Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs in Thessaloniki, Greece
Thessaloniki, Greece

Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs

Outty Ranking 72 4.9 · 24 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $322
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Outty Ranking

72/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs worth booking?

Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs is a 7-hour experience in Thessaloniki, Greece, from $322 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 24 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
72 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (24)
Duration
7 hours
From
$322 per person

This private guided experience is unique for the North of Greece visitors, who are interested to see and hear where Christianity all started in Europe and the rest of the world. It is a must-see attraction when travelling in the Steps of St. Paul. Philippi site is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list and excavations are still going on in this vast site. The ancient theatre of Philippi is used in summertime for the summer Philippi festival plays and concerts today. The Baptistry of St. Lydia & St. Paul by the same waterstream where Lydia, the first Christian of Europe was baptised, is a fabulous chapel covered with mosaics and wall paintings telling us the story, as it's found in the Apostles' Act 16 of the Bible. After a short lunch break at Philippi, there is an add-on option to prebooked upon request: Drive to an awarded winery for a tour & tasting at an additional cost for 1,5 hour extra.

What you get

    About this experience

    This private guided experience is unique for the North of Greece visitors, who are interested to see and hear where Christianity all started in Europe and the rest of the world. It is a must-see attraction when travelling in the Steps of St. Paul. Philippi site is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list and excavations are still going on in this vast site. The ancient theatre of Philippi is used in summertime for the summer Philippi festival plays and concerts today. The Baptistry of St. Lydia & St. Paul by the same waterstream where Lydia, the first Christian of Europe was baptised, is a fabulous chapel covered with mosaics and wall paintings telling us the story, as it's found in the Apostles' Act 16 of the Bible. After a short lunch break at Philippi, there is an add-on option to prebooked upon request: Drive to an awarded winery for a tour & tasting at an additional cost for 1,5 hour extra.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private certified guide for the whole full-day tour

    Not included

    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Lunch
    • Entrance fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. You will be guided through the ancient town of Philippi, with remains of all periods of its history, incl. ancient Greek, Roman and early-Christian period. Philippi is one of the largest excavations of Greece and one of the most important for Christians all over the world for its religious connection to St. Paul, who preached here in the year 49 AD.

      90 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Baptistry of St. Lydia

      This beautiful chapel dedicated to St. Lydia - the first Christian baptised by St. Paul in the whole of Europe - and to St. Paul himself is located right next to the stream Angitis, known for St. Paul's baptisings of the Roman period Philippians. It is used for the baptisings of babies today and has unique mosaic and marble decoration.

      30 minutes here

    3. Lion of Amphipolis

      A photo stop en route to Philippi at the famous 4th c. BCE marble lion memorial by river Strymon for guests starting the tour from Thessaloniki

      5 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Thessaloniki

    Upper part of Aristotle Square, in front of the marble Venizelos statue or from any central hotel and apartment meeting point for pick up, or from the Thessaloniki port or Kavala port. The Aristotle square meeting point is a just conventional point in the city centre.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Upper part of Aristotle Square, in front of the marble Venizelos statue or from any central hotel and apartment meeting point for pick up, or from the Thessaloniki port or Kavala port. The Aristotle square meeting point is a just conventional point in the city centre.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, el, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Greece Guided Tours​ by Efi Kalampoukidou

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs in Thessaloniki, photo 2Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs in Thessaloniki, photo 3Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs in Thessaloniki, photo 4Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs in Thessaloniki, photo 5Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs in Thessaloniki, photo 6Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs in Thessaloniki, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    24 verified traveler reviews for Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    22
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    JackM876 · July 2026

    Great learning experience

    My reason to visit Thessaloniki specifically was to take this tour. Although a bit expensive (tour itself + private driver), it was a wonderful experience. I don't think a trip can be any more historical than one that includes the locations St Paul was arrested and his jail cell. But all would have been diminished without the superb guide I toured with. She was extremely knowledgeable, helpful and pleasant. She was the perfect guide for me.

    Response from the operator: How great to read your kind words on my private tour to Philippi! I hope you also enjoyed the rest of your visit in Greece. Efi Kalampoukidou

    via Tripadvisor

    keithaR2830GJ · May 2026

    Travel to Philippi and Kavala.

    Vasilis was very informative and courteous for the day.

    via Tripadvisor

    Gloryjean_A · October 2025

    Exceptional

    We wanted a biblical context which Efi provided. She waa very knowledgeable. Our driver was great. We had a great lunch at a local restaurant. Highly recommend this excurtion with your friends and family.

    Response from the operator: Thanks a lot, dear Gloryjean! It was my pleasure to be your private guide.

    via Viator

    893hediehm · August 2025

    A once in a lifetime experience

    Efi was amazing!! She explained every historical detail and religious significance of our stops in a way of making the experience as if we were there in ancient times. She was very patient and kind with a great sense of humor as well. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience and she made it truly special. If you want a private tour with someone who is a seasoned expert Efi is the perfect choice!

    Response from the operator: Wow! Thanks for your kind words! I'm really glad you enjoyed my Philippi tour. God bless you!

    via Tripadvisor

    Dean_D · June 2025

    Efi's Great Tour

    Ms. Efi was fantastic. She commanded the historical knowledge, and was extremely insightful, not only from Thessaloniki (urban history and culture within the city), but also across the drive from Thess to Kavala, Lydia, and Philippi. Highly recommend this tour. Although Philippi is not as sprawling (excavated as much) as Ephesus, I would imagine it is only 10% uncovered. St. Paul's prison is reachable and well marked, preserved, and maintained. We had lunch there, at a small eatery on the adjacent driveway to the UNESCO Philippi site. A wonderful breeze, lush grassy (shaded) restful location, after slow stroll thru the compound for about an hour (take water on your walk !!). Ensure you visit "Lydia" only 4 mins from Philippi - Lydia is the first person (a woman) baptized in the Western Hemisphere by St. Paul. A beautify Cathedral (St. Lydia), and a beautiful stream in the rear, where she was baptized - a great fascinating place to see. Kavala is a cool town, with a beautiful waterfront - an important strategic and historical port city in many historical contexts... Thank you Ms. Efi for a fantastic journey to the Eastern Edge of Macedonia, walking in St. Paul's footsteps. Highly recommend!! Thank you Ms. Efi. We will be back!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad you enjoyed my private tour in the Steps of St. Paul.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    8
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Greece Guided Tours​ by Efi Kalampoukidou, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.0.

    See everything Greece Guided Tours​ by Efi Kalampoukidou runs

    Why this scores 72

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)88
    Review evidence (18% weight)61
    Booking momentum (14% weight)52
    Value for money (12% weight)54
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)60
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Thessaloniki.

    How much does Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs cost?

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    Prices start at $322 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 Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs take?

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    Plan for about 7 hours 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 Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 24 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 Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs?

    +

    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 Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs?

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    Around 8 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs?

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    Included: Private certified guide for the whole full-day tour. Not included: In-vehicle air conditioning; Lunch; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 4 listed pickup locations in and around Thessaloniki. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs offered in?

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    It is offered in German, Greek and English. 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 Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs?

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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.

    Is Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Thessaloniki. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Philippi - In the steps of St. Paul Private Experience - 7 hrs?

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    Across 24 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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