Piraeus Private Tour: Option 9

Ancient Delphi

Starting from Piraeus

Tour Summary-
Type: Antiquities, Free Time, Scenic Drive, Walking
Length: 9 Hours
Walking: Difficult
Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)
Guide: Licensed Guide
Languages: English
Prices: Scroll Down or Click here for Prices

Piraeus, Greece -Your licensed guide will meet you at the pier and your private excursion begins with a drive northwest through Thebes and Levadia to the site of the Oracle at Delphi.  You'll see the breathtaking view down to the blue waters of the Gulf of Corinth.  You'll drive by the sacred Castalian spring passing close to the ancient site of Apollo's sanctuary.  Then you'll set out on foot to walk the sacred way, visiting the treasuries, the place of offerings, the Grand Temple of Apollo and the theater which even today retains its remarkable acoustics. Early Christians first destroyed the temples, and time and earthquakes have taken further toll, but you can easily imagine this sanctuary as it was during its 1,000 years of grandeur. 

The ancients considered Delphi to be the physical and spiritual center of the earth  - the navel of the known world.  The shrine of Apollo, nearly 2,000 feet up the slopes of Mount Parnassus still exerts a potent grip on visitors.  Here the most respected oracle of antiquity was sought out by the most influential people of the time.  They believed implicitly in the responses of the gods to the questions put to the priestess Pythia, which were in turn interpreted (usually with a safely ambiguous touch) by her priests.  Delphi grew rich and important through the offerings of the faithful.

Your visit continues with the Museum housing many of the treasures from the site such as Omphalos, which marked the center of the world, and The Charioteer, one of the finest bronze pieces surviving from the fifth century B.C.
 
A lunch stop (not included in price) at a leading local restaurant will refresh you, and finally you'll return to the pier by the same route about 9 hours after starting.

Tour Breakdown-
1- Depart pier and drive to Livadia - 2 Hours and 10 Minutes
2- Livadia comfort stop- 20 Minutes
3- Drive to Delphi - 40 Minutes
4- Visit site and museum of Delphi- 2 Hours
5- Lunch Break- 1 Hour and 15 Minutes
6- Return drive to port including comfort stop- 3 Hours

Private Sightseeing Tours and Shore Excursions from Piraeus to Delphi.

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