Philippi & Kavala Private Day Tour from Thessaloniki

Summary

Walk Ancient Philippi & Discover Early Christian Landmarks

You’ll get to walk through ancient Philippi’s ruins, stand where Apostle Paul preached, and see real artifacts up close—all with an expert guide who brings every story to life. It’s not just history; it’s stepping into moments that shaped Europe.

What’s the experience like?

The drive out of Thessaloniki was smooth—just a bit of morning haze over the fields as we left at 9:00. Our guide, Maria, chatted about local legends while our driver handed out bottles of cold water and coffee (lifesaver for early risers). By 11:00, we pulled up to the Archaeological Museum of Philippi. The building itself is unassuming, but inside? It's packed with relics—coins worn thin by centuries, bits of jewelry that look oddly modern, and marble inscriptions you can almost trace with your fingers. Downstairs covers everything from prehistoric finds to Roman coins; upstairs is all about the rise (and eventual fall) of early Christianity here. I never realized how much history was layered in this one spot.

Stepping outside, you can smell wild thyme in the air—someone nearby must've been burning brush. The ruins spread out across low hills: ancient baths with cracked mosaics, a theater where you can still hear your voice bounce back if you shout (I tried), and the remains of the Roman forum. Maria pointed out how the city started as Krenides before Philip II took over in 356 BC—she even showed us where the old fortifications ran. The Via Egnatia cuts right through here; it's wild to imagine Roman soldiers marching past this very spot.

Just a short walk away is something quieter but just as powerful—the Baptistery of Saint Lydia. There's a little stream running past it; supposedly that's where Paul baptized Lydia, the first Christian woman in Europe. Even now, you might catch a christening happening inside (we did—a family from Kavala was there). The church itself is modern but built to honor that ancient moment. Our guide read a bit from Luke's account about Paul's visit in 49 or 50 AD—it hit different standing right there.

Lunch was relaxed—two hours at a taverna nearby (I recommend trying whatever fish they've got that day). Locals drifted in for their midday meal; you could hear snippets of conversation about football and politics. Afterward, we had time for one last stroll around the site before heading back to Thessaloniki. On the way home, Maria emailed us photos she'd snapped during the tour—nice touch if you're like me and forget to take enough pictures.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Philippi Archaeological Tour

• Visit Archaeological Museum of Philippi
• Explore Archaeological Site of Philippi
• Visit Baptistery and Saint Lydia Church
• Lunch Break

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and prams or strollers are welcome. Let us know if you need specialized infant seats too.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience takes most of the day—pick-up at 9:00 am from Thessaloniki and return after lunch and sightseeing.

Are meals included?

Lunch isn’t included in the price but there’s time set aside to eat at a local taverna near Philippi.

Will we have an English-speaking guide?

Absolutely! A certified English-speaking guide leads your group throughout the day.

What’s included

Your private tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Thessaloniki, WiFi on board, bottled water and coffee during travel, an English-speaking certified guide, professional chauffeur service in an air-conditioned vehicle—and after your trip, you’ll get photos and video by email so you can relive those moments anytime.