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.
Pickup included
Pickup from your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens airport, or Piraeus port.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drop-off at your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens airport, or Piraeus port.
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
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.
The Acropolis is the most iconic landmark in Athens, featuring ancient ruins and temples, including the Parthenon.
The heart of ancient Athens, featuring the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.
A charming, historic neighborhood with narrow streets, neoclassical houses, and vibrant nightlife.
A modern museum showcasing artifacts from the Acropolis and its surroundings.
An ancient temple dedicated to Zeus, once the largest temple in Greece.
A baked dish with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.
Grilled meat skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki.
A yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, and herbs.
A sweet pastry made with layers of filo, nuts, and honey syrup.
The best time to visit Athens is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.
Euro (EUR)
GMT+2 (EET)
230VV, 50HzHz
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.
Athens Central Railway Station
KTEL Bus Station
Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned. Easy to navigate with clear signage in English.
Available • Apps: Beat, Uber
Car, Bike, Scooter
A scenic coastal area featuring the Temple of Poseidon with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
An ancient archaeological site and home to the famous Oracle of Delphi.
A unique landscape featuring rock formations and medieval monasteries perched atop cliffs.
Price varies by option