Ancient Philippi Guided Tour: UNESCO Ruins & Early Christian Site

Four hours to walk where Paul preached and Philippi built its forum

A guided half-day tour from Kavala Port to the UNESCO-listed Ancient City of Philippi, with stops at Saint Lydia Baptistery and the archaeological site's ruins: basilicas, Roman forum, ancient baths and Greek theater. The tour includes air-conditioned transport, a professional English-speaking guide, entrance fees and port pickup timed to your cruise schedule. You choose between a shared group or private option at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Ancient Philippi and Saint Lydia Baptistery

• Drive from Kavala Port
• Stop at Saint Lydia Baptistery
• Explore Ancient Philippi ruins
• Free time at Philippi
• Return to Kavala Port

The experience

The tour leaves Kavala Port and drives through the Macedonian countryside to Saint Lydia Baptistery, a site marking where Lydia of Thyatira became the first European woman baptized by St. Paul the Apostle. The baptistery sits near the Zygaktis River and carries weight in early Christian history: a quieter stop before the scale of Ancient Philippi itself.

At Ancient Philippi, the ruins span the city's layers: grand basilicas, the Roman forum at its center, ancient baths and a Greek theater that still holds the shape of its stone seats. Your guide walks you through each section, explaining how the site moved from Greek settlement to Roman colony to early Christian center. The uneven terrain and cobblestones mean comfortable walking shoes with grip matter here. The site is not wheelchair accessible.

After the guided portion, you get free time to linger or rest before the return drive to Kavala Port. The timing is planned around your ship's departure, so the excursion fits the port day without cutting into your sailing time. An air-conditioned vehicle and professional guide are included. Entrance fees to both sites are covered.

What’s included

• Port pickup and drop-off from Kavala Port.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• entrance fees to both Ancient Philippi and Saint Lydia Baptistery.
• free time at the site before return.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English11:00, 11:30 and 12:00

Guide in English7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 12:30

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 12:30Last departure this season: 30 Oct

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (6 to 16 years) · Infant (under 6): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Avalon Travel Kefalonia

Is this one for you?Choose the shared group tour for a standard half-day excursion, or select private at checkout if you want the guide and vehicle to yourself. The four-hour timeframe is what makes both stops reachable inside a cruise port day without rushing the walk through the ruins.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 16 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What exactly will I see at Ancient Philippi?

Ancient Philippi holds basilicas, a Roman forum, ancient baths and a Greek theater: each structure reflects a different era of the city's past, from its Greek origins through its time as a major Roman settlement and later Christian center. Your guide explains the history of each as you walk the site.

Is Saint Lydia Baptistery a separate visit or part of the main tour?

Saint Lydia Baptistery is your first stop on the drive from Kavala Port, before you reach Ancient Philippi. It's a meaningful pause at an important early Christian site, then you continue to the larger archaeological complex.

How much walking is involved, and what should I wear?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness and involves walking uneven terrain, cobblestones and steps at Ancient Philippi. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, light breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. If you enter Saint Lydia Baptistery, cover your shoulders and knees.

Can I book this as a private tour instead of a shared group?

Yes, a private tour option is available and must be selected when you book. The shared group tour is the standard option. Choose private at checkout if you prefer it.

Will the tour get me back to the ship on time?

The return to Kavala Port is timed to your cruise schedule, so the half-day excursion fits your port day without risking your departure.