Description

Thessaloniki to Kavala & Archaeological Site of Philippoi – Private Day Trip

East meets West in a city in Northern Greece with Ottoman treasures, Byzantine walls and a lively harbour. Known as the Blue City and as the “Mecca of tobacco”, Kavala’s past and present sparkle with the first rays of dawn. You are in a city where for centuries Byzantines, Ottomans, Jews, merchants, tobacco workers, refugees and intellectuals mingled and prospered. Here in Macedonia, the sea-routes encountered the East-West axis, cross-fertilising both.

EXCURSION TO THE ANCIENT PHILIPPI

The largest and majestic antique complex of Northern Greece, founded by King Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great!

15 km from Kavala is the ancient city of Philippi, one of the most important historical sights of Greece. Here you can see the buildings of the ancient city, the ruins of the Roman city, Christian churches and the central Egnatiev road, the fragments of which can now be repeated the way of the Apostle Paul. This road divides the city into two parts.

In the north there is an agora – forum, in modern words an ancient shopping center with benches, galleries, thermae (Greek baths). Right in the center of the city was erected one of the very first basilicas of Philippi, the greatness of which can be judged by the remains of imposing walls covered with stucco molding. Another early Christian church, the Octagon, dedicated to the apostle Paul and dated to the 5th century, lies just to the south.

Nearby you can see the ruins, at the beginning of our era served as the walls of the prison of the apostle Paul. Partially preserved Roman theater, later rebuilt in the arena. The architecture of the acropolis (upper part of the city) is a mixture of Byzantine style, elements of Roman paganism and Christian cemetery basilicas. Here you can see “Bucefal’s bowl”, the legendary horse of Alexander the Great.

Excavations began in Philippi in 1914 of the French school of archeology, and after the Second World War, the Archaeological Service of Greece, in cooperation with the Athenian archaeological community, conducted systematic excavations here. Today, the Archaeological Service of Greece, in cooperation with the University of Aristotle in Thessaloniki and the French School of Archeology, continues archaeological research. Findings of the excavations are presented in the exposition of the Archaeological Museum in Philippi.

Right next to the Ancient City of Philippi there is a unique and monumental Baptistery of St. Lydia. This modern architectural monument is located exactly at the place where the Apostle Paul baptized the first Christian in Europe – Lydia, and it was performed here the first baptism in Europe. And next to the temple on the bank of the river there is an open baptistery in the shape of a cross like those that were preserved in the early Christian basilicas in Philippi.

Unlike many ancient monuments of Greece from which are preserved only the names and legends, in ancient Philippi there is something to see and the guide will take you to the distant past following you in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. So if you are on holidays in Kavala – you must visit ancient Philippi.

Suggested itinerary

• 09:00 – Pick Up from your hotel / apartment
• 11:00 – Arrival at the Archaeological Museum and Site of Philippi
• 13:30 – Visit The Baptistery of Saint Lydia
• 14:00 – Departure for Kavala city
• 14:30 – Arrival at Kavala and Lunch break (approx.)
• 15:30 – Kavala City Tour (The Port, The Castle of Kavala and the old city, The Imaret, The Halil Bey Mosque, “The house of Mohammed Ali” (enter optionally)
  We have at our disposal about 90 minutes to visit the selected places. It will depend on the time you will need at each point if we will be able to visit them all.
• 17:00 – Departure to Thessaloniki
• 19:00 – Arrival at the Pick Up point (your hotel / apartment) – End of the Private Day Trip

This program is just an estimate of the time required.
The program of the excursion can be adjusted always according to your requirements.

Thessaloniki to Kavala & Archaeological Site of Philippoi – Private Day Trip | Description

Included

• Pick up and drop off service from your hotel in Thessaloniki
• Transportation by air-conditioned V.I.P. vehicles (Car, Minivan or Minibus)
• Professional English-speaking Driver
• Wifi on board (free)
• Bottle of water and coffee during the route (free)
• After the trip you will receive an email with edited photos and a small video of your tour.

Not Included

• Gratuities (optional)
• Guide who speaks your language
• English Speaking Licensed Guide (Upon Request)
• Entrance fees

Additional info

• Participants under the age of 12 must have a parent or guardian.
• Because there are many sights worth seeing in Kavala but a day trip is not enough to visit all of them, before starting the trip we will present to you all possible sights to choose what you are more interest for.
• There are many beautiful sights. You are encouraged to bring a camera along. But if you don’t… we have a camera for you!
• Weather will not affect the operation of the tours.
• However if canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
• Pick up from your hotel in Thessaloniki
• Departure time: 09:00 am
• Duration: 10 hours (approx.)
• Return details: Returns to original Pick up point

Worth to see in Kavala

• The Castle of Kavala
• The Aquaduct
• Mohammed Ali’s House
• Imaret (upon request, we must schedule an appointment)
• Monument Apostle Paul – Church St. Nicholas
• Halil Bey Mosque (Old Music)
• Tobacco Museum (Optionally)
• Archaeological Museum of Kavala (Optionally)
• Maritime Museum (Optionally)

More Day Trips

Kavala on Tripadvisor