Corinth Canal and Ancient Olympia Private Trip from Athens

Olympia is the home of the original Olympic games.Spend the day at ancient Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage.Visit ancient Olympia and the Corinth Canal without the bustle of a shared-group tour on this private day trip from Athens. Traveling by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, stop to view the rock-cut Corinth Canal, built in 1893. Then, travel into the Peloponnese to explore the birthplace of the Olympics independently, seeing the athletes’ training areas and crumbled temples and stadium where competitions were held from the 8th century BC. Explore the grounds independently to view the ruined temples. Family-friendly tour with flexible itinerary and personal driver.

Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea are connected by the Corinth Canal. It divides the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland by slicing through the small Corinthian Isthmus, so arguably turning the peninsula into an island. Without locks, the canal was excavated across the isthmus at sea level. Many modern ships cannot cross it since it is barely 21.4 meters (70 feet) broad at its base and 6.4 kilometers (4 km) long. Views of Corinth’s isthmus are best seen from a height, where you can also take in the city’s sheer limestone walls and watch the boats navigating the canal below.

Olympia was a sacred place that attracted worshipers from around the ancient world. Starting from the 8th century BC, the religious celebrations at Olympia became associated with the Sacred Olympic Truce, honored throughout the Greek world following an agreement between the Spartan Lykourgos and the King of Elis, Iphitos. In the 5th century BC, Olympia became a place where ideas were spread, with dozens of thinkers and influential individuals coming here to exchange and pass on their knowledge and ideas.

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is one of the principal museums of Greece, located in Olympia. It is overseen by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and, as of 2009, is directed by Georgia Chatzi. When the original building was completed and opened in 1882, it was the first museum in Greece outside of Athens. The museum houses discoveries from the surrounding area, including the site of the Ancient Olympic Games. The collection includes objects produced and used in the area from prehistory to its time under Roman rule. The principal pieces in the museum are Hermes and the Infant Dionysus (attributed to Praxiteles), some objects from the Temple of Zeus, the Nike of Paionios, as well as an oenochoe that belonged to Phidias. The extent of its bronze collection makes it one of the most important in the world.

The archaeological site held over 70 significant buildings, and ruins of many of these survive. Of special interest to Greeks of all times is the Pelopion, the tomb of the quasi-mythical king, ancestor of the Atreids, the two kings who led their domains to war against Troy. The Peloponnesus is named for Pelops. The tomb suggests that he may not have been entirely mythical.

The ancient Olympic Games were a series of athletic competitions among representatives of city-states and one of the Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece. They were held in honor of Zeus, and the Greeks gave them a mythological origin. The first Olympic Games are traditionally dated to 776 BC. The games were held every four years, or Olympiad, which became a unit of time in historical chronologies. They continued to be celebrated when Greece came under Roman rule, 2nd century BC. Their last recorded celebration was in AD 393, under the emperor Theodosius I, but archeological evidence indicates that some games were still held after this date. The games likely came to an end under Theodosius II, possibly in connection with a fire that burned down the temple of the Olympian Zeus during his reign

• 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
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Travel time from Athens to Ancient Olympia is 3 hours and 30 minutes.

• Admission tickets not included
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  Pickup included
• Included entrance tickets
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• Transportation with MiniVan or Mercedes Benz or Scoda Fabia 2023
• Airbnb/Hotel/Airport/Port Pick up – drop off
• Professional English-speaking driver. Gives information & tips but does not come in the sites
• The driving from to Ancient Olympia is at least 3 hours and 30 minutes

• The guide driver is not a licensed tour guide to accompany you at any site/museum.

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Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Greece Athens Transfers & 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 4 valid reviews on TRIPADVISOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 8 Travelers is accepted for booking.