11.5 hours ashore on average
Ships typically dock in Thessaloniki for around 11.5 hours. That's enough time for a full island tour, a beach day, or a combination of shorter experiences.
Tours & Experiences in Thessaloniki
30 experiences available — book through our trusted partners
Mount Olympus Beyond the Postcards: Myths, Nature & Hidden Paths
Discover Mount Olympus beyond the usual tourist routes on a relaxed, small-group tour focused on mythology, hidden viewpoints, and authentic local storytelling. Guided by Michalis, a local expert with 25+ years of experience, you’ll explore four lesser-known spots most visitors miss. At each stop, the myths of Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon come to life, connected directly to the landscape. Travel entirely by car at a comfortable pace, with short breaks for photos, coffee, or snacks, making it perfect for families, seniors, and travelers seeking an easy, memorable visit. Flexible departures and guaranteed on-time return for cruise guests.
Free cancellation
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Upper Town Historical Tour Experience at Greece
In the upper town, we visit profitis ilias church, an ottoman monument, osios david church, the monastery of Vlatadon and other hidden places. We speak about a big fire, the Τurks, the Jews, the mt Olympus, greek mythology, a religious masterpiece of art, music (rebetico), St paul, the story of the greek refugees from Turkey and other stories.
Through this tour, we are going to feel the soul of this neighborhood, we are going to find out why this area is so special and why the locals love it so much! We are going to literally travel back in time, to see how was Thessaloniki in the past but also how is now.
The tour is conducted by an official tourist guide with registered number 33Ξ02766Ε1
Free cancellation
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Olympus Mountain Guiding - Mytikas 2918m in a day
A 12-hour experience to climb Mount Olympus! A unique and a once in a lifetime experience.
Let the magic and the beauty of nature to carry you away and leave unforgettable memories on your daily routine.
Free cancellation
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Olympus Rock Climbing Course and Via Ferrata
Seek adventure on Mount Olympus on this guided rock climbing course. During this outing, you'll depart from Vrontou with a small group of fellow travelers, which ensures personalized attention from your guide. Via Ferrata, Abseil, and Top rope courses begin your first touch with the rock next to the refreshing river.
Free cancellation
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Private Day Trip from Thessaloniki to Meteora
Discover Meteora: Monasteries Suspended Between Heaven and Earth
Embark on an unforgettable full-day journey from Thessaloniki to the breathtaking landscape of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where ancient monasteries seem to float above towering rock pillars.
Travel through the scenic countryside of Central Greece and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of this sacred place. Explore remarkable monasteries perched high on the cliffs, admire centuries-old frescoes, and take in panoramic views that will leave you in awe.
As you walk through this spiritual and natural wonder, uncover the fascinating history of monastic life and the enduring faith that shaped one of Greece’s most iconic destinations.
With comfortable round-trip transportation and ample time to enjoy the scenery, this Meteora day trip offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and cultural discovery.
Free cancellation
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Cook & Dine With a Local Greek Family in Thessaloniki
Step inside a real Greek family home and experience Thessaloniki the way locals truly live it — in the kitchen and around the family table.
In a small, intimate group (max 9 guests), you’ll cook traditional Greek dishes from scratch, including iconic favorites such as moussaka, tzatziki, and bougiourdi, using fresh local ingredients and family recipes. No cooking experience is needed — we guide you step by step, just like cooking with family.
After cooking, we share a homemade dinner served family-style, paired with local wine, ouzo, and tsipouro. As in every Greek home, everyone tastes and enjoys the food in their own way, while stories are shared and traditions come to life. The evening ends with a fun Greek dance lesson.
We meet at Porto Palace Hotel and provide a short 10-minute transfer to our home.
Featured by BBC & CNN.
Free cancellation
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Experience Ancient Greece: A Musical Journey
Theodore Koumartzis is an astounding musician of the ancient lyre and the visionary behind our award-winning tour. He is also a member of the luthier’s family and the niche music brand Luthieros, responsible for the construction of all these musical instruments!
Theodore constantly travels around the world, giving lectures, live performances and interactive tours in museums and educational institutes in Greek, English, and Spanish!
Free cancellation
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5 Hours Greek Cooking Class and Meal at a Farm A
The word Agni means pure, unadulterated. Agni farm is the farm away from the noise of the city, where you will come in contact with life in nature. Υou will experience the pure authentic traditional Greek way of life, the culture, the hospitality, the everyday lifestyle of our traditional Greek family and the Greek art of cooking. We will welcome you to our home and we will make you feel like you are at home. You will taste and enjoy Greek coffee or hot mountain tea, some Greek meze snacks and traditional welcome drinks. You can familiarize with the animals of the farm, wander through our vegetable garden, cut fresh vegetables, learn all the secrets of Greek gastronomy and then create your farm to table meals!
