tours in private

Tours in Privateby

Live, Learn and Love Thessaloniki

Explore Northern Greece

A journey to the delightful YOU!

A warm welcometo Thessaloniki

to explore the city and its suburbs!

“The city’s unique spirit is a result of its

multicultural heart. A heart-mosaic made up

of pebbles –small bits of history, monuments,

ideas and people- the stories of the city. And

the city’s spirit sends us a message: Many stories,

one heart.Because this is

ThessalonikiA heart full of stories

A heart that beats strongly

Listen to it...”

Welcome to Thessaloniki, a city with a sun shining generously 300 days a year! A city well known for its historical monuments; its architecture; its shopping thoroughfares; its indulging local cuisine; its flamboyant nightlife!Make your visit unforgettable by joining us in a journey to Thessaloniki and its suburbs that will take you away. Let us be your tailors for one of the most exciting experiences you will ever have in Northern Greece!We invite you to walk through the indulging paths of its past! Enjoy the region’s rich heritage, feel the rhythm of its vibrant life and experience its colorful character. Feel the atmosphere: a modern metropolis with a stormy history and a cosmopolitan character; a fusion of Greek, Balkan and South-eastern European influences that co-exist harmoniously, creating a multicultural and cosmopolitan atmosphere.Travel through time: Thessaloniki was named after the half-sister of Alexander the Great. It has been a crossroad of cultures and civilisations for over 2.300 years and has therefore a density of outstanding historic monuments. Discover the delightful YOU! Through a careful selection of private tours and excursions, we promise you to discover the hidden gems of the area, expand your horizons and unveil the delightful YOU! Whether its passion, culture, gastronomy, and/or adventure, you can find it all here, in Thessaloniki, with us. We promise to make your stay spectacular!

Table of contents

1. Live, Learn and Love Thessaloniki 4

1.1 Thessaloniki City Tour: 2.300 Ages of History 5

1.2 Enjoy Thessaloniki at its Best – A Contemporary Tour 6

1.3 Byzantium is Obvious in Thessaloniki 7

1.4 The Romans in Thessaloniki 8

1.5 Thessaloniki and the Ottoman Era 9

1.6 The Vibrant Jewish Community of Thessaloniki 10

1.7 Explore Thessaloniki’s Architecture 15

1.8 The Science Center and Technology Museum “NOESIS” 16

2. Explore Northern Greece 17

2.1 Vergina – Veria 17

2.2 Feel the Holy Spirit: a Boat Tour around Mount Athos 18

2.3 Lake Kerkini (Serres) – Bird Watching and More... 19

2.4 Pozar Hot Springs - A Paradise to Revitalise your Senses! 20

2.5 Wine Routes of Central Macedonia – Ktima Gerovassiliou 21

2.6 Swim in Halkidiki Blue Waters! 22

2.7 Mount Olympus and Dion: A Walk in the Path of Gods 23

Tours in Private

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Live, Learn and Love Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a popular destination. You will certainly enjoy a pleasant and interesting stay in the city. People are friendly and happy to help with any questions. The atmosphere is unique during the day in the commercial and shopping centre, but especially during the evening, in the wide variety of bars, restaurants and theatres for entertainment. Thessaloniki is renowned for its unique location, along the Thermaikos Gulf, its sunsets, its long history, its monuments and museums as well as its distinguished cuisine.Named after the half-sister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki was founded under Cassander, in 315 BC. It was later made the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia after the victory of the Romans over the Macedonians, in 168 BC (battle of Pydna). It also played an important role in early Christianity, as one of the first cities in Europe having a Christian community, after the visit of Apostle Paul. Its position along the Via Egnatia (a road connecting Rome to Byzantium), as well as its excellent harbor, allowed the city to prosper during the later Roman and Byzantine Empire. It continued to be a major port into the modern era and became part of Greece in 1913, after the Treaty of Bucharest. In the beginning of the 20th century, Thessaloniki was a great city, presenting a mosaic of languages, ethnicities and religions, Greeks, Turks, Jews, Armenians, Serbians and Bulgarians, Arvanites and western Europeans. The three main nationalities of the city, Jews, Ottomans and Greeks cohabitated harmoniously, although their relations were limited to the bare essentials. There was a significant tolerance of followers of all religions which made this cohabitation possible.

