Delphi has long held a special place for travelers interested in ancient Greece and its mystical ruins. Its proximity to Athens makes it an ideal destination for a 2-day trip, especially because it offers a mix of archaeological sites, scenic mountain landscapes, and nearby charming towns like Arachova. What makes Delphi stand out for a quick excursion is its compact yet rich itinerary—you’re not just looking at ruins but experiencing the aura of a site once considered the navel of the world. Some tours include visits to Meteora’s stunning monasteries, while others combine Delphi with Olympia or Thermopylae, giving you a broader sense of Greece’s historic tapestry. Our favorites include options that focus on small group experiences, like the From Athens: 2-Day Delphi and Meteora tour, which balances comfort with culture.
If you’re short on time but craving authenticity, a well-planned 2-day tour will let you walk the Sacred Way of Delphi, explore the Temple of Apollo, and even enjoy local specialties in scenic Arachova. For those interested in combining history with natural beauty, tours that include Meteora or Thermopylae bring in dramatic landscapes and legendary battles, making your Greek trip truly unforgettable.
Quick Overview
The list below features the three best 2-day tours from Athens focusing on Delphi, Meteora, Olympia, and Thermopylae. Whether you’re after a small group experience, historical depth, or scenic drives, each offers something unique. Click on the links to learn more about what each tour includes and how they can fit into your travel plans:
- From Athens: 2-Day Delphi and Meteora
- Athens-Arachova, Delphi, Ancient Olympia
- From Athens: 2-Day Tour Delphi, Meteora, and Thermopylae
1. From Athens: 2-Day Delphi and Meteora (Chinese Tour Guide)
This tour offers a smooth, two-day immersion into central Greece’s most iconic sights. It’s especially appealing for groups of fewer than 20 people, which means a more personal experience and less time lost in large crowds. For under $370 per person, you get a comprehensive itinerary that balances archaeological exploration with scenic drives, all guided in Chinese.
The trip begins in Athens and takes you through Livadia and Arachova—two charming spots with Arachova known for its lively atmosphere and local cheese. The highlight is the Delphi archaeological site, where you’ll walk among the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and stand on the Castalian Spring. The tour then travels to Kalambaka, the town that serves as a gateway to Meteora. Here, you’ll visit at least two monasteries, marveling at their perched locations on towering rocks. The overnight stay in Kalambaka or nearby ensures you won’t rush the experience. The next day includes a visit to Meteora’s monasteries, with three hours to soak in the views and history, plus a scenic lunch.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on comfort and small groups, which allows for a more relaxed, engaging experience. It’s ideal for travelers who want a guided tour with minimal hassle, and for Chinese-speaking visitors wanting a dedicated guide.
Bottom line: This tour hits the mark if you want a focused, manageable itinerary with detailed guidance and the chance to enjoy Meteora’s breathtaking monasteries without the crowds.
2. Athens-Arachova, Delphi, Ancient Olympia
For travelers seeking a broader sweep of Greek history, this 2-day excursion covers Delphi and Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Priced at $1,170 for up to four people, it offers excellent value for a private, flexible experience. The trip begins with a scenic drive from Athens, stopping in Arachova for a quick look around before heading to Delphi. Here, you’ll explore the ancient ruins, the Temple of Apollo, and the Delphi Archaeological Museum, which showcases the famous Delphic Charioteer statue.
The tour continues south to Olympia, where you’ll walk the ruins of the Ancient Stadium, the Temple of Zeus, and view the Museum of Olympia. The highlight is standing where the ancient Olympic Games began, making it a must-see for sports fans. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Corinth Canal and lush Greek countryside.
This tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive history lesson in just two days, with a mix of archaeological sites and scenic drives. The private group setting ensures flexibility, and the inclusion of the Hosios Loukas monastery adds a spiritual dimension.
Bottom line: If you want a deep dive into Greece’s ancient sites with a private guide and flexible schedule, this tour aligns perfectly with your interests.
3. From Athens: 2-Day Tour Delphi, Meteora, and Thermopylae
This tour combines Delphi, Meteora, and the historic site of Thermopylae, giving you a broad sense of Greece’s legendary past. Starting from Athens, it includes stops at the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, plus visits to at least two monasteries in Meteora, including the iconic Great Meteoron Monastery and Rousanou Monastery.
What makes this trip distinctive is its focus on legendary battles and dramatic landscapes. The guide will take you through the battlefield of Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and his Spartans fought the Persians, adding a layer of military history to your journey. The itinerary is packed, with scenic drives and stops at viewpoints like Kastraki and Kamena Vourla. The overnight stay in Kastraki allows for sunset views over Meteora, which many say are unforgettable — especially when the monasteries glow at dusk.
Guests enjoy walking through the monasteries’ impressive architecture and seeing the famous statue of the Delphic Charioteer in the museum. The overall experience is for travelers who want a mix of myth, history, and breathtaking scenery. The reviews commend the well-organized itinerary and the opportunity to see not just ruins but the landscapes where history was made.
Bottom line: This tour suits those eager for a wider historical perspective, combining battlefield history with stunning monasteries and mountain scenery.
How to Choose
When picking among these tours, consider your budget, interests, and preferred pace. For a small group experience with guided commentary in Chinese, the From Athens: 2-Day Delphi and Meteora is hard to beat. If you want more archaeological depth and a private trip, the Athens-Arachova, Delphi, Olympia offers flexibility and a focus on ancient Greece’s most famous sites. For those interested in military history and dramatic landscapes, the From Athens: 2-Day Tour Delphi, Meteora, and Thermopylae combines mythic battles with mountain monasteries.
Think about your travel style: Are you looking for an organized small-group experience? Or do you prefer a private, customizable tour? Budget also matters: prices vary significantly, from around $366 per person to a private group of four for over $1,170.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak months, to secure your preferred dates and ensure a smooth experience. Consider what sites excite you most—whether it’s the ruins of Delphi, the monasteries of Meteora, or the Olympic stadium—and choose a tour that hits your top priorities.
In summary, whether you’re after a guided, small-group tour, a private sightseeing experience, or a combination of history and scenic landscapes, these three options provide some of the best ways to spend two days exploring Greece’s iconic sights. If you’re pressed for time but want a rich experience, the first tour offers a focused look at Delphi and Meteora. For history buffs with a bit more time, the second and third options expand the journey to include Olympia and Thermopylae, enriching your understanding of Greece’s past. Be sure to book early, and enjoy your adventure into Greece’s legendary landscape.