Katakolon Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Ancient Olympia, Archeological Site and Archeological Museum
Active
4h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
When you arrive in the Katakolon port, discover part of ancient Greece on a private shore excursion to Olympia. Learn about the origins of the Olympic Games as you visit the site of the former Olympic complex with your private guide. Walk around the remains of the first-ever Olympic stadium, the gymnasium, the Temple of Zeus and other ancient landmarks at the World Heritage-listed Archaeological Site of Olympia and the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. Then see how today’s locals live in modern Olympia as you enjoy free time to explore the city.
Available options
Option 1
Pickup included
What's included
Transport by private vehicle and professional driver
Private guide
Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee
Port pickup and drop-off
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Enter the famous archeological site of Olympia and marvel at the Temple of Zeus, which once housed the Golden and Ivory statue of Zeus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and the original Stadium and Bouleuterion, unique in history, where once competitors swore an oath to confirm to the rules
2
Stop 2
Continue your tour and walk a short distance in order to visit the world famous Archeological Museum of Olympia where you can admire, amongst many priceless exhibits, the marble statues of the Temple of Zeus and the unique statue of Hermes, carved by the ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles.
3
Enjoy a short stop at the village of Olympia where free time will be given before returning back to the ship. In the village, you can find a large number of souvenir shops as well as coffee and snack places in case you wish to relax for a while after the guided tour.
What's not included
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Olympia
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
6 reviews
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Important information
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
At time of booking, Cruise Ship passengers must provide the following details under Special Requirements: Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Children who do not occupy a seat are free of charge. Children who occupy a seat and are up to 11 years old, benefit from a discount
Ancient Olympia, Archaeological Site and Archaeological Museum might be closed on Sundays and bank holidays
Please enter your preferred pickup time in the Special Requirements box at the time of booking, and reconfirm 48 hours prior to the tour’s departure time
Important notes
•
• If you have not already specified, you MUST advise supplier your Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and departure time within 3 days of booking if possible, so that appropriate arrangements can be made:
• Email: info@achtypistours.gr
• Locally on 26 210 26 301
• Internationally on +30 26 210 26 301
If you do not contact the local supplier in due time before your activity to arrange a departure time, your guide and transportation will be waiting at specified meeting point half an hour after the indicated by you (in the booking form) disembarkation time. In this case guide/vehicle in service will be standing-by at meeting point, no longer than 1 hr 15min after your disembarkation time (after this time frame client will be considered as "non show" and staff will leave)
Opening hours are:
09:00 - 14:00 Monday to Friday
This operator requires you to contact them directly prior to this tour/activity.
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
