Walking Tours

Byzantine Walking Tour in Thessaloniki

Name: Byzantine Walking Tour in Thessaloniki
Brand: Headout
SKU: 15187
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.15 (116 reviews)

Step back in time and explore some of Thessaloniki's most famous ancient monuments!

Highlights

See the Old Monastery of Vlatadon and spot some peacocks in the garden.
Marvel at the beauty of the Church of Hosios David, home to mosaics from the 5th century.
Tour the Rotunda, one of Thessaloniki's most important Roman monuments dating back to 306 AD.
Admire the Church of St Nicholas Orphanos, home to the best collections of iconography in Thessaloniki.
Visit Thessaloniki's Hagia Sophia, one of the oldest churches in the city.

Inclusions

English/Greek-speaking tour guide
Guided tour

Exclusions

Entrance fee to the Rotunda (normally 6€ per person or 3€ from November - April)
Personal expenses

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Your Experience

Start your journey at the Upper Town (Ano Poli), where you will visit the Old Monastery of Vlatadon. This secluded 14th-century monastery is where Paul preached in Thessaloniki. Still in operation, it offers some of the best views of the city that is also known as the Bride of Thermaikos Gulf. Continue walking through the picturesque alleys of Ano Poli until you reach the Church of Hosios David. Dating back to the 5th century, this UNESCO-listed Byzantine church is famous for its rich mosaic and fresco decorations. From here, make your way to the 14th-century Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos. Find yourself looking in awe at the frescoes that cover almost the entire interior surface of the church.

Your next stop is at the glorious Rotunda, one of the most ancient and most impressive monuments of the city. This UNESCO World Heritage monument was built by Galerius in AD 300. In its centuries of existence, it has seen itself be a pagan monument, a Christian church, and a Muslim house of worship. All of these changes have left their traces on the monument, and it is fascinating to see the impact history has had on it. In the last leg of the tour, you get to visit the Hagia Sofia, one of the oldest churches in the city still standing today. Built in imitation of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, this 7th-century church has both a dome and an ambulatory. The mosaics, 11th-century wall paintings, and sculptures here are considered masterpieces of religious art.

Know Before You Go

COVID-19 Safety Measures

Safety measures are in place.
All required protective equipment is provided.
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned.

Important Information

This tour is not wheelchair-accessible.
Outside food and drinks are allowed.
Photography is permitted, provided that no flash and tripods are used.
It’s good to wear comfortable shoes for a comfortable tour around the historic landmarks.
In the summer season bear in mind to have sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
Be informed about the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Discounted Tickets

Infants aged 0-2 can go for free. Children aged 3-12 enjoy reduced ticket pricing.
For youths up to 18 years of age, entrance to the Rotunda is free. This is also valid for students in university and technological educational institutes, as well as EU students of equivalent schools.
Reduced entrance fee (-50%) 3€, is valid for EU citizens aged over 65, and for students of Higher Education Institutes outside the EU.
In the winter season, 01/11 – 31/03, the general entrance fee to Rotunda is 3€.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Please display your mobile voucher along with a valid photo ID at the ticket redemption point.
If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification. Students must show their valid student IDs.
Kindly ensure that you arrive 15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.