Ancient Olympia Full-Day Private Tour from Athens
Description
Enjoy a private full-day tour from Athens to Ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Your tour driver will pick you up and ensure a smooth ride in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle. Begin with a short stop at the Corinth Canal, an engineering landmark linking the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Continue through the Peloponnese to Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the Games began in 776 BC. Explore the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the ancient stadium, and the Archaeological Museum, which houses important finds such as the Hermes of Praxiteles. With flexible scheduling and dependable service, this tour blends history, culture, and legend. Why Choose This Tour: Private service with English-speaking tour drivers. Flexible pickup from Athens city, Athens Airport (ATH), or Piraeus port. Comfortable travel with door-to-door service, luggage help, and luxury Mercedes vans. Highlights include the Corinth Canal, Ancient Olympia’s site, stadium, and museum.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Lunch in Ancient 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 Ancient 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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Additional Pickup Information: -Pickup at any location in Athens or Piraeus. -Airport Pickup: Upon your arrival at Athens International Airport (El. Venizelos), please proceed to the arrivals hall. Our driver will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. -Port Pickup: Upon your arrival at the port, please proceed to the ship's exit. Our driver will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. -Hotel Pickup: For your departure, our driver will meet you in the lobby of your designated hotel or accommodation in Athens at the scheduled time. Please ensure you are ready and waiting in the lobby 15 minutes before the pickup time. -Luggage Assistance: Our drivers will assist you with your luggage, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish. -Contact Information: For urgent assistance, please reach out to us using the contact details provided in your booking or account. -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. We look forward to providing you with a memorable and enjoyable tour!
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
- 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: Approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes each way, included in the total tour duration.
- Our tour drivers are not official tourist 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.
Reviews(2)
Get to see beautiful Greek countryside, the site itself is incredible and the towns and shops were very attractive and inviting.
Hi Donna, Thank you for sharing your experience on our Ancient Olympia Full-Day Private Tour. I’m glad you enjoyed the beautiful countryside drive, the incredible site, and the welcoming towns and shops. Your kind words mean a lot to us. We truly appreciate your review and look forward to welcoming you again in Greece.
Bucket list experience, in the heart of the ancient playgrounds of the gods! Best time of the year to visit!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Jean! We're glad to hear that visiting Olympia was a bucket list experience for you. Exploring such a significant historical site is truly special, and it's great that you enjoyed the time of year for your visit. We appreciate you choosing us to be part of this memorable journey and hope to see you again for more incredible experiences in Greece! Safe travels!