This is a full day tour. Pick up
from the Athens hotel at 8 AM
In ancient times Delphi was known as the "navel of the world", the
place where heaven and earth met. This was the centre of worship of
Apollo, son of Zeus. Here, at the Delphi temple, the spirit of Apollo
could be
consulted (via am oracle priestess) for advice on people's lives or on
affairs of state. In ancient times, pilgrims would hike
for days on difficult mountain paths to consult with Delphi's oracle but
in modern times, with paved roads and tour buses, a trip from Athens to Delphi can
be done in three hours through scenic countryside.
Along the way you will see the City of Theva (birthplace of
King Oedipus). There is a short rest stop outside the town of
Levadia before heading for Mount Parnassos and Delphi. In this
spectacular setting you will hear fascinating tales of Greek mythology. With an
expert guide you will see the Castalia Spring, the archaeological
site, the monument to the Argive Kings, the Treasury of the
Athenians, the Athenian Stoa, the Polygonal Wall (its interlocking
stones are perfectly intact after thousands of years), the Monument
of Platea and the Temple of Apollo which was famous for its oracle
and its eternal flame. You will tour the Delphi Museum with its
spectacular exhibits including a famous bronze Charioteer which was created to
commemorate a victory during the 476 BC Pythian Games which were
held at Delphi every four years (fore-runner to the Olympic Games).
After a late lunch at a taverna, the bus heads back to
Athens via the picturesque mountain village of Arachova. Return to Athens about 6 PM.
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