The Highlights Of Delphi 8-h tour
Duration 8 hours
Private Tour & Shore Excursion
Price from €110
** Price is per person for a group of 3 passengers. Prices vary greatly depending on the number of people and type of vehicle. The final price will be calculated online using our booking engine.
The Highlights Of Delphi 8-h tour; Delphi, a renowned ancient Greek site, was a sacred sanctuary for Apollo and his oracle. It is associated with several mythical tales. Mythology depicts Delphi as the universe’s center, the navel of the world. An ancient legend says that around 1400 BC, Delphi’s Oracle acquired godly power. The Ancient Greeks believed that Zeus, the chief god, sent out two eagles, one flying east and the other west, to find the center of the universe. The point where their paths intersected became known as Delphi, considered the center of the world.
The myth!
Two birds, while flying over Mount Parnassós, met at Delphi. Zeus commemorated the significance of this location by marking it with a stone called the omphalos, highlighting its centrality. An alternative myth relates this place to Gaea, the Earth goddess, who appointed her son Python, a serpent, to safeguard Delphi and its revered oracle.
However, Apollo, the deity of light and music, vanquished the serpent and claimed dominion over this sacred site.
The priestesses serving Apollo in Delphi, known as “Pythia,” were named in honor of Gaea’s conquered son. Across the classical world, it was believed that these priestesses received prophecies directly from Apollo. Delphi’s influence was indisputable. Join this exclusive tour of Delphi to discover why its power endured for millennia.
Highlights Of Delphi 8-h tour
- Scenic drive through Beotia, Theva & resort tow
- 8 hours ancient Delphi home of Greece’s famed prophetic oracle
- Castalian Spring’s sacred waters
- The Temple of Apollo
- The temple of Athena pronea
- Archaeological museum for an insight into UNESCO-listed site
- Knowledgeable driver/guide to bring Greek gods & mythology to life
ITINERARY DETAILS
Pass By: Upon booking a private Best Greece Tours experience, a dedicated chauffeur will meet you at either your cruise ship terminal or Athens hotel. As you embark on your adventure, you’ll traverse the verdant countryside of Beotia, where you’ll pass through the charming landscapes of Levadia and the renowned winter destination of Arachova.
- Duration: 180 Minutes
Stop At Delphi
Embark on a journey to Delphi, the significant center of the ancient world, renowned as the “Omphalos” or Navel of Earth, with influence beyond the Hellenic boundaries. Situated amidst the mesmerizing beauty and grandeur of Mount Parnassus, discover the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Our exclusive tour will guide you through Delphi’s captivating landmarks, including the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo, and the Delphi Museum, home to remarkable masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture, such as the bronze Charioteer and the renowned athlete Aghias.
Delphi is a place steeped in legend and history. It is said that Alexander the Great, upon visiting the oracle at Delphi, cried out, “You are invincible!” It was also here that Socrates was declared the wisest of all men. The name Delphi itself comes from the word “delphys,” meaning “womb,” hinting at the ancient worship of Gaia, the Earth goddess, at this site.
Apollo
In ancient times, it was believed that Apollo first arrived in Delphi as a dolphin ferrying Cretan priests on its back. The oracle’s name in Homer’s writings was Pytho. According to another regional tale, Apollo arrived on foot from the north, stopping at Tempe to collect laurel (Bay Tree), a plant he revered as sacred. Winners of the Pythian Games received a laurel wreath plucked from the temple in honor of this legend. In Delphi, a famous temple was built to honor Apollo. Additionally, the Pythian Games and the ancient Oracle were held there.
Delphi’s fame stems from four key reasons: 1. The Oracle of Delphi: Revered for its prophecies and guidance derived from the utterances of the Pythia, a priestess believed to be a conduit for divine communication. 2. The Pythian Games: Renowned ancient athletic and artistic competitions held every four years, attracting athletes, musicians, and poets from all over Greece. 3. The Temple of Apollo: A magnificent sanctuary dedicated to the god Apollo, featuring elaborate architecture, sculptures, and treasures. 4. The Omphalos: Symbolized as the “Navel of the World,” it represented the center of the Earth and was a significant site for religious rituals and ceremonies.
