Vergina

Archaeology

Embark on a journey to Pella with Ammon Express at 8:00 from Aristotelous Square & Egnatia Street (at the white Statue of Venizelos). The distance of 50km takes about 45 minutes to reach. Once in Pella, discover the new and modern museum, as well as the archaeological site boasting unique mosaics. Delight in the "Abduction of Helen" and "Amazonomachy" mosaics in the ancient market, and see artifacts from the daily lives of the people that illustrate the lifestyle during ancient times. Venture to Vergina, where you'll find the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, situated on the borders of the village. The museum exhibits the Golden Larnax, an urn with the cremated remains of Phillip II marked with a 16-rayed sun, the symbol of Macedonia. The Sun of Vergina, a characteristic symbol of the Argead Dynasty of King Phillip II and Alexander the Great, was found alongside the excavations that revealed his father's Royal Tomb. Admire the Golden Oak Wreath Phillip II wore during his funeral pyre, military armors, various grave goods, and other tombs that were brought back to light. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Greek restaurant before stopping at the grand New Museum of Aigai, where you'll uncover artifacts and findings excavated from the old capital. An impressive portrait of Alexander the Great greets you and invites you to discover the roots of history. Take in the temporary numismatic exhibition showcasing coins from every corner of the Hellenistic world, including coinage of Macedonian kings and Alexander's successors. View monumental sculptures, sárissa spears and helmets of the Macedonian phalanx soldiers, high-class painted pottery, banquet utensils from aristocratic symposiums, and the queen burials with all their jewelry and royal insignia. Your journey concludes with your return to Thessaloniki at approximately 15:30, making the same stops where you started.

Embark on a mesmerizing odyssey to Pella and Vergina, the twin jewels of the ancient Macedonian Empire. Here, amidst the silent echoes of history, unfolds the epic tale of Phillipos and Alexander, alongside the grandeur of their illustrious realm. Vergina, once the esteemed capital known as Aiges, stands as a testament to the splendour of the Macedonian monarchy. Explore the sacred chambers of King Philip II's royal tombs, where treasures of gold and artefacts of profound significance await. Step into the newly unveiled museum and wander among relics that whisper tales of a bygone era, including the revered Gold Larnax cradling the earthly remains of the venerable monarch. Venture further to uncover the secrets of the Royal Palace, a majestic edifice that echoes the glory of ancient Macedonia. Meanwhile, Pella beckons as the fabled birthplace and heart of Alexander the Great's legendary empire. Traverse the corridors of time at its museum, where a dazzling array of gold and silver artefacts, intricate mosaics, and noble statues bring to life the opulence of a bygone era. Explore the sprawling archaeological site, where the remnants of a once-thriving capital lay bare the grandeur of Macedonia's past. As you wander through these storied lands, don't forget to pay homage to Aristotle's School, where the great philosopher once walked the halls, shaping the mind of a future conqueror. With every step, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history, and let the allure of ancient Macedonia captivate your senses anew.

Following early morning pick-up from Thessaloniki, enjoy your trip by luxurious air-conditioned bus to the archaeological site of Vergina, best known as the site of Aigai, the first capital of Macedon. Explore the tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, protected by Unesco and considered one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century. Our knowledgeable guide will escort you on a journey through the Hellenistic period, visiting the museum, where artifacts of incredible beauty excavated from the archaeological site are on display. After a short coffee break, we will continue our day in Veria, the capital of Imathia municipality, a town well known for its wealthy religious history as St. Paul preached there on his 2nd tour. Admire the interesting Byzantine and Meta-Byzantine churches, stroll around the old quarters among which, the Jewish one and of course taste the local sweet called revani. After our last visiting point and the departure, you will be dropped off at your accommodation at the estimated time of arrival.

