Delphi And Thermopylae Full Day Tour

Arachova is a picturesque town situated on the south slopes of Mount Parnassus which has become a popular day or weekend road trip for Athenians, mostly during the winter because of the ski center.

Delphi is both an archaeological site and a modern town on the southwestern slope of Mount Parnassus in the valley of Phocis. In Greek mythology, it was the navel of the earth, the site of the Delphic Oracle and a major site for the worship of god Apollo after he slew the Python, a dragon who protected the navel of the earth. Apollo spoke through his oracle. The priestess of the oracle known as the Pythia had to be an older woman and sat on a tripod seat over an opening in the earth. Apollo possessed Pythia and she prophesied. People consulted the Delphic Oracle on everything from important matters of public policy to personal affairs. The Oracle exerted considerable influence throughout the Greek world and consulted before all major events. The ancient Stadium held the Python Games, which were one of the four Pan-Hellenic Games held every four years. At Delphi site, you will visit the the Temple of Athena Pronea and the Gymnasium, the Castalia spring, the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the ancient Stadium and the ancient Theater.

The Archaeological Museum of Delphi, one of the most important in Greece, exhibits the history of the Delphic sanctuary, site of the most famous ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections are comprised primarily of architectural sculpture, statues and minor objects donated to the sanctuary. These reflect its religious, political and artistic activities from its early years in the eight century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity. The museum is housed in a two-storey building with a total surface area of 2270 square metres, with fourteen exhibition rooms, 558 square metres of storerooms and conservation laboratories for pottery, metal objects and mosaics. A new lobby, cafeteria and gift shop were created during the museum's latest refurbishment. The museum is overseen by the Tenth Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities.

Thermopylae, the Hot Gates is an important town well known for the battle among the Greek forces including the 300 Spartans and their leader King Leonidas and the Persians in 480 BC. The visitors may embark on a walking tour in the surrounding landscape. The lush green mountain Kallidromo rising behind the museum is well worth a visit, while atop the nearby hill of Kolonos stands the renowned epigram of the ancient poet Simonides commemorating the fallen Spartan warriors.

The monument of King Leonidas was erected by the battlefield reminding all of us of the sacrifice of those patriots for a free country.

Next to the monument of Leonidas, in the historic Thermopylae, lies the innovative museum of the Lamia Municipality, dedicated to the 480 BC battle that changed the course of Greek history. A scientific project of the Foundation of the Hellenic World, the Center of Historical Information of Thermopylae opened its doors to the public in 2010. The building, in the shape of an ancient spearhead turned to the north as if facing the invaders, is characterized by its ergonomic design that applies to the most up-to-date museological purposes and features glass panels that allow in plenty of natural light. The Center represents history as an interactive narrative and discourse: In its three exhibition halls -named Leonidas, Dienekes and Thermopylae- multimedia applications offer visitors a virtual trip to the time and battlefields of the Persian Wars, as recounted by the ancient historian Herodotus, while the very battle of Thermopylae comes alive in a digital 3D movie.