Ancient Olympia & Corinth Canal Private Tour from Athens





Description
Travel to the birthplace of the Olympic Games in the comfort of an executive car or minivan, on a private day trip to ancient Olympia and Corinth Canal. Admire the engineering of the Canal, and then trace the victories of ancient Greece’s greatest athletes at gymnasium and track ruins plus the site’s archeological museum. After this iconic tour, we will suggest a nice place for a wonderful lunch and a great local wine. - Get an up-close look at the Corinth Canal - Explore the Peloponnese on your own pace - Learn the roots of the Olympic Games in ancient Olympia - Visit the Iconic Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus - Private English speaking driver sharing history facts and insights - Stop for a great lunch and local wine
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begining with a drive along the coast, you will get the chance to see some Greek seaside villages and the island of Salamis. Salamis is where the historical naval battle took place between the Athenians and the Persians. Our first stop of the day, is the Corinth Canal. Eventually opened in 1892 separating the Peloponnese from the rest of Greece all the while connecting the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Sea. You will have time to walk across on a pedestrian bridge and admire the canal closer, you may even go bungee jumping!
This is one of the largest sites in Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. Walking through the site you will pass by the Gymnasium, the Palaistra, the workshop of Phidias, the Temple of Zeus and you will end up at the Stadium where for every four years the Greeks competed for glory and for spiritual elevation honoring their cities.
The Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games hosts 463 ancient works, from the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, and other museums in the Greek territory. The exhibits cover a wide chronological range, from the 2nd millennium BC until the 5th century AD. Ancient artifacts that are exposed in thematic units and through them yperchilietis shows the history of the Olympic games, the longest ancient institution. Apart from ancient art, the visitor has the possibility of detailed information through the rich visual material.
The only circular building inside the Altis. One of the finest examples of ancient Greek architecture, it was dedicated to Zeus by Philip II of Macedonia after his victory at Chaironeia in 338 BCE. The monument was completed by his son Alexander the Great.
Museum The museum of Archimedes (Mathematician) regarded as one of the leading scientists in classical antiquity. A unique museum in the center of ancient Olympia dedicated to the "Greatest Mind" of all time. Visitors will have the opportunity to see replicas of his inventions and to interact with them.
The museum is also quite unique as it includes the renowned statue “Hermes of Praxiteles” with its perfect analogies and tools that belonged to Phidias himself. With these tools he created one of the seven wonders of the world “the gold ivory statue of Zeus”.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pickup from all accommodations in Athens. For Airport or Airport area pickup/drop off there is extra charge.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(1)
We did this tour with Georgios from Ioannis's company. Our experience was impeccable. Timely pickup, comfortable car, and a great tour guide. Ioannis configured this tour based on our timings and requirements. Georgios kept us well informed with his narrative on the tour. Very professional tour guide and overall an awesome company to work with. Highly recommended.
Dear Ameya, thank you for taking the time to write this review! we are always at your disposal!