Ancient Macedonia Tour (Pella & Vergina) Review

If you’re a history buff looking to explore the birthplace of Alexander the Great, the Ancient Macedonia Tour to Pella and Vergina might just be the perfect fit. This well-organized excursion takes you on a captivating journey through the heart of Macedonia’s rich heritage, with a knowledgeable guide who brings the past to life. While there may be a few unexpected fees along the way, the overall experience is one that’ll leave you with a deeper appreciation for this fascinating region. But don’t just take our word for it – let’s dive into what past travelers have had to say about this remarkable tour.

Key Points

• The tour provides a comprehensive exploration of ancient Macedonian sites, including the birthplace of Alexander the Great in Pella and the royal tombs in Vergina.
• Travelers praise the knowledgeable guide who enhances the historical understanding and provides insights throughout the tour.
• While the overall experience is positive, some travelers have commented on unexpected additional costs for entrance fees.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and travelers must have the proper visa for Greece.
• The tour operates rain or shine, and travelers are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and terrain.

Tour Overview

On this full-day excursion from Ohrid, travelers will explore the ancient capital of Macedonia and the birthplace of one of history’s most renowned figures – Alexander the Great.

The tour takes visitors to the archaeological site of Pella, where they can wander through the ruins and learn about the history of this ancient city.

Next, they’ll visit Vergina, the site of the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, Alexander’s father.

Throughout the day, a knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the rich history of ancient Macedonia, bringing the past to life.

The tour includes round-trip transfers and transportation in a comfortable vehicle, making it a convenient and informative way to discover these important archaeological sites.

Highlights

The tour’s highlights include exploring Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia and the birthplace of the legendary Alexander the Great.

You’ll wander through the historic city, marveling at the well-preserved ruins and learning about its pivotal role in ancient history.

Next, you’ll visit Vergina, the site of the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, Alexander’s father.

Here, you’ll get an up-close look at the stunning artifacts and royal treasures that shed light on the Macedonian dynasty.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes round-trip transfers from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Ohrid, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

You’ll have an experienced, English-speaking guide/driver with you throughout the day.

While the tour price doesn’t cover food, drinks, or personal expenses, it does include entrance fees to the Pella Archaeological Museum (€8) and the Museum of Royal Tombs in Aigai (€12).

Just keep in mind you’ll need to handle your own visa requirements if you’re crossing the border into Greece.

And since the tour runs rain or shine, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup options for the tour include your hotel or a designated meeting point at St Clement of Ohrid 112 in Ohrid 6000.

The tour kicks off at 7 AM and wraps up back at the meeting point. You’ll have three options for getting to the starting location:

1. Get picked up directly from your hotel.
2. Meet the group at the designated pickup spot.
3. Make your own way to the meeting point.

Regardless of how you get there, you’ll join your knowledgeable, English-speaking guide and set off on an immersive exploration of ancient Macedonian history and culture.

Important Tour Conditions

Upon booking the tour, travelers will receive confirmation.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility issues may want to reconsider. It’s the traveler’s responsibility to have the proper visa for crossing into Greece.

The tour operates rain or shine, so it’s recommended to dress appropriately for the weather. Anyone with serious medical conditions should avoid this tour.

It’s important to note the tour doesn’t run on Tuesdays or Greek national holidays.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers who embarked on this Ancient Macedonia tour seemed to have an enjoyable experience overall. The reviews praised the knowledgeable guide who brought the ancient history to life, and highlighted the fascinating visits to the archaeological sites of Pella and Vergina.

However, there were a few common points of feedback:

1. The additional costs for entrance fees, such as the Pella Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Royal Tombs in Aigai, weren’t always expected.
2. Some travelers wished the tour had included lunch, to make the full-day experience more seamless.
3. A couple of reviewers noted the early 7am departure time was a bit challenging, especially for those not morning people.

Despite these minor caveats, the overall rating of 4.5 stars suggests most travelers left the tour feeling satisfied with their exploration of ancient Macedonian heritage.

Booking and Contact

Booking this tour is a straightforward process. The tour company offers pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Ohrid.

All you need to do is let them know your preferred option when booking. The tour starts at 7 am and ends back at the meeting point.

Just make sure you’re on time, as the tour doesn’t wait for latecomers. The company’s policy states that confirmation is received at booking, so you can rest assured your spot is secured.

Keep in mind, you’ll need to handle any visa requirements for the border crossing into Greece.

But the company’s experienced guide will be there to help you throughout the tour.

Since You Asked

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so it’s best to dress comfortably and wear appropriate attire. That means you’ll want to wear something weather-appropriate, whether that’s layers for cooler temps or breathable fabrics for warmer days.

Can We Stop for Lunch During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include lunch, but you can stop for a bite to eat along the way. There are local restaurants near the archaeological sites where you can grab a quick lunch during the tour.

Is There an Option to Hire a Private Driver?

Yes, you can hire a private driver for this tour. The tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced English-speaking guide/driver, so you don’t have to worry about driving or directions.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour company doesn’t advertise group discounts, but you could always ask if they offer any. It’s worth a shot, since they may be willing to give a deal for larger groups booking together.

Can We Visit Any Additional Sites During the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t offer any additional sites to visit beyond Pella and Vergina. The focus is on exploring these two ancient Macedonian locations in-depth with a private guide. Adding extra stops would likely increase the duration and cost of the tour.

The Sum Up

The Ancient Macedonia Tour to Pella and Vergina offers an immersive journey through the birthplace of Alexander the Great and the royal tombs of Philip II. With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and high satisfaction ratings, the tour provides an enriching exploration of Macedonia’s rich heritage. While some unexpected fees may arise, the overall experience is commended by travelers as a captivating step back in time.