Delphi Tours and Vacation Packages
Delphi is famous as the ancient sanctuary, the site of the oracle that was consulted on important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. It is located in Central Greece on the southwest slope of Mount Parnassus. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its history and significance in ancient Greek times. On a Greece vacation, after the Acropolis in Athens, Delphi is the most popular archaeological site in Greece. It was considered in ancient times to be the centre of the known world. Delphi became the venue, every four years starting in 776 BC, where athletes from all over Greece competed in the Pythian Games, a precursor to the Modern Olympics.
The earliest archaeological finds in the area around Delphi date back to the Neolithic period (4000 BC) when the first rituals took place. The site of the ancient oracle is the Sanctuary of Apollo built on the slopes of Mount Parnassus between the 6th and 4th Centuries BC. The Doric temple here was where the oracle spoke to Apollo who, in turn, was imbued with the spirit. It dates back to the 7th Century BC. The temple's foundations have survived along with several Doric columns made of porous stone and limestone. The Tholos is a circular building which was created in the 4th Century BC. It has 20 Doric columns on its exterior. The ancient theatre presented the audience with a spectacular view of the entire sanctuary below and accommodated 5,000 spectators who enjoyed plays, poetry readings and music.
The Athenian Treasury was designed to hold the many offerings to the Delphi oracle. The building was constructed entirely of marble. The large stadium, built in the 5th Century BC, was famous for its chariot races and is considered the best preserved in Greece. Its stone seats could seat around 6500 spectators and be used for athletic events and music festivals. The Sacred Way leads to the temple. In ancient times, this road was lined with statues and gifts given in tribute to Apollo in thanks for victories in battle.
The Delphi Archaeological Museum is at the base of the main archaeological complex and contains a special collection of items associated with ancient Delphi while a Greece vacation. The permanent exhibition covers over 1,000 years from the Mycenaean era (1600 to 1100 BC) to the Greco-Roman times. It also contains the Charioteer of Delphi, one of the most important sculptures of ancient Greece. The atmosphere on a visit to Delphi during travel to Greece is supposedly very special and, according to some, one can sense ancient times “spiritually”.
Extend your Stay
Consider an additional stopover to your Greece vacation at one of Goway's other European destinations. You can choose from a Paris vacation, a London vacation or an Amsterdam vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from Greece.
Delphi
4 Trips Available
-
- Sort by:
- Most Popular
- Duration
- Price
-
Greece Legends and Landscapes
FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP TOURING: Step into a world of myth and magic where ancient art and culture flourished and philosophy was founded. This adventure takes you where legends were made. From awe-inspiring archaeological sites to sleepy towns and coastal treasures, Greece is abundant with inspiring secrets and stories for everyone.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,979
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Small Group Touring
See Trip Details
-
Athens Signature
FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Unlock the history, culture and beauty of Athens! Stroll along its charming streets, see the wonder of the ancient Acropolis and other important sights. Enjoy a traditional dinner and folklore show. Step outside the city to visit Delphi and then, experience breathtaking sunsets at Cape Sounion.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,562
- Trip Type:
- Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
See Trip Details
-
Athens and Classical Greece: Olympia, Delphi & Meteora
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Enjoy the best of modern and classical Greece on this 8-day program. See the modern city of Athens and visit the iconic Acropolis on a guided tour. Then, join an escorted coach program to visit the Greek countryside with stops in Olympia, Delphi, Nauplia and the Meteora Monasteries, a spectacular landscape high above the skies.- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,327
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Escorted Coach Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
See Trip Details
-
Athens Stopover
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Ancient and modern Athens is steeped in history and culture. Marvel at the Parthenon on top of the Acropolis, stroll among the many important temples of the ancient gods and enjoy a day to Delphi, home of the mystical oracle.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 707
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
See Trip Details