Athens Super Saver: Athens Sightseeing Tour plus Delphi Day Trip

The Athens Super Saver: Athens Sightseeing Tour plus Delphi Day Trip offers a comprehensive way to experience Greece’s capital and one of its most iconic archaeological sites. Priced at $144.56 per person, this tour combines a half-day Athens city tour with a full-day trip to Delphi, making it an efficient way to see the highlights of both locations. The tour spans approximately 2 days and features air-conditioned coach travel, local guides, and entrance fees to key sites.

While the tour does not include accommodation, it offers hotel pickup from select central locations and the convenience of mobile tickets. The tour’s popularity is reflected in its booking window—about 36 days in advance—which suggests good planning for travelers. One notable aspect is the discounted price achieved through booking the combined tours, giving good value for those eager to explore both Athens and Delphi in a short amount of time.

The reviews highlight the tour’s highlights, such as the expert guides, stunning views at Delphi, and the quality of the included visits. Some comments point to large group sizes and the need for better audio systems, but overall, this tour is appreciated for its informative guides and well-organized itinerary.

Key Points

• Combines Athens city highlights with a full-day excursion to Delphi for a cost-effective experience.
• Price of $144.56 includes entrance fees and a professional guide.
• Tour duration is about 2 days, with flexible scheduling for the half-day Athens tour.
• Comfortable travel on air-conditioned coaches with free Wi-Fi on board.
• Tour stops include Syntagma Square, the Acropolis, and the Delphi archaeological site.
• Pickup is available from central Athens hotels, but not from Piraeus port or airports.

Exploring Athens: The Half-Day City Tour and Key Highlights

The Athens sightseeing experience kicks off with a half-day tour starting at 8:30 am. Travelers are picked up from central Athens hotels or meeting points, then transported in an air-conditioned coach. The guide provides commentary on both modern and historic Athens, including a circle around Omonia Square and a view of the Greek Parliament House at Syntagma Square.

One of the tour’s memorable moments is witnessing the Changing of the Guard outside the Parliament. The coach also passes the Panathenaic Stadium, famous for hosting the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. The guided walk around the Acropolis is a central focus, where visitors see the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Parthenon—all UNESCO World Heritage sites. The New Acropolis Museum further enriches the experience, showcasing artifacts and remnants from ancient Athens.

The half-day Athens tour concludes with a farewell to the guide, leaving plenty of time for travelers to explore independently afterward. This segment suits those with limited time but a keen interest in Athens’ most iconic monuments.

Full-Day Trip to Delphi: Exploring Greece’s Sacred Mountain

The full-day trip to Delphi is a core part of this tour, beginning early in the morning with a comfortable coach ride. The journey includes a stop in Levadia, a charming town, and Arachova, a well-known winter ski resort famous for flokati woollen rugs. This scenic drive offers views of Greece’s countryside and mountains, setting the stage for exploring Delphi.

Once arrived, travelers visit the archaeological site of Delphi for about 1 hour 30 minutes. The Temple of Delphi, dedicated to Apollo, is central to this site, once home to the renowned Delphic oracle. The Athenian Treasury and the stadium—used for musical contests and Pythian Games—are also highlights that showcase Greece’s sporting and cultural traditions from the 5th century BC.

The Delphi Archaeological Museum is a key stop, where visitors can view sculptures, oracle offerings, and a bronze charioteer statue. The site’s stunning views and historic significance make this a highlight of the entire tour, especially for those interested in Greece’s mythology and ancient history.

Enjoying Greek Cuisine with an Included Lunch in Delphi

A notable feature of the Delphi trip is the included lunch at a local restaurant. The meal offers a taste of Greek dishes, providing a much-appreciated break amid the exploration. This delicious meal is often praised in reviews, adding extra value to the overall experience.

The lunch break allows visitors to relax and soak in the atmosphere of Delphi, offering a chance to discuss the morning’s discoveries or simply enjoy authentic Greek cuisine. This aspect makes the full-day excursion particularly appealing for those wanting a well-rounded cultural and culinary experience.

Practical Details: Logistics, Group Size, and Accessibility

The meeting point for the tour is at Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 10, Athens, with the activity ending back at the same location. The group size is capped at 49 travelers, which can mean a large group experience—something mentioned in reviews as a drawback for clarity and interaction.

The tour includes hotel pickup only from selected central Athens hotels; it does not cover Piraeus port, airports, or private apartments. Travelers should also prepare for moderate physical activity, especially at Delphi, where walking up stairs and exploring ruins are involved.

Wi-Fi is available on the coach, making it easy to stay connected during long rides. The duration of the coach trips often exceeds two hours, so bringing snacks, water, or entertainment like an iPod can enhance comfort.

Guide Expertise and Tour Pacing

Reviews highlight that the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, bringing historical sites to life with engaging commentary. However, some mention that audio devices could improve communication, especially in large groups.

The pacing of the tour is generally considered just right—not too rushed but comprehensive enough to cover all major sights. The long bus rides are noted, and travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring hiking sticks for the Stadium and Delphi ruins, where stairs and uneven terrain are common.

The guides’ humor and storytelling are appreciated, especially at Delphi, where the views and history captivate visitors. The guided experience strikes a balance between informative commentary and free time to explore.

Tour Reviews: Highlights from Feedback

The overall review score is 4.2 out of 5, with comments praising the knowledgeable guides, stunning Delphi scenery, and great value. Reviewers find the guides’ humor and expertise particularly engaging, making the experience enjoyable despite some critiques about group size and timing.

Many note that Delphi is a must-see, with its spectacular views and archaeological treasures. The lunch in Delphi is also frequently mentioned as a tasteful highlight. Some reviews mention long coach rides and large groups, but those seeking a structured, guided day trip often find this tour worthwhile.

Who Should Book This Athens and Delphi Tour?

This combo tour is well-suited for travelers with limited time who want both Athens highlights and Delphi’s archaeological wonders in two days. It offers good value with entrance fees included and expert guides—ideal for those interested in history, culture, and scenic views.

However, those seeking a more intimate or flexible experience might find the large group size and long coach rides challenging. Travelers should be comfortable with moderate physical activity and long bus trips. The tour is particularly recommended for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors.

Final Thoughts on the Athens Super Saver Tour

The Athens Super Saver provides a practical and informative way to explore central Athens and Delphi without breaking the bank. The combination of guided tours, entry to major sites, and included lunch offers good value, especially for first-time visitors or those with tight schedules.

While some reviews point to large groups and audio system limitations, the knowledgeable guides and stunning sights compensate for these minor issues. Travelers looking for a well-organized, educational experience that covers Greece’s legendary sites will find this tour a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include accommodation?
No, accommodation is not included. The tour ends back at the meeting point or your hotel, and travelers are responsible for their own overnight stay.

What is the price of entrance tickets?
Entrance fees to the Acropolis are approximately €30, and Delphi costs about €20—these are not included in the tour price.

Is pickup available from Piraeus port or airports?
No, pickup is available only from selected central Athens hotels. The tour does not offer pickup from Piraeus port, airports, or private residences.

How long are the coach rides?
The trip to Delphi involves about two hours or more of travel each way, so comfortable footwear and entertainment are recommended.

Can children participate?
Yes, children aged 5 to 12 pay discounted prices if they hold passport or ID. Otherwise, they pay the full entrance fee.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Travelers should have moderate physical fitness, as exploring Delphi involves walking up stairs and uneven terrain.