Ancient Olympia: tour, food, cooking class, and a virtual reality museum

Key Points

• 7-hour tour starting from Katakolon port, including archaeological site visits and interactive experiences.
• Guided tours of the ancient Olympia archaeological site and museum with expert guides speaking English, Greek, or French.
• Hands-on cooking class where participants learn to prepare Greek recipes and enjoy tasting local olive oil.
• Experience the virtual reality museum, bringing the glory of ancient Olympia to life with VR glasses.
• The tour is private, suitable for groups seeking an intimate, personalized experience.
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, with reserve now, pay later options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Heart of Ancient Olympia with a Certified Guide

This 7-hour tour begins at Katakolon port, where a driver awaits to escort visitors to ancient Olympia. Once there, a certified guide leads a 2.5-hour guided tour of the archaeological site and the museum of ancient Olympia. The guide shares insights into the history of the Olympic Games and the significance of the gilded statue of Zeus, which is brought to life later in the virtual reality experience. The guide makes the history engaging and accessible, ensuring visitors understand the importance of each monument and artifact.

Visiting the Archaeological Site of Olympia

The archaeological site of Olympia is the focus of the first part of this tour. Visitors explore the ruins, including the remains of ancient temples, athletic facilities, and the original Olympic stadium. The guided tour provides context for these ancient structures, highlighting their architectural features and historical roles. The site offers plenty of photo opportunities, especially around the temple of Zeus and the ancient Olympic stadium. The experience is paced well, allowing enough time to appreciate the grandeur of the ruins without feeling rushed.

Greek Cooking Class with Local Chef and Olive Oil Tasting

After the archaeological exploration, the tour shifts to a cooking class in Olympia. A local cook demonstrates how to make traditional Greek recipes, which participants then try themselves. As part of the experience, there’s a tasting of local olive oil, with an explanation from the guide about how olives are harvested from the nearby olive grove. Guests get to take the recipes home, making it easy to recreate Greek dishes later. The cooking class emphasizes hands-on participation, making the experience both educational and delicious.

Tasting Greece’s Finest Olive Oil

The olive oil tasting session is a key highlight, offering a chance to sample high-quality local olive oil directly from Olympia’s olive groves. The guide explains the harvesting process, helping visitors appreciate the craftsmanship behind Greek olive oil. This tasting complements the culinary experience, providing insight into Greece’s iconic food product and its importance in Greek cuisine. The tasting is informal but informative, adding depth to the overall experience.

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Virtual Reality Museum of Olympia: Ancient Greece Comes Alive

One of the most distinctive features of this tour is the visit to the virtual reality museum of Olympia. Using VR glasses, visitors see the Gilded statue of Zeus come to life, symbolizing one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. The VR experience also offers a virtual tour of the ancient Olympic village, immersing participants in the past like never before. This interactive segment makes the history of Olympia engaging and accessible, particularly for those interested in technology-driven exhibits.

Lunch and Free Time in Olympia

Following the VR experience, the tour provides a lunch break with traditional Greek food of the day. This is a great opportunity to relax, enjoy local cuisine, and reflect on the morning’s discoveries. After lunch, there is a 45-minute free period to explore the area at your own pace. Visitors can revisit favorite spots, browse local shops, or simply enjoy the scenic surroundings of Olympia.

Practical Details: Logistics and Group Size

This tour departs from Katakolon port, with the meeting point marked by a large sign saying “John Latsis” at coordinates 37.64630889892578, 21.31713104248047. It features private group arrangements, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers services in English, Greek, and French. The duration of 7 hours makes it a comprehensive but manageable experience, suitable for most visitors with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and hats.

Benefits of Booking with Flexibility

The tour offers free cancellation if booked at least 24 hours in advance, and the reserve now, pay later option provides flexibility for travelers planning uncertain schedules. This makes it easier to commit without financial risk, especially if travel plans change unexpectedly.

What Sets This Tour Apart

This experience combines archaeological exploration with interactive technology and culinary traditions, offering a well-rounded look at Olympia. The virtual reality museum especially stands out, transforming what could be a standard site tour into an engaging multimedia adventure. The hands-on cooking class and olive oil tasting add a cultural and gastronomic dimension that appeals to food lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Potential Limitations and Considerations

While the tour is comprehensive, it runs for 7 hours, which may be lengthy for some travelers. The pace is balanced, but participants should be prepared for a full day of activity. The experience is suited for those comfortable with walking and standing, although wheelchair accessibility helps accommodate different needs. No specific restrictions are noted beyond standard requirements like comfortable shoes and sun protection.

The Sum Up: A Rich, Interactive Journey to Ancient Greece

This Ancient Olympia tour offers a compelling combination of history, culture, and technology in a single day. The guided archaeological tour ensures a thorough understanding of Olympia’s ancient sites, while the cooking class and olive oil tasting bring Greek traditions to life. The virtual reality museum adds a modern twist, making history immersive and memorable.

Ideal for those interested in history, food, and innovative experiences, this tour delivers a rich overview of Olympia’s significance. The private group setting enhances the personalized touch, and flexible booking options make planning easier. While a full-day commitment, the variety of activities keeps the experience engaging from start to finish. Overall, it’s a well-rounded tour that captures the essence of Olympia with modern flair.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the tour? The tour lasts 7 hours.
• What languages are available for the guides? Guides speak English, Greek, and French.
• Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users? Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.
• Where does the tour start? The meeting point is at Katakolon port, marked by a “John Latsis” sign.
• What do I need to bring? Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, credit card, cash, and comfortable clothes.
• Is food included? Yes, the tour includes lunch with Greek food of the day and olive oil tasting.
• Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
• What is the highlight of the experience? The virtual reality museum showcasing the gilded statue of Zeus and the Olympic village.
• Is there free time? Yes, there is 45 minutes of free time after lunch.
• Can I take the recipes home? Yes, you can take the recipes from the cooking class.
• What makes this tour special? The combination of archaeological exploration, culinary experiences, and VR technology offers a unique perspective on Olympia.