Discover Olympia, Delphi and Meteora on this historical 3-day tour leaving from Athens. Admire views of the Aegean Sea at the Corinth Canal and enter the birthplace of the legendary Olympic Games at Olympia. Walk around the archaeological site and find the ruins of the Temple of Zeus. Explore the wonders of each city, including the Delphi Archaeological Site, museum, stadium, and the Oracle of Delphi. See nature’s wonders and marvel at the beautiful architecture and learn more about the history of the monasteries in Meteora.
We will depart from your accommodation in Athens early in the morning. After a short drive we will arrive at the Canal of Corinth and admire a breathtaking view. The Corinth Canal separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, and you will have the chance to watch ships crossing through the passage below that connects the Aegean and the Ionian Sea.
After that short stop we will drive towards western Peloponnese and watch the cityscape disappear into the distance as we drive through the countryside towards Olympia.
In the “Valley of Gods“, as it is called, lies the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece, and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Upon arrival you can visit the museum and the archeological site, that has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and marvel the remains of the Temple of Zeus.
You will also have the chance to admire the Altis – the sanctuary of Gods. In addition to the temples, there are also the remains of all the sports structures erected for the Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia every four years beginning in 776 B.C.
When you return from your time travel in ancient history you can have lunch at a typical local restaurant, and free time before getting some rest in your hotel.
Second day begins early in the morning, and we will drive to Delphi after we make a stop first in the Monastery of Saint Lucas, a few miles from Delphi and admire one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine art and see the beauty of a site included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
We will head on to Delphi, located on the spur of Mount Parnassus, in a luxury Mercedes minivan or minibus driven by an English-speaking escort/driver. On our way, we will admire the Greek countryside, colorful villages and we will take a short stop at Arachova, situated on the hills of the Parnassus Mountains, one of the most famous ski resorts in Greece, and you will immerse yourself in its picturesque atmosphere.
A short drive from Arachova and we will cross into the land of King Oedipus, a tragic mythical hero whose fate was determined after receiving a message from the Oracle from Delphi. Delphi is one of the most important destinations in Greece, once considered the center of the world. You will have the chance to visit archeological site and admire the theater and the view of the surrounding mountains. You will gain insight into the world of the Ancient Greeks. You can visit the Temple of Apollo and learn all about common ancient rituals and admire the Oracle of Delphi, the most famous oracle of ancient Greece dedicated to the god Apollo and Pythia was the median, which communicated with the god and made the prophecies that were recorded and interpreted by the priests.
After the exploration of the Delphi site, you will discover the stories behind some of the most important artifacts of antiquity in the Museum of Delphi and marvel at the unique bronze Charioteer, the Naxian Sphinx, and the Statue of Antinoos, which provide insight into ancient Greek culture and history.
When you return from the museum and you can enjoy the option to grab lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy delicious Greek cuisine and at the same time enjoy the uniqueness of the landscape, history, and culture in the area, and learn more about the Legend of Zeus releasing two eagles.
Finally, you can have a good night sleep at one of the great hotels in Delphi.
Second day starts early in the morning after enjoying a rich breakfast. Meteora offers a unique experience of nature’s grandeur in conjunction with history, architecture from the early Christian times, the Meteora vertical cliffs were regarded as the perfect place to achieve absolute isolation, to discover peace and harmony and, thus, to support man’s eternal struggle for spiritual elevation.
Meteora is a truly inspiring and sensational setting of overwhelming rock formations, but one must also be prepared to expect that this trip is much more than merely visiting an exquisite landscape. In a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these ‘columns of the sky’ from the 11th century onwards.
If you wish you can have your expert guide, who will lead the way while telling you the history and stories of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site.
There are 6 active Eastern Orthodox monasteries which you may visit. You can visit the monasteries and take amazing photos because the view is imposing, unique and breathtaking. The monasteries at Meteora date as far back as the 11th-century, and you will wonder how such a feat of engineering was achieved. The largest and most visited is the stunning Great Meteoron Monastery, founded in 1356.
Another popular site is the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, visually dramatic and seen in the James Bond movie “For Your Eyes Only”. There is also a museum, beautiful frescos and a variety of religious icons and books to be discovered.
Please note, access to the sites is on foot only, and involves climbing stairs and some narrow pathways.
The location is as compelling as the architecture, with the monasteries peacefully placed on top of huge vertical cliffs which rise from the Plain of Thessaly. The whole area is a dramatic backdrop for some fantastic photos to remember your visit to Meteora.
You will have time for lunch and then, having seen one of the most imposing parts all over the world your private transportation will return you to Athens in comfort once again, finishing with drop-off at your hotel.
| INCLUDED |
|
||||
| NOT INCLUDED |
|
Additional information
| Lisenced Guide | Upon Request |
|---|
