Delphi & Hosios Loukas Arachova Full Day Private Tour 8 Hours

based on 15 reviews

Duration:8 hours (approx.)
Location: Athens, Greece

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After a two hour road trip you will enjoy one of the most beautiful ancient Greek cities and the most important oracle of antiquity, located on the slopes of mountain Parnassos.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Delphi, home of the 4th-century-BC Temple of Apollo on this private, full day excursion from Athens. Travel in private, air-conditioned vehicles and get around all the sites your group is interested in visiting within the extensive mountainside archaeological complex before returning comfortably to Athens.
The pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo features, was the site of the omphalos, the 'navel of the world'. Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi in the 6th century B.C. was indeed the religious centre and symbol of unity of the Ancient Greek World

The Last Oracle

The site was sacked by Lucius Cornelius Sulla in 86 BC during the Mithridatic Wars

WHAT'S INCLUDED

✓ Pick-up and drop-off service: Athens Hotel, Airbnb residence or Port
✓ English-speaking tour driver well-versed in Greek history. Not licensed to accompany in any site
✓ Transportation via modern, first-class private vehicle
✓ All vehicles with WiFi, A/C, Bottled Water
✓ Fully Private Tour
✓ All taxes, fees and handling charges

✗ Lunch, other beverages and meals.
✗ Entry or admission fees for Archaelogical sites
✗ Licensed tour guide (upon request and depending on availability)
✗ Tips and gratuities
✗ Entry /Admission-Archaelogical site Delphi
✗ Entry /Admission - Archaelogical Museum of Delphi
✗ Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off (additional cost depending on vehicle type)

