Full day Delphi Tour from Athens

Let us take you on a trip back in time by visiting the mythical center of the world, Delphi. A place where gods, oracles, heroes and kings were part of our history. Let’s follow the steps of ancient Greeks and visit the most important place of worship at ‘’The Medieval Times’’. Our excursion will start from your accommodation early in the morning (08:00-09:00). After a short introduction from our driver we will start heading to northern Greece towards Delphi. After 100 kilometers on the national highway we will get into the provincial road to Parnassos Mountain. On our way we will pass through the birthplace of Hercules and kingdom of Oedipus, (famous Oedipus complex) called Thebes or Thiva, where the green of the countryside and the white from the cotton fields set an amazing scenery of colors. Approximately after 1 ½ hour of driving we will reach the west slope of mount Helicon and Osios Loukas monastery. It was founded in 945 A.D from the hermit Loukas and it has taken its name after his death in 953 A.D. The monastery is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites because both churches inside represent the more severe and abstracted style of the Middle Byzantine decorative art and it is dated from the first half of the 11th century. After our historical exploration in Orthodox religion we will continue to our next destination, Delphi. According to mythology it’s here where the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the end of the universe to find the navel of the world. The sanctuary of Delphi sets within a most spectacular landscape full of mountains and hills in a height of 960 meters. For many centuries, it was a cultural and religious center and also a symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. In the beginning, the site was sacred to Mother Earth and it was guarded by the terrible serpent Python, who was later killed by Apollo. Apollo’s sanctuary was built here by Cretans who arrived at Kirrha (port of Delphi), accompanied by the god in the form of a dolphin. Between the 6th and the 4th century B.C, Delphi city was known for the oracular powers of Pythia, who was delivering God Apollo’s messages to humans through her. The priestess, who was sitting on a tripod, muttered incomprehensible words that foretold the future. Kings, crusaders and ordinary individuals were consulting the Delphic Oracle before taking important decisions for the future, and they were expressing their gratitude with great gifts to honor the God Apollo. The oracle’s fame was spread to the depths of the world as it was believed to have successfully predicted events like the Argonaut expedition, the Trojan War and that Alexander the Great was going to be ‘’invincible’’ to his campaign. There, you will visit the temple of Athena Pronaia, the Temple of Apollo, the old theater, the sacred way, the treasury house of Athenians and the Gymnasium. In the Museum of Delphi you will admire unique exhibits such as the world famous bronze Charioteer, a masterpiece of Hellenic art, the navel of Delphi and Naxian Sphinx. Closing up our day, 10 minutes away we will reach our final destination but most favorite, the picturesque Arachova village. There, you are going to have time for a walk at the mesmerizing alleys among the traditionally stone-built houses and taste Greek cuisine and delicacies with a view at the slope of mount Parnassos, 800 m. above the sea level. Arachova is known for the smoked cheese and the handmade traditional carpets but it’s also one of the most famous Winter Resorts among Ski Fans because it’s 15 minutes away from the Ski Slopes of Mount Parnassos. Then the only thing you have to do is to relax & enjoy our way back or get some rest until our driver wakes you up!