The history of Delphi begins in prehistory and in the myths of the ancient Greeks. In the beginning the site was sacred to Mother Earth and was guarded by the terrible serpent Python, who was later killed by Apollo.
Our first stop is going to be the monastery of Osios Loukas, which represents the second golden age of Byzantine art (11th-12th Century). We will then drive on to Delphi, the centre of the ancient world – the ‘’Omphalos’’ (Navel of Earth) – whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic World. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo, the most famous oracle of the ancient world. We visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of the Apollo and the Museum containing masterpieces of the ancient Greek sculpture. After your visit to the museum, a stop will be made for a traditional Greek lunch in the village of Delphi, and the village of Arachova.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Private transportation
✔ Bottled water
✔ English-speaking driver
✔ Pick-up and drop-off service: Athens Hotel, Airbnb residence
✔ All fees and/or taxes
✖ Snacks
✖ Local Licensed tour guide upon request, depending on availability (Additional Cost)
✖ Entrance fees for the sites
✖ Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off (additional cost depending on vehicle type)
Pickup Locations
1. Alter Athens Hotel
2. Ruby Rooms Athens
3. Zenith Hotel
4. Athens City Plaza
5. Wyndham Athens Residence
6. Apollo Hotel
7. Titania Hotel
8. Athens Zafolia Hotel
9. Philippos Hotel
10. The Editor Athens Hotel
11. Anixis
12. Crowne Plaza Athens - City Centre, an IHG hotel
13. Novotel Athenes
14. Hotel Tier Collection
15. Hotel Byron
16. Bob W. Eolou Athens
17. Athens City Hotel By Dionysos
18. Ambrosia Suites
19. Exarchion Hotel
20. Hotel Carolina
Additional Info: we offer pick up from most hotels. Let us know where you are staying in Athens.
From ports or Airports your driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name.
(additional cost depending on vehicle type)
Itinerary
1
Monastery of Hosios Loukas
Hosios Loukas is a historic walled monastery situated near the town of Distomo, in Boeotia, Greece. It is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art, and has been listed on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites,
The monastery of Hosios Loukas is situated at a scenic site on the slopes of Mount Helicon. It was founded in the early 10th century AD by the hermit, Venerable Hosios Luke of Steiris (Greek: Lukas).
His relics are exhibited in the Katholicon (main church of the monastery). They were stolen by the Crusaders during the 13th AD and kept in the Vatican for centuries.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Temple of Apollo
Delphi in legend previously called Pytho, in ancient times was a sacred precinct that served as the seat of Pythia, the major oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. The oracle was international in character and also fostered sentiments of Greek nationality, even though the nation of Greece was centuries away from realization. The ancient Greeks considered the centre of the world to be in Delphi, marked by the stone monument known as the omphalos (navel). The sacred precinct was in the region of Phocis, but its management had been taken away from the Phocians, who were trying to extort money from its visitors, and had been placed in the hands of an amphictyony, or committee of persons chosen mainly from Central Greece. According to the Suda, Delphi took its name from the Delphyne, the she-serpent (drakaina) who lived there and was killed by the god Apollo (in other accounts the serpent was the male serpent (drakon)
Duration: 2 hours
3
Delphi Archaeological Museum
The Delphi Archaeological Museum is at the foot of the main archaeological complex, on the east side of the village, and on the north side of the main road. The museum houses artifacts associated with ancient Delphi, including the earliest known notation of a melody, the Charioteer of Delphi, Kleobis and Biton, golden treasures discovered beneath the Sacred Way, the Sphinx of Naxos, and fragments of reliefs from the Siphnian Treasury. Immediately adjacent to the exit is the inscription that mentions the Roman proconsul Gallio.
Duration: 60 minutes
4
Delphi
The modern town of Delphi is situated immediately west of the archaeological site of the same name, and hence is a popular tourist destination. Delphi is also the name of the modern-day municipality in which the town of Delphi is situated
Duration: 60 minutes
5
Arachova
Arachova is a mountain town and a former municipality in the western part of Boeotia, Greece, originally called Karyai (also spelled Caryae). Its name is of South Slavic origin and denotes a place with walnut trees. It is a tourist destination due to its location in the mountains, its traditions and its proximity to the town of Delphi. The town is a popular day or weekend trip destination from Attica and a gathering place for the rich and famous.
Greek rebels under Georgios Karaiskakis defeated the Ottomans at the 1826 Battle of Arachova.
The Formaela cheese from Arachova has been designated as a protected designation of origin. Nearby Arachova, modern ski facilities are popular with visitors.
Duration: 60 minutes
Additional info
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
