• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Curious to know more about Thessaloniki’s history? Join a local history expert on an insightful tour that will show you a side of the city that can’t be found in any book. This experience will open your eyes to the past and origins of Thessaloniki from a local perspective as you learn with this Journey through Centuries.

Destination

Thessaloniki, Greece

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

3 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

Ελληνικά, English, Italiano

Included

• Private Guide
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Entrance to attractions

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 3 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at At the Trigoniou (Chain) Tower, a defensive tower overlooking the old town. - Thessaloniki to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Ancient Greece

   Your history tour in Thessaloniki will focus on a Journey through Centuries. Learn the impacts, insights and hear stories related to this historic event from your knowledgeable host. Discover the city as you retrace history and go in-depth on the effects this part of history has on Thessaloniki

4. Historical Highlights

   Check out main landmarks related to the theme of your history tour and connect their relevance through fantastic stories and facts from your expert local host

5. Hidden Treasures

   During your tour, you’ll also uncover hidden gems that will show you a different perspective of history as you know it, something you can’t easily find in a history book!

6. Storytelling Journey

   As you discover the historical side of Thessaloniki, you’ll be able to go back in time thanks to the amazing stories and storytelling skills of your local host. Feel free to ask any questions and feel as if you are relieving history in the present time

7. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Kate

(About local Alexandros)

31 May 2025

On our first day in Thessaloniki, my husband, 13 year old son and I had arranged to do a historical walking tour with Alexandros. From the moment we met, he was friendly, personable, and made us feel completely at ease. Alexandros’s knowledge of the city's history was evident, and he shared it in a way that was both engaging and easy to follow. From Roman ruins and Byzantine churches to Ottoman influences and modern city life, he gave us a well-rounded picture of how the city has evolved over time. His explanations were informative without ever feeling like a lecture, and he was always happy to answer our questions or elaborate on topics we were particularly interested in. Alexandros made sure to tailor the tour to include what we wanted to see and learn about, and adjusted the pace and route to suit us. He also ensured that we were not too tired, given that we had arrived after a very long flight the day before. One of the highlights was our visit to the Vlatadon Monastery. We were fortunate that it was open while we were there, and Alexandros brought us in to explore. The monastery is beautiful and peaceful, with an amazing view over Thessaloniki and the sea. We likely would have missed it if we had been on our own. If you're visiting Thessaloniki and want an insightful introduction to the city, we absolutely recommend booking a tour with Alexandros. It was the perfect way to start our stay! The perfect introduction to Thessaloniki

Brandi

(About local Dimitrios)

27 March 2025

We had a great walking tour of Thessaloniki with Dimitrios. It was our first full day in the city and was the perfect way to learn about the history of Thessaloniki and see some of the key sights. As an official guide, Dimitrios is extremely knowledgeable about the history and the area. My husband and I especially appreciated how Dimitrios shared some personal stories and discussed current events with us, as it made us feel more connected to the modern city. He also very thoughtfully followed up with recommendations on things to see during the rest of our stay. And he introduced us to some of Thessaloniki's many cats! It was one of the best walking tours we've done. An amazing history tour with Dimitrios

John🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alexandros)

22 October 2024

Alex was a wonderful host. I booked a private tour with him; and he easily adapted his visit to my interests. I was really interested in history so we focused on the monuments, but Alex also has much to share about local culture, food, and wine as well. If I had more time, I would certainly do one of the culinary tours he offers. Alex is warm, friendly and a wonderful guide for any adventure in Thessaloniki! A warm and friendly guide

Amanda🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alexandros)

7 July 2024

Alex provided a great overview of Thessaloniki's complex history. With our limited time in port, we were able to gain an understanding of this fascinating city. He even took us to the perfect place to enjoy some delicious baklava and greek coffee. He was friendly and engaging throughout our tour and responsive to our interests and questions. Fantastic tour with Alex

Karin🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alexandros)

