A trip to the “centre of the world”
Your personal driver will pick you up from your hotel or cruise ship, at the arranged time.
Our first stop will be the Fortress of Levadeia . The castle lies on the naturally fortified hill of Aghios Elias, overlooking the modern town of Levadeia. The construction of the castle was begun in the 13th century but most of what is now seen dates from the Catalan occupation of the city, lasting from 1309 until 1380. In 1458 it was captured by the Turks and remained under their control until the liberation of Levadeia.
At the foot of Mount Parnassos, within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the Phaedriades, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, set within a most spectacular landscape, was for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. According to mythology the site was sacred to Mother Earth and was guarded by the terrible serpent Python, who was later killed by Apollo and his sanctuary was built there.The Delphic oracle, which was at its peak, was regarded as the most trustworthy and was delivered by the Pythia, the priestess, and interpreted by the priests of Apollo.Cities, rulers and ordinary individuals alike consulted the oracle, expressing their gratitude with great gifts.
At the archaeological site of Delphi we are going to admire the Temples of Apollo and Athena, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Stoa of the Athenians, the Ancient theatre of Delphi, the Ancient Gymnasium of Delphi, the Ancient Stadium, the Tholos of Athena Pronaia and the Castalian fountain. Then we are going to visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi.
Arachova, a small town known not only for its ski center, but also for the manufacturing of traditional carpets is located nearby.
We are going to sit at one of the taverns at the hillside of mount Parnassos and taste greek traditional plates.
On our way back we will visit the Monastery of Saint Loukas which is located on the western slopes of Mount Helicon. Saint Loukas is one of the best preserved monastery complexes of the Middle Byzantine period in Greece and it is designated as a World Heritage Site. Saint Loukaslived there as an ascetic the late years of his life, from 946 to 953 AD. He was known and beloved while he was alive. He treat patients, advised people at different types of problems and he was gifted with the ability to prophesy the future.
Our trip to the centre of the world” came to its end and your personal driver will take you back to your hotel or your cruise ship.
- Prices are fixed and all taxes are included.
- The price does not include the cost of entry to museums or archaeological sites, food or drinks.
- Drivers cannot enter sites with you, as they are not official tourist guides.
- We are in collaboration, with official tourist guides and we can book one, if you need.
- At anytime we can stop, in order to take pictures, have a drink or food, shop or anything else that you need.
- The order of visits on the tour may change due to circumstances.