Exploring the breathtaking ruins of Delphi was amazing! Once considered the center of the ancient world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was home to the famous Oracle where ancient Greeks sought guidance from Apollo. Walking these sacred grounds, surrounded by incredible history and stunning mountain views, was an unforgettable experience.
An Adventure of a Lifetime!
Imagine two days of mythology, ancient ruins and historical marvels. The Athens: Delphi and Meteora 2-Day Guided Tour is perfect for those wanting to do more in Athens than just see the Parthenon. The tour includes transportation from Athens and a knowledgeable tour guide who will open your mind to the historical mythology of Delphi, The Temple of Apollo, the Monasteries of Meteora and Thermopylae. This ticket also includes a hotel stay in the epic Hercules-like town of Kalambaka! Book this once-in-a-lifetime adventure below:
What is Delphi?
Delphi is a historical masterpiece in the middle of nowhere! It's about a two hour drive from Athens that can be explored via bus or tour group (see more transport tips below). Known as the navel of the world in ancient Greek mythology, Delphi once served as a major religious, cultural and political center of the Hellenic world. Delphi was also home to the Oracle of Apollo, where Pythia, a priestess, would deliver cryptic prophecies thought to be inspired by the god Apollo himself. These prophecies influenced major decisions throughout the ancient Greek world, from wars to colonization efforts. Today, it continues to captivate visitors with its awe-inspiring ruins, breathtaking landscapes and deep connection to mythology. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a casual traveler, a visit to Delphi is an unforgettable journey into the past.
Me standing with the ancient ruins of Delphi!
Delphi Tips for Visitors
Getting There: Delphi is about a two-hour drive from Athens, making it an ideal day trip or an overnight excursion. Public buses also connect Athens to Delphi for those without a car or without a tour group.
Don't skip the museum: No visit to Delphi is complete without a stop at the Delphi Archaeological Museum. This museum houses a wealth of artifacts unearthed at the site. In my Delphi tour movie above you'll see the Sphinx of Naxos, the Twins of Argos and the Statue of Antinoos.
How to take the bus to Delphi from Athens: The bus is the cheapest way to travel from Athens to Delphi. KTEL Fokidas runs daily between Athens Liosion Station and Delphi Bus Station, with seats starting at $16 (€14.50) one way. The average ticket costs $21 (€19), so book in advance for the best deals.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds, perfect for exploring the open-air site.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the site involves a fair amount of uphill walking. Don’t forget sunscreen and water, especially in the summer months. See this full packing list to help you plan your excursion.
Monasteries of Meteora
This is no ordinary Monastery! The buildings in this complex sit on large cliffs! Monasteries of Meteora are known as a UNESCO World Heritage site for their amazing location as well as their religious, spiritual and historical significance. These monasteries were built by Eastern Orthodox monks beginning in the 14th century as places of solitude, prayer, and protection from invasion. At one time, more than twenty monasteries stood on these cliffs, only six remain active today. But those six are astonishing to witness in person!
Photo credit to www.alaturka.info
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes are needed for this cliff hiking adventure. Also because this is a monastery appropriate clothing is required. I have a full list of cute modest dresses to wear for this monastery day. Modest Travel Dresses Acceptable for Religious Sites
Beyond the Ruins
If you do the two day tour I mentioned above you will spend time in the extraordinary town of Kalambaka. If you've ever seen Hercules you'll have your breathe taken away by this town that's situated at the bottoms of steep cliffs. In fact, the oldest known human settlement dating back to 130,000 years was found in the prehistoric cave of Theopetra, only about 3 miles away from the town of Kalabaka. Kalabaka truly feels like stepping back in time, it's not like any other place in the world!
Photo credit to: www.visitgreece.gr
And Delphi isn’t just about ancient history. The surrounding area of that site is also rich in natural beauty. We visited the nearby village of Aráchova! It's a charming spot to enjoy local cuisine and shop for traditional handicrafts. We even found a place with vegan options in this little town! Barile Resto Vino Bar is cozy and quaint restaurant that has a whole vegan menu! Featuring pastas, salads and more! We loved snuggling up and grabbing a bite to eat after our long tour day.
We loved exploring the town of Aráchova
Would you love a trip to just Delphi, or a two day adventure including Kalambaka? Comment on the video with your thoughts! Subscribe to this blog and my YouTube channel for more Europe, Southeast Asia and U.S.A content!
