On this full-day tour of Delphi, you will visit one of the Ancients world’s most important and spiritual sites, where you will also take a drive along Mount Parnassus which is recorded to be a UNESCO-listed site but also the center of the universe as told by many Greek myths. You will be able to explore and learn all about the history that happened here at Delphi but also have the chance to soak in some marvelous views.
This tour will take you to see and explore the wonderful sites of Delphi, the day will begin with your allocated tour guide coming to collect you in the morning firstly, now whether you book as a regular group tour or as a private tour with us you shall be given your collection time upon time of booking, also your pick up can be from various points such as from Piraeus Harbour – Athens Airport and also your hotel depending upon which tour you wish to book either private or as a regular group tour.
To visit Mount Parnassos – City of Delphi & Castalian Springs will take about 2.5 hours
Along the drive to Delphi, you will be able to see the plain of Boeotia which is known to be an agricultural center, we will also pass through the city of Theva which was the birthplace of King Oedipus. As we keep going we will soon reach Mount Parnassos where there will be a short photo stop break but also a chance for you to stretch your legs, the Mount Parnassos is a mountain of limestone and towers above Delphi therefore it offers incredible panoramic views of the olive groves but also the never-ending countryside.
Now that the shortstop is over it’s a nonstop drive over to Delphi which during ancient times was known to be the navel of the world. The city of Delphi was inhabited even during the Mycenaean times which would have been the 14th – 11th century B.C. and as time passed the area grew in size and also importance so much that it became the second place to the Acropolis in Athens. It is here you will be able to discover the sanctuary that was dedicated to the god Apollo, this sanctuary also came to be used as an oracle. Myth and stories, have it that pilgrims from all walks of life would come here to Delphi to ask for a prophecy which is why people of today and also during the ancient times classed Delphi to be a spiritual place. The archaeological site of Delphi has a vast amount of ruins so you will be sure to have many things to explore for example the monument of the Argive Kings, the treasury of Athenians even the monument of Platea. Some other ruins in the archaeological site of Delphi include 2 sanctuaries which were dedicated to Apollo and Athena there are also ruins of temples, some many other building ruins left here were intended for sporting purposes only, the left-over ruins here are still in a good condition so you will be able to piece together in your mind of what once was. Also, here in Delphi, there is the oasis of the Castalian Springs which is very close to the oracle, during ancient times it was believed that this spring water had cleansing powers that would cleanse the souls of the bathers before they would enter the Temple of Apollo. During today’s times, it has become very difficult to reach by walking but there are intentions to get the path cleared so that people may also visit more of Delphi’s history.
Visit the Museum Of Delphi will take about 2 hours
After visiting and exploring all of the archaeological sites in Delphi we will move the tour onwards to the Delphi museum, this museum is definitely at the top of the list of must-see museums in Greece because of the great quality of artifacts found here from thousands of years before. The Delphi museum has the most spectacular display that includes various friezes of the treasury of Sifians, the Naxian Sphinx, the statue of Antinoos, and of course, the outstanding famous bronze charioteer that was created for the victory during 476 B.C Pythian games.
Visit the village of Arachova will take about 20 minutes (free time)
The last part of the tour for today as we make our way back to Athens will take us on the road via the picturesque mountain village of Arachova which has been built on the sides of Mount Parnassus, this cute little village is famous for its beautiful created hand-woven carpets, cheese and of course wines so it’s a great chance to do a little bit of shopping and take back with some true traditional souvenirs.
This just about wraps up our tour for today, therefore you will head back to the bus with your guide who will then drop you back off at your allocated drop-off points where you will be able to spend the rest of the day relaxing and also reviewing your day with us.
*This private Delphi Tour is available year-round.
INCLUSIONS
*Pick up and Drop Off
*Professional Licensed Guide
*Parking Fees
*Transport and Driver
EXCLUSIONS
*Lunch – Drinks
*Entrance Fees
*Gratitude’s
