2. What you can expect
In the morning, your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Athens and start your day trip to Delphi. On your way, you will have the chance to admire the views of Greece’s countryside and cross the land of King Oedipus, a tragic hero whose fate was determined after receiving an Oracle from Delphi. Arriving at Delphi, you will immediately feel the energy of the place. The Sanctuary of god Apollo dominates over the valley of Phocis and the view is truly breathtaking!
Transforming yourselves into ancient travelers for the festival of the Pythian Games, you will start your Delphi tour from the Castalian Spring, to satisfy your thirst. Together with your expert, state-licensed guide, you will revive the ancient rituals and experience first-hand all the steps the ancient people took before they were deemed worthy to ask and receive an oracle from the God Apollo!
During your tour, you will focus on the important message of Delphi and all that it represents: ‘Know thyself’... such a simple phrase, yet such an elusive virtue! Prepare yourselves for a unique journey and a revival of the ancient ways!
You also have the option to add 3D iPads with 3D reconstruction and virtual reality, which will allow you to see the extravagant and boastful votive offerings of great powers like Athens and Sparta and walk among an impressive collection of statues! This way, you will also be able to walk inside buildings and explore the mythical treasures offered to God Apollo and Delphi by powerful city-states.
After the tour of the Delphi site, you will discover the story behind some of the most important artifacts of antiquity in the Delphi Archaeological Museum. Marvel upon the metopes of the Athenian Treasury depicting the Labours of Hercules, the Exploits of Theseus and the Battle of the Amazons! Confront the fearsome riddles of the Sphinx and discover the story behind one of the best-known statues surviving from Ancient Greece!
Then, you will enjoy lunch with Greek traditional products at one of the local restaurants. After your meal, you can take a short drive to one of the below two destinations:
Option 1: Visit the Hosios Loukas Holy Monastery
The monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site) dates back to the 10th century BC and it is built in honor of Luke the Evangelist. In a landscape untouched by time, you will discover two magnificent Byzantine churches beautifully decorated with numerous frescoes and mosaics, all perfectly preserved. You can also visit the crypt, located under the Katholikon, where the remains of the saint who founded the monastery lie.
Option 2: Explore the traditional village of Arachova
The village of Arachova is one of the most famous winter destinations for Greeks and it boasts a rich tradition in the art of weaving. There is even a local folklore museum that you can visit which has an exact replica of a traditional loom (like the one Penelope used in the great epic poem The Odyssey). Stroll the picturesque alleys of the village and explore the traditional products on display while admiring the excellent views.
Finally, your Delphi private tour from Athens has come to an end. Your driver will pick you up and drive you back to the hotel or your desired place in Athens. You will have plenty of time in the car to contemplate what you discovered in Delphi; hopefully, you will be one step closer to 'knowing thyself'.
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