Explore the captivating history of Olympia, the birthplace of the iconic Olympic Games, on a private full-day tour. This comprehensive experience takes you on a scenic journey to the Corinth Canal, where you’ll witness stunning views, before enjoying the archaeological wonders of Olympia. Discover the ancient stadium and the magnificent Temple of Zeus as you explore the site’s rich past. With ample free time to indulge in local snacks and shopping, this tour is tailored to satisfy the curiosity of families and history enthusiasts alike. Prepare to be captivated by the timeless allure of this legendary destination.
Good To Know
- A 12.5-hour private tour exploring Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, including visits to the Corinth Canal and ancient archaeological site.
- Priced at $723.66 per group (up to 8 participants), with round-trip transportation from Athens, Piraeus, or the Attica region.
- Offers self-guided exploration of the ancient ruins and the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Includes air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and historical commentary from knowledgeable English-speaking drivers, but excludes entrance tickets and personal expenses.
- Suitable for families, adventure seekers, and history enthusiasts, providing a deeper understanding of ancient Greek culture and Olympic tradition.
Tour Overview and Details
The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Olympia, the birthplace of the renowned Olympic Games. Priced from $723.66 per group (up to 8 participants), the 12.5-hour private tour includes pickup from Athens, Piraeus, or the Attica region.
Throughout the day, guests will visit the Corinth Canal, the Archaeological Site of Olympia, and the ancient stadium where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC. The tour also features the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Guests can enjoy free time in Olympia for local snacks, food tasting, and shopping. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and knowledgeable English-speaking drivers, but excludes entrance tickets and personal expenses.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a 1-hour van ride to the Corinth Canal, where guests enjoy a 15-minute photo stop. Next, they spend 3 hours exploring the Archaeological Site of Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. Visitors can self-guide through the ancient stadium, Temple of Zeus, and other ruins. After, there is free time in Olympia for local snacks, food tasting, and shopping. The tour concludes with a 4-hour van ride back to Athens.
| Itinerary Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|
| Corinth Canal | 15 minutes |
| Archaeological Site of Olympia | 3 hours |
| Free time in Olympia | 1 hour |
| Return to Athens | 4 hours |
Inclusions and Exclusions
Includes an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi, bottled water, private transportation, parking fees, and fuel surcharge.
The knowledgeable English-speaking drivers, though not licensed guides, provide historical commentary throughout the tour.
Entrance tickets to the Museum of Ancient Olympia, costing €12 per person, are excluded.
Guests are responsible for their personal expenses, meals, snacks, drinks, and gratuities.
It’s important to note any special luggage requirements in advance, and guests can inform the tour provider of any accommodations needed at the time of booking.
Important Information
Passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, credit card, and comfortable clothes are what guests should bring on the tour.
Visitors must notify the tour provider in advance of any special luggage requirements. Plus, guests should inform the provider of any special requests at the time of booking to ensure proper accommodations.
The tour duration includes approximately 4 hours of travel time each way, so visitors should plan accordingly.
The tour is suitable for families, adventure seekers, and history enthusiasts, providing personalized attention in small group settings and opportunities for culture through local interactions.
Tour Experience and Suitability
Suitable for families, adventure seekers, and history enthusiasts, this private full-day tour of Olympia provides personalized attention in small group settings.
Travelers have the opportunity for culture through local interactions as they explore the ancient site where the first Olympic Games were held.
Though the professional drivers provide historical commentary, they don’t guide inside the archaeological sites, allowing visitors to discover the ruins at their own pace.
With round-trip transportation from Athens, the tour offers a convenient way to experience the birthplace of the Olympic tradition and gain a deeper understanding of ancient Greek culture.
Corinth Canal Stop
The tour includes a 1-hour van ride and 15-minute photo stop at the Corinth Canal. This impressive man-made waterway connects the Saronic Gulf with the Gulf of Corinth, allowing ships to bypass the Peloponnese peninsula. Visitors can snap stunning photos of the steep, rocky cliffs lining the canal, which measures 4 miles long and 75 feet wide. During the stop, participants can explore the canal’s history and engineering feats.
| Feature | Specification | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4 miles | Allows ships to avoid the long journey around the Peloponnese |
| Width | 75 feet | Enables the passage of medium-sized vessels |
| Depth | 26 meters | Accommodates a variety of ship sizes |
Exploring Olympia
After a scenic drive, the tour heads to the ancient site of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
Visitors explore the impressive archaeological site, including the ancient stadium where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC. They’ll marvel at the well-preserved ruins of the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The tour provides ample time for self-guided exploration, allowing guests to enjoy the history and atmosphere of this iconic location.
Afterward, there’s free time for visitors to sample local snacks, indulge in food tastings, and browse the shops, creating an authentic cultural experience.
Return to Athens
With the visit to Olympia’s ancient site complete, it’s now time to make the return journey to Athens.
The 4-hour van ride back offers a chance to reflect on the day’s discoveries. Along the way, the knowledgeable driver will provide historical commentary, sharing insights about the regions and landmarks passed.
The drive will take guests through the scenic Peloponnese peninsula, allowing for stunning views of the Greek countryside.
Upon arrival in Athens, the tour concludes, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the rich cultural heritage of Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Pets on the Tour?
According to the tour overview, service animals are allowed on the tour. However, the tour does not appear to permit other pets or personal animals. Visitors should contact the tour provider in advance for any special accommodations.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no strict dress code for the tour. Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Casual attire is fine, but it’s best to avoid overly revealing or torn garments out of respect for the historical sites.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Site?
According to the tour details, the itinerary allows 3 hours for visiting the archaeological site of Olympia, including the ancient stadium where the first Olympic Games were held. There’s also 1 hour of free time in Olympia for local exploration.
Can the Tour Be Customized for My Preferences?
The tour can be customized to accommodate your preferences. Travelers can notify the provider in advance of any special requests or needs, such as tailoring the itinerary or accommodating luggage requirements.
Are There Opportunities for Local Interactions During the Tour?
This tour offers opportunities for culture through local interactions during the free time in Olympia. Travelers can engage with the community, sample local snacks and foods, and explore the shops at their own pace.
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The Sum Up
Enjoy the rich history of Olympia on this private full-day tour. Capture stunning views at the Corinth Canal, then explore the ancient site, exploring the stadium and Temple of Zeus. With ample free time for local snacks and shopping, this comprehensive journey is perfect for families and history enthusiasts seeking a personalized cultural experience in the birthplace of the Olympic Games.