Top things to do in Athens

Athens to Delphi day trips

Can a short day trip from Athens transport you 2,500 years back in time? Yes, it can if you visit Delphi. Exploring this archaeological site with its ancient ruins is a great way to immerse yourself in the history and mythology of Ancient Greece. Located less than 3 hours away from the Greek capital, Delphi is one of the most popular day tours from Athens.

If you want to learn more about Delphi tours, their timings, what to see, and other information, you’ve come to the right place.

Why go on Delphi tours

Delphi tours
  • Proximity from Athens: Delphi is located just 180 km from Athens, and it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to cover the distance by car or bus. You can easily visit it and be back in Athens in a day, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.
  • Expert guide: Most Delphi tours include an expert guide who will acquaint you with the ancient history, Greek mythology, and significance of this archaeological site.
  • Round-trip transfers: Skip the hassle of figuring out transportation logistics and driving routes. Full-day guided day trips to Delphi from Athens include round trip transfers and comfortable travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience.
  • Exciting inclusions: Day trips from Athens to Delphi include exciting add-ons like a virtual reality tour of the archaeological site or lunch at a local restaurant.

Know before you book your Athens to Delphi tour

  • During the winter months (November 1 to March 31), the Delphi tours don’t cover the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia because of its limited opening hours.
  • The Delphi tours are not suitable for wheelchair users. If mobility is a concern, please keep this in mind before booking your tours.

Your Delphi tour options explained

Delphi tours
From Athens: Guided Tour of Delphi Site & Museum Day Trip with Entry Tickets & VR Headsets

Guide: Audio guide in 7 languages
Duration: 10 hours
Round-trip transfers: Yes
Mode of transfer: AC minibus
Food & drinks included?: No

  • Explore the ruins of the Delphi archaeological site with immersive virtual reality headsets. With their 360º and 3D reconstruction technology, you can see the sanctuary as it was in Ancient Greek times.
  • With these tickets, you can also explore the Delphi Archaeological Museum, get lunch and wander around the neighbouring village of Arachova, and enjoy return transfers to central points in Athens.
Delphi tours
From Athens: Full-day Guided Tour of Delphi Site & Museum with Optional Lunch

Guide: Expert English-speaking guide or audio guide in 6 languages
Duration: 10 hours
Round-trip transfers: Yes
Mode of transfer: AC bus
Food & drinks included?: Lunch (optional)

  • Discover the Delphi archaeological site and museum with an expert English-speaking guide, who will show you around and acquaint you with the fascinating history and mythology of this ancient sanctuary.
  • These tickets include round-trip transfers to your hotel in Athens and a stop at the village of Arachova near Delphi. Depending on the ticket option you choose, you can also enjoy lunch.

Sights covered on Delphi tours

Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia Delphi
Temple of Apollo Delphi
Ancient stadium of Delphi
ancient theatre of Delphi
Delphi Archaeological Museum
Sacred Way Delphi
Athenian treasury Delphi
Omphalos Delphi
Castalian Spring Delphi
Polygonal Wall Delphi
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Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia

A large circular structure with three tall standing Doric columns – the 4th-century-BCE Tholos in the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia is one of Delphi’s most iconic monuments.

Temple of Apollo

Explore the 4th-century-BCE Temple of Apollo, the shrine around which Delphi was built. This was where Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi, channelled Apollo’s prophecies.

Ancient stadium of Delphi

Delphi hosted the Pythian Games (which were like the ancient Olympic Games) every four years at its ancient stadium. Set on the hillslope above the sanctuary, this huge stadium could seat up to 7,000 people!

Theater of Delphi

The Ancient Greeks enjoyed poetry, musical contests, and drama performances during festivals and the Pythian Games at this huge amphitheatre, which could seat 5,000 spectators.

Delphi Archaeological Museum

The artifacts excavated from the ruins can now be seen at the Delphi Archaeological Museum. Here, you’ll find the famous Charioteer of Delphi, fragments of ivory-and-gold statues of Apollo and Athena, friezes from the temples, and other ancient treasures.

Sacred Way

Take the Sacred Way through the sanctuary up to the Temple of Apollo, like all ancient pilgrims did. Explore the various monuments honouring the Greek gods along the way.

Athenian treasury

The Athenians built a treasury at Delphi to honour Apollo after victory in battle against the Persians. It was lavishly decorated with friezes and metopes, and is one of the sanctuary’s most completely reconstructed monuments.

Omphalos

The Greek god Zeus marked Delphi as the center of the world with a large stone called the Omphalos, which means “the navel of the world”. See the replica at the archaeological site, and the stone that’s supposed to be the original at the Delphi Archaeological Museum.

Castalian Spring

The Oracle of Delphi, the priests of Apollo, and the pilgrims who came to seek divine guidance all cleansed and purified themselves in this sacred spring before going up to the Temple of Apollo.

Polygonal Wall

During the construction of the second Temple of Apollo in the 6th century BCE, a wall of perfectly interlocked polygonal stones was built to support the structure. It has survived the centuries and is one of the most fascinating features of the sanctuary.

