Thursday
11 May 2006
Guided tour in the
archaeological site and museum of Delphi
Visit to the Christian Orthodox Monastery of "Profitis Elias"
Visit and dinner in the harbour
of Galaxidi
Friday
12 May 2006
Dinner at the Piano Restaurant "Iniohos" (dress: informal)
Saturday
13 May 2006
Farewell Dinner is scheduled for 20:00 at the "Villa Symposium"
(dress: lounge suit/elegant dress recommended but not essential)
ACCOMPANYING PERSONS PROGRAMME
Thursday 11th May
Morning: free to explore Delphi or use Spa facilities and swimming pool in Delphi Palace Hotel (even if you are staying elsewhere)
Friday 12th May
10.30 from Delphi Palace going to Amphissa Castle for panoramic view of the capital of the Prefecture. Drive through the olive groves. Lunch at Kirra and free time by the seaside in Itea return to hotel around 16.00
Saturday 13th May
10.30 from Delphi Palace going to Livadi. Lunch at Arahova and free time to visit the village. Return to hotels around 15.30.
SIGHTS
OF INTEREST IN THE AREA
Delphi
The
archaeological site
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One
can admire the partly restored 4th century B.C. Doric Temple of Apollo
(28), where Pythia delivered the oracular responses sat in the adyton;
the 6th century B.C. Doric Treasury of the Athenians (12), which is the
best preserved building on the site; treasuries and dedications of kings
and cities of antiquity (1-25); the Ionic single-stone column stoa of
the Athenians (16); the 5th century B.C. 7000 spectators Stadium (30)
that hosted the Pythian Games; the Gymnasium (31), where the youths of
Delphi were educated; the sacred Kastalia Spring in the ravine of the
Phaedriades (33), with two fountains dating to the Archaic period and
the Roman era; the c. 380 B.C. Doric Tholos of Athena Pronaia (32), a
true architectural masterpiece of antiquity; the 5000 seat Theatre (26)
that hosted the Delphic Festivals. The Museum (34) is one of the richest
in the world and it contains findings from the sanctuary, the navel of
the world, the bronze Charioteer (Iniohos) etc.
Monastery
of Prophitis Elias of Parnassida
The orthodox monastery of the Prophet Elias sits on the mountainside overlooking
the olive-tree valley, off the road, which leads from Delphi to Chrysso
and Amfissa. The wood-carved temple has impressive depictions of the Old
and the New Testament.
Amfissa
Amfissa (named Salona during the later Byzantine period and the Middle
Ages) is the capital of the prefecture of Fokida. Its main involvement
in the Greek history was its distinguished contribution to the 1821 revolution,
under the leadership of the bishop of Salona Isaiah.
Today, Amfissa is the centre of public services in the prefecture, with
many old mansions and neo-classic buildings. The main occupation of its
inhabitants is olive-tree agriculture, but traditional tanneries and bell
manufacturers still exist. The "Sotiros" church (church of the
Saviour) is a piece of byzantine art of the 11th or 12th century.
Itea
Itea can be reached via the road passing through the olive groves which
stretch from Delphi to the Corinthian Gulf coast. Together with the neighbouring
Kirra, Itea extends along the coastline of the Crissaean plain, south
of the Delphi. It is a modern city of 9000 inhabitants, offering the comfort
and functionality of the Hippodamean street planning system and a modern
marine with anchorage capacity of 250 vessels. Visitors can relax; swim
in the "blue flag" beaches; or enjoy a walk and the magical
night view to the Corinthian Gulf.
The
harbour of Galaxidi
With 1400 inhabitants, Galaxidi can be reached by following the coastline
from Itea. Galaxidi is one of the most attracting Greek resorts; a picturesque
nautical city of the Corinthian Gulf that carries a heritage of 4000 years.
One can enjoy the seafront view, visit the church of Agios Nikolaos with
the unique wooden temple, the Nautical and Archaeological Museum, the
superb beaches of the region or taste the local seafood.
Arahova
The charming mountain village of Arachova stands on the north slopes of
Mount Parnassos (800-1100m altitude), 8 km from Delphi in the direction
to Athens. This small town is situated in the area where Anemoria and
Kiparissos, two towns mentioned in Homer's Iliad, used to be in 2000 B.C.
According to the myth, Apollo shot his arrow from the Katoptireon, over
Arahova, to kill the dragon in order to leave the water running free for
the people. Interestingly, in the Christian ages, Saint George killed
the Dragon for the same reason and he is worshipped to this day as Arachova's
patron saint. At Livadi, near Arahova, the prehistoric Coryceo Antro dedicated
to God Pan has been discovered.
Today, apart from being one of the most popular and trendy ski resorts
in Greece, Arachova is renowned for the "Panigyraki", a 3-day
long traditional celebration in honour of Saint George, around Easter;
the exceptional cheese varieties (especially formaella); the traditional
grilled meat, typical of the area; and the art of handmade woven articles.
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