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
You will get picked up from your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, or Piraeus port.
2.
Mount Parnassus is a mountain in central Greece that towers above Delphi, north of the Gulf of Corinth. Mount Parnassus offers many advantages to the population of Greece. In peace, it possesses scenic views of the countryside and features olive groves and rolling hills. The mountain is also the location of historically, archaeologically, and culturally significant places of interest (such as Delphi). Recreationally, the slopes of Parnassus provide a medium for hiking (in the three warm seasons) and are skied in winter. Its melting snows provide water to the surrounding communities, reaching out as far as Athens. The mountain is composed of limestone, and its rock contains bauxite, ore that is rich in aluminum. In war, Parnassus has been a center of resistance if need be, providing cover and refuge to partisans.
3.
Hosios Loukas is a historic walled monastery situated near the town of Distomo, in Boeotia, Greece. It is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art and has been listed on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, along with the monasteries of Nea Moni and Daphnion. The monastery of Hosios Loukas is situated at a scenic site on the slopes of Mount Helicon. It was founded in the early 10th century AD by the hermit, Venerable (Greek: Hosios) Luke of Steiris (Greek: Lukas), whose relics are kept in the monastery to this day. The main shrine of the monastery is the tomb of St. Luke, originally situated in the vault, but later placed at the juncture of the two churches. The monastery derived its wealth (including funds required for construction) from the fact that the relics of St. Luke were said to have exuded myron, a sort of perfumed oil which produced healing miracles.
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Free time for a coffee before we start our trip back to Athens.
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Arrival at the archaeological site of Delphi after a 2,5 hours trip. Free time for a walk at: - sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia - ancient stadium and theater Duration: 30 minutes
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The tholos at the sanctuary of Athena Pronoia (Ἀθηνᾶ Πρόνοια, “Athena of forethought”) is a circular building that was constructed between 380 and 360 BC. It consisted of 20 Doric columns arranged with an exterior diameter of 14.76 meters, with 10 Corinthian columns in the interior. The Tholos is located approximately a half a mile (800 meters) from the main ruins at Delphi. Three of the Doric columns have now been restored, making it the most popular site at Delphi for tourists to take photographs. The gymnasium, which is half a mile away from the main sanctuary, was a series of buildings used by the youth of Delphi. The building consisted of two levels: a stoa on the upper level providing open space, and a palaestra, pool and baths on lower floor. These pools and baths were said to have magical powers, and imparted the ability to communicate to Apollo himself.
7.
Delphi Archaeological Museum is one of the principal museums of Greece and one of the most visited. It is operated by the Greek Ministry of Culture. Founded in 1903, it has been rearranged several times and houses the discoveries made at the Panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which dates from the Late Helladic (Mycenean) period to the early Byzantine era. Organized in fourteen rooms on two levels, the museum mainly displays statues, including the famous Charioteer of Delphi, architectural elements, like the frieze of the Siphnian Treasury, and ex-votos dedicated to the sanctuary of Pythian Apollo, like the Sphinx of Naxos. The exhibition floor space is more than 2270m2, while the storage and conservation rooms (mosaics, ceramics). Delphi’s magnificent modern museum, 500m east of town, perfectly complements the ancient site alongside. Which you visit first doesn’t matter, but the treasures collected here will bring your image ancient Delphi to life. Rich and powerful petitioners flocked
8.
The Temple of Apollo, god of music, harmony, light, healing, and oracles occupied the most important and prominent position in the Delphic Panhellenic Sanctuary. The edifice with the partially restored colonnade visible today dates to the 4th century BC; it is the third temple built at the same place. The famous oracle, the Pythia, operated inside the temple, the location chosen, according to one tradition, due to a sacred chasm beneath the site emitting vapors, which were inhaled by the Pythia. Some ancient writers state that the Pythia then entered a state of delirium and uttering inarticulate cries, which were then turned into equivocal oracles by the priests.
9.
The Greeks told many stories to explain the origins of Delphi. The site was originally sacred to Gaia (also known as Ge), the ‘Mother Goddess’ whose cult centred on the Korykeon Cave, high on Mt Parnassos. After slaying a snake or she-dragon (known as Pytho) here, Apollo took the local name of Apollo Pythios. For a thousand years, pilgrims flocked to his sanctuary for guidance. The height of its fame came between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, after the Amphictyonic League, a federation of 12 tribal states, took control of the sanctuary following the First Sacred War (595–586 BCE). As an autonomous state, Delphi earned great prosperity from benefactors including the kings of Lydia and Egypt, and the Roman emperor Hadrian. Nominally neutral, it was a locus of political power.
10.
tour of the ancient theater
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Treasury of the Athenians built to commemorate victory at Battle of Marathon From the entrance of the upper site, continuing up the slope on the Sacred Way almost to the Temple of Apollo, are a large number of votive statues, and numerous so-called “treasuries.” These were built by many of the Greek city-states to commemorate victories and to thank the oracle for her advice which was thought to have contributed to those victories. These buildings held the offerings made to Apollo; these were frequently a “tithe” or tenth of the spoils of a battle. The most impressive is the now-restored Athenian Treasury, built to commemorate their victory at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. The Siphnian Treasury was dedicated by the city of Siphnos whose citizens gave a tithe of the yield from their silver mines until the mines came to an abrupt end when the sea flooded them. One of the largest of the treasuries was that of Argos
12.
The ancient theatre at Delphi was built further up the hill from the Temple of Apollo, giving spectators a view of the entire sanctuary and the valley below. It was originally built in the 4th century BC. The koilon (cavea) leans against the natural slope of the mountain whereas its eastern part overrides a little creek that led the water of the fountain Cassotis right underneath the temple of Apollo. The orchestra was initially a full circle, with a diameter measuring 7 meters around (23 feet). The rectangular scene building ended up in two arched openings, of which the foundations are preserved today. The theater at Delphi could accommodate about 4,500 spectators. its façade was decorated with scenes from Hercules’ life in relief. Further repairs and transformations took place in the 2nd century AD. Pausanias mentions that these were carried out under the auspices of Herod Atticus. In antiquity, the theater was used for the vocal and musical contests which formed part of the Pythia
13.
Stoa of the Athenians The stoa, or open-sided, covered porch, is located along the base of the polygonal wall retaining the terrace on which the Temple of Apollo sits. The stoa opened to the Sacred Way. The nearby presence of the Treasury of the Athenians suggests that this quarter of Delphi was used for Athenian business or politics, as stoas are generally found in market-places. Although the architecture at Delphi is generally Doric, a plain style, in keeping with the Phocian traditions, which were Doric, the Athenians did not prefer the Doric. In the Ionic order they are floral and ornate, although not as much as the Corinthian. The remaining porch structure contains seven fluted columns, unusually carved from single pieces of stone (most columns were constructed from a series of discs joined together). The inscription on the stylobate indicates that it was built by the Athenians after their naval victory over the Persians in 478 BC, to house their war trophies.
14.
Delphi’s Hippodrome Once Site of Chariot Races It was at the Pythian Games that prominent political leaders, such as Cleisthenes, the tyrant of Sikyon, and Hieron, the tyrant of Syracuse, competed with their chariots. The hippodrome where these events took place was referred to by Pindar, and this monument was sought by archaeologists for over two centuries. In 2012, Professor of Classical Archaeology Panos Valavanis declared that he had found the site of the hippodrome at “Gonia,” at the west end of the olive grove at Delphi, nearly 1.5 km northeastern of Itea, running parallel and adjacent to the Kefali mountain range, between the Aghioi Anargyroi and Gla hills.
15.
Serpentine Column Immediately east, the replica of the Serpentine Column, or Tripod of the Plataeans, was erected in 2015. The original bronze column commemorated the Greeks who defeated the Persian Empire at the Battle of Plataea (479 BCE). Removed by Constantine the Great in AD 324, it now resides at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, in modern Istanbul.
16.
Stop At: Delphi, Delphi, Phocis Region, Central Greece Free time for lunch at a traditional Greek tavern with your friends or shopping at Arahova Village
17.
THE POLYGONAL WALL This retaining wall was built to support the terrace housing the construction of the second temple of Apollo in 548 BC. Its name is taken from the polygonal masonry of which it is constructed. At a later date, from 200 BC onward, the stones were inscribed with the manumission contracts of slaves who were consecrated to Apollo. Approximately a thousand manumissions are recorded on the wall. The sacred spring of Delphi, called the Castalian Spring, lies in the ravine of the Phaedriades. The preserved remains of two monumental fountains that received the water from the spring date to the Archaic period and the Roman, with the latter cut into the rock.
18.
Free time for lunch at a traditional Greek tavern with your friends and family or shopping.

