Delphi - the main oracle of the ancient world

Excursion to the sacred Delphi is one of the most exciting journeys, allowing everyone to touch the roots of Ancient Greece, feel its breath and hear the voices of gods, priests and Pythia, ecstatically voicing their predictions.

This place needs no introduction – everyone has heard stories and legends about the Delphic oracle, Pythia, the god Apollo and other characters of ancient Greek mythology and history, which in one way or another are associated with the main sanctuary of the ancient world.

On the way to Delphi to one of the most mysterious places of ancient Greece you will see a lot of interesting things. This route, passing through the Macedonian Plain, the Tempi Gorge, Thessaly, Phthiotis, through the passage in the mountains of Kallidromos and Eta, picturesque mountain areas of Parnassus, will lead you to the archaeological site of ancient Delphi, located at the foot of Parnasus at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level.

You will have an exciting excursion into the mysteries of the Delphic oracle, before you will come to life pictures of the glorious past, reappear majestic temples, stands, treasuries and monuments lying in ruins. You will pass the paths of the envoys of the Lydian kings Hyges and Cresus and Pharaoh Amasis, Philip II and Alexander the Great. You will learn where the Sibyls once prophesied, what is the “Delphian echo” and many intriguing stories about Parnassus himself, where the muses lived, their favorite – winged Pegasus and nymphs.

And the stunning exposition of the museum will complement the impression of the archaeological excavations of Delphi and two rocks (Flembucos and Rodini), known as the Fedriads and bore the names Yambia and Navplia in ancient times: silent witnesses to the former glory and fall of the oracle. And, of course, you will have a great opportunity to fulfill the dream of Alexander Pushkin – to drink water from the Kastal spring, which gives inspiration to poets and gives prophetic abilities.

Interesting facts:
Delphi was revered by the ancient Greeks as the center of the habitable universe - ecumene; here is a stone called ομφαλός της γης - the navel of the earth;
The Delphic oracle is located on the slopes of Parnassus; on this mountain once lived the serpent Python (defeated by Apollo), here lived nymphs and winged Pegasus;
The name Delphi refers to the "dolphin"; once the Cretans brought here the cult of Apollo - Delphine, founded the first sanctuaries and were the first ministers of the cult;
In the ancient world, no important decision (strategic, political or military) was made without the prediction of the Oracle of Delphi.
The priestess of the Oracle of Delphi was called Pythia; according to one version from the word πυνθάνομαι - to receive information, to be informed, on the other from Πύθων - snakes defeated by Apollo, on the third from πύθειν - to rot, because of the characteristic smell of sulfur springs, the pairs of which the Pythians inhaled before the ritual;
Apollo was born on the 7th of the month of Visiya, for this reason there are seven notes in music, seven days in the week, and the number 7 is considered lucky.
On the slopes of Parnassus there is a monument to A. S. Pushkin, who wrote:

The Castal Key in a Wave of Inspiration

In the steppe of the worldly exiles will drink.

The last prophecy of Delphi concerned the sanctuary itself:

Speak to the king today: The palaces of skill have fallen,

No more Feb Hut, no more prophetic Laurel.

The inspired key is silent, the talkative streams are exhausted.

Useful information:

total mileage of the excursion (with departure from Thessaloniki) - about 750 km;
For your comfort and safety, wear comfortable shoes; do not forget to bring headgear with you;
The route program can be changed for reasons beyond the control of the company (force majeure); weather conditions and at the discretion of the guide if necessary.

All transfers under the program on comfortable transport Mercedes Vito.
services of a Russian-speaking driver (600 – the cost of a tour with a Russian-speaking guide);
* the cost is indicated for leaving Thessaloniki / when leaving the other region changes are possible;

Separately paid:

* Breakfast/lunch;
Entrance tickets to museums and archaeological parks.