A day that combines Hellenistic Period of conquerors and prosperity with the most important pilgrim route of Greece! Our tour will star early in the morning from Thessaloniki center, heading towards the Ancient Vergina or 'Aegae' as per its ancient name. You will get the opportunity to enter into the Tomb of Kind Philip II the father of Alexander the Great. Accompanied by our professional guide you will explore the Hellenic period, starting from the museum where you will admire all the Macedonian treasures and golden art findings form the royal tomb. After a short coffee break, we will continue our day in Veria a town full of religious history. There will be free time to explode the local cuisine during your lunch break. Moving on to our last stop the Ancient city of Mieza , the school of the great philosopher Aristoteles, here you can explore the place where Alexander the Great started to receive his first and most important lessons about Philosophy, Morals , Religion and Art.

Start your day with a beautiful landscape of Macedonia. Your first stop is Pella, the ancient capital town of Macedonia and native town of Alexander the Great. After this, visit Vergina, the place of the Royal Tombs, to see the King’s mausoleum and the famous museum with relics of the Tombs of King Philippos II, father of Alexander the Great. Visit the most important remains of the monumental palace of the Kingdom of Macedonia, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of which date from the 11th century B.C. One of the royal tombs is identified as that of Philip II, who conquered all the Greek cities, paving the way for his son Alexander and the expansion of the Hellenistic world.

Experience the captivating Polycentric Museum of Aigai and the Museum of the Royal Graves of Aigai at your own pace with an e-ticket and two captivating self-guided audio tours on your smartphone. Receive your ticket by email, download the app and the audio tours on your phone, before your visit, and travel back in time to experience the splendor of the ancient Macedonian world and its illustrious history. Put on your headphones and explore Alexander the Great's Marble Fragment, the bronze calyx krater and the lady of Aigai, as well as the Heroon, Philip II’s tomb, and the golden chest through the power of storytelling and learn historical information and uncommon stories and anecdotes from the ancient times. The tour’s content is the result of in-depth research, squeezed into brief original stories that will make your visit both engaging and informative. The audio tours can be used repeatedly and anytime, before or after your visit. This is an unmissable opportunity to gain valuable insights into the glory days of ancient Macedonia and witness the art, culture, and achievements of a civilization that shaped the course of history and to relate to your surroundings in an entirely original way.

Visit Vergina (or Aige in ancient Greek), which is located only 82 km away from Thessaloniki, in central Macedonia. Vergina is Unesco World Heritage Site, where among the other antiquites you will have the chance to see the nicely preserved tomb of King Philip II (father of Alexander the Great) and the tomb of Alexander IV (son of Alexander the Great). Continuing with our tour, we will visit the city of Veria, stroll around its narrow preserved quorters, see the altar of Apostle Paul and check the oldest Synagoge in the Balkans. Also, free time for lunch in one of the many taverns of Veria and return to Thessaloniki in the afternoon. On this tour is highly recommended to book additionally a professional licensed English speaking guide (let us know during your booking).

Depart from Thessaloniki in the morning for the village of Pella, Alexander the Great's birthplace, where you will visit the archaeological site and the museum. The excavations have uncovered several fascinating ancient city artifacts, which are now on display at the local museum. The superb mosaic flooring that used to decorate the city's grand homes will undoubtedly impress you - the most famous of which portray the Abduction of Helen, Rapture, Amazonomachy (the fight of Amazons), and the Deer Hunt. Continuing with our tour, we will visit Vergina (or Aige in ancient Greek). Vergina is Unesco World Heritage Site, where among the other antiquites you will have the chance to see the nicely preserved tomb of King Philip II (father of Alexander the Great) and the tomb of Alexander IV (son of Alexander the Great). On this tour is highly recommended to book additionally a professional licensed English speaking guide (let us know during your booking).

