Ancient Olympia Full-Day Private Tour from Athens

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

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

   5 min

2. 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.

   15 min

3. 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.

   1.5 h

4. 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.

   30 min

5. 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.

   30 min

6. 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.

   1 h

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

   5 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 2 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Athens

• Its from-price is 19% above the median of the 4134 experiences we list in Athens.
• It is longer than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 2056 of 4134.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Athens

Athens sets the Acropolis above a sprawling modern capital, where ancient ruins, hillside lanes and long taverna evenings sit side by side.

The Parthenon crowns the Acropolis, flanked by the Erechtheion and its porch of caryatids, and the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the hill displays sculpture found on the rock. Around it, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and the marble Panathenaic Stadium make the classical city easy to walk through.

Top-ranked sights in Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon, Acropolis Museum.

See all 4134 experiences in Athens