Family Adventure to the Heart of Ancient Greece: Delphi

Ancient Echoes and Olive Groves

Today was a day of profound exploration, blending the spiritual with the sensory. It’s amazing how much history and flavor can be packed into a single day, especially when you're sharing it with family. These are the days that truly make a trip memorable, creating stories we'll recount for years to come.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Kaplanis Taverna in Arachova. The family-run spot was bustling with locals and tourists alike, all eager to start their day with some authentic Greek flavors. I opted for the traditional *hortopita*, a savory pie filled with greens and feta, while Isabella chose the *μοσχαρίσιο μπιφτέκι* (beef burger). Sofia, of course, went for the classic yogurt with honey. It's fascinating to see how even the simplest dishes can taste so different, so much more vibrant, when made with local ingredients. Fuelled up, we set off for our first destination: the Holy Monastery of Hosios Loukas.


Explore the Holy Monastery of Hosios Loukas, a UNESCO heritage site, where Byzantine architecture and spiritual serenity merge in the heart of Greece.
The drive to the monastery was scenic, winding through the hills and offering glimpses of the surrounding countryside. As we approached the monastery, its imposing walls and bell tower came into view, perched on the slopes of Mount Helicon. The Monastery of Hosios Loukas is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art in Greece. Founded in the 10th century by the hermit Loukas Stereiotis, the monastery has been a place of pilgrimage and spiritual retreat for centuries.

Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the serenity of the place. The air was cool and still, and the only sounds were the soft echoes of our footsteps and the distant chanting of monks. The monastery consists of two main churches: the Church of Theotokos, the older of the two, and the Katholikon, a larger cathedral church. We began our exploration in the Church of Theotokos, admiring its intricate mosaics and frescoes. The artistry was incredible, depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints. Sofia was particularly fascinated by the colorful images and kept asking questions about the stories behind them. I tried my best to explain, drawing on my somewhat rusty knowledge of biblical history.

Next, we visited the Katholikon, which is built over a large crypt dedicated to Aghia Varvara (Saint Barbara). The crypt contains the tomb of Hosios Loukas himself, and the walls are covered with well-preserved frescoes dating back to the 11th century. The sheer scale of the Katholikon was impressive, with its soaring dome and marble columns. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence in this sacred space. Isabella lit a candle for her mother, a quiet moment of reflection amidst the grandeur of the monastery. The monastery suffered damages during bombardments in 1943 and has been undergoing restoration since 1938.

To truly understand a place, you must experience it with all your senses.

After spending a few hours at the monastery, soaking in its history and spirituality, we were ready for a change of pace. Our next stop was the MoKa olive stories tour, a local olive farm that offers immersive tours and tastings. I had read about MoKa online and was intrigued by their commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Plus, I was eager to learn more about olive oil production, a staple of Greek cuisine.


Experience the heritage of olive oil production in Itea, Greece, at the MoKa Olive Stories Tour – a unique journey into culinary tradition.
The drive to MoKa took us through more of the picturesque countryside, with olive groves stretching as far as the eye could see. We arrived at the farm and were greeted by our guide, a friendly local who was passionate about olives and olive oil. The tour began with a walk through the ancient olive grove, where we learned about the different varieties of olive trees and the traditional methods of cultivation. Sofia was delighted to discover that some of the trees were centuries old, their gnarled trunks bearing witness to generations of farmers.

Our guide explained the entire olive oil production process, from harvesting the olives to pressing them into oil. We even got to try our hand at picking olives, a surprisingly challenging task. It was fascinating to see how much care and effort goes into producing a single bottle of olive oil. MoKa's mission is to craft exceptional honey and olive oil using sustainable, eco-friendly practices that honor both nature and tradition.

Of course, the highlight of the tour was the olive oil tasting. We sampled several different varieties of MoKa's premium olive oil, each with its own distinct flavor profile. I was amazed by the complexity and richness of the oils, a far cry from the bland supermarket stuff I was used to. We also tasted some of MoKa's handpicked olives, which were equally delicious. Isabella bought a few jars of olive oil and olives to take home as souvenirs. I am sure that when we're back in Toronto, these olives will remind us of the fantastic time we had during this trip.

After our olive adventure, we were ready for a late lunch. We headed to Lefas Restaurant in Delphi, known for its traditional Greek cuisine. The restaurant had a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, and the menu featured a wide range of classic dishes. I ordered the moussaka, a baked eggplant and meat dish, while Isabella chose the *souvlaki*. Sofia, predictably, opted for pasta. The food was delicious, hearty, and satisfying, the perfect way to end a day of exploration. I was surprised to find out that Hotel Lefas is only 300 meters away from the Delphi Archaeological site. The hotel also offers rooms with views of the city.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Lefas Restaurant in Delphi - where tradition meets taste in every dish.
Before heading back to our hotel, we made a quick stop at Michailou, a local shop selling handmade crafts and souvenirs. I picked up a few small gifts for friends back home, while Sofia chose a colorful bracelet for herself.


Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts at Michailou, the charming souvenir store in Delphi, Greece, perfect for capturing memories of your journey.
For dinner, we decided to try To Archontiko, a restaurant in Arachova known for its traditional Greek cuisine. The restaurant had a cozy, rustic ambiance, with a fireplace and wooden beams. I ordered the *kleftiko*, a slow-cooked lamb dish, while Isabella chose the *horta*, a dish of boiled greens. Sofia, once again, went for pasta. The food was delicious and comforting, the perfect way to end a long day of exploring.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at To Archontiko in Arachova - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. From the spiritual serenity of Hosios Loukas Monastery to the flavorful delights of MoKa olive stories, today was a feast for the senses. And, as always, it was made even more special by sharing it with my family. Looking ahead to tomorrow, we are planning on visiting the Pavliani Recreation Park and Krya Park. I've heard that Pavliani Recreation Park is particularly fun for kids, with its playground, zip lines and natural springs. I'm sure Sofia will have a blast.

I am glad that we decided to take this trip to Greece. It's been an incredible experience so far, and I can't wait to see what the rest of our adventure holds.