Olympic Site Skip-The-Lines Private Tour with a Local Expert
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore ancient Olympia like never before! Come along on a trip back in time to the myths and legends of the site that gave birth the Olympics with a local expert and field archeologist.
Visit the highlights of the Olympic site, the playground of the Gods and heroes of Greek mythology.
See where the Olympic flame is lit for each Olympiad and don't hesitate to run the Olympic track!
Available options
Olympic Site Skip-The-Lines Private Tour with a Local Expert
What's included
All Fees and Taxes
Official tourist guide/ Archeologist throughout the tour
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Olympia is one of the monuments of the world heritage of UNESCO and has the appearance of a park.
Along with your local tour guide, you will visit the highlights of the site, such as:
the athletic facilities, the ancient gymnasiums
the temple of Zeus which housed one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, the gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus.
the temple of Hera where the marble statue of Hermes of Praxiteles was found during the excavations. And now, the monument that hosts the ceremony of the lighting of the Olympic torch.
the Olympic stadium which hosted the ancient Olympics.
2
The temple of Zeus was built in the 5th cent. BC and was the largest one inn the Peloponnese. It worked as an architectural model for the landmark of Greece; the Parthenon of Athens.
During the Antiquity, it hosted the gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
3
It is the oldest temple one may visit at the Olympic site. It was built in the 7th cent BC in honor of the wife of Zeus, Hera. During the first AD years worked as a museum, hosting several antiguities, one of which was found during the exvavations almost intact. It is the marble statue of Hermes of Praxiteles. it is a masterpiece of the 4th cent BC, and niw it is exhibited in the archeological museum of Olympia.
The temple of Hera also, hosts the ceremony of the lighting of the Olympic torch.
4
It is the largest ancient Greek stadium. It had a capacity of 45,000 spectators and hosted the program of the ancient Olympics.
It is nestled at the foot of the Kronion hill and survives exactly as it was. It is one of the Hihlights of the Olympic site visit.
Don't hesitate to run the original track! In the ancient times, athletes would do it in the nude!
What's not included
Hotel pick-up upon request
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
5.0
9 reviews
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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
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
We may meet at the ticket kiosk of the archaeological site.
The ticket booth of the Olympic site is approx. 100m. away from the public the parking lot (TOWN HALL areaa), following the pedestrian road, past a stone bridge.
Important notes
Once you meed your local tour expert, he/she will hand you over the required ticket entry to the Olympic site.
Please, note that you need to save the ticket you will be receiving throughout the tour.
Also, the ticket is valid for two (2) more attractions - archeological museum & museum of the history of the ancient olympics.
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
Instant confirmation
