Delphi, Arachova and Levadia Krya Springs, Private Day Tour

After approx. 1,5 hour we will arrive in Livadeia, the capital city of the Boeotia regional district. Livadeia lies appox 90 km north-west of Athens

The most interesting sight in Livadeia is the springs of Krya. The river that flows in this particular place is one of the two in Greece with a female name. This is the river Erkyna, which took its name from the nymph of the same name. The mountain above Livadia is Elikonas, while nearby is the famous Parnassos, which can be seen when approaching the city. A short distance from the springs of Krya, the oracle of Trophonius was located in antiquity, which also served as a precursor for the oracle of Delphi. Inside the river there is a bust of the nymph, a nice find for the visitor to understand the story. The area is quite exploited, while it is suitable for families with children. The trees provide rich shade, there are several benches around and the streets are largely paved. Several small bridges or structures connect the two banks of the river. Small waterfalls, age-old plane trees and watermills frame the landscape, traveling the visitor peacefully to another era.

Mount Parnassus is a mountain towering above Delphi, offering scenic views of the surrounding olive groves and countryside. According to Greek mythology this mountain was sacred to Apollo, the Corycian nymphs, and the home of the Muses.

Arachova is undoubtedly the queen of Parnassos. It is built in an amphitheatric way and it spreads magnificently to the south hillsides of Parnassus, at an altitude of 960 meters, ending up at a cliff where Pleistos river flows.

Approx 45 min later we wiil arrive at the Temple of Apollo in 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.

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.

Not far from the archaeological site, the small town of Delphi has many cafes, restaurants, shops, and attractions catering to tourists. It was established in 1892, when the village of Kastrí, which had grown up around the Temple of Apollo archaeological site, was moved to a new position one kilometer west to allow excavation of the ancient site. Now it's time to enjoy your lunch at a traditional Greek taverna, with great open view to the Corinthian gulf.

The sanctuary of Athena Pronaia is located roughly half mile from the main buildings at Delphi located on the terrace, close to the Castalia spring. The shrine was originally built at the gateway to Delphi and dedicated to the goddess Athena because it was her duty to protect her half brother Apollo. The main temple of Athena was built in the Archaic period, near the end of the 6th century B.C.E. It was built in the Doric style and contains thirty-six columns (6x12). Two of the original columns are still standing. The original temple was damaged in 480 B.C.E. by the falling rocks that halted the Persian advance, and was further damaged by an earthquake in 373 B.C.E. A newer temple was created to the west of the original to replace the one that had been destroyed.

The tholos of the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, clearly visible from above, is perhaps the most characteristic monument at Delphi and the most important building of this small sanctuary. Located between the later temple of Athena and the Treasury of Massalia, this circular building of unknown purpose is a masterpiece of Classical architecture. It is thought to have been connected with chthonic cults, although Pausanians, who saw its ruins in the second century AD, does not refer to it as a temple.

After approx 15 min we can have a short stop at the village of Arachova for some photos of this picturesque village before we head back to Athens.

Approx 2 hours after leaving Arachova we will be back in Athens. Will drop you off at your hotel/appartment, where we picked you up earlier in the morning.