Sunday was the first rest day of Thessaloniki Grand Prix. Some of the players used the opportunity to hop on the open desk bus and go on sightseeing tour.
The tournament continues tomorrow at 14:00 local time. After the 4th round seven players share the lead: Dominguez Perez Leinier, Kamsky Gata, Kasimdzhanov Rustam, Grischuk Alexander, Topalov Veselin, Caruana Fabiano and Morozevich Alexander.
(Click on photo for full size)
Check also the photos by Anastasya Karlovich

Open deck bus waiting in front of Makedonia Palace to take the guests to sightseeing tour

Alexander Morozevich and FIDE Press Officer Anastasya Karlovich

After passing by the Archeological Museum, the first stop is the Church of Agios Dimitrios

The first church on the spot was constructed in the early 4th century AD, replacing a Roman bath. Underneath the Church of St Demetrios is the place where St Demetrios, Thessaloniki’s patron saint, was martyred in 303 AD.

Group of tourists at the Byzantine Castles, among them familiar faces

Leinier, Anastasya and Alex getting ready to take photos

Time to press the button

Byzantine Castles are at the highest point of Thessaloniki, with the breathtaking view on the city

View on the city center

Coffee break at the cafe next to Byzantine Castles

Back on the bus, Leinier Dominguez and his father

Driving on the waterfront Nikis Avenue on the Old Beach (Palia Paralia), from the main port to the famous White Tower

Aristotelous Square is the main city square of Thessaloniki

White Tower of Thessaloniki is a monument and museum on the waterfront, symbol of the city

Feruza, Alex, Theodoros and Etienne

The City Hall is in the street that connects White Tower and Makedonia Palace

Sunday is good day to go sailing. The Sailing Club is near the hotel, on the new Beach (Nea Paralia).

Olympus mountain is on the other side of the bay, from here seen as a shade on the horizon

Tourist ferry passing by Makedonia Palace