Private Custom Tours to Thessaloniki

If you’re considering a personalized journey through northern Greece’s highlights, this private tour led by Michalis might just be what you’re looking for. Designed for up to four people, it offers a flexible and immersive way to experience the region’s natural beauty, history, and flavors. Whether you want to hike Mount Olympus, soak in thermal baths, relax on Halkidiki’s beaches, or explore ancient Christian sites, this tour can be tailored to fit your interests and pace.

What we love about this experience is its versatility—you can choose from a variety of destinations in a single day, making it ideal for travelers with limited time but big ambitions. Plus, the guide’s local knowledge shines through, promising authentic insights and stories that you won’t find in a guidebook. The inclusion of admission tickets and transport makes it a straightforward way to see some of Greece’s most memorable spots without the hassle of planning every detail.

A potential consideration: since it’s a private tour, it comes at a premium compared to group excursions, so it’s best suited for those who value personalized attention and tailored itineraries. Also, some of the destinations, like Mount Olympus, require a full day’s commitment and involve long drives, so it’s not ideal if your schedule is tight or you prefer shorter outings.

This tour is perfect for travelers who seek authentic experiences, enjoy nature and history, and want the flexibility to customize their day. It’s especially attractive for families, couples, or small groups eager to explore Greece with a knowledgeable local guide.

Key Points

• Flexible Itinerary: You can choose from multiple destinations, with options to combine two trips in one day.
• Authentic Local Guide: Michalis’s 25 years of experience ensures insightful and friendly guidance.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Admission tickets are included, reducing surprises and extra costs.
• Ideal for Short Stays: Perfect for those arriving via cruise or with limited time in Thessaloniki.
• Customizable Experience: The tour can be tailored, making it suitable for a variety of interests.
• Longer Day Trips: Certain locations, like Mount Olympus, require about 6 hours, so plan accordingly.

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect from Each Stop

Mount Olympus National Park

For those interested in Greek mythology and spectacular landscapes, a trip to Mount Olympus is an absolute highlight. This tour covers four distinct parts of Greece’s tallest mountain, with a total journey of approximately 6 hours. The trip includes admission tickets, which means you’re all set to explore without worrying about extra costs. Expect breathtaking views, lush greenery, and the kind of terrain that makes you feel like you’re on the edge of the gods’ home.

The guide’s experience assures you’ll get a good mix of scenery and storytelling, possibly touching on the mountain’s mythological significance. Since the trip is about 6 hours, it’s best suited for those prepared for a full day of adventure—and comfortable with the drive, as traffic can influence timing.

Pozar Baths

A favorite among travelers seeking relaxation, this stop combines natural beauty with wellness. The route to Edessa’s waterfalls offers scenic views, and the waterfalls themselves provide a photo-worthy experience. After a quick stop of about 1.5 hours, you’ll head to Pozar thermal baths, where you can soak in warm waters for another hour and a half.

This experience blends nature with leisure, with admission included. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a break from sightseeing, or for families and couples looking for some downtime amidst their explorations. The total trip time is roughly 6 hours, making it a relaxed yet active day.

Halkidiki’s Beaches

If your ideal day involves swimming and lounging, visiting two beaches in Kassandra offers ample time to unwind. Each beach stay lasts about 2 hours, giving you enough time to dip your toes in the sea, soak up the sun, or simply relax with a good book. The beaches are free to access, so this part of the tour provides excellent value.

This stop is straightforward but offers the quintessential Greek beach experience—crystal-clear waters, sandy shores, and a peaceful seaside atmosphere. Perfect for travelers who want a break from more structured sightseeing.

Ktima Gerovassiliou Winery

For wine lovers, this is a real treat. The estate features stunning sea and mountain views, and you’ll taste five local wines in a setting that combines nature and culture. The visit lasts about 3 hours, including a tour of the winemaking museum.

The guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience, offering insights into Greece’s wine traditions and the estate’s unique offerings. From the reviews, many find the wine tasting to be a highlight—adding in-depth appreciation for Greece’s vinicultural heritage. The scenic location and quality wines make this stop worth the roughly 45-minute drive from Thessaloniki.

Vlatadon Monastery and Apostle Paul Sites

History buffs will enjoy walking in the footsteps of Apostle Paul. The tour includes a visit to the church dedicated to him and a journey outside Thessaloniki to explore the cave where Paul preached Christianity. This stop lasts about 5 hours, blending religious history with scenic views outside the city.

The experience provides a meaningful connection to early Christian history in Greece, with the guide sharing stories that bring these sites to life. It’s a quieter, more contemplative part of the day, ideal for those interested in spirituality or history.

