Delphi Private Day Tour from Athens: UNESCO site with driver

Drive north to an ancient oracle's seat, walk the Temple of Apollo and the museum without arranging the ride.

A private day tour from Athens to Delphi, a UNESCO archaeological site where you visit the Temple of Apollo, the Delphi Archaeological Museum and the Tholos of Athena Pronaia with hotel pickup and a driver who speaks English and knows the history. The tour runs 8 to 9 hours and includes air-conditioned transport, WiFi, bottled water and parking; a licensed tour guide is available on request for an additional fee. Lunch in Delphi village and free time for photos are built into the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day tour from Athens to Delphi

• Pick up from Athens hotel
• Drive to Delphi (2.5 hours)
• Visit Tholos of Delphi
• Explore Delphi Archaeological Museum
• Tour Delphi archaeological site
• Lunch in Delphi village
• Free time for photos
• Drive back to Athens (2.5 hours)

The Experience

Your driver picks you up from your Athens hotel in the morning and drives north for about 2.5 hours. The route takes you through the Greek countryside toward Delphi, a UNESCO-recognized archaeological site that served as the seat of Pythia, the oracle consulted throughout the ancient classical world. Your driver has the historical knowledge to answer questions during the drive, though they do not enter the sites with you — if you want a licensed guide walking the ruins and the museum, that's available on request.

At Delphi you'll visit the archaeological site itself, where the Temple of Apollo stands partially restored with its colonnade visible from the 4th century BC. The temple occupied the most prominent position in the Panhellenic Sanctuary; according to tradition, a sacred chasm beneath the site emitted vapors that the Pythia inhaled before delivering oracles. You'll also see the Tholos of Athena Pronaia, a circular temple less than a mile east of the main ruins. The Delphi Archaeological Museum, one of Greece's principal museums, houses the discoveries from the sanctuary — the famous Charioteer of Delphi, the frieze of the Siphnian Treasury, the Sphinx of Naxos, and statues spanning from the Mycenaean period to the early Byzantine era.

After exploring the site and museum, you'll stop for lunch in Delphi village, then have free time to take photographs before the drive back to Athens, another 2.5 hours. The vehicle is air-conditioned with WiFi on board and bottled water provided. Specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with young children.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Athens hotel with pickup included.
• air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi and bottled water.
• parking fees and fuel surcharge.
• lunch in Delphi village.
• free time for photos at the site.
• driver who speaks English and has historical knowledge of the region.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by LS Tours

Is this one for you?Shared tours mean coordinating with other travelers and following a set schedule; this private tour leaves when your hotel pickup happens and moves at your pace through the Temple of Apollo, the museum and the village, with the flexibility to linger where you want and the driver waiting for you throughout the day.

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Top questions

What's inside the Delphi Archaeological Museum?

The Delphi Archaeological Museum houses discoveries from the Panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi, organized in fourteen rooms on two levels. It displays the famous Charioteer of Delphi, the frieze of the Siphnian Treasury, the Sphinx of Naxos, and statues and ex-votos dating from the Late Helladic (Mycenaean) period to the early Byzantine era.

Can I hire a licensed guide to walk through the archaeological sites with me?

A licensed tour guide is available on request, subject to availability, for an additional fee. Your driver will not enter the sites with you but can answer questions during the drive; a guide walks the ruins and museum with you if you choose that option at checkout.

How long is the drive from Athens to Delphi?

The drive north from Athens to Delphi takes about 2.5 hours, and the return journey is also about 2.5 hours, making the full tour 8 to 9 hours including time at the sites, the museum, lunch and free time for photos.

What was the Temple of Apollo used for in ancient times?

The Temple of Apollo was the most important and prominent position in the Delphic Panhellenic Sanctuary and housed the famous oracle, the Pythia. According to tradition, a sacred chasm beneath the site emitted vapors that the Pythia inhaled before entering a state and uttering oracles that priests then interpreted for those seeking guidance on important decisions.

Is lunch included, and where do we eat?

Lunch is included at a restaurant in Delphi village after you visit the archaeological site and museum. You'll have time to eat before the drive back to Athens.

What's provided in the vehicle?

The air-conditioned vehicle includes WiFi on board and bottled water; parking fees and fuel surcharge are covered. Specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with children.