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Friday, June 6th 2008
Full day tour
Tour information:
Delphi lies 150 km north of Patras, the capital of
Achaia in north western Peloponnese.
| Tour starts: |
08.00 hrs |
| Arrive at Delfi: |
10.30 hrs |
| Guided tour to archaeological site & museum: |
10.30-12.30 hrs |
| Go to Galaxidi for lunch: |
14.00- 16.30 hrs |
| Return to Patras: |
18.30 hrs |
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| Price per person: |
€ 75 |
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Entrance Fees to all Archaeological sites
- Experienced English Speaking Guide
- Transfer from and to hotel in A/C coaches
- Taxes
- Lunch
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Delphi "Now the serene sense is supping with the Gods" This was the
interpretation of poet Angelos Sikelianos, who between 1927 and 1930 revived the Delphic Festival,
in Delphi the centre of earth, wishing to "instill the forgotten Delphic watchword in all human souls".
The tour starts from Rio, via the Rio-Antirion bridge, driving through a mountainous setting that offers
wonderful views to the immense olive groves of the valley of Amphissa with its elegant Franco Venetian
castle topping it.
Driving through the mountains we will reach the little village of Delphi, which is to be found in a
physically beautiful, historically wealthy and culturally very significant area.
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This is one of the most beautiful and impressive landscapes of Greece and the centre "omphalos"
of the world, according to the ancient myth.
The oracle of Delphi, home to the luminous god Apollo and a great religious centre of the ancient
Greeks lies on the slopes of mount Parnassus, in a dramatic scenery that creates a mystic atmosphere
and offers breathtaking views to the Delphic gorge and the Corinthian bay beyond it.
Legend says that Delphi was the point where two eagles, which had been released by Zeus at different
ends of the world, met again after their flight across the skies. Zeus threw the Sacred Stone at this
exact point, and Delphi became known as the centre of the world.
We will Visit the museum of Delphi with its spectacular findings including the world
famous Charioteer, the Naxian Sphinx, the statue of
Antinoos and wonder at the ancient sanctuary of Apollo. A place with a history
coming from Mythology with the oracle and the prophecy. The guided visit to the archaeological site and
the museum will take us back to ancient times.
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Delphi, was a sacred place which was inhabited by the Earth Goddess "Gea", and which was guarded by her child,
the serpent Python. Apollo, son of Zeus, left from the top of Mount Olympus to slay Python and therefore
make this area his own shrine. After the slaying of Python, Apollo left Delphi in self-imposed exile, both
as punishment, and to purify himself before returning. The area was named Delphi, after Delphis (meaning
dolphin in Greek).
Delphi was the most important shrine in Greece during the Archaic period, (750-550 BC), and every Greek city
which planned to start a colony overseas would first consult the Oracle before doing so. When these colonisations
were successful, offerings from the people of the towns were sent to Delphi as a thank you gesture
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Driving back through the olive grove of its valley we will reach the port of Itea and the charming coastal
town of Galaxidi, which was a maritime power in the past.
There we will have a delicious meal at a beautiful tavern right on the harbour of the town.
Before we head back to Patras we will enjoy a walk through its narrow streets flanked by neoclassical mansions
of the once prosperous inhabitants.
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