Visit Delphi with a private shore excursion from Piraeus (Athens Cruise Port)
Itinerary: Athens – Levadia – Arachova- Delphi- Athens
This full-day private tour runs all year round. Maybe the most famous tour of Greece. With evocative ruins surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, Delphi is surely the most beautiful ancient site in Greece. For the ancient Greeks, Delphi was literally the center of the world: According to the myth, Zeus released two eagles from opposite ends of the earth and they met in the sky above Delphi. Impaling one another with their beaks, they fell to the ground on the very center of the world. The site was marked by the sacred Omphalos, or “navel stone.”
Later, Apollo killed the serpent Python (son of Mother Earth), guardian of Delphi’s sacred Castalian Spring. The sun god then established an oracle at the spring, promising to provide counsel to all who needed it. Located at the navel of the world and personally blessed by Apollo, Delphi was the holiest site in the world for the ancient Greeks. The ruins of Ancient Delphi range in date from Mycenean times to the early Christian era and are one of the must-sees in Greece. The site can also be visited as a day trip, as it is a scenic 2.5-hour drive or minibus ride northwest from Piraeus Athens.
Travel to Delphi (Delfi), from Athens Piraeus in a luxurious vehicle according to the size of your group in comfort and safety through central Greece: Levadia, Arachova, and Delphi.
Delphi is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece, and accordingly, it seems to appear in the itinerary of every traveler, who is attracted to the oracle that influenced state affairs in the known world for over a thousand years.
Highlights of Triumphantly Delphi in 8-H Brilliant Private Shore Excursion
- Drive through the picturesque landscape of Central Greece
- A visit to Arachova, a famous ski resort
- A typical Greek lunch with traditional food you will love
- The archaeological site of Delphi, the Museum and the Temple of Apollo
Tour description of Delphi shore excursion
Your private shore trip to Delphi starts from Piraeus cruise port of Athens early in the morning (proposed 08:00). Our driver will pick you up from your cruise ship pier and will drive you towards an impressive and scenic countryside.
Pass by Levadia, one of the known and influential towns in Central Greece, and Thebes, the important city-state of the ancient years.
After a drive of less than two and a half hours, you will be arriving at Arachova, a very small but extremely cute and picturesque mountain village that lies at the feet of Mt Parnassus. Arachova is known as a major tourist destination in winter, especially for those who ski, and for the quality of its handmade carpets and kilims. It is also a place that serves delicious local dishes and a variety of cheeses that you will not find in other areas in Greece.
Delphi
After a short stop in Arachova, the private full-day shore trip will continue towards Delphi, which is located just 8km away. Delphi is known due to the Oracle that dates from the Mycenaean period, although its fame grew bigger around the early 6th century BC.
The Oracle of Delphi gained significant political and religious importance and became extremely rich. The richness and the importance of the place are evident even today.
During the private 8 hours tour, you will be visiting the archaeological site of Delphi which is one of the most impressive sites you will ever visit in your life. You can visit the Oracle, the navel of the Earth called omphalos in Greek, and of course, the Museum of Delphi that houses some impressive treasures of antiquity.
In the museum of Delphi, you will see the status of the Twin brothers, the Sphynx from Naxos, and of course, the immense bronze Charioteer called Eniochos. After the museum, you will visit the Athenian treasury and the Temple of Apollo.
You will have the chance to choose between a meal in Delphi or Arachova and after your lunch, the private full-day tour will drive you back to Athens, following the same route.
Important Notes: As this excursion involves 1-2 hours of extensive walking, it is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. It is recommended that guests dress in casual clothing, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as wear flat, comfortable, rubber-soled shoes. The order of sites visited may vary.
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