13 May 2024

Our recent historical tour experience in Thessaloniki, Greece, led by Alex, was a fantastic experience! My husband and I were on a trip to celebrate my birthday and decided we wanted a local guide to show us around. This was our third day in the country and our second tour with Alexandros. After the previous tour, we knew we were going to have another wonderful day! We saw more of the city than we ever would have seen on our own. We learned so much about the history of Thessaloniki. Alex never skipped over a single detail and was quick to answer any questions we had. I don’t think we could have come up with any questions that he wouldn’t have had the answer to. We were fortunate to be there on Easter weekend. Alexandros made sure to teach us about the unique traditions and history involved in Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations. He showed us where to experience the beautiful ceremony they have at midnight before Easter Sunday. I was able to share that experience with my 95-year-old grandma through a video call. It was deeply moving and something we never would have experienced if not for Alex’s guidance. Throughout the tour, Alex's wealth of knowledge about the city's history and culture was incredible. However, what truly set these tours apart was Alex's genuine warmth and hospitality. He went above and beyond to ensure that we not only learned about the history, but truly discovered the spirit and kindness of the people of Thessaloniki. His enthusiasm was infectious, making the entire experience all the more enjoyable. In conclusion, our tour experiences in Thessaloniki with Alex were nothing short of fantastic. I highly recommend Alex as a guide to anyone looking to explore the historical and culinary treasures of this enchanting city. Thank you, Alex, for an unforgettable journey through Thessaloniki! Educational, Amazing, and Unique!

Adam🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alexandros)

21 December 2023

Excellent sights, sounds, and color of Thessaloniki from Alex. Definitely recommend!Great tour of Thessaloniki with Alex!

Valentina 🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alexandros)

26 April 2023

Good experience. Alexandros was great, knowledgeable and friendly. It was a nice introduction to the city. It’s so much better than wondering around by yourself. We also got a good idea where to eat and what else to see after the tour. Nice tour

Michael🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alexandros)

26 July 2025

Alex was great. This was a wonderful way to get to know some history, culture , and experience some local highlights in a very short amount of time. The tour was fun, easy and informative. Highly recommend. Great way to get to know the city

Wendi

(About local Alexandros)

22 July 2025

Alex was an excellent tour guide. We had a great time seeing and learning about the city. I highly recommend this tour!Excellent tour!

Rev. Dr. Keith

(About local Alexandros)

18 July 2025

I am a Canadian Pastor, so the two biblical tours we had with Alex were great. The first day with Alex, we traveled to ancient Philippi, and Kavala. Alex's knowledge of the biblical history, and its importance made the Scriptures come alive for me. Not only was Alex informed, he was respectful of the importance of the sites to me. For example, he gave me time to read and reflect at the river where Lydia was baptized. It was very moving spiritually, and a moment in time I will always remember. The following day, we toured Thessaloniki, again with the focus on the biblical and religious significance in the life of the Apostle Paul and the establishing of the church. When discussing the history and importance of Thessaloniki, I knew Alex was truly in his element! Again Alex respected what was important to me and my wife. For example, because it was a Sunday, Alex waited while we participated in the church service that was in progress. His sensitivity to what he knew was important to us, along with the incredible views and information was spectacular. I would highly recommend Alex!!Informative

Rev. Dr. Keith

(About local Alexandros)

17 July 2025

I am a Canadian Pastor, so the two biblical tours we had with Alex were great. The first day with Alex we traveled to ancient Philippi, and Kavala. Alex's knowledge of the biblical history, and its importance made the Scriptures come alive for me. Not only was Alex informed, he was respectful of the importance of the sites to me. For example, he gave me time to read and reflect at the river where Lydia was baptized. It was very moving spiritually, and a moment in time I will always remember. The following day, we toured Thessaloniki, again with the focus on the biblical and religious significance in the life of the Apostle Paul and the establishing of the church. When discussing the history and importance of Thessaloniki, I knew Alex was truly in his element! Again Alex respected what was important to me and my wife. For example, because it was a Sunday, Alex waited while we participated in the church service that was in progress. His sensitivity to what he knew was important to us, along with the incredible views and information was spectacular. I would highly recommend Alex!!What an informative experience!

Nadine

(About local Dimitrios)

13 July 2025

Wir haben als Familie in Thessaloniki eine Stadtführung gebucht. Dimitrios hat mit seinem fundiertem Wissen uns durch fie Stadt geführt. Wir verfügen nun über viel zusätzliches Wissen zu dieser geschichtsträchtigen Stadt! Dimitrios ist zudem lustig & freundlich und geht auf die Bedürfnisse der Gruppe ein. Es war eine tolle Erfahrung für uns alle!Toller Guide

Raffaela

(About local Nikos)

13 July 2025

Donnie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alexandros)

7 June 2025

We absolutely loved touring Highlights and Hidden Gems in Thessaloniki with Alexandros. He is an excellent guide providing insight into the history of Thessaloniki. Time flew right by as we visited monuments, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the markets and their historical significance, restaurants and food ideas. We enjoyed every minute and we’re grateful to Alex for the beautiful introduction to his city.History, Culture, & Markets

Joel

(About local Alexandros)

5 June 2025

We really enjoyed our tour with Alex. He was very friendly and informative.

