Thessaloniki and Macedonia

In ancient Greece, cities were often referred to in the plural, as they consisted of multiple centers and settlements. So too with Aigai, the first capital of the Macedonian kingdom, which was a polycentric city. Our 4hour guided tour reflects this polycentric character, taking you through different focal points of history and culture. We begin at the Portal, the new museum that introduces visitors to the grandeur of Aigai. From there, we ascend to the Theatre and the Royal Palace, where the political and ceremonial life of the Macedonian kings unfolded. The route involves approximately 2.5 km (about 1.5 miles / 8,200 feet) of walking, including uphill and downhill sections, so good physical condition is required. Before reaching the Royal Tombs Museum, we pause to enjoy a traditional Greek coffee accompanied by revani, the famous syrupy cake of Veria. The tour concludes with a visit to the Royal Tombs, an underground museum housing the treasures of the Macedonian dynasty, including the tomb attributed to Philip II. This polycentric experience offers a holistic view of Aigai: a constellation of monuments, museums, and archaeological spaces that together narrate the rise of Macedonia.