One Day Tour To Delphi and Arachova

[TOUR CODE #7]

Historical Information In Details About This Tour!

In this full day tour from Athens you will visit Delphi, the most spectacular archaeological site in Greece and listed in just about every tourist itinerary and by far the most popular day trip out of Athens. Delphi in ancient times was considered the centre of the known world, the place where heaven and earth meet.
The impressive ruins of Apollo’s Sanctuary, Apollo’s Temple still stand against the rocky background of Mount Parnassus, where the holly purging ice-cold waters of Castalia Spring never stopped flowing down, where its theatre echoes around the landscape.
Enjoy discovering the picturesque traditional Greek town of Arachova well known for its handmade goods. Experience and admire the beauties of Greece on this guided tour, travellingin our luxury coaches while you are listening to our professional licensed guide explaining all important historical and monumental sites and introducing you to the spirit of more than 3000 years of Greek history.

Theater of Apollo

On this Organized Tour from Athens, we will drive along the main highway passing by Thieves the kingdom of Oedipus (Oedipus Complex) and arrive in Delphi “the Navel of the Earth”. We will continue with visit to the Museum with the famous bronze Charioteer, the statue of Antinoos, the ancient sanctuary and all the renowned ruins of the “Omphalos” (Navel) of the Ancient world while our guide will refer to each part of the history till today.

You will feel the mystery in the Temple of Apollo where Pythia was seated on her tripod and delivered her prophecies.
Delphi was inhabited since Mycenaean times 4000 years ago by small settlements who were dedicated to the gigantic female, Mother Earth. The worship of Apollo as the god of light, harmony, and order was established between the 11th and 9th centuries.

Slowly over the next five centuries the sanctuary grew in size and importance. Around 2800 years ago, Delphi became internationally known for the Oracular powers of Pythia – the priestess who sat on a tripod, inhaled the breath of the earth, and muttered incomprehensible words that foretold the future.

The Oracle of Delphi
At first, the oracle of Delphi could only be consulted once a year, but as its reputation grew more and more pilgrims came, and more days were added to the agenda. During the three months that Apollo was believed to be away, the oracle was silent. After going through purification rituals and paying a certain tax, the pilgrim that would be allowed to consult the oracle could ask his question to Pythia.

Arachova Village

Pythia was a woman from the village Delphi, and in most cases she was a young virgin. We do not know exactly in what state of mind she was, but she was probably under the influence of some sort of narcotic substance. Tradition holds that fumes were coming out of a crack in the ground, but no such crack has been found.

After Pythia had spoken, the priests interpreted her words to the pilgrim. The answers were always vague, and in this way the oracle was almost always right. This gave the priests great political power, and their credibility was discussed even in ancient times. It is said that the fable writer Aesop had called them the “parasites of Apollo” and for this the priests killed him.

We will continue to visit the traditional Greek village of Arachova known for its famous handmade carpets.

On the slope of Parnassus at an altitude of 1000 metres is found the picturesque village of Arachova that during the last decade it has been transformed into a cosmopolitan centre of winter holidays. It is from Arachova that we depart for an extra 35 kilometres to the skiing centres of Parnassus. The big altitude and the traditional architecture characterize Arachova as one of the most picturesque mountain villages of Greece.

Then, passing through the cities of Levadia and Thieves we will return to Athens.

Back to the tour!

Included on the above price
Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites
Professional English-speaking licensed guide
Transportation by air-conditioned, non smoking coach
Local taxes

How to book
Click here to pay and book this tour
Or e-mail us at adm@hopin.com
Or call us at +30 210 4285500

Highlights
Delphi, Temple of Apollo, Castalia Spring, Athenian Treasury, Arachova village

Departures
a. 1st of April till 31st October: Daily
b. 1st November till 31st March: every Monday-Wednesday-Friday-Sunday
Except: 1st January, Greek Orthodox Eastern Day, 1st May, 25th and 26th December

Schedule Details
Duration: 10 hours
Departure Time: 08:30am
As this tour is organized, please be at pick up point 10′ before the agreed time
Return Time: 06:30pm (approx.), to original departure point

Pick up Service
We offer free pick up service from all Athens centre hotels. If you want to see the pick up service from your hotel please click here.

Additional Information
Some departures may be operated by a multi-lingual professional licensed guide

What to bring
Comfortable footwear, Sunblock, Hat, Camera

F.A.Q. Got some questions?
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

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