Kavala is amphitheatrically built on the slopes of Mt. Symvolo forming one of the most picturesque cities in Greece. The city's history dates back to the Prehistoric times with the core being continuously inhabited since the 7th century BC. After 2500 years though, at the beginning of the 16th century, Kavala expanded maintaining these new borders until 1870; it was only after 1928 that it began to shape its today structure. Its strategic and economic importance over the centuries is attributed to its strategic position in Via Egnatia, which traversed the city connecting East and West, to its port and to the natural fortification of the peninsula, on which the old city was built.

Entering the port your eyes are drawn to the Acropolis with the Castle sitting atop protecting the city. These were built between 1425 and 1530 AD on the ruins of a byzantine castle. Unfortunately for me a bout of food poisoning has seen me cabin bound for the day and that is as much as I am able to see. Fortunately my travelling companion stepped up to the mark and has been able to provide today's photos to complement the information provided by our key lecturers aboard ship.

Kamares, meaning arches, are the trademark of Kavala and a listed monument. It is actually an aqueduct built in 1550 by the Sultan Suleiman II, the Magnificent and repaired in the 19th century by Mehmet Ali to serve the water supply needs of the City. It is a monumental construction, 52 meters high, consisting of 60 arches.

Today's tour was to ancient Philippi, one of the most important archaeological sites of eastern Macedonia. As you walk amongst the ruins you are invited to imagine the battle where Mark Antony and Octavian defeated Brutus and Cassius. You are invited to walk in the footsteps of Saint Paul. A highlight of the tour was a visit to the Greek Orthodox basilica beside the stream where Lydia, St Paul's first European convert to Christianity, was baptised.

Looks amazing. Hope I am better tomorrow ......