Ancient Delphi

This full day Piraeus shore trip takes you to the ancient site of Delphi, once considered to be the physical and spiritual center of the earth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. In addition to the archaeological site you also visit the impressive museum which holds many of Delphi's finds.

After meeting your licensed guide you begin with a drive 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, or 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.

After visiting the ancient site, you also visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum which houses many of the treasures from the site such as Omphalos, which marked the center of the world, and The Charioteer of Delphi, one of the finest bronze pieces surviving from the fifth century B.C. For fans of Greek archaeology and mythology, this tour is a treat and well worth the long drive.

A lunch stop (meal not included) at a local restaurant is provided before returning to the pier in Piraeus or your hotel in Athens.

• Prices shown are not valid on Sundays or local national holidays. If your only day in this city is Sunday, please contact us for pricing and availability.