Hosios Loukas

1. ATHENS You will get picked up from your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, or Piraeus port. 2. MOUNT PARNASSUS DELPHI Mount Parnassus is a mountain in central Greece that towers above Delphi, north of the Gulf of Corinth. Mount Parnassus offers many advantages to the population of Greece. In peace, it possesses scenic views of the countryside and features olive groves and rolling hills. The mountain is also the location of historically, archaeologically, and culturally significant places of interest (such as Delphi). Recreationally, the slopes of Parnassus provide a medium for hiking (in the three warm seasons) and are skied in winter. Its melting snows provide water to the surrounding communities, reaching out as far as Athens. The mountain is composed of limestone, and its rock contains bauxite, ore that is rich in aluminum. In war, Parnassus has been a center of resistance if need be, providing cover and refuge to partisans. 3. MONASTERY HOSIOS LOUKAS Hosios Loukas is a historic walled monastery situated near the town of Distomo, in Boeotia, Greece. It is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art and has been listed on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, along with the monasteries of Nea Moni and Daphnion. The monastery of Hosios Loukas is situated at a scenic site on the slopes of Mount Helicon. It was founded in the early 10th century AD by the hermit, Venerable (Greek: Hosios) Luke of Steiris (Greek: Lukas), whose relics are kept in the monastery to this day. The main shrine of the monastery is the tomb of St. Luke, originally situated in the vault, but later placed at the juncture of the two churches. The monastery derived its wealth (including funds required for construction) from the fact that the relics of St. Luke were said to have exuded myron, a sort of perfumed oil which produced healing miracles. 4. DELPHI Arrival at the archaeological site of Delphi after a 2,5 hours trip. Free time for a walk at: - sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia - ancient stadium and theater Duration: 30 minutes 5. THOLOS OF ATHENA PRONAIA The tholos at the sanctuary of Athena Pronoia (Ἀθηνᾶ Πρόνοια, “Athena of forethought”) is a circular building that was constructed between 380 and 360 BC. It consisted of 20 Doric columns arranged with an exterior diameter of 14.76 meters, with 10 Corinthian columns in the interior. The Tholos is located approximately a half a mile (800 meters) from the main ruins at Delphi. 6. DELPHI ARCHAELOGICAL MUSEUM Delphi Archaeological Museum is one of the principal museums of Greece and one of the most visited. 7. TEMPLE OF APOLLO The Temple of Apollo, god of music, harmony, light, healing, and oracles occupied the most important and prominent position in the Delphic Panhellenic Sanctuary 8. ANCIENT THEATER OF DELPHI 9.TREASURY OF THE ATHENIANS 10.VISIT ARACHOVA 11. ENJOY LUNCH GREEKE TRANDITIONAL TAVERNA

Discover Meteora and Delphi on this historical 2-day tour leaving from Athens. Explore the wonders of each city, including the Delphi Archaeological Site, museum, stadium, and the Oracle of Delphi. See nature's wonders and marvel at the beautiful architecture and learn more about the history of the monasteries in Meteora. Begin the tour in Athens with pickup in a luxury air-conditioned minivan and meet your guide/driver for the rest of the tour. Prepare for an exciting and historical two-day tour and get ready to make the most of your time in each city. Stop first in the Monastery of Saint Lucas, a few miles from Delphi. Admire one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine art and see the beauty of a site included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Move on to the city of Arachova, a famous ski resort, and see beautiful colorful villages along the way. Travel to Delphi after Arachova, and visit the famous archaeological site, the museum, and the stadium, and take some time to admire the Oracle of Delphi, the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. See the Oracle where the Priestess of Apollo was consulted about major important decisions in the ancient classical world. Move on to Meteora, where you will rest for the night and get ready to explore Meteora early in the morning. Rise early and enjoy an opportunity to visit the famous monasteries in Meteora, and witness the beauty of nature in comparison to the history and architecture in the area from early Christian history. See the Meteora vertical cliffs, regarded as the perfect place to achieve absolute isolation, and discover peace and harmony, supporting man's eternal struggle for spiritual elevation. Explore the beautiful rock formations, and visit the monasteries to take beautiful photos and admire the exquisite landscape. Eat lunch before heading back to Athens having seen many famous and iconic sites important to Greek history.