Andi

(About local Nikos)

30 May 2025

Nikos was very friendly and insightful and explained all the sites in detail.

Jesse🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alexandros)

27 May 2025

We booked two different tours with Alex, both with a little bit different of intention to them. Alex was extremely flexible in making sure we got the most of our time with him and seeing exactly what we wanted.Second tour with Alex and would recommend

Jesse🇺🇸 United States

(About local Nikos)

27 May 2025

Nikos was very friendly and excited to show us all his favorite foods. We got a lot of historical facts along the way and enjoyed the experience.Great food and exploring

Jesse🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alexandros)

27 May 2025

Having Alex guide us around the city felt like being led around by a new friend. We had great conversations with him while learning a ton about the city!Very friendly and knowledgeable guide

Sandra🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Alexandros)

10 April 2025

Alex is a very professional and great guide. He customizes your trip to your wishes. We were already in Thessaloniki a year before, but we did not really like the city at that time. Alex showed us true hidden gems of Thessaloniki: beautyfull churches, excravations and more. He explained the history of Thessaloniki, starting with Alexander the Great. After this trip, we loved Thessaloniki! We highly recommend Alex for your trip! Great guide!!

Karin🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Alexandros)

28 March 2025

Alexandros weet echt alles over de geschiedenis van Thessaloniki en heeft ons echt alles laten proeven waar Griekenland bekend om staat! Waar je als toerist langs loopt, gaat hij naar binnen en als afsluiting krijg je van allerlei tips waar je nog heen kunt gaan!Hele goede gids!!

Lisa

(About local Alexandros)

13 March 2025

I don't even know where to start. Alexandros is the most kind, caring, articulate tour guide. His love for Thessaloniki and it's amazing history shine through his words and we learned so much. He showed us more in one day than I imagined we would be able to see - all without feeling rushed. I have a slight mobility issue and Alexandros was patient and made me feel very comfortable the entire day. I feel like we made a lifelong friend as well in Alex... If you are visiting Thessaloniki, you would be very lucky to have Alexandros be your tour guide. Thank you again for everything! Phenomenal Tour!! Highly Recommend

Ruth

(About local Dimitrios)

27 February 2025

Dimitrios was a wonderful guide with a wealth of information. We learned so much during our walking tour of Thessaloniki and day trip to Vergina and Pella. Dimitrios also facilitated another day tour for us to Philippi and Kavala that he was unable to do. He booked a guide and transportation for us. When my husband left his glasses in the taxi, Dimitrios helped us retrieve them. He went above and beyond in his service. We had a wonderful tour experience and also feel like we gained a friend! Highly recommend his services!Our tours by Dimitrios

Olivia

(About local Dimitrios)

25 February 2025

Dimitrios did an amazing job as the St. Joseph’s Honors Program tour guide. He was incredibly knowledgeable, and open to answering any questions that our group had. He provided in-depth information about all of the sites we had visited. Also, very personable and kind! Our Honors program is so lucky to have had such an amazing experience thanks to Dimitrios!Guided tour of our university by Dimitrios.

Emiliana

(About local Dimitrios)

22 February 2025

I enjoyed a tour of Thessaloniki with Dimitrios last Oct. 4: not only it was a very interesting tour of the city, getting to learn a lot and benefit from his very extensive knowledge, but also, we got a chance to connect on a human level, and I feel that was really invaluable. I would definitely recommend a guided tour with him. Thank you very much for everything, and especially for patiently waiting for the few of us that would stray from the group sometimes.. 😆You’ve been very kind, it’s been such a pleasure to walk with you! ευχαριστώ🙏A walking tour with Dimitrios in Thessaloniki

Christian 🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alexandros)

2 February 2025

I had a great private tour with Alexandros. While the focus was the incredible food of this city, Alexandros was able to weave in commentary about the history, architecture, and culture of Thessaloniki. Alexandros was easy to talk to - fluent in multiple languages - and accommodating. He is very well prepared and shared lots of recommendations with me. Looking forward to a future tour with him. Great Day in Thessaloniki

Mary

(About local Dimitrios)

10 January 2025

We had a terrific time today with Demetrius, learned a lot about Greece and especially the history of Thessaloniki. He’s the real deal!!Guided tour in Thessaloniki

Aileen🇭🇰 Hong Kong

(About local Alexandros)

