Full Day Delphi and Arachova Tour

Alongside Delphi, you will enjoy the picturesque Greek town of Arachova well known for its handmade goods.

Considered the centre of the world, the place where heaven and earth meet, the impressive ruins of Apollo's Sanctuary, Apollo's Temple still stands against the rocky background of Mount Parnassus, where the holly purging ice-cold waters of Castalia Spring never stopped flowing down, where its theatre echoes around the landscape.

In this tour we will travel along the main highway passing by Thieves the kingdom of Oedipus (Oedipus Complex) and we will arrive in Delphi. Later, we will have some free time to visit the museum with the famous bronze Charioteer, the statue of Antinoos, the ancient sanctuary and all the renowned ruins of the Omphalos (Navel) of the Ancient world while our guide will refer to each part of the history till today.

You will feel the mystery in the Temple of Apollo where Pythia (the Oracle) was seated on her tripod and delivered her prophecies.

Delphi was inhabited since Mycenaean times 4000 years ago by small settlements who were dedicated to the gigantic female, Mother Earth.

Delphi is perhaps best known for the oracleat the sanctuary that was dedicated to Apollo during the classical period. According to Aeschylusin the prologue of the Eumenides, it had origins in prehistoric times and the worship of Gaia. In the last quarter of the 8th century BC there is a steady increase in artifacts found at the settlement site in Delphi, which was a new, post-Mycenaean settlement of the late 9th century. Pottery and bronze work as well as tripod dedications continue in a steady stream, in comparison to Olympia. Neither the range of objects nor the presence of prestigious dedications proves that Delphi was a focus of attention for a wide range of worshippers, but the large quantity of high value goods, found in no other mainland sanctuary, certainly encourages that view.

We will continue our tour by visiting the traditional Greek village of Arachova known for its famous handmade carpets.

Situated on the slope of Parnassos at an altitude of 1000 metres the picturesque village of Arachova was transformed during the last decade into a cosmopolitan centre of winter holidays and ski resort. It is from there that many depart for an extra 35 kilometres trip to the skiing centres of Parnassos. The high altitude and the traditional architecture characterize Arachova as one of the most picturesque mountain villages of Greece.

Finally, crossing through the cities of Levadia and Thieves we will return to Athens.

Included:

English-speaking driver/escort

Transportation by air-conditioned, free wi-fi, non smoking private van/car

Local taxes

Highlights:

Delphi,Temple of Apollo, Castalia Spring, Athenian Treasury,Arachova village