Overnight stops (in date order): Alexandroupolis; Serres; Vergina (x2); Kastraki (x2)
The cotton harvest was in full-swing when we arrived in northern Greece.
We spent a couple of days on the beach at Alexandroupolis
with a view from our dinner table
of the sun setting over Samothraki Island.
Being in the heart of Macedonia, we became steeped in the story of Alexander the Great.
Although there is not a lot left of Ancient Pella, his birthplace,
the archaeological findings attest to the military might
and wealth
of the city which became the new capital of Macedonia.
The previous Macedonian capital of Aigai – in the modern town of Vergina –
is more spectacular. Close to the palace,
Aigai’s massive necropolis served as the Macedonian cemetery for centuries. At its heart is the tumulus
that covers the royal tombs from the time of Alexander. The centrepiece is the tomb of Alexander’s father Philip II;
which contained extraordinary treasures;
including the golden ‘larnax’ that contained his bones;
following his assassination, at the age of 42, in the theatre at Agai
during the wedding of his daughter. This event led to Alexander
being crowned king and going off to conquer the World.
