Philippi Archaeological Site & Wine Tasting

Philippi Archaeological Site & Wine Tasting

Visit one of the most important archaeological sites of the Macedonia region and sample their remarkable wines!

Ride to Philippi, the most important archaeological site of eastern Macedonia with characteristic monuments of the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian periods. The history of the site of Philippi begins around 360 B.C. when the colonists from Thasos founded the first city, called Krenides. In 356 B.C. the city was endangered by the Thacians and it turned to king Philip II for support. Philip II had already foreseen the economic and strategic importance of the city, so he conquered it, fortified it and renamed it after himself (Philippi). After the battle of Philippi, in 42 B.C., the city became a Roman colony.

Around the year 50 A.D, the Apostle Paul visited the city and established the first Christian Church of Europe making Philippi a metropolis of Christianity. During the Byzantine period the walls of the city were reconstructed and at the same time the towers and the wall of the acropolis were built.

The excavations on the site of Philippi began in 1914 by the French School of Archaeology at Athens. After the Second World War, excavations were resumed by the Greek Archaeological Service and the Archaeological Society. Nowadays, the archaeological exploitation of the site is carried out by the Archaeological Service, the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki and the French School of Archaeology at Athens.

Most of the monuments in the archaeological site of Philippi have been restored. A project for the restoration and the preservation of the ancient theater is now in progress in the frame of the European program of 1994 "Historical monuments and places of spectacle".

After the archaeological visit, it's time to visit a state-of-the art winery: the Oenogenesis Winery, established in 2007. Enologist Bakis Tsalkos founded the winery after meeting the Family of Dominique Fontviele-Petrides. After extensive studies in enology in Montpellier, France and many years of work in the enological center of Grezillac in St Emillion, Bordeaux, Mr. Tsalkos returned to Greece to apply his knowledge and expertise to the untapped wealth of indigenous Greek grapes. The Estate is located between Doxato and the Adriani of the Prefecture of Drama, at a large 4,000 sq m castle-house with five buildings united, structured in three levels and inspired architecturally by the Old Macedonian Mansions.

The Estate has been the subject of continuous investments that have enabled the Winery to function with respect for the people, landscape and environment. Today, it can be defined as a perfect combination of innovation and tradition. After the exploration of the estate, enjoy a taste of four wine varieties, red, white and rose as well as demi-sec selections.

After the visit re-board the motor coach for the return drive to Kavala pier.

Notes: A minimum participation is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures and some have limited capacity. All adventures in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change. Not all of the land adventures shown will be offered on all voyages and departure times are subject to change. Final departures times will be published onboard.

Sunglasses, hats and good walking shoes recommended.

Port: Kavala

Duration: 4.5 hours

Current Price: 169 USD