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Thessaloniki City Tour: 2.300 Ages of History

By Car Start: 10.00 End: 13.00Start: 14.00 End: 17.00

Explore a history of 2.300 years through a city tour in Thessaloniki. Wandering through the city, it is worthwhile to pass through the Byzantine Walls and have a panoramic view of Thessaloniki from the Trigonion or Chain Tower located at the northeast of the city; visit Agios Dimitrios church (5th c. AD) a splendid basilica dedicated to the patron saint and protector of the city. There one can meet stunning Byzantine mosaics and the Crypt, where the saint met a martyr’s death by the Roman soldiers. In the end of the tour, our guide will lead you to the Archaeological or the Museum of Byzantine Culture of Thessaloniki.

Price per person:2-3 people4-6 people7-8 people

with driver only*40,00€35,00€25,00€

with driver and official guide115,00€

70,00€45,00€

* booklet with information on monuments will be provided

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Enjoy Thessaloniki at its Best – A Contemporary Tour

Walking Start: 10.00 End: 13.00Start: 14.00 End: 17.00

Wandering through the centre of Thessaloniki, one can view aspects of the city revealing its modern character and daily life. During this tour, you will visit OTE Tower: the tower of telecommunications and the city’s landmark, created in 1969. A coffee will be offered to you at the revolving café and restaurant at the upper floor of the tower, offering a panoramic view of the city. You will be guided to the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, admire the Young Men’s Christian Association of Thessaloniki (YMCA) Square, the White Tower and have a relaxing stroll, by the Port of Thessaloniki.


with official guide90,00€55,00€35,00€

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Byzantium is Obvious in Thessaloniki

Walking or By Car Start: 10.00 End: 13.00Start: 14.00 End: 17.00

Thessaloniki, with its Byzantine monuments is considered to be an open-air museum of Byzantine art. The tour includes a visit to the Museum of Byzantine Culture that was awarded the Council of Europe Museum Prize for 2005. We will, also, visit the following churches:- Panagia Acheiropoietos (5th c. AD) a three-aisled, timber-roofed basilica. The name of the church actually means the “Virgin Mary not Made by Human Hands”, in Greek. It is one of the most important paleo-Christian monuments in Thessaloniki and one of the oldest churches in Greece. - Agia Sophia (Holy Wisdom of God) (7th c. AD), which along with the churches of Agios Dimitrios and of Acheropoietos, is one of the most important paleo-Christian monuments of Thessaloniki.- Agios Nikolaos Orphanos (14th c. AD) (car tour), with its remarkable frescoes standing out as one of the best preserved in Thessaloniki.- Agios Panteleimon (late 13th / early 14th c.) (walking tour), which is of four-columned cross-in-square type.





70,00€45,00€


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The Romans in Thessaloniki


Thessaloniki is closely connected to the Roman Empire and Roman history as it was under the Romans in 168 BC and later the city became the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. From this era, it’s worthy to visit the Galerian Complex consisted of the Triumphal Arch of Galerius (Kamara), built in AD 305 to commemorate his victorious campaign against the Persians, and the Rotunda, an early 4th c. AD building that served as the official temple for Galerius, which later was converted into a Christian church. The tour continues with the visit to the Roman Forum, that represented the social and religious centre of the city for about eight centuries. The tour will end with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.

Price per person: 2-3 people4-6 people7-8 people




70,00€45,00€


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Thessaloniki and the Ottoman Era


During the period of the Ottoman rule, the city was noted as a cosmopolitan commercial centre. During that period, the city’s Muslim and Jewish population grew. The Ottoman period is revealed through some significant monuments, where you will be guided: Panagia Acheiropoietos Church (5th c. AD), one of the most important paleo-Christian monuments in Thessaloniki and one of the oldest churches in Greece, known during the Ottoman rule as Eski Tzouma Camii (mosque), Bey Hamami (15th c. AD) (Ottoman bath) that used to be called “Paradise Baths” in recent years, Hamza Bey Camii (15th c. AD) (mosque) also known as Alcazar after the name of the historic cinema that functioned for many decades until the 20th century, Bezesteni building (15th c. AD) that used to be the trading place for luxurious textiles, Kemal Ataturk Museum (Turkish Consulate), that was the house of the founder of modern Turkey and the White Tower (15th c. AD) the monument - symbol of Thessaloniki.




70,00€45,00€


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The Vibrant Jewish Community of Thessaloniki


Thessaloniki for more than twenty centuries hosted a large and vibrant Jewish community, indisputably one of the most important ones in the world (15th – 20th c. AD). It is the only known example of a city in the Jewish diaspora of this size that retained a Jewish majority for centuries. The Fernandez, Modiano, Allatini and Morpurgo families were the most important trade houses in the city and their residences were known for their magnificence, wealth and unique architecture. During our tour, we will visit the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, housed in one of the most beautiful Jewish buildings that survived from the Great fire of Thessaloniki in 1917, Yahudi Hamam (Ottoman bath) which means “bath of Jews” as it was built in a district inhabited almost exclusively by Jews, as well as Modiano Market to experience the city’s scents, perfumes and colors. Modiano Market was the centre of the Jewish community, since the first Spanish Jews settled in the city until the Second World War. Our next stop will be at the Monastirli Synagogue, the oldest and biggest synagogue of the city still in use, created in 1925. The visit will also include sites (available only by car) such as the Allatini mansion and the Allatini flour mill which was owned by the Allatini family, Jewish immigrants from Italy, the beautiful neoclassical buildings in Vasilissis Olgas Avenue such as Casa Bianca (Fernandez residence) and Villa Mordoch, the Modiano Mansion and finally Yeni Camii, the mosque of the Islamised Jews.

Price per person: 2-3 people4-6 people7-8 people




70,00€45,00€


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Reservation Form

Tours in Private

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We inform you that personal data collected by the registration forms of the participants is exclusively used for the fulfillment of purposes of your registration in the Programme. In no case are they sold, rented or released to third persons; their treatment is in accordance with the Greek legislation and the EC Directives 95/46 and 2002/58 on the protection of individual and data of personal character.

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Τοur Language: Greek English French Other

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VI. Invoice Details

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Should you need any assistance, please contact:

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1. Bookingsi. You may book your preferred Tour in Private either online (www.toursinprivate.gr) or at the Hotel Reception Desk.ii. All bookings should reach ARTION at least 48 hours prior to the opted Tour in Private date & time. In case of short notice (less than 48

hours) every effort will be developed to accommodate your request, however guides and vehicles availability cannot be guaranteed.iii. Bookings are valid upon payment and written Confirmation by ARTION.iv. Children under the age of 12 years are free of charge.v. Young Participants (from 12 up to 24 years old) are subject to a discount of 20%.

2. Cancellationsi. Bookings cancelled in written up to 24 hours prior to the beginning of each Tour in Private are refundable and only a 30%

Administrative Fee of the total cost will apply.ii. Bookings cancelled in written less than 24 hours prior to the beginning of each Tour in Private are non-refundable.

3. Tour in Privatei. An Informational e-Mail will be sent to you prior to your Tour in Private including your Tour Voucher. ii. Please make sure to arrive at the pickup point at least 15 minutes earlier than the starting hour.iii. The Tour in Private will begin at the exact given time.iv. You should carry your Voucher during the Tour in Private day since the Guide will ask for it.v. A Receipt of Payment will be handed in to you before your Tour in Private starts.

V. Payment Details

If payment by Credit Card is not possible please contact ARTION (via e-mail at [email protected] or phone at +30 2310252332 - operating hours 09:00 - 21:00) when submitting your Reservation Form.

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T. (+30) 2310252332 (operating hours: 09:00 - 21:00)F. (+30) 2310272276 E. [email protected] W. www.toursinprivate.gr

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Explore Thessaloniki’s Architecture


The city’s architecture demonstrates its past, its present and its potential future. Architecture, in Thessaloniki, is the result of the city’s history and position, at the centre of the Balkans. Aside from its commercial importance, Thessaloniki was for many centuries, the military and administrative hub of the region, and a transportation link between the East and the West. Merchants, traders and refugees from all over Europe settled in the city. During the tour, some monuments and buildings with the most outstanding architecture will be visited: Aristotelous Square, the only part of the city where the urban plan of French architect Ernst Hébrard was implemented. The square was designed and created after 1917, after the fire that destroyed the centre of the city; We will see the beautiful neoclassical and eclecticistic villas in Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, the Concert Hall of Thessaloniki; the Valaoritou area and the Upper City (Ano Poli), in which many notable examples of Ottoman and traditional Macedonian architecture still stand, alongside humble dwellings put up by the refugees who reached Thessaloniki in droves, after the Treaty of Lausanne, in 1923.




70,00€45,00€


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The Science Center and Technology Museum “NOESIS”

By Car (especially recommended for families with children)

Tuesday – Friday Start: 10.00 End: 13.00Saturday Start: 16.00 End: 19.00Sunday Start: 11.00 End: 14.00

Today technology leads our way and this tour will guide you to the Science Center and Technology Museum “NOESIS”, a cultural and educational foundation that promotes Technology Culture, whose design refers to the lever of Archimedes. The brand name of the Center intends to emphasise the connection between its operation and human intellect (noesis). In the Center’s premises visitors see, understand, act and assume roles, intervening in the learning process through: - Shows in the 160-seat digital Planetarium, with an 18m diameter dome. - 2D and 3D films in the 300-seat Cosmotheater with a 17x23 m flat screen. - 2D and 3D shows in the Virtual Reality Simulator. - Exhibitions with topics related to Science and Technology

(includes 2 shows):




70,00€45,00€


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Vergina – Veria

By Car Start: 09.00 End: 14.00

The archaeological museum of the royal Tombs, in Vergina, testifies the culture of the Macedonian Kingdom. The discovery of the tomb of Philip II, in 1977, was hailed as one of the greatest archaeological finds of the century. Rich and impressive artifacts were unearthed and can be viewed there along with the tombs themselves and the amazing frescoes, rare samples of painting from antiquity. Veria is our next stop, a picturesque town with a unique landscape and architecture. We will drive through the city, see St. Paul’s Altar, the traditional Jewish quarter of Barbouta and take a rest and enjoy a coffee at a traditional café and walk for a while through the lovely streets of the city, full of old Byzantine churches and unique historical monuments.

(includes coffee & snack):



with driver and official guide175,00€100,00€

65,00€


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Feel the Holy Spirit: a Boat Tour around Mount Athos

By Car & Boat (available during May – October)

Start: 07.00 End: 19.00

Southeast of Thessaloniki is Mount Athos or “Agion Oros”, a unique place to visit. The “Holy Mountain” has been an autonomous monastic state since the 11th century, by order of an Imperial Byzantine decree. It still enjoys a special status of autonomy within the Greek State.The cruise around Mount Athos is a wonderful combination of knowledge and pleasure. Women are not permitted on the sacred peninsula. According to the tradition, Virgin Mary walked ashore and overwhelmed by the wonderful and wild natural beauty of the mountain, she blessed it and asked her Son for it to be her garden. From that moment the mountain was consecrated as the garden of the Virgin Mary or Mother of God and was out of bounds to all other women. We will have the chance to enjoy the view of the beautiful scenery and the Byzantine monasteries of exceptional and unique architecture.From the bridge of the ship, a tour guide will explain the historical background and give a full description of the Monasteries, helping us get more familiar with the landscape and the history of the world-wide unique peninsula. The cruise ends as we cross back to Ouranoupolis, where we will stop for lunch in a Greek taverna.

(includes full fish lunch with wine):


with driver only*140,00€105,00€

80,00€

with driver and official guide240,00€155,00€110,00€


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Lake Kerkini (Serres) – Bird Watching and More...


Lake Kerkini lies in the north of Greece, near the Bulgarian border and is a fresh water lake, fed by the Strymon River. The lake is pear-shaped and is about nine miles long and five miles across, when full. This wonderful biosphere is recouped by the International Convention of Ramsar and presents numerous admirable elements. Thousands of birds, both rare and protected, riverside forests, water-lilies in a large area, fish variety and fantastic panoramic view from the mountains of Beles and Krousia give it a characteristic tone. Actually, the lake hosts 227 kinds of birds, especially non-migrants. 76 of them are recorded in the National Red Catalogue, while at least 31 of them are protected by EEC’s Directive concerning wild life. What makes an exceptional presence is the buffalo’s herd in the area, plus the one of the jackelo in the area of Kerkini lake.

