Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour worth booking?
Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour is a 9-hour experience in Thessaloniki, Greece, from $662 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $662 per person
The archaeological site of Philippi, near Kavala, has one of the richest histories of all ancient Greek ruins, playing a pivotal role in Macedonian, Roman, and Early Christian history. As you explore the archaeological site, you will appreciate the city’s transition from Hellenistic settlement to the Roman colony, with the expansion of the theatre, the creation of the Forum (the Roman agora), and the proliferation of buildings central to everyday ancient life (including baths, cisterns, and latrines that had running water). The third chapter in Philippi’s story came in 49 or 50 AD when the Apostle Paul preached the words of the world’s newest religion within its walls. He was briefly thrown into jail as a result but that didn’t stop Philippi from becoming a metropolitan of Early Christianity. As you walk around, you will literally be retracing some of the first steps of Christianity in Europe.
What you get
About this experience
The archaeological site of Philippi, near Kavala, has one of the richest histories of all ancient Greek ruins, playing a pivotal role in Macedonian, Roman, and Early Christian history. As you explore the archaeological site, you will appreciate the city’s transition from Hellenistic settlement to the Roman colony, with the expansion of the theatre, the creation of the Forum (the Roman agora), and the proliferation of buildings central to everyday ancient life (including baths, cisterns, and latrines that had running water). The third chapter in Philippi’s story came in 49 or 50 AD when the Apostle Paul preached the words of the world’s newest religion within its walls. He was briefly thrown into jail as a result but that didn’t stop Philippi from becoming a metropolitan of Early Christianity. As you walk around, you will literally be retracing some of the first steps of Christianity in Europe.
What's included
Included
- On-board WiFi
- Pick up and drop off service from your hotel in Thessaloniki
- After the trip you will receive with email photos and video of your trip.
- Certified English Speaking Guide
- Transportation by air-conditioned V.I.P. vehicle
- Professional chauffeur (English-speaking)
- Bottled water
Not included
- Gratuities
- Guide who speaks your language
- Lunch
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
The Archaeological Museum of Philippi
Pick-up time from Thessaloniki: 09:00 Arrival at the Archaeological Museum of Philippoi at 11:00 The Archaeological Museum of Philippi contains two exhibition units in which the finds from the excavations in the ancient city are on permanent display: Unit A: This unit takes up the whole of the ground floor and has a surface area of 380 sq. m. It contains the archaeological (inscriptions, sculptures, vases, coins, jewellery), historical and visual material of the city of Philippi and its region from the prehistoric period until the end of Roman antiquity. Unit B: This unit occupies the first floor of the building, with a surface area of 205 sq. m. In here there is a presentation of the Christian city (inscriptions, architectural members, mosaics, vases, coins) from the Early Christian period of its rise until its decline in the seventh century AD, and its complete abandonment after the Turkish conquest of the late 14th century.
180 minutes here · Admission not included
The most important archaeological site of eastern Macedonia, with characteristic monuments of the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian periods. The history of the site of Philippi begins in 360/359 B.C. when the colonists from Thasos founded the first city, called Krenides. In 356 B.C. the city is endangered by the Thacians and it turns to king Philip II for support. Philip had already foreseen the economic and strategic importance of the city, so he conquered it, he fortified it and he renamed it after himself (Philippi). After the battle of Philippi, in 42 B.C., the city became a Roman colony and its importance was stressed by the fact that it was located on the Via Egnatia. A landmark in the history of Philippi was the year A.D 49 or 50, when Apostole Paul visited the city and established there the first Christian Church of Europe. This made Philippi a metropolis of Christianity.
180 minutes here · Admission not included
Arrival at the Archaeological Museum of Philippoi at 11:00 Next to the ancient, archaeological site of Philippi located the place where the Apostle Paul baptized the first Christian woman in Europe - Lydia, and it was here that the first baptismal ceremony was held in Europe. Today here is the Baptistery where the christenings are held today. In the town of Krynides in the Kavala region, next to the ancient city of Philippi there is a unique, monumental church of the Equal-to-the-Apostles Saint Lydia of the Philippisias. This is a modern architectural monument, the reason for the construction of which served as the stay of the Apostle Paul in this region. According to the narrative of Evangelist Luke, the Apostle Paul arrived in Philippi, the most important city in the region in the winter of the 49 - 50 AD during his first trip to Greece. Lydia was the first Greek and first European woman, baptized by the Apostle Paul.
