Awoke fit and healthy this morning. Was well looked after by the ships medical team and have been given the all clear to be out and about today.

Thessaloniki is the second largest city of Greece and the capital of Greek Macedonia. It's history spans some 2300 years. Built near the sea (at the back of the Thermaïkos Gulf), it is now a modern metropolis but still pays tribute to its stormy history which gives it a special beauty and charm.

Today we started with a city tour to gain our bearings and to see some of the significant sights that have contribute to Thessalonica's history. First stop was the White Tower, a 15th century Venetian fortification which is the hallmark of the city. Also known as the Blood Tower this was the site of a massacre of Christian soldiers during the Turkish occupation. We then viewed the Triumphal Arch of Galerius (Kamara), built in AD 305 to commemorate his military successes in general in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire.

Following the ancient city wall we went to the citadel where we got fantastic views of the city, the Thermaïkos Gulf and in the distance could see My Olympus - home of the gods. As we drove along the city streets we saw the ancient forum dating back to 293-395 AD, lavishly decorated buildings, monuments, mosques, byzantine buildings and hamams (Turkish bathhouses from 15th century).

Next stop was the 5th century basilica Agios Dimitros (Church of St Dimitros) built on the spot where the city's patron saint was martyred. What a splendid basilica which also contained an underground crypt which we were able to enter.

Final stop was the Archaeological Museum which houses a wealth of Hellenistic treasures. Some of the treasures we saw were amazing. The intricacy of the gold wreath (350 - 300BC), the gold jewellery and even gold safety pins was astounding to see. Gold in the ancient world functioned as a symbol of power and was used for decoration in fabrics, weapons and furniture and well as for jewellery. We discovered that women were buried with their head facing East and were wearing all their jewellery. Men were buried with their head facing West wearing full armour. The Dervini Crater, a bronze urn dated 4th century BC, was spectacular in the amount of detailed relief. I would recommend a visit to this museum to truly gain an appreciation for the ancient history of the city.

The afternoon saw us exploring the city and seeing the traditional Macedonian architecture, neoclassical buildings and a visit to the traditional markets. The central Aristotle Square, surrounded by monumental buildings, opened onto the waterfront where we found glorious fountains and the memorial to Alexander the Great.

The blend of ancient and modern architecture and the many squares make Thessaloniki a pretty, vibrant city which is well worth visiting.