Delphi, Museum & Arachova Guided Day Tour from Athens

The Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi

Set on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was for over a thousand years the most important religious site in the Greek world. Kings and city-states came to consult the Oracle, whose priestess, the Pythia, gave Apollo's answers. Legend says Zeus released two eagles from opposite ends of the world and they met here, marking Delphi as its navel, the omphalos.

On this Delphi guided tour you follow the Sacred Way past the rebuilt Athenian Treasury to the Temple of Apollo, then climb to the theatre, which seated about 5,000 people, with a sweeping view of the valley. Delphi has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. Plan about two hours on the site.

The Delphi Archaeological Museum

The Delphi Museum holds the treasures found at the sanctuary. Its star is the Charioteer of Delphi, a life-size bronze from around 475 BC, famous for its calm face and inlaid eyes, one of the finest surviving Greek bronzes.

You also see the winged Sphinx of the Naxians, the archaic twins Kleobis and Biton, the omphalos stone and the graceful statue of Antinous. Our guide leads you through the key rooms in about an hour. Delphi Museum tickets are included in the default option, together with the site. Photography without flash is allowed in most rooms.

Arachova Village on Mount Parnassus

Perched at about 950 metres on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Arachova is a picturesque village of stone houses, narrow lanes and a clock tower overlooking the valley. In winter it is a popular base for the Parnassos ski centre; the rest of the year it is loved for its views and crafts.

Here you enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (included in the default option) and time to browse shops selling woven rugs, local cheese such as formaela and mountain products. It is the perfect relaxed end to a busy day of history.

Planning a Day Trip to Delphi from Athens

Delphi is about 180 kilometres from Athens, a drive of about 2.5 hours each way, which makes a guided day trip the easiest way to visit. The coach stops for a break in Livadia on the way.

The best time to visit Delphi is spring or autumn, when the hills are green and temperatures pleasant; in summer, bring a hat and water, as the site is steep and sunny. Comfortable shoes are important: the Sacred Way climbs steadily up the mountainside. The route crosses the plains of Boeotia before climbing into the mountains, and the views improve with every kilometre.