60 minutes here
Kavala
Lunch Time Duration: 2 hours
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
For 5, 6, 7, or 8 persons
Minivan Pickup included
For 1, 2, 3 or 4 persons
Car Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hello Thessaloniki
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Day trip to Philippi, Lydia, and Kavala
This was an excellent way to see Philippi, surrounding sights and Kavala from Thessoliniki. Our driver, Katarina, was a delight and brought local flavor to the ride. Our guide at the archeological site of Philippi and Lydia, Tassos, was included and was excellent! Lunch recommendation in Kavala (Savvas Taverna) was delicious!
Response from the operator: Dear Lew, Thank you very much for your wonderful review and for choosing Hello Thessaloniki. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your journey to Philippi, Lydia's Baptistery and Kavala. It means a great deal to us that you appreciated both the destinations and the overall experience. Katerina will be especially happy to know that her warm hospitality and local insights helped make your day even more enjoyable. We are also pleased that you enjoyed your guided visit with Tassos. As a Licensed Guide, his passion for history and biblical heritage truly enriches the experience at Philippi and Saint Lydia's Baptistery. We're equally pleased that you enjoyed lunch at Savvas Taverna in Kavala. Recommending authentic local restaurants is one of our favorite ways to help our guests experience the true flavors of Greece. It was a pleasure taking care of your visit, and we sincerely hope to welcome you back to Greece for another unforgettable journey. Warm regards, Solon Tsintsoglou Founder & Managing Director Hello Thessaloniki Private Travel Services & Luxury Concierge
via Viator
Solon is truly a wise man...
Solon is truly a wise man of Greece! A gentleman and a scholar - he’ll treat you well. Great trip that added more than just what I went for. Sonya was a magnificent guide through the archeological site. Refreshing sense of humor and good depth of knowledge! Lunch in the hills above the village was phenomenal. I feel like a thanksgiving turkey after that one. Thank you, Solon!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words—your message truly made my day. It was a real pleasure spending time with you, and I’m very happy to hear that the experience offered even more than you expected. That’s always my goal—to create something memorable beyond just the itinerary. I’m also delighted that you enjoyed the tour with Sonya. Her knowledge, personality, and sense of humor make every visit to the archaeological site truly special. And of course, I’m glad the lunch in the hills lived up to expectations—Greek hospitality is never complete without a generous table! Thank you again for your trust and for choosing Hello Thessaloniki. I hope to welcome you back soon for another unforgettable experience. Warm regards, Solon Hello Thessaloniki – Private Travel Services & Luxury Concierge
via Viator
2 whirlwind days packed with beauty and wonderful memories.
What a delight to be driven by an expert and confident woman driver, Katrina, who gave us a wonderful day visiting Philippi Archaeological site as well as Lydia's Baptism site and Kavala. She gave us insights into Greek culture and showed us so much beauty we were blown away. It was all such fun. We felt privileged to see so much in one day and enjoyed it so much that we booked a second day with Katrina to Halkidiki and enjoyed that every bit as much if not a bit more! Hidden beaches; mountain villages; a thousand year old tree; places we would never have found on our own and in such a short time. Thank you Katrina for 2 wonderful days we will never forget. Carol
Response from the operator: Dear Carol, Thank you so much for your wonderful and heartfelt message—it truly means a lot to all of us. I’m delighted to hear how much you enjoyed both days with Katrina. She is indeed an exceptional professional, and her passion, knowledge, and energy make every experience truly special. I will be sure to share your kind words with her—she will be very happy to know she made such a lasting impression. It’s especially rewarding to know that you experienced not only the iconic sites like Philippi and Kavala, but also the hidden gems of Halkidiki—the kind of places that create truly unforgettable memories. Thank you again for your trust and for choosing Hello Thessaloniki for your journey. We would be honored to welcome you back anytime for more unique experiences in Greece. Warmest regards, Solon Hello Thessaloniki – Private Travel Services & Luxury Concierge
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $662 to $840
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Hello Thessaloniki, who run 24 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.0.
See everything Hello Thessaloniki runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Thessaloniki.
How much does Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $662 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 Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 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 Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour?
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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 Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour?
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Around 1 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour 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 Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour?
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Included: On-board WiFi; Pick up and drop off service from your hotel in Thessaloniki; After the trip you will receive with email photos and video of your trip; Certified English Speaking Guide; and Transportation by air-conditioned V.I.P. vehicle. Not included: Gratuities; Guide who speaks your language; Lunch; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 114 listed pickup locations in and around Thessaloniki. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour offered in?
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It runs in 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 Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour?
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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 Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour 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 Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Visit Archaeological Site of Philippi & Kavala, Private Day Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including For 5, 6, 7, or 8 persons, For 1, 2, 3 or 4 persons. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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