Athens-Arachova,Delphi,Ancient Olympia 2Days Excursion

Traveling through Greece often means walking the paths of philosophers, gods, and Olympians, but doing so independently can be a logistical puzzle. This 2-day private excursion offers an enticing route through some of the most iconic archaeological sites, all with the comfort of modern transportation and a personalized touch. We’ve examined this tour closely—here’s what you need to know.

What we love about this experience is the chance to visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites in just two days, the scenic drives that make the journey feel special, and the inclusion of a stay overnight in Olympia, which allows for a more relaxed exploration. The delightful visit to Hosios Loukas monastery, with its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere, adds a cultural layer often missed on shorter trips. One thing to consider is that the itinerary involves a fair amount of driving, so if long bus rides aren’t your thing, you’ll want to prepare accordingly.

This tour is best suited for travelers who have a keen interest in ancient history, enjoy scenic landscapes, and prefer a hassle-free, private experience. It’s perfect for those who want a deep dive into Greece’s archaeological marvels without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

Good To Know

• All-Inclusive Private Tour: The cost covers luxury transport, hotel pickup, and overnight accommodation, offering great convenience.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit the Apollo Temple, Delphi Archaeological Museum, and the Olympia archaeological site.
• Scenic Routes: Enjoy views of the Corinth Canal and picturesque countryside between stops.
• Authentic Experiences: The visit to Hosios Loukas monastery provides insight into Greece’s religious and architectural history.
• Flexible & Private: The tour caters to small groups (up to four people), allowing a personalized experience.
• Long but Rewarding: Be prepared for a full itinerary with plenty of walking and sightseeing on uneven surfaces.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Athens to Delphi via Hosios Loukas

The day starts early with hotel pickup in Athens, setting the tone for a day packed with historical wonder and natural beauty. The first stop is the Hosios Loukas monastery, an architectural gem dating back to the 10th century. From reviews, visitors mention how the peaceful atmosphere and intricate mosaics make it a highlight, a peaceful contrast to the bustling Greek cities. It’s a perfect spot for photos and some quiet reflection.

Afterward, the journey continues through the landscape of mountain of Parnassos, with the road winding through lush fields and natural scenery—viewpoints travelers found “breathtaking,” especially when the bus window frames the mountains and greenery. These scenic drives are a major perk, giving you a chance to relax and take in Greece’s varied terrain.

The Heart of Delphi

Arriving in Delphi, the tour truly shines. Widely regarded as the “center of the world” by ancient Greeks, Delphi offers a palpable sense of history. The Apollo Temple is the star attraction, where you can imagine the oracle delivering her cryptic prophecies. Reviewers note the site’s impressive ruins and the way the surrounding landscape adds a mystical air.

The Delphi Archaeological Museum complements the outdoor ruins with artifacts that tell stories of the past. Travelers often mention how the museum’s exhibits made the history come alive, especially the statues and votive offerings. Free time for lunch allows you to sample local cuisine and soak in views of the sacred site atop the mountain.

Scenic Drive to Olympia

Post-lunch, the journey takes about an hour through more scenic landscapes, with plenty of opportunities for photos. Crossing the Rio Antirio Bridge offers stunning vistas and a sense of modern engineering bridging Greece’s historic regions. As one reviewer shared, “The drive itself was worth the trip—beautiful views of fields, mountains, and the sea.”

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Ancient Olympia and Evening Stay

Arriving in Olympia, you have ample time to explore the archaeological site, including the Ancient Theater and the Olympic Stadium. The site’s expansive ruins evoke images of athletic competitions that date back millennia. The included museum helps put the ruins into context, showcasing original artifacts from the site.

Staying overnight in Olympia allows you to experience the town after day-trippers leave—making the visit more intimate and less rushed. Many travelers appreciated the chance to explore at their own pace during the evening hours.

Day 2: Olympia and the Corinth Canal

The next morning kicks off with a visit to the archaeological site of Olympia, where guides or self-guided explorations reveal the grandeur of the ancient athletic grounds. Expect about two hours to walk among ruins and imagine the ancient games that once drew competitors from across Greece.

Following a delicious lunch—an opportunity to try local Greek specialties—the tour concludes with a scenic stop at the Corinth Canal. This narrow waterway, built in the late 19th century, remains a marvel of engineering. Travelers often comment on how the views of the canal, flanked by cliffs and rugged coastline, make a fitting end to the trip.

Finally, the journey back to Athens offers relaxed reflection on the past two days’ adventures, with comfortable transport to your hotel or designated drop-off point.

Why This Tour Delivers Great Value

While the price of $1,170 for a private group of up to four might seem high at first glance, consider what’s included: luxury air-conditioned transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, overnight accommodation, WiFi, and visits to key sites with minimal hassle. The fact that the tour is private means you won’t be stuck in a large bus with strangers—perfect for those who prefer a more intimate experience.

The tour’s flexibility allows you to customize some parts, like requesting guided tours at the sites (for an additional fee) or choosing how long to linger at each stop. On top of that, traveling in a small group means you can ask your guide questions and get tailored insights, which can significantly enhance your understanding of Greece’s history.

The route itself is thoughtfully curated, combining archaeological exploration with scenic drives, giving you a well-rounded experience of Greece’s landscapes and ancient wonders.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits history buffs eager to see Delphi and Olympia without the hassle of planning transport or accommodation. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate scenic driving routes and want to maximize their short time in Greece. Since the tour involves a fair amount of walking on uneven surfaces and long drives, it’s best for those with good mobility and a reasonable level of fitness.

It’s not suited for travelers with mobility issues or wheelchair users, given the nature of the sites visited and the walking involved. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or are visiting Greece with young children, you might want to consider whether the full itinerary suits your needs.

Final Thoughts

This two-day private tour offers an immersive, hassle-free way to explore some of Greece’s most iconic ancient sites and stunning scenery. The small-group setup, combined with hotel pickup and overnight accommodation, makes it a practical choice for those wanting a comprehensive experience without the stress of logistics.

Travelers who value authentic sites, scenic drives, and a personalized touch will find this tour well worth the investment. The balance of historical sites, cultural experiences, and natural beauty creates a memorable journey through Greece’s classical past.

Whether you’re a history lover, a scenic drive enthusiast, or simply eager to tick off some of Greece’s greatest landmarks, this tour presents an excellent way to make the most of a short break in Greece.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers luxury air-conditioned transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, overnight accommodation, WiFi on board, and all transfers for the itinerary.

Are museum tickets included?
No, admission tickets for museums and attractions are not included, so you should budget for those separately. Guided tours can be arranged upon request for an extra fee.

How much walking is involved?
Expect a fair amount of walking, especially around the archaeological sites. Comfortable shoes are recommended as some surfaces are uneven.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves long drives and walking on uneven surfaces, so it’s best suited for travelers with good mobility. It may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, camera, and water. The tour involves outdoor exploration and exposure to the sun.

Can I customize the itinerary?
While the tour is private, you can request guided tours at the sites for an extra cost. The schedule is designed to maximize sightseeing, but some flexibility may be available.

How long are the drives between sites?
The drives are scenic and involve some long stretches, including a notable drive over the Rio Antirio Bridge. Be prepared for about a 1-hour drive between Delphi and Olympia and additional time for the return journey to Athens.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
It’s designed for small groups up to four, so solo travelers can join, but the cost per person is higher than joining a larger group. For those seeking privacy, it still offers the benefit of a private experience.

This detailed review aims to help you decide whether this Greece adventure matches your travel style. Combining history, scenery, and convenience, it’s a journey that promises both discovery and comfort.

You can check if your dates are available here: