Delphi & The Monastery of Hosios Loukas Extended Full Day Private Tour
Tour Duration: 11 Hours Tour Destination: Delphi & Distomo Group Size: Up to 7 People Price: 550€
Visit two UNESCO World Heritage religious sites and discover how human spirituality evolved across two different eras, with an additional hour to explore the Hosios Loukas Monastery in depth.
General Tour Information
Pick Up & Drop Off Locations:
- Piraeus Cruise Ship Terminal
- Zea & Alimos Marinas
- Hotel in Athens
- Athens Airport
Places & Sites To Visit:
- Arachova
- Delphi
- Traditional Lunch
- Monastery of Hosios Loukas
What's Included:
- Brand New Mercedes or Peugeot Minivan
- English speaking Tour Driver*
- Guiding Servises
*Our small team of tour drivers are experts in Greek history and mythology. We speak fluent English and provide the insights you need for a deeper understanding of the archaeological sites you visit. We drive new, luxurious, smoke-free Peugeot and Mercedes minivans, fully air-conditioned and with tinted windows, ensuring an upscale, private experience. We're happy to discuss our culture and any topics of interest, offering a flexible and personalized experience. Please note, however, that our tour drivers are not licensed guides and cannot accompany you inside the archaeological sites.
What's Not Included:
- Delphi Archaeological site & Museum: 12€ per Person
- Licensed Tour Guide 2,5 hours: 150€ per Group
- Hosios Lukas Monastery: 5€ per Person
- Airport Transfer: 100€ per Group
- Lunch or Snacks
Important facts to know:
- Prices are per group, with no hidden costs
- All prices are prearranged—no surprises
- We can safely store and transport your luggage during the tour
- Our tours are Private Only
- Tours are conducted in English
- We are disability- and family-friendly
- Tours can be customized to meet your needs
- We do not offer shared tours
Detailed Private Tour Itinerary
The Full-Day Tour of Delphi and the Byzantine Monastery of Hosios Loukas begins in Athens. We start by heading north on the Kifisos Highway, named after one of the three rivers flowing through the city. The smooth 2.5-hour drive takes us through the plains of northern Athens, past the city of Thebes and Levadia, and onto the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Along the way, you’ll experience diverse landscapes, agricultural fields, and rural life.
We make a brief stop at a café at the base of Mount Parnassus to rest before continuing up the scenic, winding road. The route passes through the picturesque stone village of Arachova, perched on the mountainside overlooking the Pleistos Valley. A popular year-round destination, Arachova attracts summer visitors to Delphi and winter skiers heading to Greece’s third-largest ski resort atop Mount Parnassus. Just 10 minutes beyond Arachova, we arrive at our main destination: Delphi.
At Delphi, famous for the Temple of Apollo, the Oracle, and the Pythian Panhellenic Games, you’ll have 2.5 to 3 hours to explore the archaeological site and museum. As you walk along the Sacred Way, you’ll see the ancient treasuries of Greek city-states, the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the well-preserved Delphi Amphitheater, the Polygonal Wall of the Athenian Forum, the circular Temple of Athena Pronea, and the Stadium and Gymnasium where participants trained for the Pythian Games.
Afterward, travelers can opt for an authentic traditional lunch at a local taverna, offering spectacular views of the Pleistos Valley, with its thousands of olive trees and the city of Itea on the Corinthian Gulf.
The final part of the tour takes us to the Byzantine Monastery of Hosios Loukas, located 20 minutes from Delphi near the town of Distomo, and on our way back to Athens. Perched 460 meters above sea level on Mount Helicon, the monastery requires about an hour to explore. Highlights include the tomb of Hosios Loukas, the vibrant mosaics adorning the walls, restored hermit dormitories opened to the public in 2016, an ancient bell tower with stunning views, and a small museum featuring an old wine and olive oil mill, as well as the kindling house.
The tour concludes with a relaxing highway drive back to Athens, passing through the same beautiful landscapes, with the sun setting in the background.
