Ancient Olympia Full-Day Private Tour | Τhe Olympics Birthplace
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Ancient Olympia Full-Day Private Tour | Τhe Olympics Birthplace

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(2 reviews)
11h
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

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.

Available options

Ancient Olympia Private Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Pickup and drop-off available at any location in Athens, Piraeus, Athens Airport, and Piraeus Port
Professional tour driver with deep knowledge of history (allowed to provide only exterior insights)
Private transportation
WiFi on board
Guaranteed entrances to the site and museum with our skip-the-line tickets issuing service
Charge your devices with our USB quick chargers (Type C & Apple)
Mercedes Premium A/C Minivan with cool bottled water and refreshments
PDF guide for all sites & monuments of the tour

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

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

2
Stop 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.

3
Stop 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.

4
Stop 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.

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.

6
Stop 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.

7
Stop 7

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

What's not included

Combined ticket for the archaeological site and museum of Ancient Olympia (1/4–31/10): €20/adult, €10 EU 65+, free for EU ≤25 & non-EU ≤18.
(Optional) Licensed guide (historian-archaeologist) to accompany you inside the sites (extra fee)
Lunch
Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EL EN
Written guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
2 reviews
5★
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1★
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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
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.

Important notes

Efcharistó! (Thank you in Greek) for choosing Athenaos Travel & Tours. We look forward to making your experience in Greece truly memorable!

SIGHTS ENTRANCE TICKETS LINKS
Museum of Ancient Olympia: https://hhticket.gr/tap_b2c_new/english/tap.exe?PM=P1P&place=000000020

About Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city rich in history and culture, often considered the cradle of Western civilization. It is home to iconic ancient landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving modern scene.

Top Attractions

Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis is the most iconic landmark in Athens, featuring ancient ruins and temples, including the Parthenon.

Historical 2-3 hours €20 (combined ticket for multiple sites)

Ancient Agora of Athens

The heart of ancient Athens, featuring the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.

Historical 1-2 hours €8 (included in the combined ticket)

Plaka

A charming, historic neighborhood with narrow streets, neoclassical houses, and vibrant nightlife.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore

Acropolis Museum

A modern museum showcasing artifacts from the Acropolis and its surroundings.

Museum 1-2 hours €10

Temple of Olympian Zeus

An ancient temple dedicated to Zeus, once the largest temple in Greece.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour €6 (included in the combined ticket)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Moussaka

A baked dish with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.

Dinner Vegetarian versions available

Souvlaki

Grilled meat skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki.

Snack Can be made with chicken, pork, or vegetarian options

Tzatziki

A yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, and herbs.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Baklava

A sweet pastry made with layers of filo, nuts, and honey syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Rock climbing Scuba diving Beach visits Spa treatments Café hopping Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Athens is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.

18°C to 32°C 64°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Greek
  • Widely spoken: English, French, German
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Athens is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid poorly lit areas at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
  • • Be cautious with ATMs and credit cards

Getting there

By air
  • Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport • 30 km from city center
By train

Athens Central Railway Station

By bus

KTEL Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned. Easy to navigate with clear signage in English.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Plaka Monastiraki Psiri Koukaki Kolonaki

Day trips

Cape Sounion
65 km from Athens • Half day to full day

A scenic coastal area featuring the Temple of Poseidon with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Delphi
180 km from Athens • Full day

An ancient archaeological site and home to the famous Oracle of Delphi.

Meteora
350 km from Athens • Overnight

A unique landscape featuring rock formations and medieval monasteries perched atop cliffs.

Festivals

Athens Festival • May to October Athens Epidaurus Festival • June to August Athens International Film Festival • October

Pro tips

  • Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat
  • Use the metro for easy and efficient travel around the city
  • Explore local neighborhoods for an authentic Greek experience
  • Try local street food for a quick and delicious meal
  • Learn a few basic Greek phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 0-120
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 14
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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