WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE THESSALONIKI HISTORY AND GASTRONOMY TOUR – APPROX. 5 HOURS

About this wheelchair Accessible Thessaloniki History and Gastronomy Tour

Thessaloniki brings together ancient history, Byzantine heritage and some of the best food in Greece. This private tour takes you to the city’s most iconic landmarks and gives you a taste of its vibrant culinary scene, while making the most of your time.

Your driver and private licensed guide meet you directly at the cruise port or at your city center accommodation. From there, your driver takes you comfortably between the different stops, while your guide shares the stories and history of each place.

The White Tower and Waterfront

Your first stop is the White Tower, one of Thessaloniki’s most recognizable landmarks and an important symbol of the city. Built in the 15th century, the Tower once formed part of the city’s fortifications and has played an important role in Thessaloniki’s history.

Inside visits are not included. While the upper floors are not accessible by wheelchair due to the steep and narrow stairs, the area around the tower and the waterfront are accessible, allowing you to enjoy the landmark and its beautiful surroundings comfortably. If you wish to visit the interior, entry is free of charge.

Nearby, you will find the impressive statue of Alexander the Great, overlooking the Thermaic Gulf. The monument celebrates one of the most important figures in Greek history and reflects Thessaloniki’s connection to ancient Macedonia.

The waterfront around the statue is accessible, offering a comfortable place to take in the views and learn more about the city’s history with your guide.

The Archaeological Museum

Your driver and your guide then take you to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, where you can discover some of the most remarkable treasures from the history of Macedonia. The museum’s collections showcase thousands of years of history, from prehistoric Macedonia to the Roman and Byzantine periods, giving you a fascinating insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Among the highlights are the famous golden wreaths, beautifully crafted in gold, and the impressive Derveni Krater, a remarkable ancient bronze vessel. Your guide will share the stories behind these important archaeological treasures and their connection to the history of Macedonia.

The museum has an accessible main entrance and wheelchair-accessible lifts to the exhibition levels. Wheelchairs are also available on request.

The Arch of Galerius and Rotunda

Next, your driver takes you to two of Thessaloniki’s most impressive Roman landmarks. At the Arch of Galerius, you can admire the detailed stone reliefs depicting scenes from the victories and campaigns of Emperor Galerius. Your guide will explain the significance of the monument and its role in the Roman history of Thessaloniki.

From here, you continue to the nearby Rotunda, one of the oldest and most remarkable buildings in the city. Originally built in the 4th century, the Rotunda has served different purposes throughout its history and is especially known for its impressive interior and Byzantine mosaics.

The monument has an accessible entrance and an internal lift, making it possible to experience this important part of Thessaloniki’s heritage from the inside in an accessible way. Entrances are free.

Ano Poli and the Byzantine Castles

The route continues uphill to Ano Poli, Thessaloniki’s historic upper town and one of the city’s most atmospheric neighborhoods, with your driver taking you directly there. This area is known for its traditional houses, narrow streets, and remains of the Byzantine city walls. As you explore Ano Poli, your guide will tell you more about the history of this historic neighborhood and its importance to Thessaloniki.

Part of the area is explored by private adapted vehicles, allowing you to comfortably discover the historic streets and enjoy the scenery. You will also have the opportunity to explore part of Ano Poli outside the vehicle, walking or rolling along a route adapted to your individual accessibility needs.

The area offers some of the best panoramic views of Thessaloniki, the Thermaic Gulf, and the surrounding landscape. Your guide will point out some of the city’s most important landmarks while you take in the views and atmosphere of this historic part of Thessaloniki.

St. Demetrius Basilica

Your next stop is the Basilica of Saint Demetrius, dedicated to Thessaloniki’s patron saint and one of the city’s most important Byzantine monuments. The church dates back to the 5th century and was built on the site traditionally associated with the imprisonment and martyrdom of Saint Demetrius. From the outside, you can admire the impressive architecture of the basilica while your guide tells you more about its history and importance to the city.

The basilica is also connected to an underground crypt associated with Saint Demetrius and his martyrdom. As access to the interior is currently limited for visitors with mobility difficulties, this part of the tour focuses on the exterior of the monument and its surroundings. Your guide will share the story of the basilica and the crypt, allowing you to discover this important part of Thessaloniki’s religious and cultural heritage without needing to enter the site.

A Taste of Thessaloniki

Your driver then takes you to the city center for the final part of your experience: discovering some of Thessaloniki’s famous local flavors. Explore the atmosphere of the city’s historic markets and, if you wish, sample traditional favorites such as bougatsa, koulouri, Greek cheeses, Halkidiki olives and mezedes. You can also try local drinks such as wine, ouzo or tsipouro, followed by a sweet treat like Trigona Panoramatos or tsoureki.

Food and drinks during this part of the tour are not included in the tour price and can be purchased according to your preferences.

Return to the Cruise Port

After your food experience, your driver and guide take you directly back to the starting point.