Ancient Olympia Site & Museum, Athens Private Tour & Lunch

Discover the captivating history of Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the legendary Olympic Games. This private tour immerses visitors in the site’s rich heritage, from the iconic Temple of Zeus to the remarkably preserved stadium where ancient athletes once competed. Complemented by a visit to the fascinating museum, this experience brings Greece’s storied past to life through the insights of knowledgeable guides. Pair this cultural journey with a delightful local lunch, and you’ll uncover the essence of the Peloponnese region. Prepare to be enchanted by the stories that echo through the ruins and artifacts of this remarkable destination.

Key Points

Private tour covering Ancient Olympia and Athens, priced from $469.97 per person, with a flexible 10-hour itinerary and cancellation policy.
Highlights include stops at the Corinth Canal, Archaeological Site of Olympia, and the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, along with an authentic local lunch.
Knowledgeable guides with backgrounds in archaeology, history, and hospitality provide extensive insights and tailored experiences during the tour.
Inclusions cover hotel/cruise ship pickup and drop-off, new non-smoking vehicles, and bottled water, but exclude entrance fees to archaeological sites.
Tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users due to accessibility limitations, and large bags are prohibited inside the vehicle.

Tour Overview and Pricing

This private tour of the Ancient Olympia site and museum, along with a visit to Athens, is priced from $469.97 per person.

The tour lasts 10 hours and departs at 8:00 a.m. from Athens, whether it’s from a hotel, cruise ship, or pre-arranged meeting point.

Travelers have the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option available.

The itinerary includes stops at the Corinth Canal, the archaeological site and museum of Olympia, and a lunch in the Peloponnese region.

The tour emphasizes a personal, worry-free experience with knowledgeable guides and interaction with locals.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a pickup from Athens, followed by a 15-minute stop at the Corinth Canal.

Travelers then embark on a 2-hour and 42-minute drive to the ancient city of Olympia.

Once there, they’ll explore the Archaeological Site of Olympia for 20 minutes, including the iconic Temple of Zeus and the historic Stadium.

Next, they’ll visit the House of Nero for 20 more minutes before heading to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which requires an additional fee.

After spending 20 minutes at the museum, the group will enjoy an authentic 1-hour lunch in the Peloponnese region.

Experience and Guides

Knowledgeable guides with backgrounds in archaeology, history, and hospitality lead this private tour, ensuring a personalized and worry-free experience for guests. They provide a friendly atmosphere and foster personal connections with locals and small businesses along the way.

The tour emphasizes a relaxed pace, allowing ample time for guests to explore the sites and enjoy the rich history. With their extensive knowledge, the guides bring the ancient ruins and museum exhibits to life, offering insights and anecdotes that enrich the overall experience.

Guests can expect a tour that’s tailored to their needs and interests, creating a truly memorable journey through Greece’s storied past.

Inclusions and Amenities

The tour includes an authentic local lunch, complete with drinks and dessert, allowing guests to savor the flavors of the Peloponnese region.

Hotel or cruise ship pickup and drop-off are provided for convenience.

Travelers will ride in new, non-smoking vehicles from 2020-2023, with bottled water and an informative booklet available during the journey.

While entrance fees to archaeological sites aren’t included, guests can bring a small carry-on bag.

Those with dietary restrictions can request a vegetarian lunch option.

The tour emphasizes a personalized experience, with open communication to accommodate individual needs.

Reviewing agency reviews is recommended to set proper expectations for this immersive exploration of Ancient Olympia and Athens.

Important Information

Travelers should be aware that this tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users, as accessibility could be limited.

Comfortable shoes and a passport or ID (a copy is accepted) are recommended items to bring. Guests aren’t allowed to bring large bags or luggage, or consume their own drinks and food inside the vehicle.

The tour is designed to be flexible, and the tour provider will communicate fully with guests after booking to accommodate any specific needs.

It’s recommended to read reviews of the agency to ensure the tour meets expectations.

Corinth Canal

The Corinth Canal is a historic engineering marvel that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, providing a vital maritime shortcut through the Isthmus of Corinth.

This 6-kilometer-long canal took over a decade to construct and was completed in 1893. The canal saves ships a significant journey around the Peloponnese peninsula, reducing the travel distance by approximately 185 miles.

While only large enough to accommodate small and medium-sized vessels, the Corinth Canal is an impressive feat of human ingenuity and a popular stopover on tours of ancient Olympia.

Visitors can marvel at the steep, rocky sides of the canal and learn about its fascinating history during the brief 15-minute stop on the way to the archaeological site.

Archaeological Site of Olympia

After marveling at the Corinth Canal, visitors make their way to the archaeological site of Olympia, the celebrated birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games.

Here, they’ll explore the ruins of this once-thriving sanctuary, including the iconic Temple of Zeus and the ancient stadium where the Olympic competitions took place.

The guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the site’s rich history to life.

Visitors can stroll through the well-preserved remains, imagining the grandeur of the ancient games and the reverence with which the Greeks held this hallowed ground.

The 20-minute visit allows just enough time to capture the essence of this legendary site before continuing on to the nearby Archaeological Museum of Olympia.

Archaeological Museum of Olympia

Visiting the Archaeological Museum of Olympia allows travelers to delve deeper into the site’s rich history and uncover the remarkable artifacts that were once part of this ancient sanctuary.

The museum boasts an impressive collection of sculptures, including the famous statue of Hermes by Praxiteles. Visitors can marvel at bronze and ceramic items, as well as coins and inscriptions that provide valuable insights into the cultural and religious significance of Olympia.

The museum’s layout is designed to enhance the visitor experience, guiding them through the different eras and aspects of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

With knowledgeable guides on hand, travelers can fully appreciate the significance and grandeur of the ancient Olympic Games that were hosted here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is available in languages other than English. Customers can request a guide who speaks their preferred language when booking the tour, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience throughout the excursion.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional stops. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility to accommodate personal interests and requests, subject to logistics and guide availability.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour company offers discounted pricing for children under 12 and seniors over 65, typically around 10-15% off the standard adult rate. Additional details on child and senior pricing can be provided upon booking.

Are There Any Options for Vegetarian or Dietary-Restricted Meals?

According to the tour details, there is an optional vegetarian lunch available for those with dietary restrictions. The tour also accommodates individual needs, so guests can request alternative meal options when booking.

Can the Tour Accommodate Travelers With Limited Mobility?

The tour cannot accommodate travelers with limited mobility, as it is specifically noted as not suitable for wheelchair users. However, the tour provider may be able to offer alternative arrangements upon request and with advance notice.