Plan your Athens to Delphi tour

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From Athens: Guided Tour of Delphi Site & Museum Day Trip with Entry Tickets & VR Headsets: 8:15am

  • Duration: 10 hours

From Athens: Full-day Guided Tour of Delphi Site & Museum with Optional Lunch:

  • Tours with lunch: 8am
  • Tours without lunch: 8:30am
  • Duration: 10 hours
From Athens: Guided Tour of Delphi Site & Museum Day Trip with Entry Tickets & VR Headsets

Pick-up points:

  • Melina Mercouri Monument | ​Get directions
  • Pick up time: 8:15am
  • Address: Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 54, Athina 105 58, Greece
  • The Greek Parliament | ​Get directions
  • Pick up time: 8:20am
  • Address: Stadiou 13, Athina 105 61, Greece
  • Omonoia Square | ​Get directions
  • Pick up time: 8:30am
  • Address: Athens 104 31, Greece
  • Karaiskaki Square | ​Get directions
  • Pick up time: 08:40am
  • Address: Athens 104 37, Greece
From Athens: Full-day Guided Tour of Delphi Site & Museum with Optional Lunch

Pick-up points:

  • Melina Mercouri Monument | ​Get directions
  • Pick up time: 8:15am
  • Address: Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 54, Athina 105 58, Greece
  • The Greek Parliament | ​Get directions
  • Pick up time: 8:20am
  • Address: Stadiou 13, Athina 105 61, Greece
  • Omonoia Square | ​Get directions
  • Pick up time: 8:30am
  • Address: Athens 104 31, Greece
  • Karaiskaki Square | ​Get directions
  • Pick up time: 08:40am
  • Address: Athens 104 37, Greece
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Weekday vs weekends: Delphi is particularly crowded on weekends. Visit on weekdays for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Best time of the year: The summer months (June to August) attract the largest number of tourists at Delphi. It’s best to visit during the off-peak season in April, May, September, and October (spring and autumn). There are fewer tourists compared to the summer, and these months have better weather, with clear skies and warm days, ideal for exploring the open-air ruins.

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  • Taverna Vakhos: Relax over a meal of authentic traditional Greek food and gorgeous views of the Gulf of Corinth at ​Taverna Vakhos, one of Delphi’s most popular restaurants. Diners love their lamb chops, stuffed cabbage leaves, peppers stuffed with feta cheese, baklava, and bread with olive tapenade.
  • Taverna DION: If you want to try some fantastic local cuisine, head to the colourful and vibrant ​Taverna DION. Their moussaka, souvlaki, grilled vegetables, pork steak, and local come highly recommended! 
  • To Patriko Mas: Indulge in Greek Mediterranean specialities like fresh bread with tzatziki, traditional spinach pie, slow-cooked venison and noodles, and country lamb at ​To Patriko Mas. Its location at the end of Delphi’s main street provides sweeping views of the valley.
Delphi Archeological Site Audio Guide

Audio guides: Depending on the ticket type you choose, audio guides are included or available as an option with your Delphi tour.

Restrooms: There are no restrooms at the Delphi archaeological site but you can use the visitor restrooms are available at the Delphi Archaeological Museum.

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  • Arrive at your tour meeting point or pick-up point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of your trip.
  • Carry valid ID for any verification that might be required on your tour.
  • You will be doing a lot of walking up and down hillslopes on your Delphi tour. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes to explore with ease.
  • Carry a bottle of water, which you can refill from the water fountain at the ticket booth near the archaeological site.
  • Travel light, with just the essentials like water, snacks, sun protection, and a power bank. There’s no cloakroom to store luggage or heavy bags at Delphi, and a lighter bag will make your trip more enjoyable.
  • Guide dogs are allowed on the tours.

Frequently asked questions about Delphi tours

What can I expect to see and do on a Delphi tour?

On your Delphi tour, you’ll visit the Delphi archaeological site to explore the ruins and the Delphi Archaeological Museum, where you’ll be able to see the artifacts from the site on display. Depending on the ticket option you choose, you’ll also get to visit the nearby village of Arachova.

Do the Delphi tours operate throughout the year?

Yes, day trips from Athens to Delphi are available throughout the year. However, since the timings for the Delphi archaeological site and museum vary depending on the season, you may not be able to visit certain attractions. For example, your Delphi tour won’t cover the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia between November 1 and March 31.

How far in advance should I book my day trip tickets?

We recommend booking your Delphi tours at least a week in advance. They tend to be quite popular, and if you leave it too late, you might not get tickets for the date and time of your choice.

Can I customize my Delphi tour itinerary?

The itineraries of these tours are typically fixed, but they are quite comprehensive and cover all the local attractions.

Will there be any free time during the day trip?

You will have some free time during the stop at Arachova to explore the town and see its attractions.

More reads

Ancient Stadium of Delphi

Ancient Stadium of Delphi

Theater of Delphi

Theater of Delphi

Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia

Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia

Delphi Tours
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