Ancient Olympia (birth place of Olympic Games) & Corinth Canal, Private Day Tour

This private day tour from Athens offers an immersive experience into Greece’s ancient and modern marvels for $475.25 per person. Spanning approximately 11 to 12 hours, this trip is tailored for those who want to explore at their own pace with personalized service. The tour includes visits to Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and the iconic Corinth Canal, along with stops in Tripoli and the charming town of Olympia. Travelers appreciate the skip-the-line tickets, which help avoid long waits, and the use of a luxurious, climate-controlled Mercedes vehicle ensures comfort throughout the day.

This tour suits those seeking a comprehensive, flexible experience of Greece’s history and landscapes, with a focus on comfort, expert driving, and insightful commentary, though it does not include guided site tours within Olympia itself.

Key Points

• Private, personalized service maximizes flexibility and comfort during the trip.
• Includes skip-the-line tickets for the archaeological sites and museum, saving valuable time.
• Travel in a climate-controlled Mercedes vehicle, suitable for small groups.
• Stops at Corinth Canal and Tripoli provide a mix of engineering marvels and local flavor.
• Two-hour visit to the Olympia archaeological site offers an in-depth look at ancient structures.
• Additional time in Olympia town allows for relaxed exploration and lunch.

Corinth Canal: Greece’s Narrow Waterway Marvel

The tour begins with a stop at the Corinth Canal, approximately one hour after leaving Athens. This historic waterway, 6.3 kilometers long, is one of the oldest man-made canals in the world. It connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, effectively turning the Peloponnese into an island.

Surrounded by walls standing at 170 feet, the canal’s width varies between 69 to 82 feet at the surface, and it’s 26 feet deep. Despite its narrowness, the canal remains a vital navigational route, helping ships avoid a journey of 185 nautical miles around the Peloponnese. Visitors find the views impressive and appreciate the chance to photograph this engineering feat. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, with free admission.

Quick Visit to Tripoli: Rest and Local Flavor

Half an hour after the Corinth Canal, the tour moves on to Tripoli, the largest city in central Peloponnese. This stop offers a brief chance to stretch, enjoy a coffee or snack, or simply rest. Located in Arcadia, Tripoli provides a glimpse of local life in Greece’s interior. This 30-minute stop is free of charge and gives travelers a moment of relaxation before continuing to Olympia.

Exploring the Ancient Site of Olympia

The highlight of the tour is the approximately 90-minute visit to the archaeological site of Olympia. The site includes the sanctuary of Zeus, the athletic premises, administrative buildings, and the Altis, the sacred enclosure at the heart of the site. The temples, cult buildings, and treasuries are arranged around the sacred core, with three gates on the west and two on the south from the late fourth century BC.

Visitors can walk around the ruins, see the remains of ancient structures, and appreciate the scale of this historic religious and athletic center. The site provides a fascinating view into ancient Greek religious and sports traditions, and the timing allows for a thorough exploration of what remains today. Entrance fees are not included in the tour price and cost €20 per person.

Olympia Archaeological Museum: Discovering Ancient Art

Following the site visit, the tour includes one hour at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. This museum houses artifacts from prehistoric times to early Christian periods, with a focus on the sanctuary of Zeus. Noteworthy are the sculpture collection, bronzes, and large terracotta pieces—the latter being the world’s most extensive collection.

The museum’s exhibits provide context to the ruins, showcasing statues, relics, and ceremonial objects that reveal details about goddess worship, athletic competitions, and daily life in ancient Olympia. As with the site, museum entry is not included and costs €20 per person.

Strolling Through Olympia Town and River Kladeos Bridge

After exploring the archaeological sites, travelers have about one hour in Olympia town. Crossing the River Kladeos, the town offers small cafes and restaurants, perfect for a relaxed lunch or coffee break. The town’s charm lies in its quaint atmosphere and views of the surrounding landscape, providing a chance to soak in Greece’s local vibe before heading back.

This flexible stop allows for personal exploration at a leisurely pace, with the opportunity to purchase local snacks or souvenirs.

Comfortable Return Trip to Athens

Following the town visit, the tour departs Olympia, returning to Athens after approximately three hours. The luxurious, fully air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey, allowing guests to reflect on the day’s experiences. Pickup and drop-off are available at your Athens or Piraeus hotel, residence, or cruise port, adding convenience for travelers.

The Ease of Booking and Tour Features

The tour’s group size is limited to a maximum of 7 travelers, emphasizing personalized attention and a less crowded experience. Included are child seats, service animals, and parking fees, with skip-the-line tickets arranged in advance to avoid long waits. The tour is family-friendly, with options to modify the itinerary for children’s needs.

The driver provides commentary in fluent English, sharing insights about each location during transit, although the driver does not accompany visitors inside the archaeological sites. For a guided experience inside Olympia, a private licensed guide can be arranged at an additional cost.

Honest Assessment: Strengths and Considerations

This private tour excels in offering a personalized, comfortable, and efficient way to see key Greek landmarks. The inclusion of skip-the-line tickets and a luxury vehicle makes it a value-packed experience, especially for those who want to avoid the hassle of group tours and long waits.

However, site visits do not include guided tours inside Olympia unless an extra guide is booked. Visitors who desire a detailed, expert-led exploration of the archaeological site may need to arrange this separately. The cost of entrance fees (€20 each) is not included, so budget accordingly.

Travelers who appreciate flexibility, luxury transportation, and focused site visits will find this tour ideal. It’s especially well-suited for those looking for a relaxed pace combined with insightful commentary from an experienced driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include guided tours inside Olympia?
No, the tour does not include guided tours inside the archaeological site or museum, but a private licensed guide can be arranged for an additional fee.

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees for Olympia’s archaeological site and museum are €20 per person and are paid separately.

What transportation is used during the tour?
Guests travel in a luxurious, climate-controlled Mercedes vehicle suited for small groups, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

How long are the stops at Corinth Canal and Tripoli?
The Corinth Canal stop lasts about 30 minutes, and the Tripoli stop is also approximately 30 minutes, offering brief but memorable visits.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and can be modified to suit children’s needs, with child seats available upon request.

How flexible is the itinerary?
The tour offers a flexible pickup time and allows some customization, especially in the Olympia town stop, making it adaptable to individual wishes.

What makes this tour different from group excursions?
The private nature ensures personalized service, less crowded experiences, and the ability to explore at your own pace, setting it apart from larger group tours.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, the booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Key highlights include the Corinth Canal, the archaeological site and museum of Olympia, and a relaxed visit in Olympia town. The skip-the-line tickets and luxury transportation enhance the experience.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked about 74 days in advance, reflecting its popularity and limited capacity.

Is this tour accessible for travelers with disabilities?
While specific accessibility info isn’t detailed, the fully insured and certified vehicles and private pickup/drop-off suggest a considerate level of accessibility. However, confirming specific needs in advance is recommended.

This private day tour to Olympia and Corinth Canal offers a well-balanced combination of history, scenery, and comfort for travelers eager to dive into Greece’s ancient past. Its personalized service and luxurious transport make it a compelling choice for those seeking a smooth, educational, and memorable journey.