- Duration: 105 Minutes
- Admission Ticket Free
Stop At: During your stay in Delphi, lunch will be served at a traditional Greek restaurant. You will have the opportunity to savor the renowned Greek cuisine while enjoying the captivating view of Itea and the Corinthian gulf. However, the cost of lunch is not included in the tour package.
- Duration: 45 Minutes
Pass By: Our post-lunch journey will take us back to ATHENS via the highway.
- Duration: 150 Minutes
- Admission Ticket Free
DEPARTURE | RETURN
- Transfer offerd; Travelers pickup/drop off is offered.
- Pick up from; We will pick you up from any hotel or apartment in Athens center and Piraeus cruise port at the cruise ship pier!
- Info needed When booking make sure to include the address of your accommodation, or the name of the cruise line and the cruise ship!
- Pick up time; We propose to pick you up at 8 am in order to avoid traffic and crowed at the Acropolis.
- Drop off; We will drop you off at the same place we have picked you up or at any hotel in Athens center or cruise ship pier!
INCLUDED | EXCLUDED
What is Included
- Professional driver with good knowledge of history and culture in Greece
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle appropriate for the size of your group
- Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple day tours only)
- Flexible pick up time on request (proposed 08:00AM)
- Free Pick-up from and return to your hotel
- Free Pick-up & drop off from Piraeus cruise port
- Athens Airport transfers or pickup locations outside Athens: arranged on request with surcharge
- First class transport: By Mercedes E-Class or similar; Mercedes minivan or Mercedes minibus according to the size of your party. All new models come with full leather and A/C.
- Road tolls and local taxes
- Our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athina, Greece.
- Official licensed tour guide for guiding in archeological sites. Available on request with surcharge
- The private tour is 100% exclusive for your party
What is Excluded
- Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
- Wine tasting fee (wine tours)
- Athens Airport transfer: arranged on request with a surcharge
- 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.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Tour Type
- Private tour - Shore Excursion
- Activity level: Moderate
- Departures: Daily
Restrictions
- Due to the high complexity and uncertainty of contemporary transportation, as well as unexpected situations, the planned itinerary can change at any moment and our choices may be affected by any social, economic or environmental phenomena!
Guaranteed Departures
- Best Greece Tours is proud to be the first in the industry to offer Guaranteed Departures . A guaranteed departure means; There is no minimum number of bookings required on a trip to run and that the tour will definitely operate on the day it is scheduled and will not be cancelled. All guaranteed departures will run except in the event of a natural disaster or other similarly disruptive event that is beyond our control. Our current collection of tours can take you to exciting places in Athens and around the world.
How will we use the information you wll give us about you!
- Passenger Detail; We need basic contact details so we can send appropriate booking information to you as well as make sure the supplier can contact you should they need to.
- Flight Details; We will need to know your exact travel details so they can track flight time as well as make sure they get you to and from your destination with no delay.
- Accommodation Details; We need to know your pick-up and drop-off address to ensure the right price and that we know exactly where to meet you or take you.
- Payment Details; We will pass your payment details to our secure payment provider, but we do not see or store any of these details on our website payment details.
Importantant information!
- Dress: religious and memorial sites: shoulders and knee must be covered.
- Terms & Conditions, F.A.Q , Privacy policy & Cookies
- 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.
- Itinerary (break-down)Due to the high complexity and uncertainty of contemporary transportation, as well as unexpected situations, the planned itinerary can change at any moment and our choices may be affected by any social, economic or environmental phenomena!
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.
- For guests who are full-time wheelchair users a ramp vehicle will be needed. Guests may remain in their wheelchair or scooter for the duration of the excursion. Wheelchair or scooter dimensions are required in order to confirm the correct vehicle!
- Wheelchair or small scooter folding type only. (Please note that disabled passengers must be able to board the vehicle independently or with the assistance of those in their party.)
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
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Sedans; Within 24 hrs of travel 100% fee will apply. Outside of 24 hrs a €2 per person cancellation charge will apply.
- Minivan; Within 36 hrs of travel 100% fee will apply. Outside of 36 hrs a €2 per person cancellation charge will apply.
- Minibus 10-20 seats; Within 96 hrs of travel 100% fee will apply. Outside of 96 hrs a €2 per person cancellation charge will apply.
- For all vehicles; No show mean, no refund