FIRST DAY ITINERARY

Pick up from your Hotel. Suggested time about 08:00am. We shall drive via Viotia Prefecture. We shall pass outside town of Theves and we reach our first site of the tour, the village of Chaeronea. Chaeronea was the site of several historical battles. Best known is that of 338 BCE, between Philip II Of Macedon and a coalition of various South Greek states, mainly Theves and Athens. During the battle, the elite unit of Theban soldiers known as the Sacred Band of Thebes was wiped out completely. You will admire the famous Lion of Chaeronea, a unique marble funerary monument (6,1 meters high) which marked the communal grave of the Theveans who were died in the battle.

Our tour continues with the visit at the capital of the Viotia Prefecture Livadeia. There we shall visit the park of Kria (means cold in Greek). The area of Kria is a landscape of unique natural beauty and a place for refreshments. Pausanias, writing in the 2nd century AD, reported that the original name of the city was Mideia, and that it took its name Livadeia from Livados of Athens, who moved the city from high to low ground, to its current location on the banks of the Herkyna river. You will have the opportunity to walk along the Gorge of Kria admiring the springs of river Herkyna, stone bridges, small waterfalls, canals, gates. An ideal place for having a refreshment or a light lunch.

Our next stop is Hosios Loukas Monastery located on a picturesque slope on the western foothills of mount Helikon. It’s one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art which has been listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites along with the monasteries of Nea Moni at Chios island and Daphni monastery in Attica. We continue our private adventure with a stop in the traditional village of Arachova (famous ski center also very famous for its carpets) which is located at the foot of mount Parnassos and we ‘ll end the first day of our tour with our arrival at the modern little town of Delphi. After checking in at the hotel it’s time to walk around this beautiful little town. The view from high to the valley is amazing. At night you will enjoy a tasty dinner in one of the traditional Greek tavernas and after you will spend your night in a local hotel.

SECOND DAY ITINERARY

After having your breakfast, it’s time to discover the navel of the earth or “the center of the world” – as it was regarded by the ancients – the famous Sanctuary of Delphi with the worldwide famous Oracle. You will visit The temple of Athena Pronaia (the Tholos ), the Gymnasium, the Castalian Spring, the Temple of Apollo, the Polygonal wall, the sacred way, the treasury house of Athenians, the Treasury of the Siphnians the ancient Stadium and the old theater. In the Museum of Delphi you will admire unique treasures such as the world famous bronze Charioteer a masterpiece of classical Greek art, statues and minor objects donated to the sanctuary. After You will enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in the town of Delphi and our private tour continues with driving through the Mount Parnassos.

We shall pass via traditional villages such as Gravia and Bralo (just outside of the village we shall have a short stop for admiring – and taking photos – the panoramic view of Maliakos Culf and we finally reach in Thermopylae or (hot gates). You will visit the area where the famous battle between the Greeks and the Persians took place in 480 B.C. You will see the statue of King Leonidas who, with 300 Spartans and 700 Thespians, faced numerous Persian troops under the command of King Xerxes A’. It was there that Leonidas the King of Spartans told to Xerxes the famous phrase “(Molon Lave) Μολών Λαβέ” which means “Come and Get It”. In the modern museum you have the possibility to watch in virtual reality the battle of Thermopylae. After Thermopylae our tour comes to an end with our return to Athens.

• We use vehicles, legal and licensed by the Greek National Tourism Organization, smoke-free, fully air-conditioned.
• Rates include all tolls, fuel, parking fees, and baggage charges.
• Not included: Drinks, meals, entrance fees, accommodation, licensed guides.
• Tours are private, personal, and flexible just for you and your party.
• Tickets:
  • Delphi: Museum & Archaeological Site Full: €12 / Reduced: €6
  • Osios Loukas Monastery: Full: €4 / Redused: €2
  • Reduced ticket: European citizens over 65 years old, University students
  • Free entrance: Children and young people up to the age of 25, from EU member-states, upon presentation of their ID card or passport for verification of their age and country of origin.
  • Children up to the age of 5, from non-European Union countries, upon presentation of their passport for verification of their age and country of origin.

Vehicle: SUV Volkswagen or Mercedes sedan – Capacity: 4 persons + driver
Price: €690

Vehicle: Mercedes Minivan – Capacity: 5-7 people
Price: €890

Museums and Archaeological sites are closed:

• 1 January: closed
• 6 January: closed
• 25 March: closed
• Good Friday: until 12:00 closed
• Easter Sunday: closed
• 1 May: closed
• 25 December: closed
• 26 December: closed

Museums and Archaeological sites are open 08.30-15.00:

• Shrove Monday:
• Holy Saturday
• Easter Monday
• Holy Spirit Day
• 15 August
• 28 October