Delphi, Hosios Loukas Monastery full day private tour from Athens
Athens, GR
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Luxury air-conditioned vehicles
- Knowledgeable guides
- See ancient stadiums and theatres
- Enjoy free time for lunch or shopping
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Duration 9-10 hours
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Private transportation included
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Lunch with traditional Greek food
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Hotel/airport pickup included
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Bottled water and WiFi on board
Embark on a journey through time on this private, full-day tour from Athens to Delphi and the Hosios Loukas Monastery. Experience the magic of Delphi as you explore the ancient ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia. Uncover the mysteries of the Oracle of Delphi and marvel at the world-famous artifacts in the Delphi Archaeological Museum. Then, travel to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, a historic masterpiece of Middle Byzantine architecture and art. Admire the scenic views of Mount Helicon as you discover the tomb of St. Luke and witness the healing miracles associated with his relics. With luxury transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour is an unforgettable journey into the rich history and culture of Greece.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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9 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Self-guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Discover ancient Greece on a private tour to Delphi and Hosios Loukas Monastery, featuring personalized insights and comfortable transport from Athens.
Included
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In-vehicle air conditioning -
Professional drivers with deep knowledge of history (not licensed to accompany you in any site)
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Private transportation
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On-board wifi
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Lunch (With Greek Traditional Food option)
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Bottled water
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Hotel/ airport/ port pickup and drop-off
Excluded
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Entrance fees -
Licensed tour guide (upon request and depending on availability)
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Gratuities
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
You will get picked up from your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens airport, or Piraeus port.
10 minutes
Livadia
Livadeia is a town in central Greece. It is the capital of the Boeotia regional district. The area around Livadeia is mountainous, with farming activities mainly confined to the valleys. The area has traditionally been associated with the production and processing of cotton and tobacco, as well as the cultivation of cereal crops and the raising of livestock. The city is also known for having participated in the War of Troy in allegiance with Mycenae.
Hosios Loukas is a historic walled monastery situated near the town of Distomo, in Boeotia, Greece. It is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art and has been listed on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, along with the monasteries of Nea Moni and Daphnion. The monastery of Hosios Loukas is situated at a scenic site on the slopes of Mount Helicon. It was founded in the early 10th century AD by the hermit, Venerable (Greek: Hosios) Luke of Steiris (Greek: Lukas), whose relics are kept in the monastery to this day. The main shrine of the monastery is the tomb of St. Luke, originally situated in the vault, but later placed at the juncture of the two churches. The monastery derived its wealth (including funds required for construction) from the fact that the relics of St. Luke were said to have exuded myron, a sort of perfumed oil which produced healing miracles.
30 minutes
Admission Not Included
Mount Parnassus is a mountain in central Greece that towers above Delphi, north of the Gulf of Corinth. Mount Parnassus offers many advantages to the population of Greece. In peace, it possesses scenic views of the countryside and features olive groves and rolling hills. The mountain is also the location of historically, archaeologically, and culturally significant places of interest (such as Delphi). Recreationally, the slopes of Parnassus provide a medium for hiking (in the three warm seasons) and are skied in winter. Its melting snows provide water to the surrounding communities, reaching out as far as Athens. The mountain is composed of limestone, and its rock contains bauxite, ore that is rich in aluminum. In war, Parnassus has been a center of resistance if need be, providing cover and refuge to partisans.
Arachova
Arachova is a mountain town and a former municipality in the western part of Boeotia, Greece, originally called Karyai (also spelled Caryae). Its name is of South Slavic origin and denotes a place with walnut trees. It is a tourist destination due to its location in the mountains, its traditions, and its proximity to the town of Delphi. Arachova has a panoramic view, uphill small houses, and the cobbled streets show a picturesque architecture. The town center includes a huge and steep cliff, the Bell Tower, covered with dense ivy. At the top of the tower is a large 10m height clock. Arachova is famous for its black wine, its "brusque", the colorful textiles, carpets and rugs, handicrafts, and woodcut creations as well.
