Athens in 1 Day for Friends - Guided visit to the Tholos (Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia)
In Collaboration with Tag Athens. Updated on February 4, 2026.
Full-day guided small-group day trip from Athens to Delphi with visits to the Tholos (Athena Pronaia), the Delphi Archaeological Site, the Delphi Archaeological Museum and a stop in picture‑postcard Arachova for lunch and shopping. Comfortable air‑conditioned transfer, licensed English guide, and relaxed pacing ideal for groups of friends.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Tag Athens, inspired by the tour Premium Delphi Day Trip with an Expert Guide, Museum & Lunch. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided visit to the Tholos (Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia)
- In-depth tour of the Delphi Archaeological Site (Temple of Apollo, Treasury of the Athenians, Omphalos)
- Visit to the Delphi Archaeological Museum (Bronze Charioteer, Naxian Sphinx)
- Lunch and shopping in the colourful mountain village of Arachova
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet in Athens and travel comfortably to Delphi (includes short rest break en route).
Meet your guide near Acropolis Metro — Chatzichristou 21
Gather with the licensed English-speaking guide at the meeting point near Acropolis metro. Quick check-in then depart by air-conditioned coach for Delphi (the coach trip includes one short 20-minute rest/cafe stop en route).
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes early to secure group seating together — perfect for chatting with people if you’re travelling with friends.
- May mornings can be cool; bring a light layer for the coach and a small daypack for essentials (water, camera, sunscreen).
- If you want to reserve skip-the-line tickets through the operator, confirm before departure — otherwise bring cash/card for any last-minute museum slot purchases.
Visit: Tholos of Delphi (Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia)
Short guided introduction at the Tholos — one of Delphi’s most photogenic and iconic ancient structures. Learn about its role in the sanctuary and get classic panoramic shots.
Tips from local experts:
- Best photo angles are from the lower path — ask your guide to point out the quieter viewpoint for group shots.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the paths are uneven. May weather is pleasant but can be breezy on exposed areas.
- Bring a portable battery pack for phones — the Tholos is a top spot for Instagram-worthy panoramas and you’ll want extra shots.
Guided tour: Delphi Archaeological Site (Temple of Apollo, Treasury of the Athenians)
Walk the main archaeological path with your guide: visit the Temple of Apollo, see the Omphalos (navel of the world), Treasury of the Athenians and other important monuments while hearing the myths and history that made Delphi a pan‑Hellenic sanctuary.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand to one side during guide commentary to let others take photos — moving as a small group keeps the pace comfortable.
- Ask the guide for a quick myth-story for the Omphalos and Temple of Apollo — these short tales make great conversation over lunch.
- Carry a small refillable water bottle and use shaded spots to rest between the steeper sections — May is mild but sunny.
Visit: Delphi Archaeological Museum
Explore the museum’s star pieces — the Bronze Charioteer, the Naxian Sphinx, the friezes and statues — with commentary from your guide to put the objects in historical context.
Tips from local experts:
- If you didn’t book museum tickets in advance, ask the guide for the quieter time-window — they can advise on entry flow and best rooms to prioritise.
- Move through the museum in small groups to avoid crowding the display cases; the Bronze Charioteer is a must-see for drinks‑and‑debate later with friends.
- May lighting is gentle for photos but flash is not allowed — shoot from different angles near exhibits and compare favourite pieces afterwards over coffee.
Transfer to Arachova & Lunch (traditional tavern options)
Short drive to the mountain village of Arachova for an optional lunch in a local taverna. Plenty of group-friendly restaurants serve shared plates, local Formaela cheese and grilled specialities.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a few shared meze plates to sample local cheeses and cured meats — splitting dishes is cheaper and great for groups.
- Try local Formaela cheese and pair it with regional wine — ask the waiter for recommendations to match your group’s taste.
- If you want to explore shops after lunch, leave one person at the table to keep your group’s belongings safe while others browse.
Arachova short walking tour & shopping (30 minutes)
30-minute guided stroll through Arachova’s alleys for photos, a quick look at traditional carpets and local delicacies; time to pick up Formaela cheese or small souvenirs.
Tips from local experts:
- Bargain lightly and pay attention to shop opening hours — many artisan shops close mid‑afternoon on quieter days.
- Spot local woollen goods and small handicrafts — they make great shared gifts for your travel group.
- Grab a quick coffee or local sweet from a bakery to keep energy up for the return drive.
Return drive to Athens (comfortable coach)
Board the air‑conditioned coach and relax on the return journey to Athens. Expect arrival in central Athens in the early evening (traffic dependent).
Tips from local experts:
- Use the return trip to swap favourite photos and pick a spot for an evening meetup back in Athens — great way to continue the day with friends.
- If you bought local cheese or wine in Arachova, stow it carefully in your bag to avoid crushing — keep fragile items upright.
- Prepare a small playlist or share a recommended podcast with your group for the drive home to keep the mood lively.
Drop-off: Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 54 — End of tour
Drop-off in front of the Melina Mercouri monument, a short walk (approx. 3 minutes) from Acropolis metro station. Tour concludes here.
Tips from local experts:
- If you’re staying in central Athens, plan an easy after-tour meetup (rooftop bar or taverna nearby) — the area has many lively options for groups.
- Make sure you have all purchases and personal items before disembarking; double-check bags if you picked up food souvenirs.
- For onward travel, Acropolis metro (Syntagma/Monastiraki connections) is walking distance — ask the guide for directions if you need help with routes.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Culture, Meal, Neighborhood |
