Athens Super Saver: Athens Sightseeing Tour plus Delphi Day Trip

Athens Super Saver: A Practical Look at Combining Athens and Delphi

Planning a trip to Greece can feel overwhelming with so many iconic sights and cultural treasures spread across the country. If you’re after a way to see some of the highlights without breaking the bank or spending endless hours planning, the Athens Super Saver might catch your eye. This 2-day experience combines a half-day tour of Athens’s key landmarks with a full-day trip to the legendary site of Delphi, offering a convenient way to tick off two must-see destinations at a reasonable price.

What we like about this tour is how it offers professional guides and entrance fees included, making logistics easier for travelers. Plus, the fact that you get to enjoy both Athens’s vibrant city center and the awe-inspiring ruins of Delphi in one package strikes us as a smart way to maximize your trip. However, keep in mind that this is a full-day guided coach experience, which means long hours on the bus and some group size considerations.

This tour definitely suits travelers who want a structured, informative experience without the hassle of independent planning. If you’re someone who values good value for money, enjoys guided tours with knowledgeable guides, and is comfortable with full days of sightseeing, this could be a fit. But if you prefer more flexibility or a more intimate experience, you might want to explore other options.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Comprehensive two-day experience combining Athens highlights with Delphi ruins
• Guided, with entrance fees included, simplifying the logistics
• Good value for money at around $144.56 per person, covering broad sights
• Long bus rides, with some reviews mentioning comfort and timing issues
• Knowledgeable guides praised for their expertise and humor
• Limited free time at sites, with scheduled visits and some reviews noting the need for longer exploring time

What to Expect from the Athens Super Saver Tour

This tour is designed for travelers who want an efficient, guided overview of Athens’s historic core and the legendary site of Delphi without the stress of organizing separate trips. It’s a pretty straightforward package that packs in a lot within just two days, so let’s break down what that actually looks like.

Day 1 — Athens Highlights and the Acropolis

The first part of your experience involves a morning tour of Athens, starting around 8:30 am, with pickup from central hotels or a designated meeting point in Athens. You’re on a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi, which makes the long ride more bearable. The small group size, capped at 49 travelers, helps keep the experience personable, though some reviews suggest that larger groups can sometimes hinder clear guide communication.

Your guide will take you around key city spots like Omonia Square and Syntagma Square, where you’ll witness the famous Changing of the Guard at the Greek Parliament. That’s a neat photo opportunity and a glimpse into local traditions. Next, the tour passes the Panathenaic Stadium, the elegant marble arena that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896—an inspiring sight for sports fans.

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly a guided visit to the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site that embodies Athens’s ancient grandeur. You’ll see the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike, among other monuments. The New Acropolis Museum is also included in the ticket, allowing you to view relics and learn stories behind the ruins.

By the end of this half-day, you’ll have gained an insightful overview of Athens’s history, architecture, and culture. But be prepared for some walking—good shoes are a must, and the sites involve uneven terrain.

Day 2 — The Majestic Ruins of Delphi

The second day is dedicated to Delphi, one of Greece’s most famed archaeological sites. Your coach departs early, heading northwest through scenic countryside, with stops in the town of Levadia and Arachova—a charming winter resort town renowned for its woollen rugs.

In Delphi, your guide will lead you through the ancient ruins on the mountainside, including the Temple of Apollo, the stadium, and the sanctuaries. These structures are not only architecturally impressive but also loaded with mythological significance, as Delphi was considered the center of the world in Greek mythology and home to the famous oracle.

You’ll get plenty of context from your guide about Delphi’s role in ancient Greece, and the guided tour ensures you don’t miss key highlights. The Delphi Archaeological Museum is also part of the visit, showcasing sculptures, oracle offerings, and artifacts excavated at the site—a real treasure trove for history buffs.

An included lunch in Delphi offers a chance to taste Greek cuisine amidst beautiful surroundings, adding flavor both literally and figuratively to your experience. Then, it’ll be time to return to Athens, completing your cultural journey.

Practical Details and What It Means for You

The tour is priced at approximately $144.56 per person, which, when you consider guided visits, entrance fees, transportation, and included meals, offers decent value. Entrance fees to the Acropolis and Delphi are not included (about €30 and €20 respectively), so you should factor that into your budget.