There is a possibility for the menu to be modified in case a guest has food allergies and we also offer VEGAN menu!
Free cancellation
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Thessaloniki: Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch
Join our Greek Cooking Experience and shop, cook & enjoy local recipes & delicious dishes with the guidance of our professional cook & facilitator!
We start with a quick tasting of fresh Greek olives. Then we can choose together the vegetables you will use in your cooking at the Central Market of Thessaloniki “Kapani”, where numerous locals do their daily grocery shopping.
With the help of our professional and experienced cook, you learn how to prepare famously traditional Greek dishes.
You savor traditional appetizers, salads & main courses, such as Tzatziki sauce (yogurt, cucumber & garlic dip), Stuffed vine leaves “dolmadakia” , Greek salad, Stuffed vegetables (peppers & tomatoes) & your dessert: Chocolate salami!
All are prepared by you and served in a beautiful traditional tavern nestled in the heart of Thessaloniki!
Free cancellation
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Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo
Lina Palera (your host in this experience) is a world-renowned lyricist, and she has performed at ancient Greek amphitheaters, museums and international music festivals (such as MusikMesse, Germany). Apart from being an amazing musician, Lina is an equally great tutor with studies and teaching experience in London and Athens. Living for half a decade in England, Lina speaks fluently English, and Greek.
Free cancellation
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Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Resort
Private transfers with a wide range of new vehicles from Thessaloniki airport to Sani Resort Complex.
• Courteous chauffeurs
• Air-conditioning
• Flight monitoring
Free cancellation
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Food Tour with a Local Chef: Markets, Tastings & Lunch
Discover Thessaloniki's food culture with a local chef, exploring its historic market, tasting seasonal Greek specialties and finishing with a restaurant lunch shaped by the day's freshest ingredients.
You'll learn not only what you're tasting, but how these ingredients are used in Greek kitchens and why seasonality is so important to Greek cuisine.
The experience continues with a sit-down lunch at one of Thessaloniki's carefully selected independent restaurants. These are places where the daily menu is driven by the market and the season rather than a standard tourist menu.
Menus and tastings change according to the season and the day's best ingredients. This means that there is no rigid menu to follow — instead, you experience Thessaloniki as we would eat it ourselves: according to what is fresh, local and at its best that day!
Free cancellation
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4-Hour Thessaloniki Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour
Revive the jewish by viable the famous synagogue, check the marvelous Jewish museum and admire cultural monuments of the Jewish community of Thessaloniki showing it's thrilling Jewish past. Your journey unfolds with the expertise of an Official Licensed Guide, ensuring a truly enriching experience.
Free cancellation
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Alexander the Great Experience: Private Tour Vergina and Pella
During this private 7-hour tour of the Pella and Vergina archaeological sites, take a deep into the culture of the ancient Kingdom of Macedonia. Explore Pella, Alexander the Great’s birthplace, and Vergina, the ancient capital city that now houses a museum with relics including as King Philip II royal tomb.
Free cancellation
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The Apostle Paul story in Thessaloniki tour
Follow in the footsteps of Apostle Paul on a guided walking tour of Thessaloniki. Learn about his visits to the city and his second mission in Greece.
We will analyze his two letters to the Thessalonians and discover their historical context and significance for the Christian community of Thessaloniki and the church in general.
We will visit places that, according to tradition, Paul passed by, and hear about the different people he met here.
We are going to follow the incidents that are described in the Acts of the Apostoles as far as the Thessaloniki events are concerned but also we are going to discuss about his whole second mission that took place mainly in Greece.
The tours are conducted by an official licensed tourist guide with the registered no. 33Ξ02766Ε1
Free cancellation
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Alexander the Great Private Tour at Pella and Vergina
Explore the Legacy of Alexander the Great
Discover Ancient Macedonia on a self-guided journey at your own pace, with a private driver-host sharing local insights and recommendations along the way.
Follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great on a day trip from your hotel or cruise ship. Begin at the Archaeological Site of Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia, where you can explore the ruins and admire its remarkable ancient mosaics. Continue to Vergina, where the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai brings the royal treasures of the Macedonian dynasty to life, including the famous golden larnax of Philip II. Then visit the Polycentric Museum of Aigai, home to royal artifacts, ancient coins, and the impressive gold-threaded ceremonial garment of the Macedonian royal dynasty.
Each booking includes a complimentary copy of The Northern Table. I served as the book’s gastronomic consultant. Created exclusively for my guests, the book is not available for sale.
Free cancellation
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Private tour enjoy all the Landmarks and sights of Thessaloniki
The best way to see the most important sights in Thessaloniki in your own pace and privacy. A driver guide which will give you all the necessary information to get a good view of the city's History and much more.
Free cancellation
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Thessaloniki: Create Your Own Glass Mosaic Hands-on Art
Our workshop offers a perfect blend of modern artistic expression and historic charm. Located in a boutique, sun-drenched studio right next to a UNESCO-listed Byzantine Bath, you will create in an atmosphere of authentic Thessaloniki soul.
