Athens, Levadia, Arachova, Delphi, Itea, Galaxidi, Nafpaktos, Rio Bridge, Patras, Ancient Olympia

REGION OF CENTRAL GREECE - REGIONAL UNIT OF VIOTIA - Starting from Athens, we will journey through Sterea Ellada, the Region of Central Greece, until we reach Delphi. Known locally as Ρούμελη (Roúmeli), this region is one of Greece’s thirteen administrative areas. It covers the eastern half of traditional Central Greece, including the island of Euboea. It borders Attica and the Peloponnese to the south, West Greece to the west, and Thessaly and Epirus to the north. Lamia is its capital. Geographically, it is divided into East and West by the southern part of the Pindos mountain range. We will pass through Theves, Livadia, and Arachova before arriving at Delphi to visit the archaeological site!

Delphi - Nestled at the base of Mount Parnassos, Delphi is home to the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary, the most renowned oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was considered the center of the world. According to mythology, Zeus sent two eagles from the ends of the universe to find the world’s navel, and they met here. For many centuries, Delphi was the cultural and religious hub and a symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. Its history dates back to prehistory, initially sacred to Mother Earth and guarded by the serpent Python, who was slain by Apollo. The sanctuary was built by Cretans who arrived at Kirrha, Delphi’s port, with Apollo in the form of a dolphin. This myth was celebrated in various Delphic festivals, including the Septerion, Delphinia, Thargelia, Theophania, and the famous Pythia, which honored Python’s death with musical and athletic competitions.

Tholos of Athena Pronaia - The tholos of the Athena Pronaia sanctuary, visible from above, is perhaps Delphi’s most distinctive monument and the most significant building in this small sanctuary. Situated between the later temple of Athena and the Treasury of Massalia, this circular building of unknown purpose is a Classical architecture masterpiece. It is believed to be linked to chthonic cults, although Pausanians, who saw its ruins in the second century AD, did not describe it as a temple.

According to Vitruvius, this impressive structure was erected in 380 BC, designed by Theodoros of Phocea or Phocis, who even wrote a book about its construction. The tholos combines various Classical architectural styles. It stands on a three-stepped podium, with twenty Doric columns of the outer peristyle supporting a Doric frieze of triglyphs and metopes with relief decoration. Inside the cella were ten engaged Corinthian columns.

Temple of Apollo - Among the imposing ruins on the southern slopes of Mount Parnassos is the Temple of Apollo. This temple, dedicated to the god of music, harmony, light, healing, and oracles, held the most important position in the Delphic Panhellenic Sanctuary. It is a grand Doric temple that has endured through the site’s turbulent history, dating back to the 4th century B.C. The temple was first built around the 7th century B.C. by the legendary architects Trophonios and Agamedes. It was rebuilt after a fire in the 6th century B.C. with contributions from across Greece and foreign emperors.

The temple was destroyed by an earthquake in 373 B.C. and rebuilt in 330 B.C. by architects Spintharos, Xenodoros, and Agathon from Corinth.

Ancient Olympia, Corinth canal, Athens

Peloponnese - The Peloponnese is a peninsula and geographic region in southern Greece, connected to the mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth, which separates the Gulf of Corinth from the Saronic Gulf. The Peloponnese is known for its unique grape varieties, which are a significant part of Greece’s wine heritage. The Peloponnese Wine Roads offer a journey through a modern, sometimes rare, and often unknown wine world, rich in authenticity and history. Native grape varieties from the Peloponnese reflect the diversity and significance of Greek wines, including the renowned Moschofilero-Mantinia and Agiorgitiko-Nemea. Mavrodafni is famous for its dessert wine, and Muscat produces sweet and exquisite wines, among other rare varieties.

Olympia - Located in the western Peloponnese, in the

• Private air-conditioned vehicle tailored to group size
• Complimentary bottled water
• Breakfast included

• Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
• Gratuities
• Food and drinks
• English-speaking licensed tour guide (We can arrange for a tour guide for you with an extra cost)

In a mere span of two days, you get the opportunity to embark on an exclusive cultural journey across Greece, stopping by two of its most iconic landmarks and two prominent locations with a rich ancient history: Delphi and Olympia.

Key attractions of the 2-day tour to Delphi and Olympia:

• An insightful journey into sites renowned for cult and sporting events
• Experience a 48-hour visual treat steeped in history
• Take in the stunning beauty of the Greek countryside and landscape
• Benefit from the knowledge of a professional, English-speaking chauffeur

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable shoes are recommended
• Sunscreen and hats are recommended for visits during the summer months
• Duration time is approximate and may vary based on local traffic and conditions
• While the local operator does its best to ensure sites are open before travel, they are not responsible for short-term closures
• Athens Airport transfers: arranged on request
• Important note: You will have a professional English-speaking driver with good knowledge of the history and culture of Greece, to guide you till you enter archaeological sites and museums according to the program. Tour drivers are not licensed to companion you inside the archaeological sites and museums. If you’d like to have one, we can arrange it for you at an additional cost. Licensed by the state tour guides are freelance and it is subject to availability on bookings day!
• We suggest that you have your admission tickets pre-purchased as there is a chance not to find availability, please note that we can buy the tickets for you in advance -under a small service fee.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.