As it has become the custom since the first FIPSE, a cultural tour is tentatively planned for Sunday, July 5, before the conference starts. Participants are encouraged to arrive a day early and enjoy a delightful visit to the site of Vergina near the city of Pella, an ancient town located in Central Macedonia, Greece, just 45 Km west of Thessaloniki. King Perdikas founded Vergina, the first capital of Macedon, in the 7th Century BC; it was formally known as Aigaes. Even though the capital was later moved to Pella, it was still used as the royal burial grounds. The town of Vergina became internationally famous in 1977 when the Greek archaeologist Manolis Andronikos unearthed what he claimed was the burial site of the kings of Macedonia, including the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. This is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece and should not be missed. A bus starting from the hotel on Sunday morning will depart the hotel for a daily trip with lunch at the site.
(This is a tentative plan at present. It will be confirmed in early 2026 when conference registration will open.)