Transportation is via air-conditioned coach, which is necessary considering the long travel times—roughly 3 hours each way to Delphi. While the comfort level is generally good, some reviews mention that buses can be quite full, and Wi-Fi, while available, could be inconsistent. Be prepared for a full day of sightseeing, early mornings, and some tight scheduling.

Group size tends to be around 49 travelers, which strikes a balance between social atmosphere and personal space. Some reviews comment on the large groups making it harder to hear guides or see sights up close, so bringing a small set of earphones or a speaker might help if you’re a bit hard of hearing.

Guides often get praise for their knowledge and humor, which makes the experience more engaging. But, as some reviews note, the pace can feel rushed, especially at Delphi, where some visitors wished for more time to explore independently.

Age considerations are minimal, but children aged 5 to 12 need to carry ID to access discounted rates, which is standard for Greece’s archaeological sites. If traveling with kids, be mindful of the walking involved and the full schedule.

How to Make the Most of Your Experience

• Wear comfortable shoes: Both Athens and Delphi involve a good amount of walking, often on uneven surfaces.
• Bring snacks or water: While some food is included in Delphi, long bus rides can be thirsty work, and options in towns might be limited.
• Prepare for long days: Starting early and ending late, with minimal free time, means pacing yourself.
• Consider your physical fitness: Some sites, particularly Delphi’s stadium, require climbing stairs and walking uphill.
• Bring headphones: To better hear guides in larger groups, especially at noisy sites.
• Set your expectations: This is a guided overview, so don’t expect to explore sites at leisure—you’ll see the highlights efficiently, not exhaustively.

What the Reviews Say

The overall rating hovers around 4 to 4.2 out of 5, based on 36 reviews. Many travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the value for money—especially those who managed to book last minute or needed a convenient combo.

One traveler shared that the trip was “wonderful in a number of ways,” especially after a last-minute booking, highlighting the flexibility and the professionalism of the tour operator. Another called it “an amazing experience,” emphasizing the stunning views at Delphi and the entertaining guides.

However, some reviews point out that large groups and long bus rides could detract from the experience. A common sentiment was wishing for more time at sites, especially Delphi, to soak it all in. Others noted that Wi-Fi service could improve and that more comfortable buses with restrooms would make the journey more pleasant.

Final Thoughts

This Athens Super Saver tour offers a practical, guided overview of some of Greece’s most iconic sites. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a structured, informative experience and aren’t fussed about having lengthy free exploration time. The combination of Athens’s city highlights with the mystical ruins of Delphi makes for a fulfilling two days—especially if you’re after good value.

If you’re keen on learning from knowledgeable guides, enjoying scenic drives, and ticking off major sites in a short amount of time, this tour offers a solid package. Just be prepared for the long hours, group dynamics, and the need for comfortable walking shoes.

For those who appreciate guided experiences and want the convenience of a pre-arranged itinerary, this tour could be a highlight of your Greek adventure. If, however, you’re after more personal exploration or a more relaxed pace, it might be worth considering other options or supplementing this trip with additional free time.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. It’s a guided group experience, so solo travelers fit right in, and the social aspect can be quite enjoyable.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fees to the Acropolis (€30) and Delphi (€20) are not included. You should budget for these separately.

Does the tour provide hotel pickups?
Yes, hotel pickup is available at selected hotels in central Athens, making logistics easier.

How long are the bus rides?
The trip to Delphi involves about a 3-hour ride each way, so be prepared for a long day on the coach.

Is there free Wi-Fi on the bus?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available, though some reviews suggest it can be inconsistent.

Can children participate?
Yes, children aged 5 to 12 can join, but they must carry ID to access the discounted rates. Be mindful of the full schedule and walking involved.

What if I want more time at Delphi or Athens?
Since this is a guided tour with scheduled stops, you might find the time limited. If more flexibility is your priority, consider adding extra days or doing independent visits.

This tour strikes a good balance for those wanting to see Greece’s key sights with minimal fuss. It offers a reliable, educational experience that highlights the best of Athens and Delphi, making it a worthwhile option for first-timers or travelers on a budget.