Greece 2011: 6/12/2011 Drive Olympia to Delphi, Rio Antirrio Bridge, Amalia Hotel, Arachova, dinner at Epikourous

I woke up feeling slightly better. Breakfast buffet. I had one egg over easy, fruit, croissant, grapefruit juice, coffee. Check out fine. Balance of 64.40€/$93.29USD paid. Upon check out I was told that the large group at Ambrosia last night had something to do with volleyball games. Stop in town to check it out. Only a few stores open but at one I bought some postcards. Wish we would have had time to explore this town.

Breakfast buffet

Store where I bought my postcards

Per my research it is 210 km from Olympia to Delphi. We go Olympia to Rio, then Rio to Delphi. Our drive to Delphi was going just fine until we got to where we'd have to cross the Rio Antirro bridge. We could see it but can't find the way/road to get to where we would be able to cross it. I see some Greek policemen stopped by their motorcycles on the side of the road. They don't speak English and I don't speak Greek. Somehow they understand that I'm trying to get to the bridge and I understand their directions to get to the bridge! I can't believe that happened and we are right where we have to cross.

On the road to Delphi

Going through the tunnel

First glimpse

Found the entrance to the bridge

RIO ANTIRRIO BRIDGE. This bridge is the world's longest multi span cable stayed bridge. It crosses the Gulf of Corinth. Spectacular. It's raining now. Toll 12.90€. Once across the bridge we stop the car and I take a few pictures. Lovely scenery along the way. We make a stop at Kafe Caldera where we have drinks.

Finally on the bridge!

Postcard

Stopped here to take in the view

Stopped here for drinks and to admire the view

Netting prevents the stone from falling into the road

Almost there!

DELPHI. Navel of the earth. Center of the known world. Place where heaven and earth meet. Place on earth where man was closest to God. In mythology it's the meeting place of 2 eagles released by Zeus and sent in opposite directions. Center of worship of the god Apollo. Moral discipline and spiritual clarity. Guardian of the oracle. Overlooks the Gulf of Corinth and a valley filled with olive and cypress trees.

AMALIA HOTEL. I had made reservations for us here before arriving in Greece. We will stay here 2 nights for 240€/$343.72USD. Our room is #226. It's spacious-nice. We have a view of the Port of Itea. Unfortunately it's raining so no pool time like we had hoped.

Our room #226

Our balcony

View from our room of the pool and the grounds of the hotel

View of the Port of Itea

Hotel pool

View from pool area

Overlooks pool

Cozy seating areas in main building

ARACHOVA. A town which is 6 1/2 miles north of Delphi. I had read that I could find hand loomed tagari shoulder bags here. On the drive there we stop at a view point with flags. In town at a cafe we stop to get hot drinks-nescafe frappe. We also ordered some food. Spinach with garlic and french fries. Hit the spot! Cost without tip 14.50€. I do find my tagari bag at a shop along with some olive oil soap with jasmine. Cost was 12.5€. A bit more walking, window shopping. Back to our room at the hotel by 5:00 pm. Since the rain has stopped we went over to the pool where Richard enjoyed a nice swim and I relaxed on a lounger. Back to our room to unpack. Shower and change.

We made a quick stop here as the views are lovely

So many olive trees!

Store where I bought my tagari shoulder bag

Lots of rugs, bags-hand loomed items

Stopped here for food and hot drinks

Driving back to Delphi and our hotel

Richard has the pool to himself

EPIKOUROUS. Dinner is here at a table right by the railing. Open to the Gulf of Corinth, the valley, and the Port of Itea. Great view. Richard gets his Greek salad but also vegetable soup and a Mythos beer. I make a good choice with spinach/cheese pie and coke. Bread is brought to our table. We both get coffee to go with the complimentary 3 slices of pound cake soaked in ? Yummy! Wish I could remember the liquor that was used for the cake. Cost without tip 27.10€.