-Monastery of Hosios Loukas: Our first stop is going to be the monastery of Hosios Loukas, which represents the second golden age of Byzantine art (11th -12th century) in particular its golden mosaic decoration and fine architecture. Before you leave the monastery don’t forget to visit the crypt, located under the Katholicon. There are no mosaics here but paintings and their subjects are similar, though the style is different, more sentimentally charged and more expressive, clearly proving the wealth and variety of Byzantine art. -Archaeological Museum of Delphi: The Archaeological Museum of Delphi is one of the most visited museums around Greece. Some of the museum’s exhibits include the Charioteer of Delphi, the frieze of the Siphnian Treasury, the Sphinx of Naxos, chryselephantine sculptures, inscriptions, bronze figurines and bronze votive offerings. -Temple of Apollo and Archaeological Site of Delphi: Ancient Greeks believed that Delphi was the Navel of the Earth, a place seen as a spiritual focal point for all Greeks; it included many sanctuaries and the most prestigious oracle in all of ancient Greece. This is where Pythia, the high priestess, uttered the divine advice of god Apollo to mortals who travelled from across the world to seek a prophecy. Apart from Greeks, the Oracle was visited also by foreign leaders and dignitaries who were anxious to know the will of Apollo on important state affairs. -Arachova: The picturesque town of Arachova is deeply rooted in history and folklore tradition, famous for its colorful carpets and local products. A stroll around the labyrinth of narrow alleys with the beautiful old houses, small churches, and picturesque shops will impress you while the tourist activity is concentrated at the main street of the town where there is a plethora of shops, taverns, and bars.

Explore the Unesco-listed archeological site of Delphi with an expert guide and learn how the city was considered the ‘Center of the World’ in ancient Greece.Immerse yourself in the myths and monuments of classical Greece on this full-day tour of Delphi from Athens. Stand in awe before the dramatically situated Temple of Apollo, then discover long-lost wonders at the Delphi Archeological Museum, including the Charioteer of Delphi and the Sphinx of Naxos. After lunch in Delphi (optional upgrade or at own expense), visit the handicrafts towns of Arachova and Levadia on the way back to Athens. In a landscape untouched by time, you will discover two magnificent Byzantine churches decorated with frescoes and mosaics, with their characteristic golden background (10-11th century AD). The Byzantine abundance of the monastery still functioning today was recently brought to light due to a successful restoration project. The monastery was founded around the middle of the 10th century AD by the monk Loukás from Stýri. His relics are exhibited in the Katholicon (main church of the monastery). They were stolen by the Crusaders during the 13th AD and kept in the Vatican for centuries. 1. Livadia, 30 minutes 2. Monastery of Hosios Loukas, 1 hour 3. Delphi Archaeological Museum, 1 hour 30 minutes - Temple of Apollo, Delphi, Pass by without stopping - Tholos of Athena Pronaia, Delphi, Pass by without stopping - Ancient Theatre, Delphi, Pass by without stopping - Ancient Stadium of Delphi, Pass by without stopping - Arachova, Pass by without stopping 4. Delphi village, 1 hour

This is a great opportunity to visit one of the most renowned sites in Greece in one day. The Delphi day tour starts with a drive on the national highway towards northern Greece passing by the plane of Thieves and the city of Levadia. Then we will be on the slopes of Mount Parnassus before reaching Delphi. Our first stop is going to be the monastery of Hosios Loukas which represents the second golden age of Byzantine art (11th -12th century), in particular its golden mosaic decoration and fine architecture. After spending some time in this area of serenity we will drive to the site of Delphi, an ancient Greek sanctuary with a PanHellenic character dedicated to the God Apollo. It functioned as an Oracle and was considered ‘the naval’, the center of the world and is today a symbol of Greek cultural unity. The scenic location allows you to have a view of the Greek mountains and two more sites the Gymnasium and the secondary sanctuary of Athena Pronea. In the site, you will visit the Temple of Apollo where Pythia spoke with oracles, the theater and the stadium. While in the museum you will be able to see the famous charioteer and Gold and Ivory statues. After the site we will have our lunch at the modern village of Delphi with a view of the mountains of Fokis and our last destination will be the village of Arachova. A mountainous village built on a cliff 900 m above sea level very close to the Parnassus ski resort. It’s the mainland’s answer to Mykonos. After some free time for shopping and wandering around we will have a pleasant drive back to Athens.