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Posted By : Mariarocabautista
It has been amaizing. We enjoyed all sites! Don't miss Hosios Loukas! It was a private tour for me and my daughter. Our driver, Dimitrios, was great! Friendly, kind, he knows a lot about history and places. We followed all his suggestions. The place he chose in Arachova to have lunch was delicious! Perfect day! And, above all, perfect driver. Ask for him!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-16 12:43:15

Posted By : pektow
If you ever decide to go sightseeing in Athens, Yomadic.Tours& transfers is your go to agency. Cristos our private driver to Delphi is on time and very prompt on our request and questions. He even made reservation for a very nice lunch at a traditional Greek restaurant with a very nice view in Delphi called Vakhos. Our private tour was very smooth and exciting. Be sure to give Yomadic a call whenever you need someone to tour you in and around Athens.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-27 09:42:25

Posted By : A8390JOgarys
5 Star private tour in every way! Today was an amazing day touring Delphi and the Monistary!
Costas, our private tour guide and driver, made today's tour exceed our expectations by providing the perfect blend of informatitative history, professionalism, safety, fun, and personality. My wife and I really appreciated Costas' knowledge and love of Greece!
This is such an amazing piece of history to experience, and Costas made sure we had exactly what we needed to make today a life experience. Thank you for sharing this beautiful part of Greece with us!
We highly recommend Yomadic Tours, and make sure to ask for Costas to be your guide!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-05 16:08:57

Posted By : jonweller
Our driver, Dimitrios, was so kind and knowledgeable. Him and my brother, who is obsessed with Greek mythology, spoke about the history of Delphi and Greece the whole way there. Seeing Delphi and the nearby town was one of the best experiences we had on our vacation to Greece. Definitely recommend!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-31 09:25:16

Posted By : Amit_V
Great guide/driver that kept us occupied for the long journey…great town and temples/ruins were amazing!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-27 22:00:33

Posted By : David_H
Our driver Costas was very knowledgeable about the interesting sites both to and from Athens as well as Delphi itself. He also recommended a very good local restaraunt with great food and an excellent view. In addition, he was extremely helpful in bringing us to a couple of stores where we could purchase things we needed before our cruise.
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Posted On : 2023-07-23 16:10:48

Posted By : WillDD77
We had the best driver to Delphi! I highly recommend Costas, as he was a great conversationalist…. AND, after taking us to Delphi where we hiked to the top to see the stadium and back, Costas took us to a great restaurant with the best view from one of the towns (which are ski resorts in the winter)! Just beautiful scenery. Thank you, Costas!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-07-09 14:58:12

Posted By : Carol_L
The ONLY good thing about this highly expensive private transportation service to Delphi was conversation about Greece & Life with the driver, who was wonderfully friendly and refreshing man. I am sorry to say, however, from standpoint of what we expected, it was absolutely not. Given that he was not a tour guide, and we had to pay to explore Delphi on our own without a tour guide, it was ultimately extremely unsatisfying… merely four times the cost of an actual guided tour, and in a car that was not a luxury Mercedes, but just a standard taxi without Wi-Fi.
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Posted On : 2023-06-10 09:09:24

Posted By : Camper238075
We had a great with Costas going to Delphi. He was a considerate host and made sure we had a good time. He was knowledgeable and even recommended a fantastic place for lunch. We had a fabulous time and highly recommend.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-05-31 11:32:27

Posted By : Marcel737800
Perfect tour, had to leave early by 8, Andreas was there earlier and waited for us. Very scenic drive, the country side is beautiful. The drive to Delfoi just get better every minute. The highlight of the trip was lunch, surprisingly tasty restaurant, perfect view.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-01-27 14:00:00

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Delphi & Hosios Loukas Arachova Full Day Private Tour 8 Hours

WHAT'S INCLUDED

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Delphi & Hosios Loukas Arachova Full Day Private Tour 8 Hours

WHAT'S INCLUDED ⟱

WHAT TO EXPECT ⟱

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ADDITIONAL INFO ⟱

CANCELLATION POLICY ⟱

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY