Unearth the captivating history of Ancient Macedonia on this 7-hour tour from Thessaloniki. Dive into the remarkable Macedonian treasures found in Veria and Vergina, where you’ll explore the UNESCO-protected Royal Tombs and the New Museum of Aigai. Marvel at the burial sites of legendary figures like Philip II and Alexander IV, and discover their exquisite artifacts. This accessible tour offers a glimpse into the storied past of this region, leaving you eager to delve deeper into its profound legacy.
Key Points
- Explore the commercial legacy and Byzantine heritage of Veria, the ancient Macedonian capital.
- Discover the UNESCO-protected Royal Tombs of Vergina, including the burial sites of Philip II and Alexander the Great.
- Visit the New Museum of Aigai to explore Macedonian history, culture, and daily life through its curated exhibits.
- Set out on a 7-hour guided tour from Thessaloniki, with transportation and entrance fees included.
- Experience the architectural and engineering feats of the ancient Macedonian civilization through guided tours and sightseeing.
Tour Overview
The activity "From Thessaloniki: Macedonian Treasures Veria-Vergina" is a 7-hour tour that takes visitors to explore the rich heritage of Ancient Macedonia.
Priced at $59.84 per person, the tour is available in English and Italian and is wheelchair accessible.
Customers can reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes a guided exploration of the New Museum of Aigai and the UNESCO-protected Royal Tombs of Vergina, as well as transportation by air-conditioned luxury buses and entrance fees.
Looking for more options in Vergina? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Details
As part of the tour, the pickup locations include the Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos, Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki, Grand Hotel Palace, Voulgari, and the Arch of Galerius.
The tour stops at Veria for a 30-minute guided tour and sightseeing. Next, it explores the Aigai Royal Tombs with a 61-minute guided tour and sightseeing.
The tour stops at Veria for a guided tour and sightseeing, then explores the Aigai Royal Tombs with a guided tour and sightseeing.
The final stop is Vergina, where visitors enjoy a guided tour, lunch, and free time for 1 hour.
The drop-off locations are the same as the pickup points. Transportation is provided by air-conditioned luxury buses, and liability insurance is included during the trip.
The Commercial Center of Ancient Macedonian Kingdom
Veria, the commercial center of the Ancient Macedonian Kingdom, offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s illustrious past.
This picturesque city boasts a well-preserved Old Town, where visitors can explore Byzantine churches, Ottoman-era mansions, and the remnants of the ancient agora. The guided tour takes guests through the city’s highlights, including the Barley Mosque, the Apostle Paul’s Bema, and the Byzantine-era murals.
Perched atop the city, the Macedonian tombs of Vergina command attention, revealing the opulent burial sites of Philip II and his son, Alexander the Great.
This tour seamlessly combines Veria’s commercial legacy with its profound historical significance.
Exploring the Royal Tombs of Philip II and Alexander IV
One of the tour’s highlights is the exploration of the Royal Tombs of Philip II and Alexander IV at Vergina. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique glimpse into the history of the Macedonian kingdom.
Visitors can:
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Discover the intricate murals and exquisite artifacts that adorn the tombs, providing insights into the lives and legacies of these ancient rulers.
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Learn about the remarkable archaeological excavations that uncovered these treasures, preserving them for future generations.
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Appreciate the architectural and engineering feats that went into the construction of these monumental burial chambers.
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Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and political significance of the Macedonian dynasty.
The New Museum of Aigai
The New Museum of Aigai provides visitors with a captivating exploration of Macedonian history, culture, and daily life.
Guests discover a wealth of ancient artifacts, including weapons, pottery, and exquisite jewelry, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated civilization that once thrived in this region.
The museum’s careful curation and interactive exhibits bring the past to life, immersing visitors in the richness of the Macedonian kingdom.
With its UNESCO-protected status, the New Museum of Aigai stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this remarkable ancient civilization, inviting all to explore its Macedonian treasures.
Unique Findings: Ancient Weapons, Pottery, and Jewelry
Among the captivating artifacts housed within the New Museum of Aigai are an array of ancient weapons, pottery, and jewelry, offering visitors a tangible glimpse into the sophisticated material culture of the Macedonian kingdom.
The museum’s collection includes:
Among the museum’s captivating artifacts are an array of ancient weapons, pottery, and jewelry, offering visitors a tangible glimpse into Macedonian material culture.
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Ornately-crafted bronze swords, spearheads, and armor that exemplify the military prowess of the Macedonian warriors.
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Intricately-designed pottery, including amphoras, kraters, and cups, showcasing the region’s advanced ceramics production.
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Exquisite gold and silver jewelry, such as crowns, diadems, and rings, reflecting the wealth and opulence of the Macedonian royal dynasty.
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Beautifully-preserved frescoes and mosaics that adorned the palace and tombs, capturing the artistic brilliance of the era.
UNESCO-protected Vergina Royal Tombs
Although the New Museum of Aigai houses a wealth of captivating artifacts, the UNESCO-protected Vergina Royal Tombs stand out as the tour’s centerpiece.
Visitors can explore the final resting place of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, and his family. The tombs reveal exquisite wall paintings, opulent gold and silver treasures, as well as the remains of the ancient Macedonian monarchs.
Discovering these royal tombs offers a profound connection to the region’s storied past, providing a tangible glimpse into the grandeur and power of the ancient Macedonian kingdom.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes the guided tour of the New Museum of Aigai and the Royal Tombs, as well as transportation by air-conditioned luxury buses and liability insurance during the trip.
The tour also covers the entrance fees of 15 euros per person for the museum and tombs.
The tour excludes:
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Gratuities
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Lunch
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Personal expenses
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Any other items not mentioned in the inclusions
Since You Asked
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour does not explicitly mention student or senior discounts. You’ll need to check with the tour operator directly to inquire about any available discounts for those groups.
Can I Modify the Itinerary to Spend More Time at Certain Sites?
The tour operator typically allows travelers to modify the itinerary to spend more time at certain sites. However, this may incur additional costs or require advance notice. It’s best to discuss any desired changes with the tour operator prior to booking.
What Should I Bring With Me on the Tour?
It’s recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera to capture the stunning ancient sites. Plus, pack snacks and water, as lunch is not included in the tour.
Is Photography Allowed Inside the Museums and Tombs?
Photography is generally allowed inside the museums and tombs, but visitors should check with the guides or staff for any restrictions. It’s best to use non-flash photography to avoid disturbing other visitors or damaging the ancient artifacts.
How Reliable Is the Transportation Provided on the Tour?
The transportation on the tour is highly reliable. The tour uses modern, air-conditioned luxury buses and the liability insurance ensures safe travel. Customers have praised the convenience and comfort of the transportation in their reviews.
Final Words
The "From Thessaloniki: Macedonian Treasures Veria-Vergina" tour offers a captivating journey into Ancient Macedonia’s rich heritage. Priced at $59.84 per person, the tour includes visits to the New Museum of Aigai and the UNESCO-protected Royal Tombs of Vergina, where visitors can marvel at the burial sites of Philip II and Alexander IV. With a guided exploration of Veria’s historic sites and lunch in Vergina, this tour provides a luxurious and enriching experience.
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