Delphi,Arachova & Hosios Loukas Monastery Day Tour from Athens

Short description

Set off on a journey through history and natural beauty with our tour from Athens to Delphi, Arachova, and Hosios Loukas Monastery. Explore the ancient sanctuary of Delphi, wander the charming streets of Arachova, and marvel at the Byzantine architecture of Hosios Loukas Monastery. This tour blends cultural heritage with scenic wonders for an unforgettable experience.

Highlights

  • Explore Delphi’s ruins, the ancient center of the Greek world
  • Visit the Temple of Apollo, where the oracle once prophesied
  • Admire Delphi Museum’s artifacts, including the renowned Charioteer of Delphi
  • See the Athenian Treasury, and the ancient theater with stunning valley views
  • Explore the Stadium, scene of the Pythian Games
  • Visit Hosios Loukas Monastery, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture
  • Learn about the monastery’s founder, St. Luke, and its significance in Orthodox Christianity
  • Panoramic views from Mount Parnassus to the Gulf of Corinth
  • Dive into Delphi’s history, central to ancient Greek culture and religion
  • Stop at Arachova, a picturesque mountain town known for its architecture, handicrafts, and local cuisine

Full description

Starting your journey from Athens, you’re set to embark on an enriching exploration that covers Greece’s stunning landscapes and historical treasures. The tour beautifully integrates the ancient splendor of Delphi, the spiritual serenity of the Hosios Loukas Monastery, and the traditional charm of Arachova, weaving a day filled with discovery without being bound by a strict timeline.

In Delphi, the legendary heart of the ancient Greek world, you’ll wander through sites where oracles influenced empires and where the Temple of Apollo stands as a testament to Greece’s rich mythological past. Each ruin and artifact, echoing tales of ancient rites and civilization, offers a profound connection to history, enhanced by stories and insights from your expert guide.

The Delphi Museum serves as your next stop, home to an array of artifacts that capture the essence of the site’s historical significance. From the famed Charioteer of Delphi to the enigmatic Sphinx of Naxos, the museum presents a curated journey through time, providing context and depth to the ruins you’ve just explored.

Your experience is enriched by the inclusion of the Hosios Loukas Monastery and the village of Arachova, visited in no particular order, allowing for flexibility in your day. The monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a moment of tranquility and a peek into Byzantine art and architecture, its mosaics and frescoes a silent testimony to centuries of devotion.

Arachova, with its cobblestone streets and picturesque houses, offers a lively contrast. This mountain village, known for its crafts and local flavors, invites leisurely exploration. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the contemporary culture that’s rooted in traditions as ancient as those found in Delphi.

Enjoying a meal of traditional Greek cuisine along the way, you’ll have the chance to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures, all while surrounded by Greece’s natural beauty. This tour not only bridges the ancient and the modern but also travels through landscapes that have inspired myths, nurtured empires, and continue to enchant visitors from around the world.

This full-day tour promises not just a journey through the landmarks of Greek history and culture but also through the scenic beauty that has cradled these civilizations. It’s a testament to the enduring allure of Greece, inviting exploration and offering insights across a journey that connects the past with the present.

Included

  • Transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicle
  • Admission tickets to the archaeological site of Delphi and the Delphi Archaeological Museum (if option selected)
  • Professional and licensed tour guide (if option selected and subject to availability)
  • Bottled water
  • All taxes, tolls, and parking fees

Not Included

  • Meals and drinks
  • Gratuities (optional)

Map

Useful Info

  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended during the summer season
  • Our tours are exclusively tailored to your preferences, offering the freedom to adjust or modify any aspect of our suggested itinerary to suit your needs
  • In accordance with the latest visiting regulations for archaeological sites, we strongly advise you to secure your tickets in advance, particularly for the Acropolis Hill. Access to this site is now organized into specific time slots, each with a restricted number of visitors permitted
  • If the service of licensed guide is selected, please note that an additional seat in the vehicle will be required for the guide to accompany you. Please make sure to account for the extra space needed when booking your tour

Cancelation policy

  • Bring a hat