How to Plan Your Day Trip from Athens to Delphi and Arachova

Are you planning a visit to Athens and looking for an exciting day trip to explore the ancient Greek civilization and experience Greek village life? Then, a day trip from Athens to Delphi and Arachova is a perfect choice for you.

This guided tour takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi, located at the foothills of Mount Parnassus, about 180 km northwest of Athens. Delphi was once a major religious sanctuary and home to the famous Oracle of Apollo, who was consulted for important decisions in ancient Greece.

During your visit, you will uncover the Oracle’s secrets in Delphi’s ancient ruins, marvel at the grand Temple of Apollo & Athena’s Sanctuary (Tholos), and explore Delphi’s Archaeological Museum, showcasing fascinating artifacts dating back to the 15th century BC, including the Charioteer bronze statue.

The tour also takes you to the charming mountain village of Arachova, located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, known for its traditional architecture, the famous Parnassos Ski Resort, and local delicacies like the delicious cheese called “formaela.”

Follow this guide to plan your day trip from Athens to Delphi and Arachova and make the most of your visit to Greece.

Step 1: Book your tour in advance

The easiest and most convenient way to explore Delphi and Arachova is by booking a guided tour. You can book your tour online in advance through GetYourGuide, a trusted booking platform that offers a range of tours and activities around the world.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation, a tour escort in the bus, free time to explore Delphi, a visit to Arachova town, WiFi on board, entrance fee to Delphi archaeological site & museum, a guided tour inside the site, and lunch at a restaurant. The tour duration is approximately 10 hours, and the departure time is at 08:30 am.

To book the tour, visit this link: book the tour here.

Step 2: Get ready for the tour

Here are a few things you need to know before joining the tour:

– Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you will be walking around Delphi’s ruins and Arachova’s streets.
– Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle, especially during the summer season when temperatures can be high.
– Bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the mountains and the ancient site.

Step 3: Prepare for the journey

On the day of the tour, be ready at your hotel’s reception or the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before the departure time. The tour bus will pick you up and take you directly to Delphi, avoiding the congestion of Athens city.

During the journey, you can enjoy the scenic views of the countryside and the mountains while listening to the tour escort’s commentary on Greek history, mythology, and culture.

Step 4: Explore Delphi’s ancient ruins

The first stop of the tour is Delphi’s Archaeological Site, one of the most important and impressive archaeological sites in Greece. The site is located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus and includes various monuments and structures dating back to the 4th century BC.

During the guided tour, you will visit the Temple of Apollo, the Theater, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, the Tholos, and the Sanctuary of Athena. You will also see the famous ruins of the Oracle of Apollo and the Sphinx of Naxos, a mythical creature with a human head and a lion’s body.

After the guided tour, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, take pictures, or visit the onsite Archaeological Museum, which houses a wide range of exhibits, including the famous Charioteer bronze statue, the Sphinx of Naxos, and the Treasury of the Athenians.

Step 5: Visit charming Arachova

The second stop of the tour is the picturesque village of Arachova, located about 10 km away from Delphi. Arachova is known for its stone-made houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and traditional shops selling local products like honey, wine, and cheese.

During the visit, you can explore the village’s main square, have a coffee or a drink in one of the traditional cafes, or taste the local cuisine in one of the tavernas. If you visit Arachova during the winter season, you can also visit the nearby Parnassos Ski Resort and enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or other winter activities.

Step 6: Return to Athens

After the visit to Arachova, the tour bus will take you back to Athens, dropping you off at the same location where you were picked up. You will have plenty of time to rest, relax, and admire the stunning views of the Greek countryside before reaching Athens.

Conclusion

A day trip from Athens to Delphi and Arachova is a perfect way to explore the ancient Greek civilization, learn about Greek mythology and history, and experience Greek village life. Follow this guide to plan your tour, book your tickets in advance, and enjoy a hassle-free and unforgettable experience in Greece.