Ancient Olympia Private Day Tour

Key Points

• Private Day Trip from Athens lasting approximately 11 hours offers a personalized experience.
• Visit the archaeological site of Olympia, home of the ancient Olympic Games, and the Archaeological Museum of Olympia.
• Drive along the coast, passing Greek seaside villages and the island of Salamis, with a photo stop at the Corinth Canal.
• Explore historic sites such as the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Gymnasium, the Palaestra, and the Stadium.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and transport by private vehicle.
• Optional guided tour available for an additional fee, but the tour includes a knowledgeable driver who provides historical commentary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Tour Embarks from Athens to Ancient Olympia

This private 11-hour tour from Athens begins with hotel pickup, providing a seamless start to a day filled with history and scenic views. The journey takes you along the Greek coastline, offering glimpses of the Ionian Sea from highways and local streets.

The first major stop is the Corinth Canal, a remarkable feat of engineering opened in 1892. Here, a 20-minute walk across a pedestrian bridge grants an up-close view of the canal’s impressive waterway that separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. This early encounter with Greece’s historic transportation link sets the tone for the day’s exploration.

From there, the drive continues toward Ancient Olympia, one of Greece’s largest archaeological sites. The trip offers a chance to see some of Greece’s stunning seaside villages, adding to the scenic journey. The tour ends with a return trip to Athens, making this a full-packed day of sightseeing.

Visiting the Historic Site of Olympia and Its Key Monuments

At Ancient Olympia, the focus is on the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. The site features several notable structures, including the Gymnasium, the Palaestra, and the Temple of Zeus.

The Stadium is also a highlight, where athletes once competed for honor and spiritual elevation every four years. The guided walk through these ruins allows visitors to imagine the grandeur of ancient athletic and religious practices. The tour’s one-hour visit ensures a thorough look at these remains, though it is understood that the driver is not licensed to accompany guests inside the sites.

Following the exploration of the archaeological site, visitors head to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. The 30-minute visit here showcases artifacts and exhibits that further illuminate Greece’s ancient history, rounding out the understanding of this significant location.

Scenic Drive Along the Greek Coast and Salamis Island

One of the tour’s appealing aspects is the drive along Greece’s coast, where the landscape gradually shifts from inland ruins to seaside vistas. The route provides views of Greek seaside villages, with opportunities to appreciate local architecture and coastal life.

A notable feature of this drive is the view of Salamis Island, famous for its historical naval battle. The scenic route allows for observing this island from a distance, adding a layer of historical context to the coastal scenery.

This coastal drive offers a relaxed pace, contrasting with the more active archaeological exploration, and allows travelers to absorb Greece’s maritime charm from the comfort of the private vehicle.

The Corinth Canal: A Highlight Stop

The Corinth Canal is a major highlight, both for its engineering and its picturesque setting. Opened in 1892, the canal connects the Saronic Gulf with the Corinthian Sea, effectively separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece.

The 20-minute photo stop across a pedestrian bridge provides an excellent vantage point for photos of the canal’s striking waterway and cliffs. This stop offers a brief but memorable view of one of Greece’s most iconic maritime engineering projects.

Visitors appreciate this close-up look at the canal, which divides two important bodies of water and has historically been vital for maritime trade and travel.

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Comfortable Transport and Practical Inclusions

The tour includes transport by private vehicle, providing comfort and flexibility throughout the day. The professional driver offers insightful commentary, sharing detailed knowledge of Greece’s history and scenery.

Bottled water is provided, ensuring hydration during the long day of exploration. The service also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which simplifies logistics when staying in Athens.

While the tour does not include licensed guide services, those seeking deeper archaeological insights can request additional guided tours at an extra cost of $380, subject to availability.

Fees, Additional Costs, and Tour Flexibility

Entrance fees for the archaeological sites are $20 for visitors over 6 years old who are non-EU, and $24 for EU citizens aged 24. These are paid separately at the site and are not included in the tour price of $367 per person.

Travelers should note that food and drinks are not included in the package, so packing snacks or planning a meal is advisable.

The tour is private and flexible, allowing customization based on specific needs or interests. The skip-the-ticket-line feature accelerates entry, saving time for exploration.

Booking, Cancellation, and Accessibility

This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for planning. The English host or greeter ensures clear communication throughout the day.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating travelers with mobility needs.
Reserve now & pay later options allow travelers to secure their spot without immediate payment, offering flexibility in planning.

The Sum Up: An In-Depth Look at the Ancient Olympia Private Day Tour

This private day tour from Athens offers a comprehensive visit to Ancient Olympia, combining archaeological exploration with scenic coastal drives. Its 11-hour duration suits travelers seeking a full day of sightseeing without the chaos of large groups.

The professional driver and customizable itinerary ensure a relaxed experience, while the scenic stops at the Corinth Canal and Salamis add unique highlights. The tour’s affordable price of $367 covers transport, water, and logistics, making it a practical choice for those eager to see the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

While the lack of included guided tours inside the archaeological sites might be a consideration for history buffs, the option to request guided services makes this flexible. This tour provides a balanced mix of history, scenery, and comfort, perfect for visitors wanting an in-depth yet manageable day trip from Athens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour from Athens?
The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, including travel time, site visits, and breaks.

What is included in the price?
The price of $367 per person includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by private vehicle, bottled water, and a professional driver with historical knowledge.

Are guided tours available inside the sites?
Guided tours are not included but can be requested for an additional $380, depending on availability.

What are the entrance fees for Olympia?
Entrance fees are $20 for non-EU visitors over 6 years old and $24 for EU visitors aged 24.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility challenges?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and accommodations are available.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, water, and any snacks or meals needed, as food and drinks are not included.

Is there free time at Olympia?
Yes, the one-hour visit at the archaeological site and 30 minutes at the museum provide ample opportunity to explore and take photos.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its private, customizable nature, combined with scenic coastal drives and flexible start times, offers a personalized experience at a reasonable price.

How accessible is the Corinth Canal stop?
The 20-minute stop allows for photos and brief sightseeing from a pedestrian bridge, making it straightforward and manageable for most visitors.

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