Kolchiko Farm Experience

For a family-friendly, hands-on experience, this farm visit offers the chance to meet goats and sheep, even milk them. Afterwards, you’ll visit a local village for coffee, with the whole trip lasting around 4 hours. It’s a charming, authentic farm experience that kids and adults alike will love.

The farm visit offers a taste of rural Greek life, with opportunities for photos and interaction with animals. It’s a relaxing pit stop that adds a different flavor to the day—perfect for travelers seeking a more personal and rural experience.

Lefkochori Horse Riding

Another family favorite, this activity involves calm horses at a farm, with riding lasting about 40 minutes within a total of around 4 hours. The experience is suitable for children and adults, offering a peaceful ride through scenic farmland.

This stop emphasizes gentle adventure and connection with nature, with the guide ensuring safety and enjoyment for all ages. It’s a calm, scenic way to enjoy the countryside outside Thessaloniki.

The Practicalities: What to Know

Transportation

An air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the long drives between destinations. This is especially valuable when visiting sites like Mount Olympus or the winery, where distances can be significant. The guide, Michalis, offers pickup from the designated meeting point at Porto Palace Hotel, making logistics simple.

Pricing and Value

At $567.23 for a group of up to four, this tour offers a personalized experience that includes admission tickets and transportation. For travelers wanting a flexible, all-in-one day trip, the value is high—especially considering the costs of individual tickets and car rentals in Greece. The customizable nature means you’re paying for the convenience of a well-organized itinerary tailored to your interests.

Scheduling and Duration

Most stops are around 6 hours, with some shorter experiences like the winery or farm visits lasting about 2-4 hours. The full-day option (up to 8 hours) is perfect for those eager to see a diverse range of sites without feeling rushed. It’s important to plan for a full day if you’re covering multiple destinations.

Booking and Cancellation

Bookings are typically made about 64 days in advance, reflecting high demand for private tours. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, adding peace of mind to your planning.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private tour suits travelers who want customized experiences and are comfortable with a full-day commitment. It’s ideal for those keen on combining nature, history, and relaxation without the hassle of organizing every element themselves. Small groups, families, or couples looking for personalized attention will find this particularly attractive.

If you’re arriving via cruise and have limited time, you’ll appreciate the flexibility to do just one destination, like Mount Olympus or the beaches, depending on your schedule. The tour’s focus on authentic, local experiences makes it appealing for travelers eager to go beyond typical tourist spots and dive into the heart of Greek culture.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This private, customizable trip offers a fantastic way to explore Thessaloniki and its surroundings in an intimate setting. The combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and regional flavors makes it a well-rounded experience. The knowledgeable guide, Michalis, adds value with his local insights and friendly approach, making even long drives engaging.

If you’re someone who prefers to set your own pace, visit multiple sites in one day, and enjoy personalized attention, this tour is a strong choice. The inclusion of tickets, snacks, and transport simplifies planning, leaving you free to focus on enjoying Greece’s unique landscape and stories.

For families with kids, couples seeking a romantic adventure, or history buffs eager to walk where Apostle Paul once did, this tour offers a memorable way to spend a day. Just keep in mind the total duration and be prepared for a full, active day of sightseeing and relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, but keep in mind that if you’re on a cruise, you might only have time for one of the experiences, such as Mount Olympus or the beaches. The tour is flexible enough to accommodate this.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation (air-conditioned vehicle), admission tickets to various sites (like Mount Olympus and the winery), and snacks like water, coffee, and Greek pies.

Can I do two destinations in one day?
Yes, Michalis offers the possibility of making two trips on the same day at an extra cost, depending on your interests and schedule.

How long is the trip to Mount Olympus?
The full journey to Olympus and back takes about 6 hours, covering four different parts of the mountain with a focus on scenic and mythological significance.

Are admission tickets included?
Yes, all included for sites like Mount Olympus, Pozar Baths, and the winery. The beaches and farm visits are free.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a swimsuit if you plan to swim. Towels and umbrellas are provided, but bringing your own beach gear is also a good idea.

Is this a group tour or private?
It’s a private tour for your group only, ensuring a personalized experience tailored to your interests.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
Most travelers book it in advance (on average 64 days ahead). The weather is generally good from spring through early autumn for outdoor activities like hiking and swimming.

How do I book or contact the guide?
You can message Michalis directly via the provided contact details or through the booking platform. Early reservations are recommended, especially for peak season.

This private tour to Thessaloniki combines comfort, customization, and a range of memorable experiences that highlight Greece’s natural beauty, history, and culture. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to make the most of their time in northern Greece with a local guide who cares about authentic, personal trips.