Awe-inspiring 2-days private tour to Delphi and Olympia

Day 1: Athens, Levadia, Arachova, Delphi, Itea, Galaxidi, Nafpaktos, Rio Bridge, Patras, Ancient Olympia

1. Pass by
   Starting from Athens we will be travelling through Sterea Ellada; The Region of Central Greece till we reach Delphi. The Region of Central Greece colloquially known as Ρούμελη (Roúmeli)) is one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. The region occupies the eastern half of the traditional region of Central Greece, including the island of Euboea. To the south it borders the regions of Attica and the Peloponnese, to the west the region of West Greece and to the north the regions of Thessaly and Epirus. Its capital city is Lamia. It is divided geographically into the East and West, with the natural border between them the southern part of the Pindos mountain range. We will pass by Theves, Livadia, and Arachova. Arrive at Delphi and visit the archaeological site!
2. Delphi
   2h
   At the foot of Mount Parnassos, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi was for many centuries the cultural and religious center and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. The history of Delphi begins in prehistory. In the beginning, the site was sacred to Mother Earth and was guarded by the terrible serpent Python, killed by Apollo. Apollo's sanctuary was built here by Cretans who arrived at Kirrha, the port of Delphi, accompanied by the god in the form of a dolphin. This myth survived in plays presented during the various Delphic festivals, such as the Septerion, the Delphinia, the Thargelia, the Theophania, and of course, the famous Pythia, which celebrated the death of Python and comprised musical and athletic competitions.
3. 3h 20m
   The tholos of the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, clearly visible from above, is perhaps the most characteristic monument at Delphi and the most important building of this small sanctuary. Located between the later temple of Athena and the Treasury of Massalia, this circular building of unknown purpose is a masterpiece of Classical architecture. It is thought to have been connected with chthonic cults, although Pausanians, who saw its ruins in the second century AD, do not refer to it as a temple.
   
   According to Vitruvius, this impressive building was raised in 380 BC on plans by the architect Theodoros of Phocea or Phocis, who even wrote a book about the way it was built. The tholos is a synthesis of most styles of Classical architecture. It rests on a three-stepped podium and the twenty Doric columns of the outer peristyle supported a Doric frieze of triglyphs and metopes with relief decoration. Inside the cella were ten engaged Corinthian columns
4. Temple of Apollo
   15m · Admission ticket not included
   Central among the number of imposing ruins that are interspersed on the Southern slopes of Parnassos mountain is the temple of Apollo. The Temple of Apollo, god of music, harmony, light, healing, and oracles occupied the most important and prominent position in the Delphic Panhellenic Sanctuary.
   It is an imposing temple of the Doric order whose existence was woven through the turbulent history of the site, and endured numerous incarnations before it settled to the ruinous state we find it today, and which dates back to the 4th c. B.C. The temple of Apollo was first built around the 7th c. B.C. by the two legendary architects Trophonios and Agamedes. It was rebuilt after a fire in the 6th c. B.C.. in tribute to the noble Athenian family that oversaw its construction with funds from all over Greece and foreign emperors.
   
   This temple was destroyed in 373 B.C. by an earthquake and was rebuilt for the third time in 330 B.C. Spintharos, Xenodoros, and Agathon, architects from Corinth.

Day 2: Ancient Olympia, Corinth canal, Athens

1. Pass by
   The Peloponnese is a peninsula and geographic region in southern Greece. It is connected to the central part of the country by the Isthmus of Corinth land bridge which separates the Gulf of Corinth from the Saronic Gulf. Peloponnese grape varieties have a very special place in the treasure of native Greek grape varieties. Τhe Peloponnese Wine Roads take you on a journey to a modern, sometimes rare and definitely unknown to many wine world, full of authenticity and history. Native Peloponnese grape varieties do not only reflect the diversity of Greek and Peloponnesian wine, but also the significance of some very special Greek varieties. Among them are two of the four most renowned varieties of the Greek vineyard in the world’s best markets: the exotic Moschofilero-Mantinia and the captivating Agiorgitiko-Nemea. Moreover, Mavrodafni is known for the popular Greek dessert wine and Muscat produces sweet and potentially exquisite wines along with many more rare grape varieties.
2. Olympia
   2h
   In the western Peloponnese peninsula, in the so-called "valley of the gods", Ancient Olympia grew to be the most celebrated sacred site of Ancient Greece, and the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the most important sports events in all antiquity, founded in the 8th century B.C. (776), all Greeks across the world would be united every four years and all hostilities would be suspended so that everyone could take part in these games in the true spirit of sportsmanship.
   
   Travel to Olympia’s archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tour the impressive remains of buildings that the ancient Greeks used as worship areas, sports and symposia centers, etc.
   
   Its ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus. The Archaeological Museum exhibits finds, including a statue of Hermes attributed to the sculptor Praxiteles. Olympia is now, as it used to be in the past, a famed destination, a powerful landmark known the world over.
3. Archaeological Site of Olympia
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   In the western Peloponnese, in the beautiful valley of the Alpheios river, lies the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece. 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 exhibits finds from the site, including a statue of Hermes attributed to the sculptor Praxiteles.
   
   Dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods, it lies on the southwest foot of Mount Kronios, at the confluence of the Alpheios and the Kladeos rivers, in a lush green landscape. Olympia became the most important religious and athletic center in Greece. Its fame rests upon the Olympic Games, the greatest national festival and a highly prestigious one worldwide, which was held every four years to honor Zeus
4. Archaeological Museum of Olympia
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Within a minute's walk from the archaeological site lie the three museums of Olympia that unfold the history of the sanctuary of Zeus 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 cross 12 halls and over 3,500 years of history, from around the 3rd millennium BC when humans first settled in Olympia to the twilight of Zeus' sanctuary in the 7th century AD. Renowned for its sculptures and for its collection of ancient Greek bronzes, which is the richest in the world, it goes without saying that the Archaeological Museum of Olympia ranks among the most important museums in Greece.
5. Corinth Canal
   15m
   The Corinth Canal one of the most important projects of modern Greece, which played a catalytic role for the Mediterranean trade, has constituted an inspiration for centuries and was completed 25 centuries after the conception of its idea. It is a man-made canal in Greece, that connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island.
   
   Back to the late 7th century B.C., and specifically in 602 B.C. At that time, the tyrant of Corinth Periander decided to connect the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. His purpose was to try and open a canal in the isthmus of Corinth which would allow the avoidance of a dangerous circumnavigation of the Peloponnese and shorten the route. The plans of Periander, one of the seven sages of antiquity, as ancient writers testify, remained unaccomplished.
6. Attica
   Pass by
   You will be traveling through Attica, a journey” in 6,000- year history, the land that gave birth to ideas and arts, has created and shaped what we call today the western civilization. Today, a visit to Attica offers visitors a unique experience. A “journey” in its 6,000-year history, including the chance to see renowned monuments and masterpieces of the art of antiquity and the Middle Ages, and the architectural heritage of the 19th and 20th centuries. Here lies Athens, the capital of Greece, the busiest city of the country with the most prominent archaeological site and symbol of the country, 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, testimony 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, spellbinding the audience. Then travel towards Peloponnese!

Pickup details

Departure Point : HOTEL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS: We will meet you at the main entrance of your hotel. Please inform the porter that you are expecting your tour driver to call for you. If you are staying in a small hotel, please inform the receptionist instead.

CRUISE PORT MEETING INSTRUCTIONS: Please disembark and walk outside the terminal exit door, where our driver/guide will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it.

Return point: Return at the same spot

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• 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.