(includes coffee & snack):




60,00€


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Pozar Hot Springs - A Paradise to Revitalise your Senses!


Imagine yourself in a pool amidst precipice rocks, natural waterfalls and wild vegetation. Feel the soothing warmth of the water (37⁰ C) taking the strain off your body, and let your eyes wander around the verdant gorge of the water stream of Agios Nikolaos (St Nicolas) locally known as Thermopotamos (= hot river). Home to your sensational holiday will be Loutraki, also known as Pozar, comprising of 48 individual baths, six indoor pools, the outdoor pool (12x25 m) hamams, jacuzzi and spa services. Recommended for rheumatic, dermatological, gynecological, and respiratory and circulatory system conditions, the hot springs of Pozar are beneficiary for everybody’s health and well-being not just while bathing in them, but also when drinking their water!



with driver only165,00€

90,00€55,00€

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Wine Routes of Central Macedonia – Ktima Gerovassiliou


Ktima Gerovassiliou has been involved in vine cultivation and winemaking since 1981. On the slopes of Epanomi, a few kilometres away from the city of Thessaloniki, a meticulously well-cared vineyard surrounds the modern winery, where the renowned Ktima Gerovassiliou wines are produced. Ktima Gerovassiliou is open to all wine lovers and anyone wishing to get to know the world of wine and viticulture. Visits comprise a short walk around the vineyard, a tour in the wine-production, bottling and ageing areas, and the Wine Museum which presents various aspects of the world history of wine-growing. You will taste the wines in the special wine-tasting rooms, while enjoying a spectacular view to the vineyard. The tour is completed with a delightful lunch on the sea side at a local renowned fish tavern.





75,00€


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Swim in Halkidiki Blue Waters!

By Car (available between June - September)

Start: 10.00 End: 15.00

Shaped like Poseidon’s trident and sticking out into the Aegean Sea, Halkidiki is a treat for visitors. Lush green forests that reach right down to the beach; golden sunlight reflected in the turquoise waters; a traditional style with a rich gastronomic and cultural heritage. Endless coves, unique architectural sites, perfectly preserved Christian monument and a host of unexplored treasures all add their own rich touch to the unique canvas that is Halkidiki. Among this blend of blue and green, there are several summer resorts on the beaches of all three fingers where other minor towns and villages are located. For your daily trip, we are taking you either to an exotic beach bar, either to spend some private time, relax or have fun.



with driver only125,00€

90,00€70,00€

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Mount Olympus and Dion: A Walk in the Path of Gods


A walk in the path of Gods leads you to Litohoro, a small town located at the base of Mount Olympus, the Greece’s highest mountain and home of the twelve Gods of Greek mythology. Litohoro is a popular destination for those wishing to climb Mount Olympus. An extended coastal area known as Plaka Litohorou is located east of the town where a wide range of restaurants and cafes are found offering great views of Mount Olympus. The mountain is rich in trees and plant life, supporting over 1700 species, some very rare. You will need warm clothes, even in the summer. During the tour you will visit the Archeological Park and the Archaeological Museum of Dion, one of the biggest archaeological sites in Greece. The ancient city was sacred to the ancient Macedonians and Alexander the Great used to make here sacrifices to the Gods, before starting a new campaign to conquer the world. During August, Olympus Festival plays are performed at the restored ancient theatre of Dion.

(includes full lunch with wine):


with driver only*135,00€

85,00€65,00€

with driver and official guide250,00€145,00€100,00€


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www.artion.com.gr

I N F O R M A T I O N - R E S E R V A T I O N74, Ethnikis Antistaseos str., Sigma Block 1GR 55133, Kalamaria - ThessalonikiD. (+30) 2310252332 (operating hours: 09:00 - 21:00)T. (+30) 2310272275F. (+30) 2310272276E. [email protected] W. www.toursinprivate.gr

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