Start your two-day tour at the Delphi archaeological site to see the Castalian Spring, ancient sanctuary of Apollo, the treasury of the Athenians, the ancient stadium, and the theater. See artifacts from as far back as the 15th century BC, including the Naxian Sphinx, the statue of Antinoos, and a bronze sculpture of a charioteer. Visit the UNESCO-listed Osios Loukas Monastery before heading to the Arachova mountain village for lunch. After overnighting in Meteora, start your second day ascending upwards to the monasteries built on a natural formation of sandstone rock pillars from the 14th century. Head south towards the site of Thermopylae. Explore the monument and enter the newly-built visitor’s center, which recreates the ancient battle where King Leonidas famously led 300 Spartans into battle in 480 B.C. After pausing for lunch or a break by the sea in one of the many local villages, end the experience with lasting memories and photos.

Departing from Athens, pass through Levadia and Arachova, famous for bright multi-coloured carpets. on the way to Delphi. The tour then continues on to the impressive archaeological site of Delphi, which is situated at the foot of Parnassus Mountain. Delphi, the sanctuary of Apollo, offers the most amazing views of the olive groves of Amphissa, the Corinthian Gulf, and the Peloponnese Mountains. The Sanctuary of Apollo was considered one of the most important sacred sites in the Ancient Greek world. Next up is a visit to the Delphi Museum, which houses the famous bronze statue, Charioteer and the statue of Antinoos. Afterwards, you will take the sacred way to the Athenian treasury followed by a visit the unforgettable Temple of Apollo, where the masses flocked to consult the oracle in ancient times. This site, with the imposing Mount Parnassus behind, one of the most beautiful natural settings in Greece. For the final stop, you'll visit then Hosios Loukas Monastery. Afterwards, enjoy local dishes (at your own expense) in a traditional tavern with great quality food.

What makes this tour different than other similar ones? - We start early (not very early!) to avoid the crowds and possibly the heat. - We visit the important Athena Pronaia site that most people miss out on and is part of Delphi. - We don’t have lunch in touristy locations like Delphi & Arachova. - We include lunch and drinks because they are part of the experience! - We include Hosios Loukas Monastery! It’s a miss if you have made the trip to Delphi and skipped this beautiful UNESCO monastery! Meet your private driver/guide in the lobby or entrance of your hotel for your departure. Begin the drive towards the northwest area of Athens, where you will arrive at the archaeological site of Delphi in just 2 hours without any unnecessary stops that many scheduled tours make. Explore the classic treasures, theater, and ancient ruins taking photos along the way. Take a moment to appreciate the Temple of Apollo, originally built in the 7th century B.C. and reconstructed on two additional occasions. After observing this very historic archaeological site, the Museum of Delphi, and the Temple of Athina Pronaia, head to the scenic stone-built Arachova village, a small mountain village rich in culture for a short walk! Then you visit a non-touristy village for a great lunch & drinks for an authentic Greek lunch experience with homemade dessert(s). This includes mixing with the locals so that you get a real feeling of the country. After lunch, you head to the nearby Hosios Loukas monastery, with your driver arranging for coffee/tea/chocolate and homemade dessert to be ready for you after exploring the site. This beautiful location offers excellent views and peaceful surroundings. A 1,000-year-old monument preserved to perfection is still active with its monks and people using it for normal church services but also baptisms and weddings! At the end of your day, you will return to your Athens accommodation or even the airport or port (options). Expect a flexible and personalized service from your tour leader and instant communication from our agency! If you like this tour of ours, please check all our GetYourGuide private tours: https://shorturl.at/cS60r