Philippi tours from Kavala. Philipi was the first city in Europe where Saint Paul preached the gospel. He established the very first Christian church in Europe and wrote his Epistle to the Philippians. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient city, including the Agora, the Roman Theater, the Basilica of Saint Paul, and the Lydia Baptismal Site. Despite Philippi having one of the oldest congregations in Europe, attestation of a bishopric dates only from the 4th century.

Philippi tours from Kavala, biblical tours

The New Testament records a visit to the city by Saint Paul during his second missionary journey (likely in AD 49 or 50). Based on the Acts of the Apostles and the letter to the Philippians, early Christians concluded that Paul had founded their community. Along with Sillas, Timothy and possibly Luke (the author of the Acts of the Apostles), Saint Paul preached for the first time on European soil in Philippi, leading to the conversion and baptism of Lydia of Thyatira.  For more info on our biblical tours please click here

According to the New Testament, Paul visited the city on two other occasions, in 56 and 57. The Epistle to the Philippians dates from around 61–62 and is generally assumed to show the immediate effects of Saint Paul’s instruction. The prosperity of the city in the 5th and 6th centuries attributedto Paul and to his ministry.As in other cities, many new ecclesiastical buildings constructed at this time.

Seven different churches built in Philippi between the mid-4th century and the end of the sixth, some of which competed in size and decoration with the most beautiful buildings of Thessalonica or with those of Constantinople.

The relationship of the plan and of the architectural decoration of Basilica B with Hagia Sophia and with Saint Irene in Constantinople accorded a privileged place to this church in the history of early Christian Art. The complex cathedral, which took the place of the Basilica of Paul at the end of the 5th century, constructed around an octagonal church, also rivaled the churches of Constantinople.

Philippi tours from Kavala, private tours

Our Biblical private day trips can accommodate your small group in one of our minivans (max 6 guests), or Mercedes Sprinter minibus (max 12 guests). We may start your private tour from any location, including all Kavala or Thessaloniki hotels or from Kavala and Thessaloniki Port for our guests arriving via cruise ship. We also pick up from the SKG Thessaloniki International Airport or Airbnb Vacation Rental for a small fee. Flexible itinerary with plenty of stops along the way.

Your chauffeur and local guide

Michael E. Nalbantis is both your driver and local guide for all your Thessaloniki day trips. Thessaloniki born and grown, English speaking and a Google maps local guide level seven. Also available licensed tour guides for archaeological sites and museums upon request at an extra cost.

Availability & rates

For more info (availability – rates) on our Philippi biblical day trips from Kavala, please click here or simply contact Michael at +306976888113

Also SKG Thessaloniki airport pickups, available upon request.