Delphi-Meteora Tours

DELPHI

A unique tour in nature passing through villages, lakes and sea to mount the divine mountain of Parnassos. Pictures interchange through the different colors and the smell of the flowers in the countryside. A representative sample of the blessed Greek land and the four seasons of the Mediterranean climate.

Delphi is the ancient Greek town where the most important oracle of the Ancient Greek world was situated. It was considered the navel of the world according to mythology, Panhellenic center and sacred town of Ancient Greeks. There, the second most important games after the Olympic ones, were conducted, name Pythia. It was the place where the laurel was established as the honorary prize of the winners. It was a religious place and commercial nexus in Ancient Greece with great influence on the surrounding Mediterranean area playing an important role in the Greek history due to the famous oracles which were the main source of wealth.

Artifacts from the area of Delphi date back to 4000 BC. In the 8^th century, when the worship of Apollo prevailed, the sanctuary of Delphi obtained a special role in the Ancient Greek world and its influence spread gradually in a big part of the broader are of the Mediterranean. Because of the prestige of the oracle, the Greek cities appealed to it in order to be helped to take decisions. The Delphi oracle closed permanently with a decree of Theodosios A’ in the 4^th century AD, when Christianity was established as official religion. However, the place was not abandoned. Archeological findings suggest that the town continued to prosper until the beginning of the 7^th century. It inspired civilization in literature, poetry, painting and sculpture. It is well known that one of the hymns of Apollo was found during the excavations of the area, which inspired musical works of art. The hymn went around the world. The information about the rumors of Delphi multiply across time and with them the visitors who come from around the world. Today Delphi is considered one of the UNESCO Monuments of World Heritage resulting in the constant flow of thousands of tourists every year.

Moments of relaxation and gastronomy are offered in the traditional taverns with local snacks viewing from above the oil fields and the valley of Amfissa. The view continues like a painting in the resort of Itea, the traditional town of Galaxidi and the Corinthian bay reminding you that on the other side you face Peloponnesus.

METEORA

Sightseeing continues to Meteora where there is a cluster of huge impressive rocks presenting unique geological interest. The erosion of the land by the rain along with earthquakes in the surrounding area have given the present shape to the rocks. No human imagination could have painted this creation of nature. Nothing else than awe can bring the view. The strange thing is that there is no reference of the place in either the Greek Mythology or the Ancient Greek history.

In this bizarre place with the huge caves between the rocks, Christian monks wanted to cross the journey of life away from the rest of the world and the ordinary life aiming at being closer to God. They became an example for Christianity and the essence of human existence and across time other travelers joined them creating a monastery community. Initially, the first eremites climbed bare hands exploiting the natural holes of the rocks or creating new holes. Later used ropes and nets to climb more easily and to transport provisions. Actually, they were the first climbers.

The first monastery probably operated in the 10^th century AD. There were 30 monasteries big and small but today only six operate and are worshipped as holy ground beyond the known laws. The Meteora monasteries are built on the top of the rocks next to cliffs and beyond human logic. They are like floating in the air where humans confront nature and know themselves. The place where they learn to live simple and humble.

Today, Meteora is the second most important cluster of monasteries after Mount Athos. Time made it holy ground and symbol of faith as it created different values and led men to the meaning of life. Meteora play an important role in tradition and civilization from the Byzantine era until now. Because of the morphology of the ground, it was a perfect hide out for the revolutionists during the Turkish occupation. A lot of historical monuments, religious relics and religious paintings were saved samples of the Byzantine civilization. However, a lot of monasteries were looted by the Turks.

At the beginning of the 20^th century, the first stairs were constructed and today Meteora are accessed by millions of visitors from around the world every year. Of course, the monasteries are included in the UNESCO monuments of world heritage. In the surrounding area there are some important locations: The cave of Theopetra and the multi-arc bridge of Sarakina located between Kalambaka and Trikala.

Kalambaka is the small town-entrance towards Meteora where is a contemporary natural history museum and the old Kastraki, the beautiful traditional village among the rocks and the base of the climbers are worth seeing. Lovers of climbing compete on the rocks of Meteora as contemporary imitators of the first monks. Trekking, mountain bike and parapente are famous sports that make nature lovers breathe. Other activities appropriate for the area are walking and rafting combined with other destinations.

The area offers a lot of options for relaxations, lodging and gastronomy of local snacks, local meals and a variety of wine from the local production.

Every traveler deserves at least once in a lifetime to come to Delphi and Meteora. It can be YOU!