What sets us apart is our intuitive, contemporary approach to glass mosaics—making a complex ancient craft accessible and fun for everyone. With expert personal guidance, premium materials, and traditional hospitality (coffee & local treats), you won't just learn a skill; you'll make a high-quality, personalized souvenir that is safely packed and ready to travel home with you as a lasting memory.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
Thessaloniki's 2,300-year history in an expert-led walking tour
Become part of an interactive journey through the 2,300 years of Thessaloniki’s history, in an expert-led walking tour!
✓ Small group
✓ Led by a licensed tour guide, archaeologist MA & PhD candidate in experiential tourism
✓ Uncovers the diverse cultural influences that shaped Thessaloniki’s unique identity
Roads full of monuments. Monuments full of stories about emperors, gods and mortals, wars and disasters, victories and feasts. A city of many faces - sometimes with a friendly smile, sometimes with an introvert frown, and some other times with an awkward pose as she stands in front of her historical significance and glorious 23-century past.
In this walking tour, we discover every period of the city’s history - from Roman times to present day - through a kaleidoscope of monuments and landmarks that mark the ever-present timeline of a multicultural metropolis.
* The itinerary may be adjusted, as opening hours can alter and certain monuments might be closed on specific days.
Free cancellation
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Nature Horseback Riding & Farm Experience near Thessaloniki
Escape the crowds and discover an authentic countryside experience just 45 minutes from Thessaloniki. Enjoy a small-group horseback riding adventure through peaceful natural landscapes, perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike. Meet friendly horses and farm animals, learn about life on a local farm, and relax in a calm, family-friendly environment. Ideal for families, couples, friends, solo travelers, and nature lovers seeking a unique and memorable experience beyond the city. With hotel pickup, expert guidance, and plenty of time for photos, this is one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences near Thessaloniki.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
Halkidiki Experience: Private Tour to Kassandra from Thessaloniki
Halkidiki is a perfect place to relax and wash away the anxiety of urban life. In our day trip in Kassandra peninsula you will enjoy the amazing Greek sun and you will fall in love with the crystal turquise waters of Halkidiki's beaches. Also, you have the chance to discover secret places of Halkidiki and taste the best Greek food of the area to places we recommend!
Free cancellation
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Private Greek Home Cooking Class in Epanomi with Erna
Erna and Thanos will welcome you into their beautiful home, which is filled with arts and trinkets from their travels across Europe and beyond! Erna makes everything from scratch, including her delicious freshly-baked bread. Thanos is always in charge of the fish, which is cooked to perfection! They combine flavors from their Greek and Austrian cultures with delicious results. Your cooking class will take place in a local home kitchen where Erna will teach you how to make Greek food with an Austrian Twist.
• 100% private activity
• Greek cooking class in a local's home
• Vegetarian options available [please inform us in advance if you have any dietary restrictions]
Free cancellation
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Olicatessen Olive Oil Tasting in Thessaloniki
A journey of taste of Greece’s proudest produce.
During the session you will try 6 olive oils from different regions as well as varieties, discuss about the organoleptic qualities of each of them and discover yourself the complexity of taste, olive oil has.
Free cancellation
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Small Group Swim at the Best Beaches of Halkidiki
Escape the city and enjoy a relaxed small-group beach experience to Halkidiki from Thessaloniki, ideal for both cruise passengers and city visitors.
Travel along a safe and scenic route through olive groves and beautiful countryside, while your local host shares insights about Thessaloniki, Halkidiki and everyday Greek life.
Instead of crowded tourist beaches, we visit two beautiful beaches that are less known to tourists and mostly visited by locals, with no access by public bus, offering clearer waters and a calmer atmosphere. Enjoy time to swim, relax and sunbathe.
Beach facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, drinks and snacks are available at reasonable local prices, offering great value.
Thanks to the small-group format, the experience is flexible and may include stops at historical or religious landmarks, depending on time. This is a perfect shore excursion, with timing carefully adapted to cruise ship schedules.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
Private Thessaloniki Walking UNESCO Monuments Tour - 4 hrs
Thessaloniki has numerous early Christian and Byzantine monuments protected by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
This is a private walking tour we explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of this unique city, its tiny or larger churches hidden almost everywhere. Many of them are decorated with mosaics and frescoes still preserved dating back from the 5th to the 14th century. Starting from the top of the hill with the Byzantine-time Acropolis, walking along the city walls, we continue to various churches in the city center.
We visit UNESCO monuments, mostly churches, with no admission fee required, besides the Rotonda entrance ticket which is not included in the tour fees.
Taxi drives are not included in the tour fees to/from the Acropolis/Upper Town.
