Delphi-Meteora

Day 1

Our trip begins in the morning and as we head north on the coastal National Highway, we pass through the charming village of Arachova.  At about a distance of 180 km from Athens, nestled high at the foot of Mount Parnassos, we reach Delphi, one of the most sacred and beautiful ancient sites in Greece, known as the cultural and religious center and referred to in the ancient years as the “Navel of Earth.”  You will have the opportunity to visit the Sanctuary of Delphi (4th century BC).   Here is where according to mythology, the Pythia, a priestess who served as the Oracle, was widely credited for her prophecies inspired by the spirit of the god Apollo.  Continue with a visit the Temple of Apollo, the Castallian Spring, the Ancient Stadium that hosted the Pythian Games, and follow the sacred way to the Athenian Treasury.  You will also have the opportunity to visit the Museum of Delphi, which exhibits many archaeological treasures.

We stop for lunch at a traditional tavern before we continue our journey along the cities of Lamia, Trikala, and finally arrive to Kalabaka, where we will spend the night.

Day 2

After breakfast, your driver will take you to the highlight of your trip, the Meteora Monasteries, characterized by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage.  The second most important monastic site in Orthodox Christianity where you will feel the natural beauty of the landscape combined with the historical and spiritual context of the area.   Admire ageless Monasteries containing historical and religious treasures.  Even if your interests are not deeply religious, this is a truly unique and inspiring experience not to be missed!

At Meteora, in a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monasteries were built by monks who were previously hermits in the area and who settled on these “columns of the sky” from the 11th century onwards.  With much determination, it took months and years to carry the construction materials to the top of the rocks some as high as 550 meters (1800 ft), using ropes, folding ladders, nets and baskets.  Twenty-four of these monasteries were built, despite incredible difficulties only 6 of them have made it through the centuries.  You will have the opportunity to visit 2 or 3 of these monasteries that will be open to the public.

Following lunch at a traditional tavern in Kalabaka or Kastraki village, we begin our return trip back to Athens.  On our way, we will make a short stop is Thermopylae, where one of the most memorable battles of all times took place.  In 480 BC, 300 Spartan warriors led by King Leonidas battled against the Persian army of Xerxes.  Here the statue of Leonidas was erected as a symbol of his bravery.