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

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.