Delphi and Thermopylae: 10-Hour Tour of Myth and Glory
The private tour to Delphi and Thermopylae is an excellent introduction to some of the major sites of Central Greece. It is a well-appointed full-day tour which is both time and cost-efficient and intends to make the most out of your time in Greece.
Itinerary of the 10-Hour Tour to Delphi and Thermopylae
Athens – Levadia – Arachova – Delphi – Thermopylae – AthensView the route of the tour to Delphi and Thermopylae in Google Maps.
Highlights of the Delphi & Thermopylae Private Tour
- Full-day private tour with a professional English-speaking driver
- Drive through the picturesque towns of Central Greece
- Arachova, one of the most important winter tourist destinations
- Visit Delphi, the famous Oracle of Apollo
- A visit to Thermopylae, the site of the battle of the 300 Spartans against the Persians
- A tasteful Greek lunch full of flavors and aromas from the Mediterranean
- Pickup and drop off from your hotel in Athens or cruise ship in Piraeus Port
Arachova: A Charming Mountain Town
The full-day private tour to Delphi and Thermopylae starts early in the morning from Athens. Your professional, expert driver will pick you up from your hotel or cruise ship and drive you through the lovely countryside of Central Greece towards Levadia, an important town from ancient times with a large influence in modern times. Levadia is known for its beautiful springs and waterfalls.
As you continue your journey, you will pass by the gorgeous little town of Arachova, built on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus. Arachova is a lovely town renowned for its amazing handmade objects, carpets, and an interesting variety of sweets and cheese. The town is a popular winter destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
Delphi: The Navel of the Earth
The private tour will then take you to Delphi, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Delphi was considered the “Navel of the Earth” and was known for Pythia, the famous Oracle of God Apollo who would give ambiguous messages to those seeking her wisdom.
The archaeological site of Delphi is home to the Treasury of the Athenians and the Sanctuary of God Apollo.The intriguing museum of Delphi houses some of the most important artifacts of the ancient world, such as the Charioteer of Delphi, the masterpiece of Sphinx from Naxos, and the statue of the athlete Agias.
A Taste of Greek Cuisine
After the tour in Delphi, you will enjoy a tasteful lunch at a typical Greek tavern that will introduce you to the real Greek cuisine.
Later, the tour will continue towards Thermopylae, through the biggest olive groves in Greece and the mountain range of Bralos with its picturesque landscape and famous bauxite mines.
Thermopylae: The Battlefield of the 300
Thermopylae is the battlefield where the famous battle of the 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas against the Persians took place in 480 BC. It is considered one of the most important sites in Greece due to the significance of the battle for Greece and the entire European continent at the time.
In Thermopylae, you will see a memorial statue of King Leonidas of Sparta, featuring the phrase “Molon Lave,” which means “Come and get it.” This was the famous response given to the Persians by Leonidas when their army demanded the Spartans give their weapons and surrender.
The Return to Athens
Returning to Athens, you will also have the chance to see the town of Thebes, known from ancient Greek literature and the tragedies of Antigone and Oedipus. Thebes was one of the most powerful city-states in ancient Greece and was the birthplace of the legendary hero Hercules.
Your driver will take you back to your hotel or cruise ship late in the afternoon, after an enjoyable day exploring the wonders of Central Greece.
Resources:
Tour Type
- Shore Excursion – Private tour
- Activity level: Moderate
Included in the tour
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
- Your tour will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver or escort possessing in-depth knowledge of Greece’s history and culture. They will provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, guiding you until the entrance of archaeological sites and museums. However, please note that drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside these venues.
- If you desire a licensed state tour guide to escort you within the archaeological sites and museums, providing comprehensive insights and explanations, we can gladly arrange one for an additional cost. These licensed guides are freelance professionals, and their availability is subject to your tour date.
- When a licensed tour guide or English-speaking tour escort accompanies a group, the professional driver may not necessarily speak English fluently. Their role is focused on providing safe transportation.
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Athens. Extra charge for hotels outside Athens.
- Pick up and drop off at Piraeus Port or Athens Airport.
- Pick up and drop off at our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athens, Greece.
- Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
- Road tolls and all local taxes
Excluded from the tour
- Wine tasting fee (for wine tours)
- Olive oil tasting fee (for olive oil tasting tours)
- Optional Gratuities
- Food and beverage
- Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the Differences between a Tour Guide and a Tour Driver
Cancellation Policy
Additional info
- Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered out of respect for the cultural norms.
- Please review our Terms & Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions
- Upon booking, an electronic voucher will be emailed to you containing our contact information, tour details, and all necessary instructions. This voucher serves as your ticket and proof of purchase. Please present a printed or digital copy of the voucher on the day of your tour to redeem your activity.
- City Tax for Hotel Stays: Effective from January 1st, 2018, a City Tax for hotel overnights is applicable and not included in our excursion rates. Clients will need to pay this tax directly at their hotel upon check-out. The amount per room is as follows: 5-star hotel: €4/overnight || 4-star hotel: €3/overnight || 3-star hotel: €1.50/overnight
- Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Archaeological Sites and Museums in Greece
- Entrance Fees for Children from Non-EU Countries: Starting November 1st, 2019, children aged 6 and above from non-European Union (non-EU) countries will be required to pay the full entrance fee for Museums and Archaeological sites. For children from EU countries, the existing rates remain in effect. However, it is crucial to have their passports readily available to prove their nationality.
Persons with Disabilities
- Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
- In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
