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

REGION OF CENTRAL GREECE - REGIONAL UNIT OF VIOTIA - Beginning in Athens, the journey will take travelers through Sterea Ellada, the Region of Central Greece, until reaching Delphi. Known locally as Ρούμελη (Roúmeli), this is one of Greece’s thirteen administrative regions. It covers the eastern half of the traditional Central Greece region, 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 serves as its capital. Geographically, it is divided into East and West by the southern part of the Pindos mountain range. The route includes Theves, Livadia, and Arachova, leading to Delphi to explore 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 world’s center. Mythology tells of Zeus sending two eagles from the universe’s ends to find the world’s navel, meeting here. For centuries, Delphi was a 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, slain by Apollo. Cretans, accompanied by Apollo as a dolphin, built Apollo’s sanctuary here. This myth was celebrated in Delphic festivals like the Septerion, Delphinia, Thargelia, Theophania, and the famous Pythia, which honored Python’s death with musical and athletic contests.

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

According to Vitruvius, this remarkable building was constructed in 380 BC, designed by architect Theodoros of Phocea or Phocis, who even authored a book on 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 impressive ruins scattered 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 significant position in the Delphic Panhellenic Sanctuary. It is a grand Doric temple, whose history is intertwined with the site’s turbulent past, enduring multiple reconstructions before reaching its current ruinous state, dating back to the 4th century B.C. Initially built around the 7th century B.C. by legendary architects Trophonios and Agamedes, it was rebuilt after a fire in the 6th century B.C. by a noble Athenian family, funded by contributions from across Greece and foreign emperors.

This temple was destroyed by an earthquake in 373 B.C. and was reconstructed for the third time 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 renowned for its unique grape varieties, which hold a special place in the treasure of native Greek grapes. The Peloponnese Wine Roads offer a journey into a modern, sometimes rare, and often unknown wine world, rich in authenticity and history. Native grape varieties not only showcase the diversity of Greek and Peloponnesian wine but also highlight the importance of some exceptional Greek varieties. Among them are two of the four most famous Greek vineyard varieties in the world’s top markets: the exotic Moschofilero-Mantinia and the captivating Agiorgitiko-Nemea. Additionally, Mavrodafni is known for its popular Greek dessert wine, and Muscat produces sweet and potentially exquisite wines, along with many other rare grape varieties.

Olympia - Located in the western Peloponnese peninsula, in the “valley of the gods,” Ancient Olympia became the most celebrated sacred site of Ancient Greece and the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the most significant sports events of antiquity, founded in the 8th century B.C. (776). Every four years, Greeks worldwide would unite, suspending all hostilities to participate in these games in the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Visit Olympia’s archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the impressive remains of buildings used by ancient Greeks for worship, sports, and symposia.

Its ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium, and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus. The Archaeological Museum displays finds, including a statue of Hermes attributed to the sculptor Praxiteles. Olympia remains a renowned destination, a powerful landmark recognized globally.

Archaeological Site of Olympia - In the western Peloponnese, in the picturesque valley of the Alpheios river, lies ancient Greece’s most celebrated sanctuary. Olympia hosted the original Olympic Games, founded in the 8th century B.C. Its extensive ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium, and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia showcases finds from the site, including a statue of Hermes attributed to the sculptor Praxiteles.

Dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods, it is located at the southwest foot of Mount Kronios, at the confluence of the Alpheios and Kladeos rivers, in a lush green landscape. Olympia became Greece’s most important religious and athletic center. Its fame is based on the Olympic Games, the greatest national festival and a highly prestigious event worldwide, held every four years to honor Zeus.

Archaeological Museum of Olympia - Just a minute’s walk from the archaeological site are the three museums of Olympia, which reveal the history of Zeus’ sanctuary and its celebrated games: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Olympic Games, and the Museum of the History of the Excavations at Olympia.

Today, the museum’s permanent collections span 12 halls and over 3,500 years of history, from the 3rd millennium BC when humans first settled in Olympia to the decline of Zeus’ sanctuary in the 7th century AD. Renowned for its sculptures and its collection of ancient Greek bronzes, the richest in the world, the Archaeological Museum of Olympia is undoubtedly one of Greece’s most important museums.

Corinth Canal - The Corinth Canal, one of modern Greece’s most significant projects, played a pivotal role in Mediterranean trade and has been an inspiration for centuries, completed 25 centuries after its conception. It is a man-made canal in Greece, connecting the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, effectively making the peninsula an island.

Back in the late 7th century B.C., specifically in 602 B.C., the tyrant of Corinth, Periander, decided to connect the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. His goal was to open a canal through the isthmus of Corinth to avoid the dangerous circumnavigation of the Peloponnese and shorten the route. Periander’s plans, as ancient writers testify, remained unfulfilled.

Attica - The journey through Attica offers a “journey” through 6,000 years of history, in the land that gave birth to ideas and arts, shaping what is known today as Western civilization. A visit to Attica provides a unique experience, a “journey” through its 6,000-year history, including the opportunity to see renowned monuments and masterpieces of ancient and medieval art, as well as the architectural heritage of the 19th and 20th centuries. Athens, the capital of Greece, is located here, the country’s busiest city with its most prominent archaeological site and symbol, the world-famous sacred rock of the Acropolis.

Attica is home to some of the world’s most important and fascinating museums and archaeological sites, testifying to its long and prominent role in world history. Festivals featuring ancient Greek drama, as well as performances, sports, or culinary events, are organized throughout the year, captivating audiences. Then, continue the journey towards the Peloponnese!

• 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.