The amazing discovery of Amphipolis, in a 3-day private tour

A well-appointed and affordable private tour in Macedonia of Northern Greece promises to discover the unknown and the best of Greece. This private tour to Amphipolis and Thessaloniki is the best value-for-money, specially designed for those interested in both the ancient undiscovered treasures and modern Greece.

In this tour you will visit the tumulus tomb of Amphipolis lies on the hill of Kasta inside a 500-meter long surrounding wall of marble and limestone. The tumulus tomb of Amphipolis that the world is looking for the answer to an old mystery!

Itinerary of the three days private tour

Athens, Thermopylae, Thessaloniki, Amphipolis, Athens

Highlights of  The amazing discovery of Amphipolis, in a 3-day private tour with Thessaloniki

• A visit to the mystical tomb of Amphipolis
• Thessaloniki, named after Alexander the great sister, the capital of north Greece
• Thermopylae, the actual battle site of King Leonidas and his 300

Description of our 3 days private tour in Greece

Day 1: Athens, Thermopylae, Thessaloniki

Start from Athens early in the morning to an amazing long day. You will be driving through the scenic national road towards Central Greece, and a couple of hours later we will arrive to visit Thermopylae.

Thermopylae (Hot Gates), the battlefield of King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans. Thermopylae is one of the major stops of this tour; known in the ancient years as one of the very important battles that has changed the word’s history.

Thermopylae gave strong responses to the people who were flocking there to be inspired by the braveness, the obey to their laws, and the sacrifice for the world.
Visit in Thermopylae the monument of Leonidas and his brave 300 Spartan, the monument of the 700 Thespians, the hill of Kolonos (the last face of the battle), and the Innovation Center of Historical information to watch the 10 minutes 3D short movie of the battle.

After a lunch stop on the way, we will continue our tour driving towards Lamia, Larissa, the Tempi valley, Dion by Olympus, Katerini, and Thessaloniki.

Short sightseeing, to see the large Byzantine church of St. Dimitrios, the Rotonda, the withe tower which is the trademark of Thessaloniki and the statue of Alexander the Great. Free evening to discover the capital of North Greece. Walk along the scenic coastal pavement of the town to visit the white tower and the statue of Alexander the Great.

Overnight at Thessaloniki.

Day 2: Thessaloniki, Amphipolis

Start our second day driving towards Amphipolis having the question in our minds; who is in the Ancient Tomb at Amphipolis of Greece?

There is a large-scale archeological excavation is in progress in hopes of answering the old question… Who is buried in this magnificent tomb? Is it Thessaloniki the sister of Alexander the great, Roxanne, the wife of him, maybe his son, his mother, or is it someone else?

Let’s find out together what was Amphipolis in a few words!

Amphipolis was an ancient city built in eastern Macedonia, on the river Strymon, box city formerly known as “Nine Streets” or very close to it. Amphipolis was founded by the Athenians in 437 BC to control the mines of Thrace, but passed to the Spartans during the first phase of the Peloponnesian War, in 431-421 BC. The Peace of Nicias in 422 BC provided the Athenians attributed to Amphipolis, a promise that did not materialize. 

After that Amphipolis remained under the influence of the Spartans. The last attempt recovery of the Athenians in 358 BC failed and the next year was occupied by Philip, father of Alexander the Great, and became part of the Kingdom of Macedon.

The Kingdom of Macedon

With the fall of the Macedonian Kingdom from the Romans Amphipolis became part of the Roman Empire from the city passed the famous Via Egnatia. The Late Roman years had significant economic development and something that testify impressive in size and decorated churches of the 5th and 6th century AD.

 After the invasions of the Slavs in the late 6th century AD, Amphipolis gradually depopulated completely abandoned in the 8th century, when most of the inhabitants fled to the nearby seaside town Ioni, which had been renamed by the Byzantines in Chrysopolis. Today the region stands the modern namesake village, located about 60 km. Southeast of Serres.

 Amphipolis and apostle Paul Acts 17:1

On his second journey apostle, Paul passed by the supply-city of Amphipolis on his way

to Thessaloniki traveling after his visit from Philippi. Some scholars suggest that St. Paul lodged overnight there, as part of a three-stage journey from Philippi to Thessalonica. Under Roman rule during the time of St. Paul, it was a largely independent city and emerged as the home of the Roman governor of all Macedonia. It is likely the city was not evangelized until a generation after St. Paul, but nevertheless became an important Byzantine Christian site

Here we will visit the magnificent tumulus tomb of Amphipolis and the archaeological museum.

Overnight in Asprovalta area.

Day 3: Amphipolis, Athens

After breakfast, it’s time to set off and take the way back to Athens. Arrive in Athens late in the afternoon.

More tours of Macedonia and Northern Greece here!

Tour Type

• Shore Excursion – Private tour
• Activity level: Moderate

Included in the tour

• Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
• Your tour will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver or escort possessing in-depth knowledge of Greece’s history and culture. They will provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, guiding you until the entrance of archaeological sites and museums. However, please note that drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside these venues.
• If you desire a licensed state tour guide to escort you within the archaeological sites and museums, providing comprehensive insights and explanations, we can gladly arrange one for an additional cost. These licensed guides are freelance professionals, and their availability is subject to your tour date.
• When a licensed tour guide or English-speaking tour escort accompanies a group, the professional driver may not necessarily speak English fluently. Their role is focused on providing safe transportation.
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Athens. Extra charge for hotels outside Athens.
• Pick up and drop off at Piraeus Port or Athens Airport.
• Pick up and drop off at our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athens, Greece.
• Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
• Road tolls and all local taxes

Excluded from the tour

• Wine tasting fee (for wine tours)
• Olive oil tasting fee (for olive oil tasting tours)
• Optional Gratuities
• Food and beverage
• Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the Differences between a Tour Guide and a Tour Driver

Cancellation Policy

Read our cancellation policy

Additional info

• Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered out of respect for the cultural norms.
• Please review our Terms & Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions
• Upon booking, an electronic voucher will be emailed to you containing our contact information, tour details, and all necessary instructions. This voucher serves as your ticket and proof of purchase. Please present a printed or digital copy of the voucher on the day of your tour to redeem your activity.
• City Tax for Hotel Stays: Effective from January 1st, 2018, a City Tax for hotel overnights is applicable and not included in our excursion rates. Clients will need to pay this tax directly at their hotel upon check-out. The amount per room is as follows: 5-star hotel: €4/overnight || 4-star hotel: €3/overnight || 3-star hotel: €1.50/overnight
• Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Archaeological Sites and Museums in Greece
• Entrance Fees for Children from Non-EU Countries: Starting November 1st, 2019, children aged 6 and above from non-European Union (non-EU) countries will be required to pay the full entrance fee for Museums and Archaeological sites. For children from EU countries, the existing rates remain in effect. However, it is crucial to have their passports readily available to prove their nationality.

Persons with Disabilities

• Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
• In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.