Things to do in

Thiva

Embark on a 2-day tour to the archaeological site of Delphi and the historic Orthodox monasteries built on the rocks of Meteora. Learn about the myths and history attached to these sites from your guide on this guided tour from Athens. Day 1: Depart Athens for the ancient site of the Oracle of Delphi. Travel by air-conditioned coach through the pretty towns and villages of Thebes, Levadia, and Arachova on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Arrive in Delphi and explore the ruins of the ancient sanctuary of Pythia, the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo. Explore the temple and learn about its significance from your guide. Then, continue to the beautiful town of Kalabaka for dinner and your overnight stay. Day 2: After breakfast, make your way to Meteora, famous for its stunning rock formations. Visit the monasteries built to serve the monks and nuns following the teachings of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Return to Athens via Trikala and Lamia. Stop at Thermopylae to admire the monument to the Greek warrior-king Leonidas I, who died there in 480 BC. Arrive back in Athens by the early evening.

Embark on a 2-day tour that takes you to the ancient city of Delphi and across the scenic Plain of Thessaly to Kalambaka. Explore the picturesque small town located at the foot of Meteora, the site of one of the most important groups of Greek Orthodox monasteries. Detailed Itinerary Day 1 Start the day with a relaxing drive through the beautiful Greek countryside, passing by the cities of Thebes, Levadia, and Arachova, before arriving in Delphi at around noon. At Delphi, you’ll have the opportunity to visit this important site that appears in Greek mythology. In ancient times, Delphi was considered to be the center of the universe and was guarded by a python dragon that was killed by Apollo. See the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, which was built in the 4th century B.C. and was destroyed by Emperor Theodosius I in 390 A.D. It was also here that the priestess Pythia would foretell the future from the famous Oracle of Delphi. Visit the theater that seated 5,000 spectators and hosted plays, poetry readings, and festivals. At the nearby stadium, the Pythian Games were held every 4 years. Athletes from all over the Greek world would come to compete, and these games would become the predecessor to the modern Olympics. At the end of the day, drive to Kalambaka, a lovely city with beautiful gardens and magnificent views of the Meteora rocks. Overnight in Kalambaka. Day 2 In the morning, head to Meteora for a tour of the fascinating cliff-top monasteries. Be amazed by the cliffs, which average a height of 1,000 feet, and were first inhabited in the 9th century by a group of hermit monks who lived on the rock towers Today 6 monasteries remain out of the original 20. Views of the entire valley from the magnificent rock towers, and the peace of the surroundings, make this a unique place to visit. On the way back to Athens you’ll make a short stop at the monument to Leonidas, the King of Sparta who died in 480 B.C. at the famous Battle of Thermopylae.

From the classic Temple of Apollo to the towering rock monasteries of Meteora, explore the iconic sights of Greece on an enthralling 3-day tour from Athens. Day 1: Venture through Thebes, Levadia, and Arachova, arriving at Delphi around noon. Once considered the center of the earth and the universe, this ancient city played a central role in the classical Greek world, home to the Temple of Apollo, where the Delphic Oracle was situated. Tour spectacular works of craftsmanship from the era at the Museum of Delphi, including the unique bronze Charioteer, the Naxian Sphinx, and the Statue of Antinoos. After perusing the extensive archaeological treasures on display, enjoy a free evening to discover the modern town on your own terms before settling in for the night. Day 2: Leave Delphi for a journey through Central Greece, including a short stop in the historic city of Lamia, before crossing the Thessalian plain to Kalabaka; a small town built at the foot of the majestic Meteora, crowned by the extraordinary monasteries that bare its name, providing for one of the country's most unique attractions. Spend the night in Kalabaka, considered to be one of the most beautiful places in all of Greece. Day 3: Ascend Meteora to tour 2 of the incredible cliff-top Byzantine monasteries. Marvel at the fantastic views over Kalabaka and beyond from atop of these sandstone towers, which for centuries provided totally inaccessible retreats for the residing monks. On return to Athens, stop briefly in Thermopylae to see the heroic monument of Leonidas, King of Sparta, then arrive back at the capital in the late afternoon.

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel or cruise ship from where your experience begins. From there you journey out of Athens, passing the plain of Boeotia - an agricultural center, and the city of Thebes - the birthplace of King Oedipus. You'll soon reach the Archaeological Museum of Thebes, one of the most important museums of Greece. The exhibits there originate from excavations all around Boeotia, and cover a long chronological period spanning from the Palaeolithic to the Post-Byzantine periods. Your visit to the museum also includes a walk around the fascinating Mycenae Palace and the Mycenaean Tombs. Continuing onward, you'll travel to Delphi. Once there, explore the Castalia Spring, the archaeological site of Delphi, the monument of the Argive Kings, the treasury of the Athenians, the Athenian Stoa, the Polygonal Wall, the Monument of Platea, and the Temple of Apollo. Its spectacular exhibits include the frieze of the Treasury of the Sifinians, the Naxian Sphinx, the Statue of Antinoos, the metopes of the Athenian Treasury, and the famous bronze Charioteer, which was originally created to commemorate a victory during the 476-B.C. Pythian Games. Later, visit the traditional-yet-cosmopolitan village of Arachova, which sits at 1,000 meters above sea level. It is one of the most popular winter resorts of Greece, and whilst there you can stroll through the local market which boasts a great variety of hand-made pastries, cheese, spices, and many other local products.