This guided tour can be done on all days - except Tuesdays.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
Thessaloniki Private Historic Walking Tour
Embark on a private historic tour of Thessaloniki, designed to give you a historic experience during a visit to the second largest city in Greece. Learn how this city remains a mosaic of different civilizations and cultures.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
Try Scuba Diving for Beginners by Boat on Diaporos Island
Get Certified as a Try Scuba Diver in Nikiti, Halkidiki! Your first diving certificate!
Try scuba diving and begin the adventure of a lifetime! It’s your opportunity to discover the magical world of colorful fish and living reefs in crystal clear blue and warm water – Scuba Diving!
In the Try Scuba Diving program, you will learn the skills and knowledge you need to try diving up to 10 meters deep with an SSI Professional. It is a great way to explore the underwater world more fully as you try diving. The entire Basic Diver program can be credited towards the Scuba Diver or Open Water Dive programs within 6 months, so you can take the next step in your dive adventure.
With our instructors you can dive until 10 meters depth for 45min to 60min. After the scuba diving you have also opportunity to make snorkeling dive at the most extraordinary lagoons around Diaporos island with fantastic clear water.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
Private Day Trip from Thessaloniki to Vergina, Naousa, and Edessa
Experience northern Greece's rich heritage and beauty with this tailored private day trip from Thessaloniki. Visit the UNESCO-listed royal tombs of Vergina, savor world-class wines at Kir-Yianni Winery in Naousa, and marvel at the serene Edessa waterfalls, a jewel of the Macedonian landscape.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
Private Half-Day Walking City Tour in Thessaloniki
Embark on a captivating journey through the storied past of Thessaloniki, a city steeped in a remarkable legacy spanning an astounding twenty-three centuries. Prepare to be enthralled as we traverse the footsteps of ancient Macedonian Kings, Roman Emperors, Byzantine luminaries, Ottoman Sultans, and the vibrant Jewish community whose presence has indelibly shaped the city's captivating history and rich cultural tapestry.
Step into the heart of Thessaloniki's historical center and witness a tapestry of captivating tales and multicultural wonders unfold before your very eyes.
From ancient ruins to majestic Byzantine landmarks, each step in this extraordinary tour unveils a new layer of Thessaloniki's vibrant past. Marvel at the architectural grandeur that has withstood the test of time, and let the fascinating narratives of conquerors, scholars, and visionaries transport you through the ages.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
Thessaloniki Create Your Own Mosaic Souvenir Magnet in 60'
Unleash your creativity in a 60-minute mosaic magnet workshop in the heart of Thessaloniki's Old Town. Guided by a local artist, learn the ancient art of mosaics while selecting colorful tiles to design your unique souvenir. Indulge in refreshing mint and citrus-infused water alongside traditional Greek loukoumi as you craft. This fun and family-friendly experience allows you to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of one of the city's historic neighborhoods, ensuring you leave with a handmade piece of Thessaloniki to cherish forever.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
When to Visit Thessaloniki
Cruise season patterns based on scheduled ship visits and passenger volumes
Winter Season
Dec – Feb
7,421 estimated passengers across 8 ship visits. Quieter period — fewer crowds.
Spring Season
Mar – May
34,169 estimated passengers across 19 ship visits. Quieter period — fewer crowds.
Summer Season
Jun – Aug
28,683 estimated passengers across 16 ship visits. Quieter period — fewer crowds.
Autumn Season
Sep – Nov
72,508 estimated passengers across 47 ship visits. Moderate activity — good availability.
Cruise Lines Visiting Thessaloniki
12 cruise lines. View full breakdown →
Celebrity Cruises Cruises (45)
Viking Cruises Cruises (42)
Azamara Cruises Cruises (30)
TUI Cruises Cruises (24)
Windstar Cruises Cruises (22)
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Cruises (16)
Oceania Cruises Cruises (12)
Silversea Cruises Cruises (9)
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises (8)
Holland America Cruises (5)
MSC Explora Journeys Cruises (4)
Saga Cruises Cruises (2)
Ships Arriving Soon
Next scheduled visits to Thessaloniki
Tue 15 Sep
Azamara Onward
Azamara Cruises Cruises
09:00 – 22:00
Thu 24 Sep
Celebrity Infinity
Celebrity Cruises Cruises
06:30 – 20:00
Tue 29 Sep
Star Legend
Windstar Cruises Cruises
12:00
Sat 3 Oct
Celebrity Infinity
Celebrity Cruises Cruises
06:30 – 20:00
Sat 3 Oct
Spirit of Discovery
Saga Cruises Cruises
08:00 – 18:00
Tue 6 Oct
Celebrity Infinity
Celebrity Cruises Cruises
10:30 – 21:00
Wed 7 Oct
Star Legend
Windstar Cruises Cruises
12:00
Thu 8 Oct
Azamara Quest
Azamara Cruises Cruises
08:00
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