DELPHI & METEORA TOUR (2 days)

FIRST DAY ITINERARY

A wonderful Delphi Meteora tour. Pick up from your hotel. Suggested time about 08:00am. We shall drive via Viotia Prefecture. We shall pass outside of Theves and Levadia and we’ll reach at the first site of the tour, the traditional village of Arachova (famous ski center also very famous for its carpets) which is located at the foot of mount Parnassos. After Arachova about noon we shall reach at the navel of the earth or “the center of the world” – as it was regarded by the ancients – the famous Sanctuary of Delphi with the worldwide famous Oracle. You will visit The temple of Athena Pronaia (the Tholos ), the Gymnasium, the Castalian Spring, the Temple of Apollo, the Polygonal wall, the sacred way, the treasury house of Athenians, the Treasury of the Siphnians the ancient Stadium and the old theater. In the Museum of Delphi you will admire unique treasures such as the world famous bronze Charioteer a masterpiece of classical Greek art, statues and minor objects donated to the sanctuary. After the visit to Delphi we’ll go to the modern village of Delphi where you will enjoy your lunch at a traditional Greek tavern. Then our private tour continues with driving through the Mount Parnassos. We shall pass via traditional villages such as Gravia, Bralo, Lamia. We continue our driving and in the evening we arrive in Kalampaka town located near to Meteora Rocks (also known as “The Rocks of the God”). Free time for walk and dinner in Kalampaka and then you will spend your night at a hotel.

SECOND DAY ITINERARY

After having your breakfast we will “climb” to the impressive rocks of Meteora in Greek means “middle of the sky”. Meteora one of the largest and most important complexes of Greek Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. In the 9th century AD, an ascetic group of hermit monks moved up to the ancient pinnacles. They were the first people to inhabit Meteora. They lived in hollows and fissures in the rock towers, some of which reach 1800 ft (550m) above the plain. Average elevation is 313 meters (1,027 ft ). The exact date of the establishment of the monasteries is unknown. With the unique phenomenon to have on their top Orthodox monasteries the whole complex of the rocks with the monasteries has been listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. You’ll have the opportunity to visit and admire the most important monasteries (at least five) such as the Monastery of Great Meteoron, the Monastery of Rousanou, the Monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Triniti), the Varlaam Monastery, the Monastery of Saint Nikolaos Anapafsa and the Monastery of Saint Stephanos. After having lunch and during our way back to Athens we shall have our last stop in Thermopylae where the famous battle between the Greeks and the Persians took place in 480 B.C. You will admire the marvelous statue of King of Sparta, Leonidas who with 300 Spartans and 700 Thespians faced numerous Persian forces under the command of King Xerxes A’. It was there that Leonidas told to Xerxes the world famous phrase “Μολών Λαβέ (Molon Lave) ” which means “Come and Get It”. Our two days private tour reaches to an end with our arrival to Athens.

• We use vehicles, legal and licensed by the Greek National Tourism Organization, smoke-free, fully air-conditioned.
• Rates include all tolls, fuel, parking fees, and baggage charges.
• Not included: Drinks, meals, entrance fees, accommodation, licensed guides.
• Tours are private, personal, and flexible just for you and your party.
• Opening Hours:
  Delphi: 08:00 a.m. – 15:00 p.m.,
  Meteora Monasteries: 09:00 a.m. – 17:00 p.m. (approx)
• Tickets:
  • Delphi: Museum & Archaeological Site Full: €12 / Reduced: €6
  • Meteora: 2€ per adult, free under 18 years old.
  • Reduced ticket: European citizens over 65 years old, University students
  • Free entrance: Children and young people up to the age of 25, from EU member-states, upon presentation of their ID card or passport for verification of their age and country of origin.
  • Children up to the age of 5, from non-European Union countries, upon presentation of their passport for verification of their age and country of origin.

Vehicle: SUV Volkswagen or Mercedes sedan – Capacity: Up to 3 persons + driver
Price: €820

Vehicle: Mercedes Minivan – Capacity: 4-7 people
Price: €980

Vehicle: Mercedes Minibus – Capacity: 8-15 people
Price: €1320

Vehicle: Mercedes Minibus  – Capacity: 16-19 persons + driver
Price: €1594

Museums and Archaeological sites are closed:

• 1 January: closed
• 6 January: closed
• 25 March: closed
• Good Friday: until 12:00 closed
• Easter Sunday: closed
• 1 May: closed
• 25 December: closed
• 26 December: closed

Museums and Archaeological sites are open 08.30-15.00:

• Shrove Monday:
• Holy Saturday
• Easter Monday
• Holy Spirit Day
• 15 August
• 28 October