Delphi & Thermopylae tour: Two legendary sites in one day

Two of ancient Greece's most storied places in a single full day

A private full-day tour from Athens to Delphi and Thermopylae, with hotel pickup and an English-speaking driver, takes you to the Leonidas Monument and battlefield where the 300 Spartans made their stand, then to Delphi's Temple of Apollo, Ancient Theatre, Stadium, Tholos of Athena Pronaia, and Archaeological Museum. A traditional Greek meal with valley views is included before the return to Athens.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Temple of Apollo15m
2. Delphi Archaeological Museum1h

Explore Thermopylae and Delphi

• Visit Leonidas Monument and battlefield
• Tour Thermopylae Historical Information Center
• Relax at Thermopylae Hot Springs
• Stop in scenic village of Arachova
• Explore Temple of Apollo in Delphi
• Visit Tholos of Athena Pronaia
• See Ancient Stadium of Delphi
• Discover Ancient Theatre of Delphi
• Tour Delphi Archaeological Museum
• Enjoy traditional Greek meal in Delphi

The experience

Nine to ten hours covers the drive north from Athens, stops at Thermopylae's Monument of Leonidas and the historic battlefield where the Spartans held the pass against the Persian army in 480 BCE, and a visit to the Thermopylae Historical Information Center to understand the battle's scale. You'll also stop at the natural hot springs that gave the region its name before heading into the mountains toward Delphi.

Delphi itself spreads across the slopes of Mount Parnassus as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You walk through the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle once delivered prophecies, climb to the Ancient Stadium where the Pythian Games took place, and explore the Ancient Theatre built into the mountainside. The Tholos of Athena Pronaia, a circular sanctuary with striking columns, sits at the entrance to the sanctuary. The Delphi Archaeological Museum holds the Charioteer of Delphi, the Sphinx of Naxos, and other treasures from the sanctuary: each piece a window into the art and mythology of ancient Greece.

A stop in the mountain village of Arachova breaks the day with views and a chance to walk its charming streets. Lunch happens at a restaurant in Delphi overlooking the valley and Mount Parnassus, though the meal cost is separate. The driver speaks English and carries bottled water and WiFi on board. The vehicle is air-conditioned and sized for your group: a sedan for one to four people, a minivan for five to eight.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle sized for your group.
• hotel or cruise ship pickup and drop-off.
• an English-speaking driver with extensive historical knowledge.
• bottled water and WiFi on board.

Before you book

Lasts 9h–10h, runs every day, 5 start times, from € 265 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 09:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 23

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Pericles Century

Is this one for you?Groups of one to four travel in a sedan. Groups of five to eight ride in a minivan. Both vehicles offer the same route and stops, so choose based on your party size and preference for vehicle type.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is the Leonidas Monument at Thermopylae?

The Monument of Leonidas is an iconic statue depicting the Spartan king holding his spear and shield, standing on the historic battlefield where he and the 300 Spartans made their legendary last stand against the Persian invasion in 480 BCE. It serves as a tribute to their courage and sacrifice.

Can I swim in the Thermopylae hot springs during the tour?

The tour includes a stop at the natural hot springs that gave Thermopylae its name, but swimming is not mentioned as part of the itinerary. The stop allows you to experience the mineral-rich waters and the serene landscape.

What's inside the Delphi Archaeological Museum?

The Delphi Archaeological Museum holds one of Greece's most important collections from the ancient sanctuary, including the iconic Charioteer of Delphi, the Sphinx of Naxos, and intricate treasures from the Sanctuary of Apollo. The exhibits cover the history, art, and mythology of ancient Greece.

How high is the Ancient Stadium of Delphi, and what can you see from it?

The Ancient Stadium sits high on Mount Parnassus and features stone seating and a long track where the Pythian Games once took place. From the stadium, you get panoramic views of the surrounding valley below.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

The tour includes a stop for a traditional Greek meal at a restaurant in Delphi with views of the valley and Mount Parnassus, but the cost of the meal itself is not included in the tour price and is paid separately.

What should I bring for a full day of walking around ancient sites?

Comfortable footwear is essential for walking and exploring the different sites across both Thermopylae and Delphi. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended, as Greece often experiences warm and sunny weather.