November to March Every Wednesday
From April to October 2018
Every Monday from 09/4 to 22/10
Every Wednesday from 4/4 to 31/10
Every Thursday from 5/4 to 25/10
Saturdays only the following dates : 21/04 - 05/05 - 12/05 - 19/05 - 26/05 - 02/06 - 09/06 - 16/06 - 23/06 - 30/06 - 07/07 - 21/07 - 04/08 - 25/08 - 01/09 - 08/09 - 15/09 - 22/09 - 29/09 & 06/10
Dep. 08.45 - Ret. 19.00 (2nd day)
Day 1: Arachova-Delphi Archaelogical Site-Overnight and Dinner Kalambaka
Today is the first day of your 2 day tour and we will start by taking a drive through the fertile plains of Beotia, this route will pass us by the towns of Thebes, Levadia and also via the beautiful village of Arachova til we arrive at our destination which is Delphi. Our day in Delphi will begin by taking a visit to explore the famous Archaeological site were we will be able to explore various important buildings such as – Treasuries From the entrance of the site and continuing up the slope nearly almost to the temple itself you will see a large number of votive statues and numerous treasuries. These were built by the various Greek city states and from those overseas as well as those on the mainland to commemorate victories and to thank the oracle for her advice which was thought to have contributed to the victories. They are called "treasuries" because they held the offerings made to Apollo, these were frequently a "tithe" or tenth of the spoils of a battle. The most impressive is the now-restored Athenian Treasury built to commemorate the Athenians' victory at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE. Altar of the Chians – are situated in front of the Temple of Apollo, the main altar of the sanctuary was paid for and built by the people of Chios and is dated back to the 5th century BCE by the inscription on its cornice. It was made entirely from black marble except for the base and cornice the altar would have made a striking impression. Theatre - The ancient theatre of Delphi was built further up the hill from the Temple of Apollowhich gave the spectators a view of the entire sanctuary and the valley hidden below. The theatre has 35 rows and would seat up to 5,000 spectators. There are many more buildings and constructions to see at Delphi’s archaeological site such as the Stadium, Hippodrome, Polygonal Wall, Castalian spring, Athletic statues, Sibyl rock, Tholos, Stoa of the Athenians, all of these buildings have an importance but none are as worldwide known as the Temple of Apollo - The Temple of Apollo at Delphi had a major influence over world events tor several centuries and to see the remains of the temple is inspiring, especially with it been surrounded by beautiful scenery gives it that extra edge of authencity, and as people say it’s a ‘Must See’. After you have seen around the ancient site its then time to taken for see the Museum, The museum houses the ancient artifacts that were found in Delphi with the main center piece been the antiquities that were found in the complex of the Ancient Oracle back in the 18th Century BC. As you explore around the museum you will come across many incredible artifacts such as Charioteer of Delphi, Omphalos, Pediments from the Temple of Apollo, The Sphinx of Naxos, Chryselephantine sculpture of Apollo, and much more…!
Now you have took in all the wonders of Delphi we will now depart from here and make our way to Kalambaka by passing through beautiful picturesque villages and towns of Central Greece, as we arrive at Kalambaka you will be taken to your hotel where you can enjoy a delicious dinner followed by an overnight stay as tomorrow you will be taking part in the amazing Meteora Tour.
