The Ancient Olympia Full Day Private Tour from Athens offers a captivating journey into Greece’s rich history. Guests can explore the iconic Corinth Canal and the archaeological wonders of Ancient Olympia, with a dedicated driver and the option to enhance their experience with a live guide. This tour provides ample time to immerse in the ancient ruins, savor traditional Greek cuisine, and explore the culture. Whether a history enthusiast or simply curious, this private tour promises a unique opportunity to uncover the wonders of Greece’s past.
Key Points
- A private group tour that visits the ancient site of Olympia, including the Temple of Zeus, Stadium, and other key ruins, with an option to add a live tour guide.
- Sightseeing stop at the Corinth Canal, known for its dramatic cliffs and opportunities to photograph ships navigating the canal.
- Customizable itinerary that allows for exploring the extensive archaeological site of Olympia at your own pace.
- Recommendations for a traditional Greek tavern lunch, providing an authentic local dining experience.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation with door-to-door service from hotel or apartment in Athens/Piraeus.
Tour Overview
The Ancient Olympia Full Day Private Tour from Athens is a comprehensive excursion that allows visitors to explore the rich history and archaeological wonders of this renowned ancient site.
Priced from 5,837 Czech Koruna per person, the tour lasts 12 hours and is conducted in English.
Guests can choose to be picked up from their hotel lobby or apartment in Athens or Piraeus, where a driver holding a sign with their name will greet them.
The tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve the spot without upfront payment, making it a flexible and convenient choice for travelers.
Tour Features
This tour offers a range of features to provide a personalized and flexible experience for travelers.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows for greater planning flexibility, while the option to reserve the spot without upfront payment makes it easier to secure a spot.
The tour is a private group experience, providing a dedicated driver and the option to add a live tour guide for an additional cost.
Highlights include:
- Sightseeing stops at historically significant locations like the Corinth Canal
- Flexible and customizable itinerary to explore Ancient Olympia at your own pace
- Optional museum visits to enhance your understanding of the site’s history
- Driver-recommended traditional Greek taverns for an authentic lunch experience
Itinerary Highlights
The itinerary highlights a visit to the Corinth Canal, where travelers can enjoy a brief sightseeing stop and capture historical photo opportunities.
After this, the tour proceeds to Ancient Olympia, the renowned archaeological site that serves as the centerpiece of the experience. Visitors spend 1.5 hours exploring the extensive ruins, including the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium at Olympia, the Temple of Hera, the Nymphaeum, the Palaestra, and the Philippeion.
For those interested in delving deeper, optional visits to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity are available for an additional fee.
Throughout the day, the driver can suggest a traditional Greek tavern for lunch, providing a true taste of local culture.
Corinth Canal Sightseeing
On the way to Ancient Olympia, the tour makes a 20-minute sightseeing stop at the Corinth Canal, a historic waterway that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. This narrow canal, only 70 feet wide, offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the impressive feat of human engineering.
Some key highlights of the Corinth Canal sightseeing experience include:
- Marveling at the dramatic cliffs that flank the canal on both sides, reaching up to 200 feet in height.
- Snapping photos of ships and yachts navigating the tight passage.
- Learning about the canal’s rich history, which dates back to ancient Greek times.
- Appreciating the sheer scale and engineering prowess required to construct this vital shipping link.
Exploring Ancient Olympia
Upon arrival at Ancient Olympia, visitors can enjoy the captivating history and ruins of this renowned archaeological site.
The centerpiece of the ancient sanctuary is the impressive Archaeological Site of Olympia, which showcases the remains of temples, stadiums, and other structures that were integral to the Olympic Games of antiquity.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the Temple of Zeus, the former home of the colossal statue of the Greek god. They can also wander through the Stadium at Olympia, where ancient athletes once competed, as well as the Temple of Hera and the Nymphaeum.
The Archaeological Museum of Olympia and the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity offer further insight into this legendary site.
Optional Site Visits
Visitors to Ancient Olympia have the option to explore several additional archaeological sites, each offering a unique glimpse into the site’s rich history. These optional visits include:
- The Temple of Zeus, where the iconic statue of Zeus once stood, a marvel of ancient Greek art and architecture.
- The Stadium at Olympia, where the ancient Olympic Games were held, allowing guests to walk in the footsteps of the legendary athletes of the past.
- The Temple of Hera, dedicated to the queen of the Greek gods, showcasing the reverence the ancients had for their deities.
- The Nymphaeum and Palaestra, offering insights into the daily life and activities of the ancient Olympians.
Exploring these optional sites provides a deeper understanding of the significance and grandeur of the Ancient Olympia complex.
Lunch Recommendation
The driver can suggest a traditional Greek tavern where guests can enjoy an authentic local lunch during their visit to Ancient Olympia.
These family-owned establishments offer a taste of Greek cuisine, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and classic dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and dolmades.
Dining at a traditional tavern provides an opportunity to take in the local culture and interact with the friendly staff.
The driver can recommend a suitable option based on the group’s preferences and dietary requirements, ensuring a satisfying and memorable midday meal.
After exploring the ancient site, refueling at a local eatery is a great way to recharge and continue the day’s adventure.
Transportation Details
During the full-day tour, the car travel involves an 80-minute drive to the Corinth Canal and a 2.67-hour journey to reach the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia. The return trip, with three drop-off locations in Piraeus and Athens, takes approximately 4 hours.
The transportation for this tour offers several convenient features:
- Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
- Experienced, licensed drivers
- Flexibility to customize the itinerary based on your preferences
- Seamless door-to-door service from your hotel or apartment
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Combine This Tour With Other Destinations?
Yes, the tour can be customized to include other destinations. The private nature of the experience allows flexibility to combine it with visits to additional sites or locations of the customer’s choosing.
What Should I Bring on the Tour?
Travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, and snacks. It’s also a good idea to bring any necessary medication and some cash for entry fees and incidentals. Dressing in layers is recommended for the changing weather conditions.
Are There Any Restroom Stops Along the Way?
Yes, there are restroom stops along the way. The driver will make appropriate rest stops to allow guests to use the facilities during the tour’s journey. This provides comfort and convenience for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Interests?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to suit your interests. The driver is flexible and can adjust the tour to visit sites or attractions that align with your preferences, within the overall timeframe of the tour.
Are Audio Guides Available for the Archaeological Sites?
Audio guides are not mentioned as an included option for the archaeological sites on this tour. However, visitors can likely rent them on-site if they wish to have a more immersive self-guided experience at the ancient ruins.
Recap
The Ancient Olympia Full Day Private Tour from Athens offers a unique opportunity to explore Greece’s captivating history.
Guests can explore the iconic Corinth Canal and the archaeological marvels of Ancient Olympia at their own pace, with the option to enhance their experience with a live guide.
This customizable tour provides comfortable transportation, ample time to immerse in the culture, and the chance to savor traditional Greek cuisine, making it a must-try for history enthusiasts.
