Ancient Olympia Archeological Site & Museum Private Tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
In Ancient Olympia, the highlights to visit are the Archeological Museum also called the New Museum and the Archeological site. Choosing to have a guided tour with an officially licensed tour guide will enhance your experience and provide an in depth presentation.
On this 2 and a half hour guided tour we visit the temple of Zeus, the temple of Hera, the spot of the lighting of the Olympic torch and the stadium, among other sites.
Available options
French - Italian - Spanish
French - Italian - Spanish
English
English
What's included
Guidance throughout the archaelogical site in Olympia
Guidance throughout the archaelogical museum in Olympia
Licensed Tour Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The Ancient Olympia site, the site of the first Olympic Games, in 776 B.C., lies in the lush valley formed by the Alfios river. There we will visit the gymnasium and the palaestra, where atheletes used to exercise for a month prior to the Games, the Council house where the athletes took the Olympic oath, the round Philipeion, the Treasury houses, the workshop of Phidias where the gold and ivory statue of Zeus was built, the temples of Zeus and Hera, the shrine of Hera where the Olympic torch is being lit in the modern days since 1936 and the ancient Olympic stadium, where the marble starting blocks are still in position.
2
Stop 2
We will also visit the Olympia Archaeological Museum, only a short walk from the Olympia site itself. Here you will find a wonderful collection of Greek sculpture, as well as treasures that have been unearthed over a century of excavations from the archeological site.
Here we will observe bronze and clay offerings (tripods and figurines), armors, vases, the tools and cup from Phidias's workshop, the famous Hermes of Praxiteles statue, the marble statue of Nike and the bronze helmet of general Miltiades who defeated the Persian army in 490 BC in the battle of Marathon, as well as the breathtaking original pediments from the Temple of Zeus, all in white marble from Paros, illustrating the mythical war between the Centaurs and the Lapiths on the one side, the beginning of the chariot race between Prince Pelops and King Oinomaos on the other side.
What's not included
Gratuities
Ancient Olympia Archaelogical Site & Museum entrance fee 6 euro in winter/ 12 euro in summer
Private transportation
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Skip the lines entrance fees can be arranged at an additional cost of 15 euro per person
Meeting point
We will meet our guests at the entrance of the archaeological site by the ticket booth
About Olympia
Olympia is an ancient site and modern town in the Peloponnese, Greece, famous as the location of the first Olympic Games in 776 BC. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site with significant archaeological ruins and a rich historical legacy. The modern town offers a blend of ancient history and contemporary Greek culture.
Top Attractions
Ancient Olympia Archaeological Site
The ancient site where the original Olympic Games were held. It includes the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the Olympic Stadium, and the ancient gymnasium.
Historical
2-3 hours
€12 (includes access to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia)
Archaeological Museum of Olympia
A museum showcasing artifacts from the ancient site, including the famous statue of Hermes by Praxiteles.
Museum
1-2 hours
Included in the ticket for the archaeological site
Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity
A museum dedicated to the history of the ancient Olympic Games, featuring exhibits on the evolution of the games and their cultural significance.
Museum
1 hour
€4
Ancient Olympia Archaeological Site Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity
A museum showcasing the history of the ancient Olympic Games, including artifacts, sculptures, and interactive exhibits.
Museum
1 hour
€4
Ancient Olympia Archaeological Site
The ancient site where the original Olympic Games were held. It includes the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the Olympic Stadium, and the ancient gymnasium.
Historical
2-3 hours
€12 (includes access to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia)
Ancient Olympia Archaeological Site
The ancient site where the original Olympic Games were held. It includes the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the Olympic Stadium, and the ancient gymnasium.
Historical
2-3 hours
€12 (includes access to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Moussaka
A layered dish of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce, baked to perfection.
Dinner
Contains meat and dairy
Souvlaki
Grilled skewers of marinated meat, typically served with pita bread, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat and dairy
Dolmades
Grapes leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat.
Appetizer
Can be vegetarian or with meat
Greek Salad
A fresh salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and oregano.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian, contains dairy
Popular Activities
Hiking in the surrounding mountains
Exploring ancient ruins
Sunbathing at Katakolo Beach
Enjoying a meal at a local taverna
Visiting museums and archaeological sites
Attending local festivals
Swimming
Boat tours
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Olympia for good weather and outdoor activities. The archaeological site is open year-round, but summer is the peak tourist season.
20°C to 35°C
68°F to 95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Greek
- Widely spoken: English, German, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (EET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Olympia is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services
Getting there
By air
- Araxos Airport • 50 km (31 miles) from Olympia
- Kalamata International Airport • 80 km (50 miles) from Olympia
By bus
Olympia Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary form of public transportation. They are affordable and convenient for getting around the region.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Beat, Taxibeat
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Ancient Olympia
Modern Olympia
Day trips
Katakolo
15 km (9 miles) • Half day
A charming coastal town with a beautiful beach and a small archaeological museum.
Pyrgos
30 km (19 miles) • Half day
A town with a rich history and a variety of cultural attractions, including museums and churches.
Ancient Messene
40 km (25 miles) • Full day
An ancient city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, stadium, and temples.
Festivals
Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony • July
Pro tips
- Visit the archaeological site early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat
- Try local specialties like moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava
- Explore the town of Olympia and its shops, cafes, and restaurants
- Take a day trip to nearby attractions like Katakolo, Pyrgos, or Ancient Messene
- Participate in the Olympic Flame lighting ceremony if visiting in July
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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