Day 2: Meteora Monasteries -Agia Triada or Holy Trinity-Megalo Meteoro or Metamorphisis
Meteora when translated can mean ‘‘Middle of the Sky / suspended in the air / in the heavens above’’and the reason for this name will unfold and come a lot clearer to you as you explore. It is also one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in all of Greece, it has 6 monasteries that have been built upon very high natural sandstone rock pillars, it very much is a rare geological phenomenon and is one of the mysteries of nature and there are many theories though they remain theories and none have been proven. The monasteries were and still are occupied by Monks and would use baskets tied to ropes and ladders for access to the top but now there have been roadways built to make it a lot easier for reach. The 6 monasteries are called Agia Triada or Holy Trinity – was founded by the monk Dometius in the 15th century and was the monastery used for the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. It is decorated with wall paintings from the 18th century by the brothers Antonios and Nikolaos, Varlaam Monastery - The monastery houses an important collection of relics, intricately carved wooden crosses, icons, embroidered epitaphoi and many other ecliastical treasures, Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas - was built in the 16th Century by Dionysious, is decorated with marvellous wall paintings by the renowned Cretan Iconographer Theophanis Bathas-Strelitzas, Roussanou Monastery - was founded in 1545 by Joasaph and Maximos, two brothers from Epirus built this monastery on the ruins of an even older church, on the inside it contains outstanding wall paintings, wood iconstasis, panel icons and icon stands, Megalo Meteoro or Metamorphisis - the first church of the Transfiguration is the best known of the Monasteries and is built upon the highest rock. Legend has it that the Serbian Emporor Symeon Uros gave the monastry all his wealth and became a monk so it then became to be the richest and most powerful of all the monasteries and contains some of the most beautiful wall paintings and post Byzantine Mural art that can be found in Greece as well as a museum collection in the refectory. And the last of the 6 monasteries is Agios Stefanos - is the only convent in Meteora and has an unimpeded view of the plain towards Kalambaka and the saint's skull which was given to the nuns as a gift from Prince Vladislav of Wallachia is kept here. Meteora is without a doubt a real wonder of the world not only for its unique structure but also for its heavenly appearance and views from the top of the cliffs.
After the visit to Meteora we shall start our drive back with the route that leads through Thessaly, Lamia, and Thermopylae where we will come across Leonidas Monument – he was the third son of Anaxandridas II of Sparta and a warrior king of the Greek city-state of Sparta and he was known to have led the Spartan forces during the Second Persian War, he is famously remembered for his heroic death at the Battle of Thermopylae, there will be a short stop here so your can capture some astounding photographs of the monument as soon after we will continue on the road til we arrive back into Athens by early evening and from here it is time to say goodbye to your guide as you make your way to head back home.
We trust that your short tour of time travelling through has been everything that you expected and a whole lot more, we shall look forward to seeing you again in the near future on one of our other many tours around Greece.
N.B. Visit the Museum in Delphi is not included. Please ladies for the visit of the Monastery you need a skirt and the gentlemen long trousers. Clients staying at the coast will depart for their hotels, from tour organizer terminal around 19.30 hrs.
The above rates do not include the New "City TAX" for overnights in hotels. The accommodation Tax will be payable by the guests prior to their check-out as following: 5* hotel: 4,00 € per overnight per room, 4* hotel: 3,00 € per overnight per room, 3* hotel: 1,50 € per overnight per room.
No extra hidden cost..!
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INCLUSIONS
1 night hotel accommodation in Athens
2 Full day Tour to Meteora,Delphi
Entrance fees to the sites, during guided sightseeing tours
All transfers as mentioned
Daily breakfast
1 Dinner
Hotel taxes
EXCLUSIONS
Visit the Museum in Delphi is not included.
Gratuities to the guide and driver
Lunch & Drink
Personal expenses
The above rates do not include the New "City TAX" for overnights in hotels. The accommodation Tax will be payable by the guests prior to their check-out as following: 5* hotel: 4,00 € per overnight per room, 4* hotel: 3,00 € per overnight per room, 3* hotel: 1,50 € per overnight per room.
November to March Every Wednesday-
From April to October 2018- Every Monday from 09/4 to 22/10
Every Wednesday from 4/4 to 31/10-Every Thursday from 5/4 to 25/10
Saturdays only the following dates : 21/04 - 05/05 - 12/05 - 19/05 - 26/05 - 02/06 - 09/06 - 16/06 - 23/06 - 30/06 - 07/07 - 21/07 - 04/08 - 25/08 - 01/09 - 08/09 - 15/09 - 22/09 - 29/09 & 06/10
Dep. 08.45 - Ret. 19.00 (2nd day)