25 December 2024

Passionate, organized and well-prepared whilst the same time flexible with personalized tour requirements. Alex set the stage at the start of the tour where we met next to the instagrammable umbrellas of Zongolopoulos, past the statue of Alexander and the magnificent White Tower before making our way into the old city. Using pictures to build historical frames from the time of Cassander through the little known Galerius Caesar, the rich Byzantine period and the Ottomans. Thessaloniki is one of the most beautiful cities we have seen - and Alex by bringing in dollops of local colour (and local food samples - the olive tasting in the old market was amazing!), made it come alive. Alex, like most of the guides we have met in Greece, is highly qualified with two masters degrees in tourism management and spares no effort. Keep up the great work, Alex. May you continue to prosper. Alexandros the local Greek Italian guide

Namrata

(About local Dimitrios)

12 December 2024

I had a nice time...very informative and full of witty jokes and fun. Highly recommended.Tour in Thessaloniki

Athanasia

(About local Alexandros)

10 December 2024

My husband and I loved our tour with Alexandros. He is a wealth of knowledge and his tour was the perfect way to start our trip in Thessaloniki. A special introduction to Thessaloniki

Ina🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Alexandros)

5 November 2024

We had a great time with Alex! The tour was fun and very interesting as we've seen a lot of places and enjoyed great food. We highly recommend this tour as it is a fun way to explore the city and all of your questions on Thessaloniki will be answered as well :) Great tour!

Dana

(About local Dimitrios)

4 November 2024

I highly recommend Dimitrios for a tour guide ! He truly knows his history! Tour was very educational and enjoyable . Also, part of the tour included a traditional Greek lunch that Dimitrios set up . The food was delicious and the service was excellent . ♥️ Anyone coming to Thessaloniki , should definitely book your tour with Dimitrios , you won’t be disappointed!A tour in Thessaloniki with Dimitrios

Laura

(About local Alexandros)

30 October 2024

Alex was amazing! We scheduled with him scant hours before our tour - after our booked tour guide did not show up in the a.m on our last day in the city! We booked the culinary tour which he offered to customize and we asked for historical highlights on our journey. Alex overdelivered to our delight. His picks of culinary stops were delicious & appeared authentic. His breadth of knowledge was amazing. His delivery was on point - he didn't drone on and on, he provided pertinent bullet pointed information, he covered the important items, and he was just fabulous. Also, Alex provided dining/drinking recommendations for the rest of our time in Thessaloniki. We went to the rooftop bar, the restaurant for dinner, as well as his dessert spot and had a lovely time! Alex is THE tour guide to book in Thessaloniki - and the other locales he covers!THE Thessaloniki Guide

Emily🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alexandros)

20 October 2024

We learned and saw more on our day-trip to Thessaloniki than we ever could have hoped for! Alex shared his passion for the city's history and culture as we dashed around gathering once-in-lifetime experiences, detailed local insights, and even Greek pastries 🥰 We couldn't possibly have done Thessaloniki any better without him and we're so grateful for the memories 🙏 Ευχαριστώ πολύ, Alex!Best Tour Ever!

Martina🇭🇷 Croatia

(About local Alexandros)

11 October 2024

The tour was very fun but at the same time we learned a lot about the city. Alexandros was very polite, knowledgable and fun to speak to. He showed us all the best spots and as we asked to see the markets, he tailored the tour so we could do that. At the markets we tried some food and the best olives from this area. We would recommend the tour to everyone.Education meets fun

hebeisen

(About local Alexandros)

9 October 2024

We have spent a very nice and interesting afternoon on a private tour with Alexandros. We learned a lot about history and also enjoyed the conversations about everyday life in Thessaloniki. Highly recommend private tours to everyone, despite the slightly higher cost. You will get so much more out of it than on a group tour.Very interesting tour

Deanna

(About local Alexandros)

9 October 2024

Alex is a wonderful guide. Knew all the history and gave us great foodFun, entertaining and knowledgeable.

