Royal Treasures of Vergina

Explore a series of ancient royal tombs that include that of Philip II, Alexander the Great’s father, a treasure-trove so extraordinary that it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely drive of nearly 90-minutes to Vergina, the modern name for the ancient city of Aigai, which was the first capital of Macedonia. Vergina earned its status as one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece when a series of intact tombs of the Macedonian Royal Family was unearthed in the late 1970s. Vergina was the burial site for all Macedonian royalty and tradition held that the Macedonian Dynasty would collapse if one of the kings was ever buried elsewhere. This superstition became fact when, after his death in Babylon, Alexander was interred somewhere in Asia and the Dynasty fell.

The most significant tomb is that of Philip II, who was assassinated in the theater in 336 B.C., leaving his son Alexander the Great as king. The facade has the form of a Doric temple with a marble door. Philip’s solid-gold larnax or ash chest, a massive frieze of a hunting scene, and numerous grave artifacts were found inside undisturbed.

As you walk among the various tombs and monumental buildings, you will see mosaic flooring, colonnades and fine relief tiles in excellent condition. You might also visit a tomb believed to be that of Alexander the Great’s son. It closely resembles Philip’s tomb, although it is smaller. Its original contents are displayed in front of the tomb.

Other invaluable artifacts are housed in the Archaeological Museum atop the tombs. The items include elaborate jewelry, a golden wreath of hundreds of oak leaves and acorns, the king’s armor, a great gold-and-ivory ceremonial shield and a carved burial bed. Also on display are miniature ivory statues of the royal family, including a rare portrait of Alexander. After browsing the exhibits, you will rejoin your coach and travel back to the pier.