A Greek Odyssey

Oia: stunning views on Santorini

The Parthenon: Temple of Athena, Athens

       
The ancient city of Athens is famed for being the seat western philosophy and contains the ruins of many historic buildings. The two thousand five hundred year old Parthenon which sits majestically on top of the Acropolis is presently being restored.

A short distance from Athens lies the port of Piraeus. The ferries to numerous islands leave from here. The 8 hour ferry to Santorini leaves port around 8am, After several stops we arrive at the magnificent volcanic island.

Arriving by ferry at Santorini

The home of the famed Oracle of Delphi lies 120 kilometres from Athens. Pythia - the Priestess or Oracle was traditionally seated in the Temple of Apollo. Her prophecies were the result of a trance like state and the tradition continued for more than 1000 years until the city was abandoned. Delphi lies at the foot of Mount Parnassus. The mountain has several popular ski resorts.  

                                                         

                                                                                                 

The Bronze charioteer dating  from 475 BC can be seen in the Delphi Museum. The statue is the only surviviving bronze from the period. Most other bronze were melted down but the charioteer most likely survived as it was buried in a rock fall. The statue has glass eyes, copper lips and silver eyelashes and headband. 

The magnificent 10th century Hosios Loukas Monastery near Delphi.
The Unesco World Heritage site is famed for its Byzantine art work
and architecture.