Ancient Olympia & Isthmus Canal Private Tour from Athens
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Ancient Olympia & Isthmus Canal Private Tour from Athens

Active
(19 reviews)
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Be amazed by the modern engineering masterpiece of the Corinth Canal (Isthmus Canal).

Visit Ancient Olympia the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. 

Witness where the modern Olympic flame is lit by the temple dedicated to the goddess Hera.

Explore the Archaeological Museum, where many of Olympia’s greatest works of art and artifacts are displayed. Highlights of the museum include the Sculpture from the Temple of Zeus, arguably the finest surviving examples of Archaic Greek sculpture, the 5th century BC Winged Victory by Paiongs, the 4th century BC Hermes of Praxiteles and a model of the reconstructed ancient Olympia site.

Available options

Travellers

Prices per group<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Skip-the-line ticket service (on-request)
WiFi on board
Professional Tour Drivers with in-depth knowledge of Greek history
Fully Private Tour
Bottled water & refreshing wipes
Hotel/Port pick-up and drop-off service
Transportation by private first class vehicle

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Pickup from your chosen Hotel, Airbnb or apartment in Athens. Drive to the isthmus Canal.

2
Stop 2

Visit the Isthmus Canal, one of the most important projects and 19th century engineering masterpieces, playing a catalytic role for the Mediterranean trade.

3

Olympia village: In the western Peloponnese, in the beautiful valley of the Alpheios river lies the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece. You will be amazed by the serenic feel that this village creates.

Enjoy lunch at an authentic Greek taverna with quality home cooked meals.

Stroll amongst the village shops.

4
Stop 4

Temple of Zeus: Dedicated to the god Zeus the Doric temple built in the second quarter of the 5th century BCE was the very model of the fully developed classical Greek temple of the Doric order.

Temple of Hera: Known as Heraion this ancient Archaic Greek temple was dedicated to Hera, queen of the Greek gods. The temple was built in approximately 590 BCE.

Witness where the modern Olympic flame is lit by the temple dedicated to the goddess Hera.

The Hippodrome and later Stadium: The Hippodrome was a wide flat open area where the starting and finishing line was defined by a pole. Horse and chariot races took place here.

The Palaestra: Built in the 3rd century BC as part of the gymnasium complex it was used to practice boxing, wrestling and jumping.

The Workshop of Pheidias: This is where the great sculptor crafted the gigantic chryselephantine statue of Zeus listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.

5

Philippeion: The only circular building inside the Altis. One of the finest examples of ancient Greek architecture, it was dedicated to Zeus by Philip II of Macedonia after his victory at Chaironeia in 338 BCE. The monument was completed by his son Alexander the Great.

6
Stop 6

The Archeological Museum of Olympia: Exhibits incredible artifacts from the site.

7
Stop 7

The Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity: Since 2004 a new museum is in operation. The museum was based on the collection of Georgios Papastefanou who was the first to believe in the possibility of spreading the Olympic Idea and Education through a museum.

8

The museum of Archimedes (Mathematician) regarded as one of the leading scientists in classical antiquity. A unique museum in the center of ancient Olympia dedicated to the "Greatest Mind" of all time. Visitors will have the opportunity to see replicas of his inventions and to interact with them.

9
Stop 9

Return to your chosen Hotel, Airbnb or apartment in Athens

What's not included

Entrance fees to the ancient Olympia site
Airport pick-up and drop-off (from 40 eur additional cost)
Food & Drinks
Tips & Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6
8 reviews
5★
7
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
11 reviews
5★
11
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Animals or pets allowed
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking

Important notes

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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 0-100
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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