4-Days Arachova Volos and Pelion Private Tour from Athens

Arachova - Delphi

We will drive to Parnassus mountain to visitthe centre of the world, Delphi and Mykonos of the winter where we will overnight, Arachova.

Delphi

Delphi is a town on Mount Parnassus in the south of mainland Greece. It's the site of the 4th-century-B.C. Temple of Apollo, once home to a legendary oracle.

Delphi Archaeological Site

Delphi is a town on Mount Parnassus in the south of mainland Greece. It's the site of the 4th-century-B.C. Temple of Apollo, once home to a legendary oracle. Called the centre of the world, Delphi was the most famous ancient Greek sanctuary with a Pan Hellenic character dedicated to the God Apollo. In the site you will visit the temple of Apollo where Pytheia spoke to the oracles, the theater, and the stadium, while a little farther lies the temple of Athena Pronea and the Gymnasium.  

Delphi Archaeological Museum

In the museum you will be able to see some splendid findings such as the famous charioteer and Gold Ivory statues. 

Parnassos Ski Resort (Optional)

Parnassos Ski Center is in the list with the top ski resorts in the Balkans, as mountain Parnassos is one of the most beautiful mountains in Greece, full of Greek firs with ambulant vegetation and rare natural beauty that charms visitors all year long.

Arachova - Portaria - Volos

After leaving Arachova we will drive to traditional Portaria to follow the path of the Centaurs' and to Volos to overnight.

Portaria

Portaria is one of the most significant tourist resorts in Greece. Visitors admire its natural beauties, like the «Centaurs' path» and the cascade of Karavos, walk along the cobbled streets that are surrounded by yards with flowers in full bloom, enjoy the view over the gulf of Pagassitikos and visit the Byzantine churches and the old monasteries. 

Centaurs' Path

If you follow Greek Mythology you would probably be aware of the famous Centaurs the strong men with the upper body of a man and the legs of a horse. The myth has it that they lived in the woods of the famous mountain of Pelio in Greece, wandering in the paths and finding shelter in large caves.

Volos

Volos is one of the largest and most attractive cities in Greece as well as one of the country’s most prominent ports. The modern-day city, built near the site of ancient Iolcos, dominates the region of Magnesia from its position at the foot of Mount Pelion overlooking the Pagasetic Gulf.The area’s mythical background captivates the visitor’s imagination. Magnesia features in some of the most remarkable tales in Greek mythology. The progenitor of its peoples was Magnes, son of Zeus and Aeolus, yet Magnesia is believed to be the birthplace of a strange race, the Centaurs, beings which were part equine, part human and originated from the union of Nephele and Ixion. Asclepius and Achilles were, among others, pupils of the Centaur Chiron. The famous Argonaut expedition, one of the greatest epics in the Greek mythological cycle, set sail from the Pagasetic Gulf. Its famous tsipouradika is a must if you want to taste greek tsipouro (spirit) and meze (snack).

Pelion-Volos

Pelion Greece is a mountainous peninsula sitting in Thessaly. Thanks to its diverse natural landscape, Pelion is a wonderful destination for both summer and winter holidays. If you manage to peel yourself away from the beautiful Pelion beaches, you should go sightseeing to discover the stone-made churches in the area. And, of course, don’t miss to taste the local delicacies at the delightful traditional taverns of Pelion.

Tsagkarada

Tsagkarada lies 500m above sea level on the eastern side of Mt. Pelion, along a densely wooded area, looking out to the Aegean. Here, nature is dominant with chestnut and plane trees, being twisted around every single old and new construction of the sparsely-populated village. Treat yourself a cup of coffee at the central square of Agia Paraskevi, where the great Plane Tree counts a life of at least ten centuries.

Volos - Thermopylae - Athens

After breakfast you will have some free time in Volos and then we will drive back to Athens with a stop at Thermopylae.

Thermopylae

One of the greatest military feats of antiquity, still legendary 2500 years on, took place at Thermopylae, signposted off the road to Athens 17km southeast of Lamia. In this narrow pass, in 480 BC, Leonidas and 300 brave Spartans sacrificed their lives to halt Xerxes’ vast Persian army long enough to secure an ultimate Greek victory. 

Historical Information Center of Thermopylae

It is a quiet valley that descends gently to the Maliakos Gulf. In ancient days it was a bottleneck, a small stage set for a big drama. One day in the summer of 480 BC with the sun darkened by the arrows of the Persian army. The Greeks gained strategic and tactical advantage. They delayed the Persian advance for a few days, a betrayal, a battle that resulted in execution. You will watch a 3-D movie to learn more information about the battle.

Leonidas Monument

To complete the visit you will see the statue of Leonidas standing right opposite Kolonos Hill where the persisting Spartans left their last breath.

Athens

We will drive back to Athens.