’s Highlights worth booking?
Best Thessaloniki Shore Excursion: Discover the City’s Highlights is a 5-hour experience in Thessaloniki, Greece, from $49 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $49 per person
If it’s your first time in Thessaloniki, this shore excursion is a simple and enjoyable way to explore the city. Designed just for cruise passengers, the tour includes port pickup and drop-off, comfortable travel in an a
What you get
- One complimentary bottle of water per person
- Full refund if your ship cannot dock
- Free time for a meal & souvenir shopping
- Guaranteed return to the ship on time
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
About this experience
If it’s your first time in Thessaloniki, this shore excursion is a simple and enjoyable way to explore the city. Designed just for cruise passengers, the tour includes port pickup and drop-off, comfortable travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, and guidance from a friendly local expert. You’ll visit key sites like the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, St. Demetrius Church, and the Eptapyrgio Fortress, with clear explanations and plenty of time for photos. After the guided portion, you’ll have free time in the city center to shop, relax, or enjoy a local meal at your own pace. The schedule fits your ship’s timing, so there’s no need to worry about getting back on time. We’ve been guiding cruise travelers for over ten years—so you can just sit back and enjoy your day in Greece.
What's included
Included
- One complimentary bottle of water per person
- Full refund if your ship cannot dock
- Free time for a meal & souvenir shopping
- Guaranteed return to the ship on time
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- 24/7 Customer support, assistance with other arrangements and tours
- Professional, English-speaking local tour guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities are welcome if you enjoy your tour. We recommend 10% for guides, and 5% for bus drivers
What you'll see and do
Port Pickup & Introduction Once you step off the ship, your local English-speaking guide will be waiting to greet you. From there, you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus and begin your relaxing day exploring Thessaloniki. No need to worry—everything is taken care of from start to finish.
15 minutes here
White Tower & Waterfront Promenade Your first stop is the White Tower, one of Thessaloniki’s most well-known landmarks. You’ll admire the exterior and enjoy the views along the peaceful waterfront promenade. Your guide will also point out the nearby statue of Alexander the Great as you take in the fresh sea air.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Arch of Galerius
Arch of Galerius & the Rotonda Next, you’ll visit the Arch of Galerius, a Roman-era monument with detailed carvings that tell part of Thessaloniki’s story. Just a short walk away is the Rotonda, a circular structure that's over 1,600 years old. You’ll view it from outside while your guide shares its fascinating history.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Holy Church of Saint Demetrius, Patron Saint of Thessalonica
St. Demetrius Church You’ll stop by the exterior of St. Demetrius Church, dedicated to the city’s patron saint. Your guide will tell you about its background and point out its beautiful design. If you’d like, you’ll also have the option to step inside and see the interior on your own.
30 minutes here
Eptapyrgio Castle
Ano Poli & Eptapyrgio Fortress Then, you’ll head uphill to the Upper Town (Ano Poli) for a visit to the Eptapyrgio Fortress and the historic walls. The area offers fantastic views over the city and the sea. Your guide will walk you through the area's past while giving you time to enjoy the scenery.
40 minutes here · Admission not included
The Greek Agora and Roman Forum
Roman Forum Back in the lower part of the city, you’ll stop at the Roman Forum—an open-air site full of ancient ruins. You’ll walk along the edge while your guide explains what life was like in Thessaloniki during Roman times.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Aristotelous Square & Free Time The tour wraps up in Aristotelous Square, the city’s main gathering spot. You’ll have some free time to relax, grab a bite to eat, or shop for small gifts. Your guide will be happy to point you in the right direction if you need any help.
90 minutes here
Port of Thessaloniki
Return to Port Finally, you’ll rejoin your group and return to the port in plenty of time for your ship’s departure. You’ll leave Thessaloniki feeling enriched, relaxed, and confident that you made the most of your visit.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Thessaloniki
Your guide will be waiting to greet you at the 'Alexander the Great Terminal' in Thessaloniki Port, holding a sign that reads 'VEXPERIO'. After disembarking from your cruise ship, please remain inside the terminal area. Your guide will meet you in the parking area.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Your guide will be waiting to greet you at the 'Alexander the Great Terminal' in Thessaloniki Port, holding a sign that reads 'VEXPERIO'. After disembarking from your cruise ship, please remain inside the terminal area. Your guide will meet you in the parking area.
Options you can book
Shared Thessaloniki Tour
Shared ShorEx
Ticket for a Shared Tour
Private Tour
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Shore Excursions Company
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 3+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $49 to $659
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Shore Excursions Company, who run 19 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.9.
See everything Shore Excursions Company runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Best Thessaloniki Shore Excursion: Discover the City’s Highlights: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Thessaloniki.
How much does Best Thessaloniki Shore Excursion: Discover the City’s Highlights cost?
+
Prices start at $49 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Thessaloniki usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Best Thessaloniki Shore Excursion: Discover the City’s Highlights take?
+
Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Thessaloniki is not rushed.
Is Best Thessaloniki Shore Excursion: Discover the City’s Highlights worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Thessaloniki, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Best Thessaloniki Shore Excursion: Discover the City’s Highlights?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Best Thessaloniki Shore Excursion: Discover the City’s Highlights suitable for kids and families?
+
The operator sets a minimum age of 3. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Best Thessaloniki Shore Excursion: Discover the City’s Highlights?
+
Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Thessaloniki can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Thessaloniki and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Best Thessaloniki Shore Excursion: Discover the City’s Highlights start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Thessaloniki within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Thessaloniki?
+
On Outty we rank every Thessaloniki experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki with a Chef, Discover Vergina and Pella: Day Trip to Macedonian Kingdom, Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Thessaloniki?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Thessaloniki?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Best Thessaloniki Shore Excursion: Discover the City’s Highlights.
Pick your date
