Divine Delphi & Breathtaking Meteora

First, you will visit the archeological site of Delphi, on the south-western slope of Mount Parnassus. According to the myth, the location was designated by Zeus himself as the center of the world, making it an ideal position for the sanctuary which was destined to become the most prominent center of religious, and subsequently political, power. 

Over the years the whole site developed into a grand complex consisting of many auxiliary buildings which were necessary due to the great numbers of visitors. Most importantly, though, it featured special buildings – called ‘Treasures’ – which were constructed in order to house the precious gifts which were offered to the sanctuary by various city-states that intended in this way to influence the Oracle’s disposition. 

Today, a brilliant museum has been erected in order to present the various movable finds and help the visitors grasp the magnitude and importance of Delphi.

The second destination, Meteora, is famous for its two distinct characteristics: on one hand, it is one of the largest monastery complexes of the Eastern Orthodox tradition , second in importance only to that of Mount Athos. On the other hand, the immense natural pillars of sandstone – formed about 60 million years ago – which seem to hang menacingly over the town of Kalambaka, are a unique geological phenomenon. 

The name ‘Meteora’ literally means ‘suspended in mid-air’ and it is a reference to the visual impression which the monasteries offer due to their positioning on the summits and cliffs of the precipitous rocks. 

Words are not enough to describe the experience of beholding for the first time this miracle of nature – the rocks themselves – crowned by the numerous architectural miracles – the monasteries.