Cooking and sleuthing in Delphi

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Delphi
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 299.- per person (excluding flights)
From £ 245, - per child (up to 11 years)

Explore the ancient ruins on a thrilling treasure hunt as you uncover the mystery of the Oracle of Delphi. Your hostess, who loves to cook, will teach you and your children how to prepare traditional Greek pita in her kitchen. You'll stay in a cosy guesthouse, just a short 10-minute walk from the beach, in the small picturesque fishing village of Galaxidi.

Day 1 – Arrival in Delphi Greece

Once you’ve got your hire car delivered to your hotel in Athens, it’s time to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and hit the mountains! On your way to Delphi, you’ll cruise through the charming mountain village of Arachova, which turns into a ski resort in the winter. It’s a great spot to stop, take in the views, and try some local goodies like cheese.

After that, keep following the coastal road to Galaxidi, which is about a 30-minute drive from Delphi. This is because there is not much to do in touristy Delphi itself, especially for children. You stay in a patio hotel in the small fishing town of Galaxidi, without a swimming pool. The owner of your hotel knows exactly which beaches are the best for cooling off. And while the kids are playing on the pebble beach, we recommend ordering freshly caught fish at a tavern.

Day 2 – Treasure hunt in Delphi

Today’s agenda features a fun photo quest! Make sure to set your alarm early so you can explore Delphi before all the day-trippers arrive. It can get really hot in the summer, so it’s a good idea to start your day during the cooler hours.When you arrive, your kids will get a stack of photos of various spots in the museum and on the archaeological site that they’ll need to track down. As a parent, you’ll receive some cool background info about the treasures, temples, and interesting mythological stories. For example, did you know Ajax isn’t just a football club, but also a hero from Greek mythology?

The location of Delphi is pretty inspiring, too. Nestled against the slopes of Mount Parnassos, about 600 meters above sea level, it’s surrounded by stunning hills and valleys. You’ll want to budget around three hours to check out the museum and the site, which will get you back to your hotel in time for lunch so you can spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach.

Tip: Save the museum visit for last so you can enjoy the air conditioning!

Day 3 – Making Greek pitta with your hostess

You can take your time waking up, and as you enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring homemade jam and fresh rolls, you’ll get a taste of your hostess Chrisoula’s cooking skills. Trust me, you’ll want more! Luckily, later on, she’ll be teaching you and your kids how to whip up some traditional Greek pitta (think savory cake) in just an hour and a half.

After the cooking workshop, which could be in the late morning or afternoon (Chrisoula will check with you), you’ll definitely want to dig into your freshly baked pitta. The rest of the day is all yours to enjoy. You can wander through the charming cobbled streets and snap some photos by Galaxidi’s pretty marina. If you’re up for it, swing by the small but fascinating maritime museum, or head to one of the nearby beaches for a refreshing dip in the sea!

Day 4 – Time to leave Delphi

After one last swim in the sea, it’s time to gas up the car and hit the road again! Still in the mood for some culture? Head over to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. If you’re feeling more adventurous and want to try island hopping, you’re in luck! About three hours away is Lefkas, one of the Ionian islands. It’s super convenient since Lefkas is linked to the mainland by a small bridge, so no need for a ferry.

Once you’re in Lefkas, you can easily hop over to the lush Kefalonia and check out the famous ‘shipwreck beach’ on Zakynthos. For the thrill-seekers, why not grab a kayak and paddle to an uninhabited island for a night under the stars with the Expedition Island Hopping option? If you’re craving a country snack, consider staying on an organic farm surrounded by olive and fruit trees in a gorgeous natural setting near Messolonghi. Plus, they’ve got mountain bikes ready for you to explore the area!