Excursion Ancient dion tour at Thessaloniki

Visit the ancient city of Dion, located on the mountain where the gods of Greek mythology once resided and the most important sacred city of the Ancient Macedonians.

Ancient Dion

From the port of Thessaloniki, a one-hour scenic drive south takes you to the renowned archaeological park where you will discover exciting remains of this once important centre of worship. The town was founded in the 5th century B.C. at the foot of Mount Olympus, home to the gods of classical Greece. Here at Dion, festivals and games took place that lasted nine days. They were dedicated to the divinities of art and culture, known as the nine muses. Alexander the Great is said to have offered a sacrifice to the gods before heading with his fleet to Minor Asia. Dion grew and flourished until the 5th century A.D., when an earthquake brought everything to a standstill.

Guided Walking Tour

Start your visit exploring the part outside the walls that has been transformed into a park. Your walk will take you past sanctuaries of the Olympic gods, a Roman theatre and the Hellenistic theatre, still used today during the summer festival for performances. Then continue with your visit inside the walls. As you follow your guide through the streets of the ancient city, you can see the Roman baths complex and the Odeon. Farther along is the Sanctuary of Ascleipious, whose worship was connected with the healing of the body, and the Villa of Dionysos with its unique mosaic floor.

Archaeological Museum

Your visit to the museum complements what you have seen in the Archaeological park. Exhibits on two floors feature remains from the first cult of Zeus and its sanctuary near the site of Mt. Olympus, including vases, jewellery and statues from the Villa of Dionysos. Construction materials, building tools and coins unearthed during the excavation provide a look at everyday life in ancient Dion.

The tour concludes with a return drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Dion, Streets of the Ancient City, Roman Baths Complex, the Odeon, Sanctuary of Ascleipious, Archaeological Museum

Note

Please note: The visit to the archaeological site requires extensive walking, mainly on uneven ground, with several steps. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. We recommend wearing flat, rubber soled shoes and bringing a sun hat. Please be advised that maximum allowed to enter museums might be reached at the time Silversea guests arrive. Therefore, a delay might occur while waiting for some visitors to exit the museum.