Program

Day 1: Larnaca – Athens – Livadia – Itea
Meeting at Larnaca airport and departure by flight to Athens. Arrival, boarding the bus and we begin our journey to Itea with an intermediate stop in the city of Livadia. At the springs of Krya, time stops and you are automatically transported to another era. Where everything looks like it was taken from a painting or a fairy tale. Watermills, small waterfalls, ancient plane trees, running waters and stone bridges. Those who know the existence of this magical place will know that the waterfalls, watermills and running waters that water the city are the legendary river with the feminine name, Erkyna. In the afternoon, arrival in Itea and settling into the rooms at our hotel. Free time for a walk and a first acquaintance with the beautiful town that is built on the northern side of the Corinthian Gulf and within walking distance of the foothills of Mount Parnassos. It stands out for its well-planned street plan, offering visitors comfort and functionality. Due to its shape, it is "drenched" on both sides by the sea and you will find many seaside taverns and restaurants where you can taste fresh fish, seafood ouzo mezes as well as the famous Roumeli kontosouvli, kokoretsi, spit-roasted lamb, splinandero, Amfissa olives and sheep's yogurt. The picturesque tree-lined squares and the coastal road "Akti Poseidonos" are suitable for a walk, which, combined with the amazing view, will remain unforgettable. There are many beautiful and crystal clear sandy beaches that will satisfy even the most demanding visitor, such as Trocadero and Miami, which are awarded blue flags. The sights of Itea include the church of the "Transfiguration of the Savior", whose construction began in 1890, a great work for the standards not only of that time but also of today, as well as shelters of natural beauty, such as the hill of Agioi Anargyroi, the olive grove and the seven small islands scattered in the sea add their own touch to the beautiful landscape of the bay. Overnight stay.

Day 2: Galaxidi – Chania (Trizonia Island) – Nafpaktos
Breakfast and departure for Galaxidi, a town of stately beauty, designated as a traditional settlement since 1978. It was a great naval state in the early 19th century, which today has evolved into one of the most beautiful traditional settlements in Greece. Through the narrow cobblestone streets we will admire the neoclassical captain's houses and wonderfully preserved mansions. In Heroes Square stands a marble column with the names of all the Galaxidi people who gave their lives in the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913. At the highest point of the city we will visit the church of Agios Nikolaos with its masterful wooden carved iconostasis, the two bell towers and the imposing dome. We continue our journey to Chania, from where we will visit (5 minutes by boat) the largest and only inhabited island of the Corinthian Gulf, the verdant Trizonia. Here the traditional local color and natural beauty have been preserved while the circulation of wheeled vehicles is prohibited. In its center dominates the picturesque and perfectly protected natural harbor, which in recent years has been transformed into a marina for pleasure boats, which sail in the Corinthian Gulf and follow the Piraeus-Lefkada route, stopping for an overnight stay. Our next stop is Nafpaktos, with the Venetian Castle on top of the hill, which is one of the best-preserved examples of fortress architecture in Greece and one of the most beautiful in Europe. We will see the Botsaris Tower, an impressive 15th-century building that operates as a museum, and the city clock from 1914. The view from the top of the hill to the sea where the impressive Rio Antirrio Bridge rises is unique. The Venetian harbor, with the two towers that close its entrance, is the trademark of Nafpaktos. It was part of the fortification of medieval Nafpaktos, while today it is a reference point and meeting point for its residents throughout the day. In the afternoon, return to Itea. Overnight.

Day 3: Holy Monastery of St. Luke – Distomo – Antikyra
Breakfast and departure for a pilgrimage to the most important and best preserved monastic complex of the mid-Byzantine period (11th century) in Greece, which is registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Holy Monastery of St. Luke of Steiriotis. It is founded on a picturesque slope on the western slopes of Mount Elikon, near ancient Steiris. During the approximately ten centuries since its foundation, it played a leading role in the historical adventures of the place, winning the favor of emperors and officials in the Byzantine years. During the Frankish period, it came under the possession of an order of Catholic monks and experienced the destructive fury and plunder of the conquerors, Catalans and Turks. Then we head to visit Distomo, which is built on a plain between the mountains of Kirfi, Parnassos and Helicon. It has gone down in history as a martyr's town, due to the massacre (execution) by the Germans of 229 civilians that took place on June 10, 1944. Their fury was so great that neither women, children nor the elderly were spared from the massacre. The village priest was beheaded, infants were executed and women were raped before being killed. Today, near the entrance to the town, there is the Museum of Victims of Nazism, which presents the complete history of the place through documents and photographs. Also, on the Kanales hill is the Mausoleum of the victims of 1944. We end up in the seaside village of Antikyra, which resembles an island. Located between the slopes of Parnassos and the shores of the Gulf of Corinth, a place magically combines the mountain with the sea. The picturesque harbor with traditional fishing boats and the beautiful lighthouse is the trademark of Antikyra. Free time to enjoy a calm, seaside walk, eat fresh fish in the restaurants and taverns and drink your coffee. In the afternoon return to Itea. Overnight.