Arrival at the archaeological site of Delphi. Free time for a walk at: - sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia - ancient stadium and theater
30 minutes
Delphi Archaeological Museum is one of the principal museums of Greece and one of the most visited. It is operated by the Greek Ministry of Culture. Founded in 1903, it has been rearranged several times and houses the discoveries made at the Panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which dates from the Late Helladic (Mycenean) period to the early Byzantine era. Organized in fourteen rooms on two levels, the museum mainly displays statues, including the famous Charioteer of Delphi, architectural elements, like the frieze of the Siphnian Treasury, and ex-votos dedicated to the sanctuary of Pythian Apollo, like the Sphinx of Naxos. The exhibition floor space is more than 2270m2, while the storage and conservation rooms (mosaics, ceramics, and metals) take up 558m2.
60 minutes
Admission Not Included
The Temple of Apollo, god of music, harmony, light, healing, and oracles occupied the most important and prominent position in the Delphic Panhellenic Sanctuary. The edifice with the partially restored colonnade visible today dates to the 4th century BC; it is the third temple built at the same place. The famous oracle, the Pythia, operated inside the temple, the location chosen, according to one tradition, due to a sacred chasm beneath the site emitting vapors, which were inhaled by the Pythia. Some ancient writers state that the Pythia then entered a state of delirium and uttering inarticulate cries, which were then turned into equivocal oracles by the priests. This interpretation is controversial, and has been challenged by scholars such as Joseph Fontenrose and Lisa Maurizio, who argue that the ancient sources uniformly represent the Pythia speaking intelligibly, and giving prophecies in her own voice.
60 minutes
Admission Not Included
Free time for lunch at a traditional Greek tavern with your friends and family or shopping.
60 minutes
Arachova
Free time for a coffee before we start our trip back to Athens.
30 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap -
Our drivers are not official tour guides, but they are knowledgeable and can provide fascinating commentary in fluent English. Although they will not enter the archaeological sites with you, they can answer all of your questions about the places you visit with this tour.
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Third party activities and especially extreme sports are not allowed during the tour. This can be a cause for immediate cancellation of the tour.
What our experts say
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Try the local cheese in Arachova. -
Visit nearby shops for unique souvenirs.
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Consider early arrival to avoid crowds.
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Bring a camera for stunning views.
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Dress comfortably for walking tours.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Greece with the Delphi, Hosios Loukas Monastery full-day private tour from Athens. This exclusive tour takes you on a journey to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, allowing you to discover the ancient wonders and Byzantine treasures of the country.What to expect?
During this tour, you can expect to explore the magnificent ruins of Delphi, including the iconic Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archaeological Museum. Marvel at the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia, stroll through ancient stadiums and theatres, and uncover the secrets of this sacred site. You will also visit the awe-inspiring Hosios Loukas Monastery, a historic landmark known for its Middle Byzantine architecture and spiritual significance.Who is this for?
The Delphi, Hosios Loukas Monastery full-day tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and curious travelers who want to delve into Greece's rich heritage. Whether you are a solo adventurer, a group of friends, or a family looking for an educational and immersive experience, this tour caters to all.Why book this?
Book this tour for a truly unforgettable experience. Discover the wonders of Delphi, an archaeological site shrouded in myth and legend. Be captivated by the grandeur of the Temple of Apollo and the ancient artifacts housed in the Delphi Archaeological Museum. Dive into the spiritual realm of Hosios Loukas Monastery, marveling at its stunning architecture and rich history. With luxury, air-conditioned transportation and knowledgeable guides, you can enjoy a seamless and informative journey through these remarkable sites.Good to know
It is important to note that the guides on this tour are not official site guides, but they are knowledgeable and passionate about the destinations you will visit. With a total duration of 540 to 600 minutes, this comprehensive tour ensures you have ample time to explore each location at your own pace. From convenient pick-up options to a traditional Greek tavern lunch, everything is meticulously planned to make your experience hassle-free and enjoyable.Reviews
Customers who have embarked on this tour have praised the knowledgeable guides, the breathtaking views, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in Greek history and culture. From the awe-inspiring ruins of Delphi to the serene atmosphere of Hosios Loukas Monastery, this tour offers a truly remarkable experience that exceeds expectations. Travelers have expressed their satisfaction with the smooth logistics and the flexibility to customize the itinerary based on their interests. This tour is highly recommended for those seeking to combine their love for history, spirituality, and natural beauty in one unforgettable adventure through Greece.Journals from our explorers at this location
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