Ancient Macedonia: The Empire of Philip II and Alexander the Great | May 2026

The earliest Macedonian kingdom originated in the mountainous region of northern Greece, flanked by powerful neighbours such as Thrace and Epirus. A small kingdom prior to the 4th century BCE, Macedon dramatically expanded when Philip II triumphed over the established powers of Thebes and Athens. Subsequently, Alexander's ambitious campaigns extended the empire far beyond its original borders, stretching eastward to the Indus Valley. These events fundamentally altered the political and cultural landscape of the ancient world and marked a brief but impactful period of Macedonian dominance, during which Greek art, literature, philosophy and science thrived and spread across the conquered territories.

 
Thessaloniki, modern-day Greek Macedonia's capital and second-largest city, will serve as our base for discovering its rich history. Founded by Cassander and named after Thessalonike, Philip’s daughter and Alexander’s sister, the city provides insights into the era of the late Macedonian Empire following the death of Alexander the Great. This period, marked by civil unrest, power struggles and the re-establishment of leadership, is evident at sites including the Palace of Galerius, Arch of Galerius and Rotunda. Additionally, the archaeological museum offers a comprehensive collection of artefacts from ancient Macedon.

 
At Pella, once the capital of Philip's empire and Alexander's birthplace, we will discover northern Greece’s natural wonders alongside the site’s impressive ruins and museum. The restored palace and bath complex, together with the exquisite mosaics and inscriptions adorning the peristyle houses, will offer unparalleled insights into what was once the crown jewel of the region.

 
Ancient treasures await in Vergina, first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia and site of Philip of Macedon’s burial and Alexander’s coronation, and at the Royal Tombs of Lefkadia, home to a remarkably preserved archaeological museum. At nearby Naousa, a vineyard tour and tasting will include authentic Macedonian wine from the Xinomavro grape, which Alexander the Great may once have savoured.

During Philip and Alexander's expansion, numerous city-states were strategically founded or rebuilt as military outposts and centres for treaties and battles. At Philippi, nearby gold mines played a significant role in funding military expeditions and luxurious lifestyles. Amphipolis was a crucial centre during Alexander's campaigns into Asia, acting as the residence for three of his key generals: Nearchus, Androsthenes and Laomedon. Excavations of the site have revealed numerous remnants including tombs, political buildings, ancient walls and artefacts, including the Lion of Amphipolis – a monument dedicated to Laomedon.

In addition to visits associated with Philip and Alexander, the tour will include important sites linked to Aristotle, Alexander's teacher and a fundamental figure in Western philosophy. Aristotle's birthplace, Stagira, features remnants of ancient walls and the philosopher’s possible tomb; while Alexander and other young Macedonian nobles received their education at the School of Aristotle in Meiza.

 
A major religious center, the ancient village of Dion housed the principal Macedonian sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. Here, Alexander offered sacrifices to this ruling and protective deity before his Persian campaign; and numerous victory celebrations and festivals also took place, featuring theatrical and athletic contests honouring Zeus and the Muses.

 
We will stay at the four-star Royal Hotel, Perea. Set on top of a hill near Thessaloniki, it offers stunning views over the city and the Thermaikos Gulf. Comfortable and welcoming, this hotel provides an ideal base for our visits throughout the region of Ancient Macedonia.

This tour will be led by Aristotle Koskinas. Aristotle is an archaeologist, specialising in the classical era and a pioneer of the study of ancient roof tiles and architectural terracottas in Greece. Throughout his career, he has participated in and supervised various excavations and restoration projects conducted by the Greek Ministry of Culture as well as taken part in surface survey projects conducted by the Greek Research Foundation and the University of Thessaly. Following this, he graduated from the Greek School of Tourist Guides, combining his love of storytelling and archaeology, leading and organising cultural tours all over Greece. He also lectures on Greek history and archaeology, has published several papers and taken part in conventions about architectural terracottas.