Day 1: Drive through the fertile plains of the Beotia region, passing the towns of Thebes, Levadia, and Arachova. Arrive in Delphi and visit the archaeological site, the most famous oracle of the ancient world. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town located at the foot of the astonishing Meteora complex, whose gigantic rocks rise steeply from the plain of Thessaly (dinner and overnight). Day 2: Visit Meteora and admire the ageless Monasteries perched on top of huge rocks, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Depart from Kalambaka to Thessaloniki, driving through the valley of the longest river in Greece, the Aliakcmon. Arrive in Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece (dinner and overnight). Day 3: In the morning visit the city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the “co-reigning” city, second in population and prestige after Constantinople. See unique sites like the White Tower, Roman Forum, Ottoman Market, St. Demetrius’ Church, and the Byzantine Walls. A short walking tour includes the ruins from the Palace and Arch of Galerius, and a visit to the famous Rotunda (built as a temple and transformed into a church, with fine Early-Christian mosaics). The rest of the day is free, to enjoy time in the lively center of the city (dinner and overnight). Day 4: Spend the day exploring the highlights of Macedonia, first with a stop in picturesque Edessa to see the town's famous waterfalls. Then proceed to Naoussa to learn about Aristotle's School, the site where the great philosopher taught the doctrines of morals and politics to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Next drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai) to visit the museum created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. Continue a few miles further to Veria (Biblical Beroea) to visit Saint Paul's Bema, and stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and the colorful market area. Return to Thessaloniki (dinner and overnight). Day 5: Drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics decorating the villas from the 4th century B.C. and visit the new Museum. Then proceed and visit the Archaeological Park of Dion, a city sacred to the Macedonians and situated at the foot of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and house of the 12 Gods of Greek Mythology. On the way back to Athens, drive through the striking Thessaly Plain and the Valley of Tempi, admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympus, and stop in Thermopylae to see the Leonidas Monument. Arrive in Athens late in the afternoon.

Day 1 Leave by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal (short stop). Drive on and visit the Theatre of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics. Then proceed to the town of Nafplio (short stop), drive on to Mycenae and visit the archaeological site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Then depart for Olympia through Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Arrive at Olympia, the cradle of the ancient Olympic Games (dinner and overnight). Day 2  In the morning visit the archaeological site with the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the ancient stadium, the spot where the torch of the modern Olympic Games is lit and the Archaeological Museum. Then drive on through the plains of Ilia and Achaia until the magnificent bridge that crosses the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea, arrive in Delphi (dinner and overnight). Day 3 In the morning visit the archaeological site and the Museum of Delphi, the most famous oracle of the ancient world. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town located at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, the gigantic rocks that rise steeply from the plain of Thessaly (dinner and overnight). Day 4 Visit the Meteora: perched on top of huge rocks, which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Depart from Kalambaka to Thessaloniki, driving through the astonishing valley of the longest river in Greece, Aliacmon. Arrival at Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece (dinner and overnight). Day 5 In the morning visit the city that throughout the era of the Byzantine Empire was the “co-reigning” city, second in population and prestige after Constantinople. See unique sites like the White Tower, Roman Forum, Ottoman Market, St. Demetrius’ Church, and the Byzantine Walls. A short walking tour includes the ruins from the Palace and Arch of Galerius, and a visit to the famous Rotunda (built as a temple and transformed into a church, with fine Early-Christian mosaics). The rest of the day is free, to enjoy time in the lively center of the city (dinner and overnight). Day 6 Depart in the morning for a unique approach to historical Macedonia. First stop at picturesque Edessa to see the town's famous landmark, the Waterfalls. Then proceed to Naoussa, a site of exceptional beauty and importance: Aristotle's School. This is the picturesque site where the great philosopher taught the doctrines of morals and politics to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian youth. Then drive to Vergina (ancient Aigai), to experience a visit to the unique museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. See the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. Only a few miles away is Veria (Biblical Beroea) to visit Saint Paul's Bema, and then stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and the colorful market area. Return to Thessaloniki (dinner and overnight). Day 7 Drive to Pella, the capital of Alexander the Great. See the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century B.C. villas, in situ as well as in the new museum. Then proceed and visit the Archaeological Park of Dion (sacred city of the Macedonians, at the foot of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and house of the 12 gods of Greek mythology). On the way back to Athens, drive through the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi, admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympus, pass by Lamia, Thermopylae (see the Leonidas' Monument) and Thebes, arrive in Athens late in the afternoon.