Delphi, Hosios Loukas, Meteora & Thermopylae
Duration: 3 daysDelphi, Hosios Loukas, Meteora & Thermopylae
Duration: 3 daysABOUT THIS TOUR
This tour combines history and nature. Visit the monastery of Hosios Loukas, the traditional village Arachova, the oracle of Delphi, the monasteries on the sand rocks of Meteora and last but not least the battlefield of Thermopylae.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Monastery of Hosios Loukas
- Traditional Village of Arachona
- Delphi Archaeological Site
- Delphi Archaeological Museum
- Athena Pronaia Sanctuary with the renowned Tholos
- The Castalia Spring
- The Temple of Apollo
- The Great ancient theater
- The stadium, where the so called Pythian Games
- The treasuries that the city states erected in Delphi
- The famous statue of Antinoos
- The unique bronze statue of the Charioteer
- Meteora, the largest complexes of monasteries in Greece
- Undeniably sublime and breathtaking scenery
- Beautifully formed natural trails
- St. Stephen’s Nunnery
- Great Meteoron Monastery
- Roussanou Monastery
- Holy Trinity Monastery
- Varlaam Monastery
- St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery
- Varlaam Monastery
- St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery
- The battlefield of Thermopylae
- Thermopylae’s Innovative Centre of Historical Information
- Monument of King Leonidas
We can customize this tour to your needs.
If you want to skip or add something, please let us know in advance.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Your driver will meet you at your accommodation.
Our first stop is the monastery of Hosios Loukas and Cheronea. This monastery was founded in the early 10th century and is the largest surviving monastery of the Middle Byzantine period. Admire its byzanitne mosaics and learn the history about Hosios Loukas. You will have 1,5 hour to spend for your visit.
Then, we will have a stop at one of the most picturesque village of Arachova. Take your time to explore this beautiful village.
After Arachova, we will arrive to the navel of the world, Delphi.
Delphi was the most important sanctuary dedicated to God Apollo. There, Pythia, the priestess of the Sanctuary, gave her advice. Due to this, Delphi was a cultural center, where many people sended donations resulted in the creation of a local treasury.
Explore around end see the Temple of Apollo, the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia with the renowned Tholos, the Castalia Spring, the Temple of Apollo, the Great ancient theater and the stadium, where the so called Pythian Games.
It has many interesting to visit the archaeological museum of Delphi. You will have the chance to admire the famous statue of Antinoos and the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer dated from 475 B.C.
Overnight in Delphi.
Day 2
Start your day at the village of Delphi. Then, we will depart to Meteora. You can enjoy the greek countryside and the amazing natural scenery during our ride.
After 3,5 hours, we will have a stop at Kalabaka for lunch. Then, we will reach Meteora, a protected site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. When you visit this region, you will travel back in time to the dark ages. This place is ideal for history, natural and culture’s lovers. You will have the chance to visit 3 monasteries and enjoy a walk among the beautifully formed natural trails.
Overnight in Kalabaka.
Day 3
Our last days we will continue our visit to Meteora and then you can enjoy a meal in a traditional restaurant at Kalambaka.
Before we return, you will have the chance to visit the historical place of Thermopylae. The Thermopylae’s Innovative Centre of Historical Information” will inform you about the battlefield.
Last stop Kamena Vourla, where you can eat fresh fish and taste the greek cousine.
At the end, your driver will take you back to your accommodation.
ADMISSIONS FEES
Entrance fees into the archaeological areas of Delphi and its Museum are 12 Euro total pp (combined ticket obtained at the ticket office) and 3 euro for Hosios Loukas monastery
Entrance fees to each monastery are 2 Euros pp
Free admission for:
- Journalists
- Persons under 18 (with current identification to prove age)
- University students from Greece and the E.U
Free admission (for all) on the following dates:
- 6 March
- 5 June
- 18 April
- 18 May (International Museums Day)
- The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
For prices updates please click here
To buy your tickets in advance click here
OPENING HOURS FEES
- Summer Period: 1 April – 31 October
- Winter Period: 1 November – 31 March
Οpening hours for the archaeological area of Delphi:
- Winter period: 8:30am – 15:00
- Summer period:8:00am – 19:00
Opening hours for Meteora Monasteries:
- Summer period:
- St. Stephen’s Nunnery: Visiting Hours: 9:00 to 13:30 and 15:30 to 17:30. The monastery stays closed on Mondays.
- Great Meteoron Monastery: Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 17:00. The monastery stays closed on Tuesdays.
- Roussanou Monastery: Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 17:45. The monastery stays closed on Wednesdays.
- Holy Trinity Monastery: Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 17:00. The monastery stays closed on Thursdays.
- Varlaam Monastery: Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 16:00. The monastery stays closed on Fridays.
- St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery: Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 15:30. The monastery stays closed on Fridays.
- Winter Period
- St. Stephen’s Nunnery: Visiting Hours: 9:30 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:00. The monastery stays closed on Mondays.
- Great Meteoron Monastery: Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 15:00. The monastery stays closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Roussanou Monastery: Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 14:00. The monastery stays closed on Wednesdays.
- Holy Trinity Monastery: Visiting Hours: 10:00 to 16:00. The monastery stays closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- Varlaam Monastery: Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 15:00. The monastery stays closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
- St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery: Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 14:00. The monastery stays closed on Fridays.
Opening hours for Centre of Historical Information of Thermopylae:
- Jan – Dec: Mon-Fri: 08:00:19:00
- Jan – Dec: Sat-Sun: 10:00-18:00
All sites and museums are closed or have reduced opening hours, on the following holidays:
- 1 January: closed
- 6 January: closed
- Shrove Monday: 08.30-15.00
- 25 March: closed
- Good Friday: until 12:00 closed
- Holy Saturday: 08.30-15.00
- Easter Sunday : closed
- Easter Monday: 08.30-15.00
- 1 May: closed
- Holy Spirit Day: 08.30-15.00
- 15 August: 08.30-15.00
- 28 October: 08.30-15.00
- 25 December: closed
- 26 December: closed
For updates on opening hours please click here
USEFULL INFO
- Comfortable clothing and sensible, flat-soled walking shoes are recommended for most locations. Sun glasses, a hat and sun screen are also suggested since the Mediterranean sun is extremely hot during the summer months.
- Photography is permitted in almost every site throughout the tours and if it is prohibited you will be informed beforehand.
- Local currency (euros) might be needed in order to pay at the spot small entrance fees and small expenses.
- In case one of our guests has some special needs, is under certain medication or has a limited walking endurance you can let us know during the organization of your customized tour and we will make sure that small breaks are incorporated into your itinerary.
- Also it is suggested that you bring with you a small bottle of water or something small to eat in case you need to during the tour.
- Furthermore if an individual has advanced accessibility needs you can let us know and allow us to customize the tour to fit your needs