Day 4: Amfissa – Mining Park of Fokida – Hani Gravia – Agoriani
Breakfast and departure for our excursion to the hinterland of the prefecture of Fokida. Our first stop is in its capital, Amfissa, a city with a long history, natural beauties and scattered neoclassical mansions. In more recent times, its contribution to the Revolution of 1821 was decisive, as in Salona – as the city was then called – the slogan of the uprising in Roumeli was given on March 25. Most of its inhabitants are engaged in olive cultivation, since the city is surrounded by a beautiful olive grove with trees that are several hundred years old and is even referred to as the oldest in the world. Next, we visit the Mining Park of Phocis, the “Vagonetto”. Its construction began in 1998 and has been operating since 2003. The idea for its creation was born from the people themselves who worked in the mines and wanted to preserve and exhibit the memories of the place – now inextricably linked – with the bauxite mining process. The introduction and tour begins at the old mine, Stoa 850, continues with a tour of the Mining History Exhibition Area and concludes with an interactive visit to the Digital Technology Wing. Discover the mining experience and experience the daily life of the miners through their own stories. Get on the train that transported them to the stoa and “listen” to them talking. We continue our journey to Gravia, a village built in a strategic, naturally fortified position, where Odysseas Androutsos and his few companions stopped the Turkish advance towards the Peloponnese on May 8, 21. Visit to the historic Hani of Gravia, which has been converted into a museum. We end up in Agoriani (Eptalofos as it is officially called), the ultimate Alpine dream on Parnassos, drowned in fir trees. Its attractions are the waterfall near the central square, the folklore museum, the 7 springs/fountains and the Church of Agia Paraskevi. Don’t forget to also enjoy irresistible Roumeli delicacies in its famous taverns. Return in the afternoon to our hotel in Itea. Overnight.

Day 5: Chryssos – Delphi – Arachova
Breakfast and we head to the wonderful village of Chryssos, which is "nestled" at the foot of Mount Parnassos and its gaze is directed towards the sea. Its characteristic features are the picturesque alleys with the well-kept houses, the fountains and its epicenter is the square with the centuries-old plane tree from where you will enjoy a wonderful view of Itea. Buildings with neoclassical elements are also preserved, which are a sample of the old heyday of Chryssos. In a characteristic building from the late 19th century that was the Didakterion, the Ethnological and Folklore Museum is housed with a large collection of traditional costumes, rare engravings, embroideries and weapons from 1821. We continue our journey to the historic city of “the Navel of the Earth”, as Delphi was called in antiquity. At the foot of Parnassos, in the imposing landscape formed between two enormous rocks, the Phaedriades, lies the Panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi and the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. We will be guided through the archaeological site, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1972. Through the sights of Delphi we will experience the harmony that binds humans and gods. The grandeur and serenity of the Delphic landscape cannot be captured in photographs. The emotions that the sacred space evokes cannot be described in words. Those who wish, have free time to visit the museum. Next, we arrive at cosmopolitan Arachova, which is built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Parnassos at an altitude of 960m. The cobblestone streets, traditional houses and the wild beauty of its nature will enchant you. The famous Clock, with its unique view, has endured trials, such as the earthquake of 1870 and the bombing by the Germans in 1944. It dates back to the 18th century and owes its current form to the abbot of the Monastery of St. Luke. At the top of the village stands the church of St. George, Protector and Patron Saint of Arachova. During the Battle of Arachova in 1826, the church was the base of Georgios Karaiskakis. In the afternoon return to Itea. Overnight.

Day 6: Itea – Athens – Athens Airport – Larnaca
After breakfast free time and then we depart from Itea for Athens. Arrival at Syntagma Square and free time for lunch and shopping. You can also visit the Acropolis and its new Museum, as well as walk through the popular Plaka with its narrow streets that intertwine, which is perhaps the oldest district in Europe. Late in the afternoon we depart for the "Eleftherios Venizelos" airport and the return journey with our suitcases full of beautiful memories from our six-day stay in Greece.