Delphi

Monastery of Hosios Loukas - The Hosios Loukas Monastery, meaning “Esteemed Saint Luke,” was not constructed in honor of Luke the Evangelist but was founded by the Greek monk Loukas. He was interred in the monastery’s crypt upon his death in AD 953. One of the most remarkable features of the monastery is visible at the entrance. Looking up, visitors can admire a stunning gold mosaic of the saint. Attached to the abbey is a large church, Katholikon, which is connected to a smaller temple, or Theotokos, built between 997 and 1011 to honor the Virgin Mary.

The temples are adorned with numerous frescoes and mosaics, all impeccably preserved. Beneath the Katholikon lies the crypt where the saint’s remains rest.

Although Hosios Loukas is smaller, the structure may remind visitors of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul or St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice.

Delphi - The visit will include Castalia spring, the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the ancient Stadium, the ancient Theatre, the unique bronze Charioteer, and the Museum. In Greek mythology, Delphi was considered the navel of the earth, the site of the Delphic Oracle, and a major center for the worship of the god Apollo after he defeated the Python, a dragon that guarded the earth’s navel. Apollo communicated through his oracle.

The priestess of the oracle, known as the Pythia, was required to be an older woman and sat on a tripod seat over an opening in the earth. Apollo possessed Pythia, and she delivered prophecies. People sought the Delphic Oracle’s guidance on everything from significant public policy issues to personal matters. The Oracle wielded significant influence throughout the Greek world and was consulted before all major events. The sightseeing at the archaeological site of Delphi will conclude with visits to the Temple of Athena Pronea and the Gymnasium.

Delphi Archaeological Museum - The Archaeological Museum of Delphi, one of Greece’s most significant museums, showcases the history of the Delphic sanctuary, home to the most renowned ancient Greek oracle. Its extensive collections primarily consist of architectural sculptures, statues, and minor objects donated to the sanctuary. These items reflect its religious, political, and artistic activities from its early years in the eighth century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity.

The museum is housed in a two-story building with a total area of 2,270 square meters, featuring fourteen exhibition rooms, 558 square meters of storerooms, and conservation laboratories for pottery, metal objects, and mosaics.

Arachova - The traditional town of Arachova is situated just 10km from Delphi. A visit to Arachova reveals the charming blend of old and new, set against the sacred grounds of Apollo’s mountain.

Arachova is undoubtedly the queen of Parnassos. It is built in an amphitheatric manner and spreads magnificently across the southern slopes of Parnassus, at an altitude of 960 meters, culminating at a cliff where the Pleistos River flows.

Arachova is vibrant and full of life. Its wild beauty, combined with its unaltered traditional character, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and the numerous activities offered by the majestic Mount Parnassos, rightfully place it at the forefront of Greek winter tourism and among the top destinations for other seasons as well.

Kalambaka - The journey will continue through the mountains of central Greece, arriving at Kalambaka, a significant town renowned for the second-largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries in Greece after Mount Athos, Meteora. The night will be spent in a hotel in Kalambaka. If time permits, the breathtaking sunset from the rock of Meteora will be enjoyed.

The night will be spent at a local hotel.

Meteora

Meteora - The following morning, three of the six “suspended in the air” Monasteries, built on natural sandstone rock pillars, will be visited. The Meteora Monasteries, dating back to the 11th century, are included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites. The James Bond movie “For Your Eyes Only” was filmed at the Monastery of Holy Trinity.

Thermopylae Museum - Thermopylae, also known as the Hot Gates, is a significant town famous for the battle between the Greek forces, including the 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas, and the Persians in 480 BC, commemorated by Simonides in the famous epitaph, “Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, That here obedient to their laws we lie.” The monument of King Leonidas was erected at the battlefield, reminding everyone of the sacrifice of those patriots for a free country.

• Private transportation
• Bottled water
• On-board WiFi
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Professional drivers

• All meals
• Entance fees (Total Cost 28 Euros per adult)
• Two Local Licensed tour guides upon request, depending on availability (Additional Cost: 340 Euros)
• Airport pickup and drop off (Additional cost)
• Gratuities
• Hotel Accommodation

• Your tour is totally private. No unknown passengers will participate in your group.
• Infant car seats are available upon request

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.