For travelers docking at the cruise ship port, the Original Delos Guided Tour offers an immersive exploration of this historic Greek island. Departing conveniently from the port, the 5-hour experience showcases Delos’ key archaeological highlights through a structured itinerary and guided tour. With roundtrip transportation included and an affordable price point starting at €70 per person, this tour provides an engaging way to discover the island’s ancient ruins and uncover its captivating history. Though the tour’s wireless guide system enhances the experience, there’s more to learn about this unique opportunity to explore Delos’ remarkable past.
Key Points
- The tour departs from the Mykonos SeaBus, located in the new port, with a 10-minute SeaBus ride and 30-minute ferry journey to Delos.
- The guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delos lasts 1.5 hours, covering major highlights like the House of Dionysus and Temple of Apollo.
- Participants must bring a valid passport/ID, comfortable shoes, and follow COVID-19 protocols, including mandatory face masks.
- The tour is priced from €70 per person, includes roundtrip transportation, and requires a minimum of 8 participants for the tour to operate.
- The Delos Archaeological Museum is closed for the 2021 season due to COVID-19, but the guided tour of the ancient ruins remains available.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Delos Guided Tour offers visitors an immersive 5-hour experience on the historic island of Delos.
Priced from €70 per person, the tour includes roundtrip sea bus and boat tickets, skip-the-line entry, a guided tour, and a wireless tour guide system.
A minimum of 8 participants is required, with tour group sizes ranging from 15 to 20 people.
Customers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour starts from the Mykonos SeaBus in the new port, with a 10-minute water taxi and 30-minute ferry journey to reach the island.
Itinerary and Experience
Once visitors arrive at the meeting point, they embark on a guided tour of Delos that lasts 1.5 hours. The tour explores the island’s highlights, including the house of Dionysus, Theater of Delos, Stoa of Phillipe, Propylaia, Colossus of the Naxians, and Temple of Apollo. The tour also allows for one hour of free time, giving participants the opportunity to further explore the site on their own. The itinerary is as follows:
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Sea Bus Ride | 10 minutes |
| Ferry Ride | 30 minutes |
| Guided Tour | 1.5 hours |
| Free Time | 1 hour |
| Total Duration | 5 hours |
Meeting Point and Transportation
After exploring the highlights of Delos during the guided tour, participants make their way back to Mykonos.
The meeting point for this tour is the Mykonos SeaBus at the cruise ship disembarkation point in the new port of Mykonos. The SeaBus runs every 10 minutes, making it easy for travelers to catch their ride back.
The tour offers English-language tours daily at 10 AM and 5 PM, as well as French tours on Thursdays and Italian tours on Wednesdays.
- The SeaBus ride takes approximately 10 minutes.
- The ferry ride from the port to Delos takes around 30 minutes.
- It’s important to note that no large bags or luggage are allowed on the tour.
- Participants should bring their passport/ID, comfortable shoes, and face masks.
What to Bring and Restrictions
Participants should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and water for the tour.
Face masks are also required. Larger luggage and bags aren’t allowed, so travelers should pack light.
Losing or damaging the wireless tour guide system results in a €150 penalty, so participants should take care of the equipment.
The archaeological museum of Delos is closed for the 2021 season due to COVID-19, but the tour still provides a comprehensive experience exploring the ancient ruins and highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Archaeological Museum Closure
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the archaeological museum of Delos is closed for the 2021 season.
This means visitors won’t be able to explore the museum’s extensive collection of ancient artifacts, including:
- Impressive sculptures and mosaics
- Rare Bronze Age figurines
- Ancient coins and inscriptions
- Unique religious artifacts
While it’s disappointing the museum is temporarily closed, the guided tour of Delos itself remains open.
Travelers can still experience the island’s rich history and wander through its remarkable ancient ruins, such as the house of Dionysus, the Theater of Delos, and the Temple of Apollo.
Wireless Tour Guide System
A key component of the Delos guided tour is the wireless tour guide system provided to participants. This system allows visitors to hear the guide’s commentary clearly, even in the open-air ancient ruins. Should the device be lost or damaged, there’s a steep penalty of €150. The system consists of a receiver and earphones that are distributed at the start of the tour. It enables participants to move freely while following the guide and learning about the fascinating history and archaeology of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
| Receiver | Earphones | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | Comfortable | €150 |
| High-quality audio | Noise-cancelling | For loss or damage |
| Easy to use | Durable |
Customer Feedback and Reviews
Although the Delos guided tour receives an overall positive rating of 4.2/5 based on 116 reviews, certain aspects of the experience have drawn critique from participants.
Many noted the necessity of a guide to properly understand the ancient archaeological site, but some critiqued the pre-tour documentation and confusing meeting instructions.
Time management during the tour was also an issue, with participants wishing for more free time to explore on their own.
Plus, the temporary closure of the Delos Archaeological Museum due to COVID-19 was a disappointment for some travelers.
- Positive reviews on the value of a guided tour
- Critiques on pre-tour information and meeting point details
- Concerns about time management and lack of free exploration
- Disappointment over the museum closure
How to Book
Booking the Delos guided tour is straightforward. Travelers can reserve their spots online through the tour operator’s website.
The tour requires a minimum of 8 participants, with group sizes ranging from 15 to 20 people. Booking in advance is recommended, as the tours can sell out, especially during peak season.
Customers can choose from morning or afternoon departures and select their preferred language – English, French, or Italian.
The tour includes roundtrip transportation, skip-the-line entry, a guided exploration of the ancient site, and a wireless tour guide system.
Cancellations up to 24 hours prior to the tour are eligible for a full refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring a Small Backpack or Purse?
Yes, you can bring a small backpack or purse on the tour. However, large bags and luggage are not allowed, as they may be inconvenient during the tour and activities.
What Is the Tour Guide’s Level of Expertise?
The tour guide has a high level of expertise, as they provide a guided tour of the Delos archaeological site. The tour guide can help visitors better understand the ancient ruins and their significance during the 1.5-hour guided portion of the tour.
Does the Tour Have Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols?
The tour has COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Masks are required, and the archaeological museum on Delos is closed for the 2021 season due to the pandemic. Plus, the tour group size is limited to 15-20 people.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, visitors can take photos during the Delos guided tour. The tour overview indicates that it includes a guided tour of the archaeological site, allowing participants to capture photos of the highlights like the Temple of Apollo and other ancient ruins.
Is There an Option for a Private or Smaller Group Tour?
Yes, there’s an option for a private or smaller group tour. The tour can accommodate group sizes between 15-20 people, and the minimum participant requirement is 8 people. Smaller or private tours may be available upon request.
Recap
The Original Delos Guided Tour offers an immersive 5-hour experience, providing a structured itinerary with a guided tour and free time to explore the island’s ancient highlights. Priced at €70 per person, the tour includes roundtrip transportation and a wireless tour guide system for enhanced clarity. With positive customer feedback, this tour is a convenient and comprehensive way to discover the rich history of Delos from the cruise ship port.