Philippi and Kavala Private Tour: Apostle Paul Sites

Trace Apostle Paul's path through Macedonia's oldest Christian sites

A private day tour from Thessaloniki visits Philippi, where Apostle Paul founded Europe's first Christian church, plus the Lion of Amfipolis and the harbor city of Kavala. The tour includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, and air-conditioned transport. Lunch and drinks are arranged separately. Travel time accounts for roughly five of the eight hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Philippi and Kavala highlights

• Visit the Lion of Amfipolis
• Tour ancient Philippi ruins
• See the Baptistery of Saint Lydia
• Explore Kavala city and harbor
• Enjoy meal and drink in Kavala

The experience

Philippi is the centerpiece: the ancient city where Paul established the first Christian congregation on European soil. You'll walk through the Basilica, the Roman Forum, and the theatre, then visit the cell where Paul was imprisoned. The Octagon Church stands nearby, marking that foundational moment. From there, a short drive takes you to the Baptistery of Saint Lydia by the river Zygaktis, a quiet spot dedicated to the first European woman Paul baptized.

The day opens with the Lion of Amfipolis, a limestone monument that once crowned a great tomb and now stands several kilometers away. Then comes Kavala, a city layered with Byzantine walls, Ottoman warehouses, and neoclassical buildings that line the harbor. You'll have time to eat and drink in the lively center, watching the castle and port. The route itself (roughly five hours of driving across the day) connects these stops and gives the landscape room to unfold.

An English-speaking driver handles the navigation and transport in a private vehicle sized to your group. Bottled water is provided. If wine interests you, a nearby winery can be added to the itinerary. Otherwise, the day stays focused on the archaeological and historical sites.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Thessaloniki.
• private air-conditioned sedan, minivan or minibus sized to your group.
• English-speaking driver for the full eight hours.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 20:30

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4)

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by iGoHellas

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so your group travels alone with the driver and sets the pace at each site. Choose it if you want to linger at Philippi's churches without a schedule, or if traveling with children or elderly relatives who need flexibility and comfort during the long drive.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4).

What exactly is the Baptistery of Saint Lydia, and why is it on this tour?

The Baptistery of Saint Lydia sits by the river Zygaktis in a natural setting and marks where Apostle Paul baptized Lydia, the first Christian convert in Europe. It complements the Philippi visit by showing where that faith took root in a single person's decision.

How much of the eight hours is actually driving, and how much is spent at the sites?

Travel time is roughly five hours across the day, leaving about three hours for the archaeological sites and Kavala. The Lion of Amfipolis, Philippi's basilica and theatre, and the Baptistery are the main stops before the city itself.

Can I add a winery visit to this tour?

Yes, a nearby winery can be included optionally. You arrange it at checkout, and the driver will work it into the route.

What is the Lion of Amfipolis, and where does it fit in the day?

The Lion of Amfipolis is a limestone monument that originally sat atop a great tomb and was later moved several kilometers away. It's the first stop of the day before heading to Philippi and Kavala.

Is lunch included, and where do we eat in Kavala?

Lunch and drinks are not included in the tour price. In Kavala, you'll have time to choose a restaurant in the lively harbor center, either under the castle or around the port, and pay separately.