Philippi – in the Steps of St. Paul Private Experience – 8 Hrs

The ‘Philippi – in the Steps of St. Paul Private Experience’ offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich Christian history of Philippi, the site of Europe’s first Christian community. Led by knowledgeable guides, this 8-hour private tour explores significant locations such as the Archaeological Site of Philippi, Saint Lydia’s Baptistery, and the Monument to Apostle Paul. With personalized insights and comfortable private transportation, the experience promises to transport participants back in time and provide a deeper understanding of the early days of Christianity. But the true significance of this tour lies in its ability to connect modern-day travelers with the profound spiritual legacy that Philippi holds.

Good To Know

• This private guided tour focuses on exploring the early Christian history and sites associated with Apostle Paul’s journey, including the Archaeological Site of Philippi.

• The 8-hour tour from Thessaloniki (or 4.5 hours from Kavala port) includes a certified guide, air-conditioned transportation, and entrance tickets for a comprehensive experience.

• Key highlights are the Archaeological Site of Philippi, Saint Lydia’s Baptistery, and the Monument Apostle Paul, providing insights into the birth of early European Christianity.

• The tour is suitable for moderate fitness levels, not wheelchair accessible, and features engaging narratives from knowledgeable guides about the biblical and archaeological history.

• Pricing starts at €282.06 per group (up to 15 participants) and includes the guide, vehicle, and entrance tickets, with flexibility for starting the tour from Kavala port.

Tour Overview and Details

The private guided tour of Philippi and Kavala immerses visitors in the rich history of early European Christianity and the footsteps of St. Paul.

The tour explores key sites like the Archaeological Site of Philippi, Saint Lydia’s Baptistery, and the Monument Apostle Paul in Kavala.

Spanning 8 hours from Thessaloniki or 4.5 hours from Kavala port, the experience provides an in-depth look at the region’s religious significance.

Private transportation is available for an additional fee, and the tour can be tailored to start between 8-9 AM.

With a private certified guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and entrance tickets included, this tour offers a comprehensive and immersive encounter with the legacy of St. Paul in northern Greece.

Inclusions and Pricing

This private guided tour includes a private certified guide for the full-day experience as well as an air-conditioned vehicle. Entrance tickets to the Archaeological Site of Philippi are also covered, priced at 6 EUR per person.

Bottled water is provided en route, though lunch isn’t included and remains at the travelers’ own expense. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start. Pricing for this immersive experience begins at €282.06 per group, accommodating up to 15 participants.

The tour provides a balance of biblical and archaeological insights, enhancing the visitor’s understanding of the region’s rich history. Private transportation costs depend on the number of participants and vehicle size.

This comprehensive experience aims to create an engaging and memorable exploration of Philippi and Kavala, focusing on the legacy of St. Paul.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Guests can meet the private guide at Plaisir on Aristotélous 9 in Thessaloniki or any other agreed location in Thessaloniki or Kavala port. Private transportation costs depend on the number of participants and the size of the vehicle required. The tour offers flexibility, as guests can choose to start the experience directly from Kavala port to reduce travel time. The archaeological site of Philippi and St. Lydia’s Baptistery are open daily until 8 PM from April to October, except Tuesdays.

Number of Participants	Vehicle Size	Estimated Transportation Cost
1-2	Sedan	€50-€70
3-6	Minivan	€70-€100
7-15	Minibus	€100-€150

Customer Reviews and Experiences

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Philippi – in the Steps of St. Paul Private Experience, evidenced by the tour’s impressive 5.0 rating from 15 reviews.

Guests highlighted the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who bring the biblical and archaeological history to life with captivating narratives. The comfort and convenience of the air-conditioned transportation was also a significant point of praise.

Particular mention was made of the guide Efi, whose expertise and attentiveness enhanced the overall experience. While some visitors suggested starting the tour directly from Kavala to reduce travel time, the majority were thoroughly satisfied with the pacing and logistics of the full-day experience from Thessaloniki.

Additional Information

The Philippi – in the Steps of St. Paul Private Experience is not wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available for those traveling with young children. Moderate physical fitness is required to fully enjoy the tour, as it involves walking through the archaeological site of Philippi. Service animals are permitted on the tour, and confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Additional Information
Wheelchair Accessible	No
Infant Seats	Available
Physical Fitness	Moderate level required
Service Animals	Allowed
Booking Confirmation	Received within 48 hours, if available

The tour provides a blend of biblical and archaeological insights, enhancing the visitor experience as they follow in the footsteps of St. Paul.

Exploring Philippi’s Christian History

The ancient city of Philippi holds profound significance for early European Christianity, as it was here that the Apostle Paul established one of the first Christian communities on the continent during his second missionary journey.

Visitors can explore the impressive archaeological site, which includes the remains of a Roman forum, basilicas, and the prison where Paul and Silas were once held.

The highlight is Saint Lydia’s Baptistery, where the first recorded baptism in Europe took place.

Through engaging narratives, the knowledgeable guide brings this pivotal moment in Christian history to life, transporting guests back in time to witness Paul’s evangelizing efforts and the birth of the Philippian church.

Discovering Saint Lydia’s Baptistery

As visitors wander through the archaeological site of Philippi, they’ll come across the serene and well-preserved Saint Lydia’s Baptistery, where the first recorded baptism in Europe took place during the Apostle Paul’s evangelizing efforts in the region. This humble yet significant structure stands as a testament to the early spread of Christianity in the region. Guests can explore the baptistery’s tranquil setting and learn about its historical significance from their knowledgeable guide.

Feature	Description
Location	Within the Archaeological Site of Philippi
History	Site of Lydia’s baptism by Apostle Paul
Architecture	Well-preserved early Christian structure

The tour of Saint Lydia’s Baptistery provides a powerful connection to the region’s Christian heritage and the enduring legacy of the Apostle Paul.

Monument Apostle Paul in Kavala

Towering over Kavala’s picturesque harbor, the Monument Apostle Paul stands as a powerful tribute to the region’s enduring Christian heritage. Erected in 1971, this imposing bronze statue depicts the Apostle Paul in a contemplative pose, serving as a poignant reminder of his pivotal role in the early spread of Christianity throughout Europe.

The monument’s grandeur is accentuated by its:

1. Dramatic location, perched atop a hill overlooking the serene Aegean waters.

2. Intricate design, capturing the apostle’s pensive expression and flowing robes.

3. Commanding presence, visible from various vantage points around the bustling port city.

As part of the Philippi – in the Steps of St. Paul Private Experience, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the Apostle Paul’s lasting impact on the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Visit Other Sites in the Area Besides the Listed Ones?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional sites in the surrounding area, depending on the interests and preferences of the travelers. The guide can provide recommendations and accommodate requests for a more personalized experience.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Duration and Itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized in terms of duration and itinerary. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour provider, who will then adjust the schedule to accommodate their needs within the broader scope of the tour experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

The tour generally permits photography at the sites, but visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. Some areas may have restrictions, so guests are advised to consult the tour guide for guidance on appropriate photography.

Are There Any Dietary Accommodations Available for the Lunch?

The tour doesn’t include lunch, but the provider can accommodate dietary needs if guests notify them in advance. Travelers can enjoy lunch on their own, selecting from local restaurants that offer options to suit various dietary requirements.

Can We Get a Discount for Booking the Tour as a Larger Group?

Yes, the tour provider offers discounted pricing for larger groups. The price starts at €282.06 per group of up to 15 participants, so the more people in the group, the lower the per-person cost.

Sum Up

This private tour offers an immersive experience in the early Christian history of Philippi.

Visitors will explore significant sites, including the Archaeological Site, Saint Lydia’s Baptistery, and the Monument to Apostle Paul, while receiving personalized insights from a knowledgeable guide.

With private transportation and a focus on comfort, this tour provides a unique opportunity to connect with the roots of Christianity in a serene and historical setting.