Delphi
Full-day coach excursion with lunch
Your excursion starts with a drive north-west from Athens across the fertile Boeotian plain – passing through Thebes, associated with the tragedy of King Oedipus and into Parnassus, a highland region rich in legend.
On the southern slopes of the 2,450-metre Mount Parnassus lies the Sanctuary of Delphi, antiquity’s most celebrated and revered oracle. From here a priestess would issue authoritative but cryptic pronouncements and the oracle’s counsel was sought by heads of state from all over the known world, with kingdoms vying with each other to bring rich offerings.
A succession of mythical deities presided over Delphi, the last being a composite god emerging from the struggle between Apollo and Python. Thus, the Temple of the Pythian Apollo occupies the centre of the sanctuary site. The Sacred Way, a zigzag path leading up to the temple, passes smaller temples, statue bases and treasuries, including the magnificently restored Doric Treasury of Athens.
You also visit the museum, containing masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture. We return to Athens via the picturesque mountain village of Arachova, built on the south slopes of Parnassus, famous for its wines, cheese and attractive hand-woven carpets and quilts.
Your excursion includes pick-up and drop off to the hotel and lunch in Delphi.