Legends, Landscapes & Sacred Heights: A 4-Day Journey Through Central Greece & Meteora

Leonidas was a king of the Greek city-state of Sparta, and the 17th of the Agiad line, a dynasty which claimed descent from the mythological demigod Heracles and Cadmus. Leonidas was son of King Anaxandridas II. He succeeded his half-brother King Cleomenes I to the throne in 489 BC.

Next to the monument of Leonidas, in the historic Thermopylae, lies the innovative museum of the Lamia Municipality, dedicated to the 480 BC battle that changed the course of Greek history. A scientific project of the Foundation of the Hellenic World, the Centre of Historical Information of Thermopylae opened its doors to the public in 2010. The building, in the shape of an ancient spearhead turned to the north as if facing the invaders, is characterized by its ergonomic design that applies to the most up-to-date museological purposes and features glass panels that allow in plenty of natural light. The Centre represents history as an interactive narrative and discourse: In its three exhibition halls -named Leonidas, Dienekes and Thermopylae- multimedia applications offer visitors a virtual trip to the time and battlefields of the Persian Wars, as recounted by the ancient historian Herodotus, while the very battle of Thermopylae comes alive in a digital 3D movie.

The Battle of Thermopylae war conducted in 480BC among the Greeks and the Persians the same time the Naval Battle of Artemision took place. In the beginning of September the Persian Army led my Xerxis reaches the passageways of Thermopylae. The Greeks have chosen this strategic spot to face the Persian attack. Xerxis has commanded Leonides, the leader of the Greek Army to surrender his armory but he replied 'Come and Get them'. Two consecutive days the Greeks fought heroically. The third day Efialtes betrays the Greeks, showing the Persians the passageway so as to get to the back side of the Greeks. So, the Persian Army surrounds the Greeks. Leonides remains in the site of the battle along with 300 Spartans, 700 Thespieis and 400 Thivaious, loyal to his homeland laws. He fall dead from Persian arrows.

Kamena Vourla is a seaside town near Athens. Its lush green landscape and beautiful beaches will enchant you. You will also find several restaurants and cafes there.

The Baths of Thermopylae are located 15 km. from the city of Lamia. The area is known from the Battle of Thermopylae between the Greeks and the Persians in 480 BC. Next to the road is the statue of Leonidas and the sacred hill, where Leonidas fell fighting with the 300 Spartans and the 700 Thespians. According to mythology, Hephaestus, at the request of the goddess Athena, created the springs so that Hercules could wash and regain his strength after his labors.

Livadeia is a town in central Greece. It is the capital of the Boeotia regional district. The area around Livadeia is mountainous, with farming activities mainly confined to the valleys. The area has traditionally been associated with the production and processing of cotton and tobacco, as well as the cultivation of cereal crops and the raising of livestock. The city is also known for having participated in the War of Troy in allegiance with Mycenae.

Next, make your way inside Delphi Archeological Museum and explore the veritable treasure trove at leisure. Home to countless artifacts and relics, the museum consists of some 15 rooms arranged in chronological order.Delphi Archaeological Museum is one of the principal museums of Greece and one of the most visited.

Αn intriguing architectural marvel nestled within the archaeological site of Delphi. Tholos provides us with a window into the ancient world and the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions. The Tholos of Athena Pronaia is a circular building with a distinctive architectural design, featuring a ring of Doric columns surrounding a central chamber. Built in the 4th century BCE, this unique structure served as a sanctuary dedicated to Athena Pronaia, a variant of the goddess Athena worshipped in Delphi.

At the midday, head inside the UNESCO-listed Archeological Site of Delphi, and explore the intriguing ruins while learning about famous monuments such as the Temple of ApolloThe Temple of Apollo, god of music, harmony, light, healing, and oracles occupied the most important and prominent position in the Delphic Panhellenic Sanctuary. The edifice with the partially restored colonnade visible today dates to the 4th century BC. It is the third temple built at the same place. The famous oracle, the Pythia, operated inside the temple, the location chosen, according to one tradition, due to a sacred chasm beneath the site emitting vapors, which were inhaled by the Pythia.

Head back to Athens via the beautiful mountain village of Arachova, situated on the hills of the Parnassus Mountains, where the tour will stop for a short photo opportunity.

Upon reaching Kalabaka, we'll begin the adventure with a leisurely lunch and a convenient restroom break in the charming village of Kalabaka. Take this opportunity to refuel and prepare for an awe-inspiring exploration of the breathtaking Meteora region. Enjoy a lunch or you have free time to explore the city on your own pace.

This is the most accessible monastery, where instead of steps you simply cross a small bridge to reach the entrance. It is ideal for visitors who cannot use the steps and yet they wish to have a real experience of a Meteora monastery. The beginning of monastic life on the rock of Agios Stephanos dates back to early in the 12th century.

The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery. It is located opposite of the Great Meteoro Monastery and it was founded in the mid 14th century by the exercitant Hosios Varlaam. The elegant monastery Catholicon was built in the honour of Agioi Pantes in 1541-42, by two brothers from Ioannina, the priest-monks Hosioi Theophanes and Nectarios the Apsarades.

The Great Meteoron Monastery is the biggest and oldest one of all. It was called the monastery that was “suspended in the air” (meteoro), because of the formation of the gigantic rock on top of which it was built.

The Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) is the most difficult to reach, but once you get to the very top the panoramic view of the surroundings is simply captivating! This Monastery is very close to the Saint Stephen’s Nunnery and it is perched on a steep and magnificent rock. It had already been organized Monastery since the year 1362 as indicated in a document by Symeon Uressis Palaeologos.

The Holy Monastery of Roussanou has received the name of the first probable hermit who settled on the rock. The main cathedral was founded at the end of the 16th century and was decorated thirty years later. Compared to other rocks where monasteries were built, the one of Roussanou has a lower elevation, which makes it more accessible.

The Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas is the first Monastery that we encounter on our way to the Holy Meteora and was founded at the end of the 14th century.

You will enjoy the panoramic view of the town Kalampaka. After a full day of exploration get transfered back to Athens.