Explore Vergina and Pella - Full-Day Tour - Thessaloniki

The excursion takes you to the ancient Greek, Byzantine and modern history, bringing back to light the lost prestige of Aigai, the first city of the Macedonians. Discover the museum of Aigai, a World Heritage site of UNESCO, against the natural beauty of the area and the view of the Macedonian plain that stretches our eye till the end of the horizon.

We depart for Pella with the bus of Ammon Express along with our friendly trip attendant-archaeologist, and the distance is 50km and lasts approximately 45΄.

We reach Pella, which in antiquity used to be a port, where we visit the new, modern museum as well as the archaeological site with the unique mosaics. In the archaeological site, we can admire the ancient market of the city, the mosaic of the “Abduction of Helen” and the “Amazonomachy” (the battle of Amazons). In the museum, there are exposed objects and artefacts from the daily life of the people; characteristic signs of the lifestyle in antiquity.

Next, we reach Vergina,where we visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, situated on the borders of the village. The characteristic Golden Larnax (funerary casket), an urn with the cremated remains of Phillip II, is marked with a 16-rayed sun, the symbol of Macedonia. The Sun of Vergina (or Star of Vergina), which is characteristic symbol of the Argead Dynasty (of the King Phillip II and Alexander the Great) was found together with the excavations that brought back to light his father’s Royal Tomb. 4 of the sun rays represent of the 4 classical elements and the other 12 sun rays represent the 12 Olympian Gods. Admire the golden oak wreath that Phillip II had during his funeral pyre, military armours, various grave goods, the other tombs that were brought back to light and a small sanctuary, the Heroon.

Afterwards, enjoy a lunch break in a local restaurant ( lunch not included) and conclude your journey at the New Museum of Aigai.Discover monumental sculptures, royal jewellery, weaponry of Macedonian warriors, and the restored Palace façade. This tour is a unique journey through history, art, and the grandeur of the ancient Macedonian dynasty.

Itinerary

Starting location: Aristotelous Square & Egnatia Street (Venizelos Statue)

Drive to Pella (45 minutes)

Visit the archaeological site and museum of Pella (1 hour and 30 minutes)

Drive to Vergina (1 hour)

Visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs & New Museum of Aigai (2 hours)

Lunch break (1 hour)

Return to Thessaloniki (1 hour)