Excursion at Delphi
On this tour, on central Greece, you can visit the city of Leivadia with its famous cold springs and the beautiful medieval castle.
The traditional town of Arachova that lies on the hills of mount Parnassus, the most popular location among winter sport enthusiasts.
Delphi is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in having had a great influence in the ancient world. Before returnig to Athens you can opt to stop at Itea.
A small town with a beautiful beach where you could enjoy diving before going back to the city.
Pausanias, writing in the 2nd century AD, reported that the original name of the city was Mideia, and that it took its name Lebadeia from Lebados of Athens, who moved the city from high to low ground, to its current location on the banks of the Herkyna river.
The sacred protector of the city was the hero/god Trophonios, whose oracle, involving a harrowing descent into an underground chamber, was famous beyond the borders of Greece. At the springs of the Herkyna river are shallow grottos with niches and marble remnants said to be the site of the oracle.
On the hill above is a small medieval castle, mostly the work of the Catalan Company during the 14th century, accessible by foot. This is one of only four Catalan castles in Greece.
It is a tourist destination due to its location in the mountains, its traditions and its proximity to the town of Delphi.
The town is a popular day or weekend trip destination from Attica and a gathering place for the rich and famous. Arachova has a panoramic view, uphill small houses and the cobbled streets show a picturesque architecture.
The town center includes a huge and steep cliff, the Bell Tower, covered with dense ivy. At the top of the tower is a large 10m height clock. Arachova is famous for its black wine, its “brusque”, the colorful textiles, carpets and rugs, handicrafts and woodcut creations as well.
Delphi in ancient times was a sacred precinct that served as the seat of Pythia, the major oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world.
The ancient Greeks considered the centre of the world to be in Delphi, marked by the stone monument known as the omphalos (navel).
Delphi Archaeological museum is one of the principal museums of Greece and one of the most visited. It is operated by the Greek Ministry of Culture (Ephorate of Antiquities of Phocis).
Founded in 1903, it has been rearranged several times and houses the discoveries made at the Panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which date from the Late Helladic (Mycenean) period to the early Byzantine era.
Organised in fourteen rooms on two levels, the museum mainly displays statues, including the famous Charioteer of Delphi, architectural elements, like the frieze of the Siphnian Treasury and ex votos dedicated to the sanctuary of Pythian Apollo, like the Sphinx of Naxos.
The exhibition floor space is more than 2270m2, while the storage and conservation rooms (mosaics, ceramics and metals) take up 558m2.
Visitors are also catered to by an entrance hall, a cafeteria and a gift shop.