
Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo worth booking?
Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo is a 1-hour experience in Thessaloniki, Greece, from $56 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 21 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (21)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $56 per person
Lina Palera (your host in this experience) is a world-renowned lyricist, and she has performed at ancient Greek amphitheaters, museums and international music festivals (such as MusikMesse, Germany). Apart from being an amazing musician, Lina is an equally great tutor with studies and teaching experience in London and Athens. Living for half a decade in England, Lina speaks fluently English, and Greek.
What you get
About this experience
Lina Palera (your host in this experience) is a world-renowned lyricist, and she has performed at ancient Greek amphitheaters, museums and international music festivals (such as MusikMesse, Germany). Apart from being an amazing musician, Lina is an equally great tutor with studies and teaching experience in London and Athens. Living for half a decade in England, Lina speaks fluently English, and Greek.
What's included
Included
- Access to the museum’s exhibition space during the workshop.
- An ancient Greek lyre will be provided to each of the participants during this experience.
- Private lesson on the ancient Greek lyre and music, by world-renown ancient lyre players.
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Thessaloniki
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- el, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Seikilo
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 21 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
21 verified traveler reviews for Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Too little time for such a"big" experience.
Beautiful place, hidden yet resonant with calm energy. Lina was amazing and gave us a great introduction to the instrument and its philosophy. She shared secrets of the ancient magical art of Polemnea with real passion. The session felt a bit cut short at the end, which left us wishing we had more time to wrap up the experience. Also, it would be wonderful to see an instrument discount for Greek musicians snd music students living abroad, helping bring these instruments into international conservatories and universities.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and for your kind words about Lina and the experience! We are very happy that you connected with the instruments and the philosophy behind them. We also really appreciate your comment about the ending of the session, and we will definitely keep it in mind for future visits. And regarding your suggestion for Greek musicians and music students living abroad: we actually do have a special discount coupon available! Please feel free to contact us directly at info@seikilo.com and we will be happy to share the details with you. We hope to welcome you again sometime in the future!
via Tripadvisor
A brilliant museum
Thank you to Theodore and his family for our introduction and workshop on a beautiful instrument that we knew nothing about. We shall remember our visit to Thessaloniki for this visit. Also, check out Theodore playing the lyre on BBC Radio 3 ! Thank you everyone at Seikilo.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely words! It was a real pleasure meeting you and introducing you to the lyre and its world. Knowing that your time with us will be one of the memories you take home from Thessaloniki means a lot to our whole family. And thank you for mentioning the BBC Radio 3 performance too! We hope our paths cross again one day, perhaps with a lyre in your hands again! Theodore & the SEIKILO family
via Tripadvisor
Magical and unique!
This was such a great experience! I’m not a very musical person at all, but within a few minutes of sitting down with my teacher, Lina, I was playing an Ancient Greek-style lyre. Very unique and highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Thank you Barbara! We hope to see you again soon!
via Viator
Immortal art on your fingertips
Excellent opportunity to touch a piece of ancient tradition and feel connection to the past by playing the same music as the people thousands years ago. Very educational look into Greek musical history and the origins of Western music theory. And if you are into music and history, this may prompt you to buy a new instrument that you've never considered before. You've been warned ;)
Response from the operator: Thank you friend! We hope to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
In Tune with the Music of Ancient Greece
This Viator offering was not like the typical offerings we see. As music lovers and also afficianados of Greek mythology (but wiith very little musical talent), we couldn't resist signing up for this lyre lesson, and it was everything we hoped it would be. A remarkable and unique experience. The staff, especially the instructor, were terrific and engaging. The collection of ancient instruments was remarkable. They were beautiful. And, most importantly, the lesson was simply wonderful -- even with no musical talent we were able to learn how to hold the lyre and "strum" it, work on basic scale patterns, and appreciate how in so many respects the structure of musical notation has not changed for millenia. As odd as it may seem we could almost feel the connection with ancient Greece. So very happy we signed on for this experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you Stephen! We will be more than happy to see you or any of your friends at Seikilo Museum! :)
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Thessaloniki.
How much does Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo cost?
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Prices start at $56 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Thessaloniki usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Thessaloniki is not rushed.
Is Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 21 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Thessaloniki, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Thessaloniki can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Thessaloniki and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Thessaloniki within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Thessaloniki?
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On Outty we rank every Thessaloniki experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki with a Chef, Discover Vergina and Pella: Day Trip to Macedonian Kingdom, Thessaloniki : Half-Day Sailing Cruise to Shipwreck Bay !. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Thessaloniki?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Thessaloniki?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo?
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Included: Access to the museum’s exhibition space during the workshop; An ancient Greek lyre will be provided to each of the participants during this experience; and Private lesson on the ancient Greek lyre and music, by world-renown ancient lyre players. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo offered in?
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It is offered in Greek, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Learn an Ancient Music Instrument: The Lyre of Apollo?
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Across 21 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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