Ancient Olympia: Full-Day Private Tour to the Olympic Birthplace

This tour combines the ancient heritage of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, with the engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal, offering a comprehensive glimpse into Greek history. At Olympia, explore the ancient stadium where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC, and learn about the significance of these games in uniting the Greek city-states through sports and competition. Discover the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and other ancient ruins that tell the story of this historic site. Tailor the itinerary to your interests and enjoy expert commentary from our professional English-speaking drivers. Travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned 9-seater mini-van with Wi-Fi and bottled water for comfort and convenience. Suitable for families, adventure seekers, and history enthusiasts, our small group private tours ensure personalized attention and flexibility.

Pickup from your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens airport, or Piraeus port.

About an hour into the journey, you’ll reach the Corinth Canal, a narrow artificial waterway that connects the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea. This impressive engineering feat, dug through solid rock, offers stunning views as ships pass through its steep walls. You will have the opportunity to stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy the breathtaking views from the bridge overlooking the canal. This stop provides a great introduction to the wonders of Greek ingenuity before continuing on to Olympia.

Upon arrival in Olympia, you’ll enter the grounds where the ancient Olympic Games were born. The archaeological site includes the original stadium where athletes competed, the training grounds, and the remains of important temples such as the Temple of Zeus and Hera. The Temple of Zeus, once home to the statue of Zeus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), offers a glimpse into the religious and cultural significance of Olympia. As you walk through the site, your guide will share fascinating insights into the games and their role in ancient Greek society.

Your next stop is the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of the most important museums in Greece. Here, you will see the famous statue of Hermes by Praxiteles, as well as a vast collection of artifacts uncovered from the site. The museum houses sculptures, bronze works, and relics that paint a vivid picture of life in ancient Olympia, including offerings made to the gods during the games.

The tour continues at the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games, where you’ll dive deeper into the origins and evolution of the Olympics. The exhibits take you on a journey through time, explaining the ancient events, the athletes, and the significance of the games in the context of Greek culture. The museum also explores the transition from the ancient Olympics to the revival of the modern Olympic Games.

You will then proceed to the Museum of the History of the Excavations in Olympia. This lesser-known but fascinating museum chronicles the story of how the ancient city of Olympia was unearthed. Learn about the pioneering archaeologists who worked on the site, the challenges they faced, and the discoveries that revolutionized our understanding of ancient Greece. Through photographs, documents, and artifacts, this museum provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the excavation efforts that began in the 19th century and continue today.

Lunch in Olympia Village:
After a morning filled with exploration, you’ll head to a traditional Greek taverna in the charming village of Olympia for a relaxing lunch. Enjoy fresh, local dishes like grilled meats, seafood, and the classic Greek salad, all made with ingredients sourced from the region. This is a perfect moment to relax and enjoy the ambiance of this historic area.
Free Time in Olympia Village:
Once you’ve finished your meal, you’ll have some time to explore Olympia village at your own pace. Whether you want to visit local shops for souvenirs or simply take a stroll and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, this is a great chance to unwind and take in the beauty of the village.

Drop-off at your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens airport, or Piraeus port.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Luggage: Please inform us in advance if you have any special luggage requirements, such as large items or extra bags.
• Special Requests: If you have any special requests or needs, please let us know when booking, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
• Travel Time: Approx. 4 hours to go and 4 hours to return.
• Pickup and travel time are included in the tour duration.
• Our tour drivers are not official tour guides, but they are highly knowledgeable and can provide fascinating commentary in fluent English. While they will not accompany you inside the archaeological sites, they are well-versed in the history and significance of each location and can answer all your questions during the tour.
• We provide assistance to people with movement disability for boarding and alighting from the vehicle. However, it is advisable to inform us in advance if any special arrangements are required.
• For families with younger children, we offer child safety seats upon request.
• You can purchase the single discount entrance ticket that includes the entrance fees of the: Archaeological Site of Olympia, Archaeological Museum of Olympia, Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity and Museum of the History of the Excavations in Olympia (12€/adult)

• Ancient Olympia
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  Pickup included

• Bottled waters
• English-speaking tour driver with deep knowledge of each location’s history and significance
• Mercedes air-conditioned Premium Minivan
• Charge your devices with our 4 USB quick chargers (Type C & Apple)
• PDF guide for all sights & monuments of the tour

• Licensed tour guide available upon request for monument visits, subject to availability (extra cost)
• Entrance tickets fees for Ancient Olympia
• Meals and beverages

Trending Athens Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out

SIGHTS ENTRANCE TICKETS LINKS
Museum of Ancient Olympia: https://hhticket.gr/tap_b2c_new/english/tap.exe?PM=P1P&place=000000020
Corinth Canal Bangee Jumping: https://zulubungy.com

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Athenaos Travel & Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Athens.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 1 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 8 Travelers is accepted for booking.