Delphi and Thermopylae private tour in Greece

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 full day tour to Delphi and Thermopylae

Athens – Levadia – Arachova – Delphi – Thermopylae – Athens

View the route of the tour to Delphi and Thermopylae in Google maps

Highlights of the Delphi – Thermopylae tour

• Full day private tour with an English speaking, professional driver
• Drive through the picturesque towns of Central Greece
• Arachova, one of the most important winter tourist destinations
• Visit to Delphi, the famous Oracle of Apollo
• A visit to Thermopylae, the site of the battle of the 300 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

Description of the tour from Athens to Delphi and Thermopylae

The full day private tour to Delphi and Thermopylae starts early in the morning from Athens. We will be picking you up from your hotel or your cruise ship. Your professional, expert driver will drive you through the lovely countryside of Central Greece towards Levadia that is an important town of the ancient years, with a large influence in modern times.

We will be driving passing by the gorgeous little town of Arachova, built at the slopes of Mt Parnassus. It is a lovely town with amazing handmade objects and carpets and a quite interesting variety of sweets and cheeses.

The private tour will continue towards Delphi, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.

Delphi was the Navel of the Earth, known for Pythia, the famous Oracle of God Apollo who would give ambiguous messages to those seeking her wisdom.

At Delphi you will see the archaeological site, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Sanctuary of God Apollo and of course the intriguing museum of Delphi. It 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.

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. The tour will continue towards Thermopylae, through the biggest olive groves in Greece and the mountain range of Bralos with its picturesque landscape and the famous bauxite mines.

 

Thermopylae is the battlefield of the 300 and Leonidas against the Persians in 480BC and is considered one of the most important sites in Greece, due to the significance of the battle for Greece and the entire European continent of the time.

In Thermopylae you will see a memorial statue to 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 to give their weapons and surrender.

Returning to Athens you will also have the chance to see the town of Thebes, which is known from the ancient Greek literature and the tragedies of Antigone and Oedipus.

Your driver will take you back to your hotel or cruise ship late in the afternoon, after an enjoyable day in Central Greece.

Important notes

Tour Type

• Shore Excursion - Private tour
• Activity level: Moderate

Included in the tour

• Car and Driver
• A professional English speaking driver or escort with good knowledge in history and culture of Greece, to guide you till you enter archaeological sites and museums. Tour drivers are not licensed to companion you inside the archaeological sites and museums. If you'd like to have a licensed by the state tour guide to escort you inside the sites and museums, we can arrange it for you with an additional cost. Licensed by the state tour guides are freelance and it is subject of availability on bookings day!
• Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
• Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple day tours only)
• Pick-up from and return to your hotel
• Pick-up from the Port of Piraeus
• Private tour, Road tolls and local taxes
• Our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athina, Greece.

Excluded from the tour

• Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
• Wine tasting fee (wine tours)
• Gratuities (optional)
• 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 difference between a STATE LICENSED TOUR GUIDE and a TOUR DRIVER GUIDE in Greece!

Additional info

• Dress: religious and marmoreal sites: shoulders and knee must be covered
• Terms & Conditions and Frequent Questions
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• A voucher will be emailed to you with our contact numbers and all necessary information for your tour.
• This is your ticket and proof of purchase. On the day of tour please present a paper voucher in order to redeem your tour/activity.

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.

Restrictions:

• Please note that on this tour, your tour driver is not licensed to accompany you on your climb. If you want this service you may book a licensed by the state tour guide for an extra cost.
• In case a group is followed by a licensed tour guide or an English speaking tour-escort the professional driver is not obliged to speak English!

Opening hours & Admission fees

• Opening Hours:Summer April 1st to October 31st from 08:00 AM to 07:30 PM
• Winter: November 1st to March 31st from 08:30 AM to 03:00 PM
• Free admission fees: Children under 18 & Students from E.U.
• Reduced admission fees: Citizens of the E.U. aged over 65 & Students from countries outside the E.U.

Free admission days

• March 6: In memory of deceased Minister of Tourism & visionary Melina Mercouri
• June 5: Environment international day
• April 18 : International monuments day
• May 18: International museums day
• September 27: International tourism day
• The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
• National Holidays
• Sundays in the period between 1 November and 31 March
• The first Sunday of every month, except for July, August and September
• NOTE: If the first Sunday is a holiday then the second is the free admission day

Holidays in Greece

• January 1: closed
• January 6: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• Shrove Monday: 08:30AM - 03:00 PM
• March 25: closed
• Good Friday: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
• Holy Saturday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• Easter Sunday: closed
• Easter Monday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• May 1: closed
• Holy Spirit Day: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• 15 August 15: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• October 28: 08:30 AM- 03:00 PM
• December 25 & 26: closed