Unknown

(About local Alexandros)

8 October 2024

We had an absolutely fantastic experience with Alexandros as our guide in Thessaloniki. From the moment we met him, his warmth, enthusiasm, and deep knowledge of the city’s history and culture shone through. Alexandros didn’t just show us the famous landmarks, but shared captivating stories and little-known facts that really brought Thessaloniki to life for us. His passion for the city is contagious, and he made sure we felt connected to the rich history, the local traditions, and even the vibrant modern life of the town. What stood out most was his attention to detail and his ability to tailor the tour to our interests. Whether it was recommending local dishes, guiding us through ancient ruins, or taking us to the market and chatting with the locals, Alexandros made sure every moment was special. We left Thessaloniki feeling like we truly understood the soul of the city, thanks to him. We couldn’t recommend Alexandros enough for anyone looking to explore Thessaloniki with a knowledgeable, friendly, and truly exceptional guide!The best of Thessaloniki with Alexandros

rebecca🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alexandros)

8 October 2024

Alex was considerate of our interests in arranging our tour. we really enjoyed the greek pastries and coffee! Kind and helpful host

Naomi

(About local Alexandros)

8 October 2024

Alex our guide from Thessaloniki Guided Tours was amazing. So much knowledge and passion for his country. We learnt a lot about the area and the food and history as we walked talked and ate. Best Thessaloniki Guided Tours

Edward🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Alexandros)

1 October 2024

A great introduction to the food of this lovely city. Alex is a well read and experienced guide with a warm approach and good sense of what we were looking for. Foodie Thessaloniki

psmith🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alexandros)

27 September 2024

We booked this tour to learn about the city (country) and taste some Greek food. Alex exceeded our expectations and he even threw in a couple of extras along the way. We highly recommend Alex and this tour as you start your Greece vacation.Alexander was Great!

Daniel

(About local Alexandros)

22 September 2024

My wife and I had an amazing time with Alex! He shared so much knowledge about Thessaloniki and took us to some great local places to try delicious food. Alex was very friendly and generous with his time giving us other suggestions of places to eat locally and also making a reservation for us at a great little restaurant. I highly recommend Alex and will definitely book him again next time I’m in Thessaloniki. A fantastic experience

James

(About local Alexandros)

21 September 2024

What a great tour with Alex. We all had a great time. He catered the tour to our wishes and interests. We could have spent more time with him. If you get the chance, take your next tour with him. It was wonderful!!!James

Patrick🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alexandros)

21 September 2024

Alex was prepared for all eventualities and catered to our every needs. He was a wonderful guide; great personality, very knowledgeable, most pleasant and made for a great few hours. We would highly recommend!Thessaloniki

Sybille🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Alexandros)

13 September 2024

We had a super tour with Alexandros. He was very friendly and he was very accommodating in making appointments. Highly recommended.Super

Louis 🇲🇾 Malaysia

(About local Alexandros)

11 September 2024

We had the pleasure of having Alex as my tour guide, and he is truly second to none. His deep knowledge, especially on topics like Saint Paul the Apostle and Philippi, brought the history to life in a way that was both engaging and insightful. Alex is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also thoughtful, caring, and patient. He took the time to answer all our questions and made sure everyone felt included and understood. His passion for the subject matter and his dedication to providing an exceptional experience were evident throughout the tour. I highly recommend Alex for anyone looking to explore with a guide who goes above and beyond to make the journey unforgettable. Unforgettable Tour with Alex

Fay🇰🇼 Kuwait

(About local Alexandros)

31 August 2024

The tour with Alexandros Was interesting, highly informative, and the food I got to try was delicious. Alexandros is highly knowledgeable and welcoming, he even added loads of historical facts to the tour, even though it was meant to be a food tour. By the end of the tour, it felt like I gained a new friend! Highly Recommended

Graeme

(About local Alexandros)

30 August 2024

Thessaloniki is a wonderful city. It has a rich history shaped by the Empires who have fought over and controlled this strategic port over thousands of years. All have left their mark as seen in the historical sites across the city, the architecture and importantly - the food. A great story needs a great storyteller and our guide Alex performed that roll perfectly. His breadth of knowledge was impressive, but the depth of his knowledge was outstanding. This tour wasn't a case of dashing from point A to B, ticking boxes on a tourist trail. Alex is a man who will happily discuss topics of interest at length, illuminating periods of history with names, dates, places, facts and figures. Just what we wanted. Our history tour was interwoven with food stops along the way - Bougatsa, pies and pastries, olives and olive oil, steamed mussels from the Thermaic Gulf with a glass of chilled Greek wine - just wonderful. Alex is easy to get along with and has a great sense of humour. We really felt like we made a new friend in Alex. We would definitely book a tour with him again and would 100% recommend him to those thinking about a guided tour of this great city. 10/10 - Thank you, Alex

Liz🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Alexandros)

29 August 2024

We really enjoyed our morning with Alexandros! His enthusiasm for this beautiful city is infectious, and he shared with us its fascinating history, whilst showing us some of the most important sites and some hidden ones that we would never have found. And some delicious food on our way too. A super tour of Thessaloniki