Delphi: A Day Tour at the Navel of the World

On this full-day Delphi tour from Athens, immerse yourself in the mythology and monuments of classical Greece. With an experienced guide, tour the UNESCO-listed archeological site of Delphi and understand how the city was once known as the "Center of the World" in ancient Greece. Discover long-lost antiquities in the Delphi Archeological Museum, including the Charioteer of Delphi and the Sphinx of Naxos, before standing in awe before the dramatic Temple of Apollo. On your route back to Athens from Delphi, stop through the Arachova handcraft town.

Early in the morning, you should be picked up from your central Athens hotel and seated on the coach for the ride to Delphi. The Boeotian Plain, an old agricultural hub, the city of Thebes, where King Oedipus was born, and Mount Parnassus, the towering peak above Delphi where the ancient Greek Muses lived, will all be highlighted by your guide. Around two hours into your drive, you'll take a quick break outside the town of Livadia. It takes less than an hour to go to Delphi, a UNESCO Globe Heritage Site regarded as the 'navel of the world' in ancient times, when inspired prophetesses delivered oracles that foretold the future.

Your guide will show you around the archaeological site and show you the Castalian Spring, where the priestesses used to bathe. You'll spend around two and a half hours here in total. The Monument to the Kings of Argos, the Athenian Treasury, the ancient colonnade known as the Stoa of the Athenians, and the polygonal wall with its artistically carved masonry are just a few of the attractions to see. When you visit the Temple of Apollo, you may learn about the Greek deity Apollo and how he is worshipped there.

Then, have a look at the highlights of the Delphi Archaeological Museum, which is jam-packed with antiquities unearthed here. Admire the Naxian Sphinx, which previously guarded the Temple of Apollo, the Siphnian Treasury's frieze, and sculptures such as the Statue of Antinous, Hadrian's lover. The Charioteer of Delphi is a bronze sculpture erected to commemorate a victory in the Pythian Games, which were conducted at Delphi to worship Apollo.

Then, visit Athena Pronaia Sanctuary, the most-photographed spot in Delphi.

Return to Athens through Arachova, a scenic mountain village located on the south slopes of Mount Parnassus and famed for its stunning hand-woven carpets, rugs, and quilts, as well as wine and cheese (short photo stop).

* Please note that the above sample itinerary can and will be tailored according to your preferences and needs in order to include or exclude additional spots as long as the total duration of our tour remains up to 8 hours. Upon demand, you may as well extend your tour-schedule. So whether you have something in mind or would like your driver- guide to take the lead and make recommendations, feel free to make a request about it – Your wish is our command!!

** Please keep in mind that anytime you feel hungry there will always be a place in the course of our tour to grab a snack. Otherwise, our tour may incorporate a lunch break at a local restaurant to taste and experience the traditional food.