2 Day Private Tour to Delphi,Thermopylae,Mycenae,Nafplion and Ancient Olympia

Set out on a captivating 2-day private tour from Athens, exploring the historical treasures of Delphi, Thermopylae, Mycenae, Nafplion, and Ancient Olympia. Experience the mystical ambiance of Delphi, the legendary battlefield of Thermopylae, and the mighty citadel of Mycenae. Discover the charm of Nafplion with its Venetian architecture, before concluding at the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia. This personalized journey will immerse you in Greece’s rich heritage, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the country’s remarkable past. What secrets and stories await you on this extraordinary exploration?

Key Points

• A 2-day private tour from Athens covering the historical sites of Delphi, Thermopylae, Mycenae, Nafplion, and Ancient Olympia.
• The tour accommodates groups of 4 in air-conditioned Mercedes E200 or Skoda Octavia vehicles with liability insurance.
• Key attractions include the Oracle at Delphi, the Battle of Thermopylae, the Mycenaean Citadel, and the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
• The tour provides educational experiences at each historical site, led by local guides.
• The tour excludes monument tickets, meals, and accommodation, allowing travelers to arrange these based on their preferences.

Tour Overview and Details

This 2-day private tour takes visitors from Athens to explore the ancient sites of Delphi, Thermopylae, Mycenae, Nafplion, and Ancient Olympia.

Priced from $748.47 per person, the tour can accommodate groups of 4 in comfortable Mercedes E200 sedans or Skoda Octavia SUVs.

Pickup is available from any location in Athens, including the cruise terminal and airport.

The tour includes liability insurance and unlimited kilometers, but excludes monument tickets, meals, and accommodation.

While changes to the itinerary may occur due to strikes or events, the local guide service ensures an informative experience.

Travelers should disclose any health restrictions, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Vehicle and Transportation

For this tour, the vehicles used are either 2 Mercedes E200 Sedan models accommodating 4 passengers each or Skoda Octavia SUVs.

All vehicles are air-conditioned and come with liability insurance.

Pickup is available from any location in Athens, including Airbnbs, hotels, metro stations, and bus stations. Customers can also opt for pickup from the Cruise Terminal or Athens International Airport, but this must be specified post-booking.

The maximum luggage allowance is 3 pieces per person, with a weight limit of 32kg per piece.

The tour start time begins from the first pickup location.

Guiding Services and Itinerary

The tour includes local guiding services, but guides don’t have a license to lead tours inside monuments.

Potential changes to the start time or itinerary may occur due to strikes or special events, but these will be agreed upon with customers in advance.

The operator should be notified of any health restrictions post-booking.

The itinerary includes:

1. Visiting the archaeological site of Delphi, the home of the ancient Oracle.
2. Exploring the historical site of Thermopylae, where the Battle of Thermopylae took place.
3. Discovering the ancient ruins of Mycenae, a major center of Greek civilization.
4. Wandering through the charming town of Nafplion, a former capital of Greece.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes liability insurance per person and unlimited kilometers as part of the inclusions.

However, the price doesn’t cover tickets for monuments, meals, or accommodation.

Travelers must arrange their own lodging and cover the costs of any entrance fees at the historical sites visited during the tour.

Any additional services beyond the outlined package will incur extra charges, which are payable directly to the driver.

It’s important for travelers to be aware of these exclusions when planning their budget for the private tour to Delphi, Thermopylae, Mycenae, Nafplion, and Ancient Olympia.

Delphi: Exploring the Oracle

Nestled amidst the dramatic slopes of Mount Parnassus, the ancient site of Delphi once housed the renowned Oracle, a revered spiritual center that drew visitors from across the Greek world.

Pilgrims sought the Oracle’s prophecies, which were delivered by the Pythia, a high priestess believed to be possessed by the god Apollo.

The ruins of the Temple of Apollo, where the Pythia sat on a tripod to receive divine inspiration, can still be explored today.

Visitors can also wander through the Sacred Way, the Delphi Archaeological Museum, and the ancient stadium, catching glimpses into the site’s storied past.

Delphi’s mystical ambiance continues to captivate all who venture there.

1. Temple of Apollo
2. Sacred Way
3. Delphi Archaeological Museum
4. Ancient stadium

Thermopylae: The Legendary Battle

Departing Delphi’s mystical allure, the tour continues to Thermopylae, the legendary site of one of history’s most renowned battles. In 480 BC, a small band of Spartan warriors, led by King Leonidas, made their heroic last stand against the formidable Persian army. This pivotal clash would inspire generations to come. Visitors can explore the battlefield and the commemorative monuments, learning about the strategic brilliance and unwavering courage displayed by the Spartans.

Key Figures	Location	Significance
Leonidas	Thermopylae	Spartan King who led the defense
Xerxes	Thermopylae	Persian King who commanded the invasion
300 Spartans	Thermopylae	Elite warriors who held the pass
Immortals	Thermopylae	Formidable Persian infantry
Betrayal	Thermopylae	Fateful path revealed to the Persians

Mycenae: The Mighty Citadel

From Thermopylae, the tour winds its way to the archaeological site of Mycenae, a once-mighty citadel that stood as the seat of power for the Mycenaean civilization.

Visitors can explore the:

1. Iconic Lion Gate, the monumental entrance to the citadel, adorned with a carved relief of two rampant lions.

2. Grave Circles, where the remains of wealthy Mycenaean nobles were interred with lavish grave goods.

3. Treasury of Atreus, an impressive beehive-shaped tomb showcasing the architectural prowess of the Mycenaeans.

4. Acropolis, the fortified hilltop that commanded sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and served as the center of Mycenaean power.

Nafplion and Ancient Olympia

The tour then ventures to the charming seaside town of Nafplion, a former capital of Greece and a picturesque destination known for its Venetian architecture and medieval fortress. Visitors can explore the historic Old Town, the Palamidi Fortress, and the Bourtzi Castle, which sits on an islet in the harbor.

Attraction	Description	Duration
Palamidi Fortress	Venetian-built fortress with stunning views	1-2 hours
Bourtzi Castle	Fortress on an islet in the harbor	30 minutes
Old Town	Charming pedestrian streets and architecture	1-2 hours

The tour concludes at the ancient site of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, where travelers can explore the impressive ruins and learn about the rich history of this iconic location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour operator allows some customization of the itinerary, but changes may incur additional charges. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the operator after booking to see what’s possible within the tour’s parameters.

Is There an Option to Include a Boat Trip or Cruise?

Unfortunately, the tour operator does not offer an option to include a boat trip or cruise in this private 2-day tour package. The itinerary is fixed, focusing on land-based historical sites in mainland Greece.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any specific discounts for seniors or students. However, they recommend contacting them directly to inquire about any available discounts that may apply to your group.

Can We Stop for Meals or Snacks During the Tour?

According to the tour details, the tour doesn’t include meals, so travelers will need to arrange their own stops for meals and snacks during the tour at their own expense. The tour operator can provide recommendations upon request.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Confirmation is received at booking, providing flexibility for travelers to adjust their plans as needed.

Recap

This captivating 2-day private tour from Athens offers a remarkable opportunity to explore Greece’s historical treasures. Travelers will discover the mystical ambiance of Delphi, the legendary battlefield of Thermopylae, the mighty citadel of Mycenae, the charming Venetian architecture of Nafplion, and the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Ancient Olympia. Comfortable transportation and knowledgeable local guides ensure a personalized and immersive journey through Greece’s rich heritage.