marigross

Hi all!

I was surprised that most guidebooks have removed the 'plan on spending X hours' statements, however, I can understand it as it will vary according to individual preferences and schedule. So I'm at a loss trying to decide if I need a full day in Delphi and Olympia each or 4 hours will suffice. The questions are:

- How much time did you plan and how much did you actually spend on the sites?

- Did you 'have' to leave before you had had enough? Wanted more or could have left after 45mins?

- Would you describe yourself as a 'I went there because it was expected/included', interested in ancient sites, or 'die-hard ruin fan that could spend days on end at each site'?

Dukey1

We spent a half day in each BUT we were part of a small private tour. Hard to answer your question. OTOH, how long can you stare at a bunch of ruins imagining what it was like to hear people cheering for athletes? And the Delphi thing was even "worse" since that place where the seer was breathing the vapors is nothing but a pile of rubble.

The good part: you are actually THERE and that in and of itself was wonderful IMO.

Heimdall

Delphi is actually two separate main sites plus the Kastalia Spring, so it does take time to explore. I'm not sure you are still allowed up to the Stadium, as I understand there was some sort of landslip. There is also the museum in town, so you could spend most of a day, but a half-day would suffice.

clausar

The Delphi archaeological site is of great importance and was very important in the ancient world.
The whole landscape is protected and it hasn't changed for centuries... I find it of unique beauty.

If you also have a tour guide explaining what you see and taking you to all the important spots, you will have a better understanding of what you see,

If instead ancient sites are just a pile of rubble to you, then i would personally replace them with something less boring.

Challiman

We spent maybe 5 hours at Delphi, climbing to the stadium and just exploring, did the museum, too. I loved it there.

Pepper_von_snoot

I spent an overnight in Olympia and two nights in Delphi.

Both hotels had swimming pools, which was great.

I can still remember the One-Armed Charioteer in the Delphi Museum.

That is really something to see.

I remember that Olympia smells like pine trees and there were a lot of lemon trees about.

Thin

HappyTrvlr

We spent one night in each and then around a half day at each of the sites. Besides the outdoor areas, there are wonderful museums at each which deserve your time.

Nikki

I loved both sites. I was on a tour, but we probably spent about four hours at each site as you are planning, and I found that to be enough. I am interested in ancient sites. Both places were extremely atmospheric, and one could spend more time, but I did not feel rushed.

Dukey1

It is a pile of rubble in parts of Delphi. Whether or not that rubble speaks to you and how it speaks to you NOBODY ELSE HERE can answer. I agree the museums are worth the time and effort.

cathies

We enjoyed both and had about 4 hours at Olympia and most of a full day at Delphi. Olympia was very peaceful. Delphi has quite a cute town and lovely views down to the sea.

harriet_hughes

Overnight in Olympia, with a morning at the site and a couple of hours at the wonderful archeological museum (NOT the museum of the Ancient Olympics, as I believe it's called--which is also located there). Nice town, beautiful area, good hotel...we would have enjoyed another day there.

Heimdall

Hi Dukey1,

Perhaps you were expecting something like this?
http://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-R...Parthenon.aspx

marigross

Thanks to all for the replies!

Heimdall, lol.

I love ancient sites, DH likes them but not as much. So I think that I will dedicate a full morning to Olympia and an entire day to Delphi.

This probably means that we will spend 2 nights in the town of Delphi. Is this going to be a tourist trap or will we have decent dining options?

I read a very detailed response with lots of things to do in the Delphi area and cannot find it anymore.

Heimdall

More likely than not the post to which you refer was written by mariha2912, who is from the Delphi area. With any luck she will see this post. If not, do a search on the forum for mariha2912, then view her profile. It will list all the topics she has commented on.

travelerjan

Long ago on my first Greece trip I had a v. disappointing rushed 1-day tour of Delplhi, with a bad guide, a hurried run-thru followed by an unwanted Taverna stop AND a rug-store promo… but I made up for it with a GOOD D-I-Y trip, 12 years later… and also visited Ollympis D-I-Y. In both destinations I had good advice for timing & sequence. To Delphi, took KTEL bus arriving afternoon… went to Museum @ 6pm (EMPTY!), which now is open until 8 … then down to the Tholos & Spring (open 24/7). wandered back along parapet walk looking down on valley @ sunset for dinner. Next AM, entered ruins sit @ 8 am, almost deserted in lovely morning light, had nearly 3 hours before bus crowds arrived. Then had lunch & took 1:30 pm bus to Athens.

In Olympia, arrived at dinnertime, rose early next AM and, on advice, went to museum FIRST (since i was told that bus groups go to ruins then museum). Museum EMPTY and v. thrilling! Then to the site, which was harder to decipher on one's own… left at 12.

For both, as D-I-Y, I benefitted greatly from GOOD guidebook (consider Blue Guide or ROugh Guide etc) plus print-outs from serious online websites (Planetware site also has BEST print out site maps). Advance homework is the key to appreciation/enjoyment… if u do not have the time or inclination for this, then consider paying for pvt. tour.

marigross

Jan, that sounds like a perfect plan! We might be a little late coming into Delphi as we would be driving from Olympia and not sure if we would be in the mood for museum visits after a long day. I will most likely spend 2 nights in Delphi for this reason.

Heimdall, thanks for the tip.

geetika

"I love ancient sites, DH likes them but not as much."

Made me laugh, its exactly the same with DH & I, he tends to get "ruined out". We'll be in Olympia too in June and I plan on spending about 4 hours at the site, just the thought of being there is exciting!

dulciusexasperis

It's been many years since I visited those sites and I agree with others it depends on the individual.

Growing up near Niagara Falls, Ontario, I used to get asked by European friends, how long they needed for the Falls. My answer was, how long can you stand and watch water fall off a rock?

On the other hand I did have one friend form Switzerland who spent a week at the Falls painting every day.

Jump

I arrived at Olympia early afternoon and after checking in to tho hotel I visited the grounds and then went to the museum. By this time the majority of the tour groups (buses) were gone. Then the next morning I went back to the grounds to be able to take photos during the "Golden" hour. I arrived there 20-30 minutes before their scheduled opening time. The gates were already opened and they told me to go on in. Consequently I got to spend around 45 minutes walking the grounds all by myself as the sun rose and mist covered the grass. It was truly magical! I felt like I was the first person to discover the place.

cathies

Jump, that sounds lovely!