Ancient Olympia Full Day Shared Tour from Athens
Description
Post-driving through the stunning Greek countryside, arrive at Ancient Olympia—the legendary birthplace of the Olympic Games. Walk among the ruins of the Temple of Hera, where the modern flame is still lit, and admire the site of the magnificent Temple of Zeus. Explore the original Stadium and Bouleuterion, enhanced by immersive commentary in 10 languages and cutting-edge virtual reality on any device. After a day rich in history, unwind in the charming modern village of Olympia, strolling its alleys, shopping, or enjoying authentic Greek cuisine. Conclude with a comfortable return to Athens and a drop-off at convenient central points. Book now and relive the spirit of the ancient Games
Tour Options
Itinerary
Hop aboard a comfortable and air-conditioned bus. Soak up views of the Greek countryside on the seamless transfer to the Corinth Canal. Have 30-minutes of free time to take in views of this canal that Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Snap photos of this project that was conceived by a ruler of Ancient Corinth, begun by Roman emperor Nero, and completed in the 19th century by the French. ( ride to the Canal 1 hour)
After three hours through the amazing Greek countryside, we arrive at the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia. Here, you’ll explore one of Greece’s most legendary sanctuaries—where athletic brilliance, spiritual devotion, and architectural mastery once converged. Walk among timeless monuments beginning with the Temple of Hera, the sacred site where the modern Olympic Flame is still ignited before every Games. Continue to the majestic Temple of Zeus, once home to the colossal gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Step into the original Stadium, where ancient athletes competed for eternal glory, and visit the Bouleuterion, the council house where Olympic judges once gathered. As you journey through Ancient Olympia, listen to immersive commentary in 10 different languages, ensuring every visitor connects deeply with the history. Enhance your experience by reliving the ancient past with your innovative virtual-reality application.
After a day full of history and knowledge, we head to the modern village of Olympia, right next to the archaeological site. Here, you can stroll through charming traditional alleys, shop for local goods, or enjoy an authentic Greek lunch. Then we make your comfortable 4-hour return to the city center of Athens, where we drop you off at one of the most convenient meeting point in the heart of the city.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(8)
Great driving between the gulfs of Agean Sea and Ionian Sea. Grat stop at Corynth canal , and great visit of the olympic city.
Everything was good and went well. Very smooth ride with some needed stops. The long trip is worth it. Our guide was very helpful, knowledgeable and accommodating. Lots of breathtaking views along the way.
Amazing trip from Athens. The vehicle was very comfortable and the driver assisted us the whole time, also reccomended a nice addictional restaurant at the Olymbian village. Thank you team for everything.
This is the best way to see Olympia from Athens. Professional driver and comfortable bus. Plenty of time to see the site and the museum, and to have lunch.
I was already dreading this trip after I took a tour with this same company the evening before and was less than impressed; however, they really outdid themselves with this one. The tour had a clearly advertised pick-up time of 7:20am at the Hondos Centre. Things got off to a great start when I received an angry, accusatory call at 7:00am asking where I was and repeatedly telling me I was wrong when I explained the booking and ticket said clearly to meet at 7:20am. Running, sweaty and out of breath, I received a follow-up at 7:10am asking where I was, just as I was rounding the corner at the meeting place. No apologies, just a demand that I send the 'guide' (who was literally just the driver) a screenshot of the ticket displaying the meeting time (which I duly did). The transport was not a bus as advertised but a mini van. It was cramped, there was no AC (despite asking) and no charging points. This was particularly frustrating, given the length of the commute -- and that the driver, who up that point had not spoken a word other than to check us off the list, did not tell us until 4 hours in that if we wanted a guide around Ancient Olympia, we would have to use an app on our own devices (!). Not going to happen with the battery we had left! The driver told us nothing; he dropped us all outside the entrance to Ancient Olympia and drove off -- "see you in 4 hours". This was *NOT* a tour; it was a taxi ride, and not a friendly or comfortable one, at that.
Read all the words in description. No actual tour guide. It’s a mini bus - we were the unlucky couple who had to be seated in back row 4 across (not ideal for fully grown adults for an 8 hour round trip) The driver did a great job driving. He suggested a restaurant - it was good. The VR guide was okay if you had data, but not all had. It wouldn’t always work correctly and would start over, it was cool to see what it would have looked like, but 70% it was a hassle. This was by far our most expensive tour for the least in return. Also - Olympia doesn’t have an eternal Olympic torch always lit… if they do, No one could find it. 90% of the people spent the day looking for it. Also - somewhere there should be a disclaimer that cosplay is not welcome, there was a patron on the tour who was dressed for an ancient part, but was told to keep her coat on, remove her Olive leaf head band as it’s disrespectful. They followed her everywhere, they had security staff follow her through the museum, ruins and the last museum, somewhere this should mentioned so no one has to be followed and made to feel so unwelcome. If this is the only option and it’s important to you, go it was fine. If there is one in a coach bus and a real guide, DO that one. It would have been so much better!
This trip was a great experience, as it offered an insight into Greek and world history but also into local culture, everyday life and geography. Our guide mister Costas was full of interesting information and valuable travel tips and the archaeological area of Olympia was breathtaking, especially in January when the number of tourists decrease. Overall, I highly recommend it !
Olympia is fantastic. I was alone and Kosta, my private driver was very kind and kind. I loved driving with him! 😊 his car is also comfortable. 😊 He was able to explain a lot to me along the road despite my approximate English. Thank you very much to him. 🙏
