Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
-
-
Tour snapshot
Forget airconditioned malls and beige boutiques, join this Thessaloniki tour to shop like the ancients did. Coppersmiths, butchers, fishmongers, and spice traders have been working in Thessaloniki's markets for centuries, and they still are. Meet them for a living history lesson - it's much more fun than ancient history class was in school.
-
Highlights
- Uncover many of Thessaloniki's hidden markets with a local guide
- Meet artisans preserving age-old professions
- Visit traditional neighbourhoods, now turned into modern cultural hubs
- Hear the ancient local stories behind Thessaloniki
-
Schedule details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Meeting point:
Kinissi Palace Hotel, at the hotel's cafe - 41 Egnatia St & 17 Siggrou St.
- Starting time: 9.00 AM
- Ending point:
Ladadika area.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking escort, coffee/refreshment, local snack
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities for your guide.
In the magical city of Thessaloniki, contemporary buildings sit comfortably alongside age-old monuments, and memories from Byzantium are very much alive. Discover this beautiful mix of old and new, east meets west, on this Thessaloniki tour through the city's thriving markets. Discover local artisans producing fine jewelry, leather, copper, and bronze products, in a traditional way, and be blown away by Thessaloniki's natural flair for preserving its traditional market feel with a modern twist. Now that' something worth paying attention to!
This Thessaloniki market tour will start in famous Aristotelous Square. Passing through one of the busiest commercial areas of the city, you will stroll by Turkish baths, flower shops, and locals going about their daily business. We'll make our way to the city's open-air markets, which, with a history that dates back to the 12th century, will be an unforgettable experience. Fish, fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy products, traditional butchers, and spices from the east create a setting that vividly evokes the past. This is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the flavours of Greece and Thessaloniki food, and it's a pretty great feast for the eyes, too!
Nearby is yet another market, where you’ll have the chance to meet coppersmiths who still preserve the traditional practices behind the profession. We'll walk through a few more markets here, before continuing on to the lively Bit Pazar, an area with a history that dates back to 1928. This will no doubt be a great opportunity to snap some unique Thessaloniki photos of local life!
Your exploration through the hidden markets of Thessaloniki will end in area famous for its role in trading oil, where'll now find some of the city’s best cafes, restaurants, and bars. Stories from years gone by will come alive as your local expert guide leads you through this neighbourhood's atmospheric paved alleys. As our Thessaloniki walking tour finishes here, your guide will be happy to give you tips on a place for lunch in this area (there are plenty of options!), or will be able to give you directions back to your accommodation.
-
Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking escort, coffee/refreshment, local snack
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe and dress codes are similar to those you are used to at home. Please note though that in many churches modest dress is required; no shorts or skimpy tops are permitted.
Your Trip: This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively, children below 6 years of age are not permitted.
-
Local contact
BACK TO TOP