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Olympia
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From 200€
Ancient Olympia/ Ancient Corinth private tour (12h) from Athens/ Nafplio
Scenery, Historical, Delphi, Classical, DayTours
Ancient Olympia is an open Museum. Its the Birth city of the Olympic Games. Do not Miss.
Olympia
Hermes of Praxiteles
Olympia
Cretan Man
Olympia
Chania Fruit Market
Olympia
Rethymno Town
Exploring the Area & Games History
Exploring Ancient Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the western Peloponnese, is a journey to the birthplace of the Olympic Games which began in 776 BCE to honour the father of Gods and continued for over 1000 years. This sacred sanctuary was dedicated to Zeus, offers a mix of athletic history and ancient Greek religious ruins. Visitors can explore the ancient stadium, Temple of Zeus, Gymnasium, Fidias Workshop. Philippion, Temple of Hera…etc, plus the Museums history of the Game as the Archaeological Museum.
The History of the Ancient Games The Games began as a single-day event but expanded into a five-day festival held every four years (an Olympiad).- Sacred Truce (Ekecheiria):To ensure safe passage for participants, a Sacred Truce was declared, halting regional wars for the duration of the event.
- Origins: The first recorded games occurred in 776 BCE, held every four years, which established the “Olympiad” time measurement.
- Significance: The games were a massive religious festival, promoting Panhellenic unity and requiring a truce among warring city-states.
- The Participants: Competitors were freeborn Greek men who competed nude, representing their city-states.
- Events: Originally featuring a single foot race (stade), the games evolved to include wrestling, boxing, chariot racing, discus, javelin, and long jump.
- Rewards: Winners received an olive wreath and, upon returning home, immense prestige, often including free meals for life.
Highlights in Ancient Olympia
The Sanctuary a of Zeus (Altis): The sacred precinct containing the Temple of Zeus, which once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the colossal chryselephantine (gold and ivory) Statue of Zeus by Phidias, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Significance: It was the largest temple in the Peloponnese, dedicated to the king of the gods, and served as a central site for worship, sacrifices, and the honouring of Olympic victors.
The Palaestra and Gymnasium: In Ancient Olympia, the Gymnasium and Palaestra served as the elite training grounds for athletes preparing for the Olympic Games. Located northwest of the sacred Altis, these two facilities functioned as a unified complex for physical and mental preparation
The Palaestra: (Wrestling School) A dedicated school for “combat” sports, specifically wrestling, boxing, and the pankration.
The Gymnasium: A much larger facility used primarily by track-and-field athletes and those competing in the pentathlon. It included a Xystos (a covered running track) that was the exact length of the actual Olympic stadium, allowing athletes to practice under identical conditions even in bad weather.
The Stadium: The ancient stadium at Olympia, Greece, is the historic birthplace of the Olympic Games (started 776 BC). Located near the Temple of Zeus, this archaeological site features a 192-meter dirt track, natural grassy slopes for ~45,000 spectators, and a stone entrance tunnel for athletes. It is a UNESCO site.
The Temple of Hera (c. 590 BC) is a sacred Archaic Doric temple in Olympia where the Olympic flame is lit. Nearby, the Philippeion (c. 338 BC) is a unique circular Ionic monument dedicated to Philip II of Macedon’s family. Both are located in the Altis, highlighting early religion and later political power.
Temple of Hera (Heraion): One of the oldest temples in Greece, originally featuring wooden columns later replaced by stone. It is the site of the Olympic flame lighting ceremony today.
Architectural Evolution: Originally constructed with wood and mud brick, its wooden columns were gradually replaced with stone over centuries, showcasing different stages of the Doric style.
Modern Legacy: The Olympic Flame is lit at its altar before every modern Olympiad
Philippeion: A circular building (tholos) near the Heraion, featuring chryselephantine (ivory/gold) statues of the Macedonian royal family, serving as a memorial to Philippe II and his family.
The Workshop of Phidias in Ancient Olympia is the 5th-century BC studio where the renowned sculptor created the chryselephantine Statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Location: Situated directly west of the Temple of Zeus, specifically designed with the same dimensions as the temple’s inner cella to facilitate construction.
Discovery: Excavated in the 1950s, uncovering tools, ivory chips, terracotta molds for draping the gold robes, and a wine cup inscribed “I belong to Phidias”.
Transformation: In the 5th century AD, the site was converted into an Early Christian basilica, which was later destroyed by an earthquake.
Transformation: In the 5th century AD, the site was converted into an Early Christian basilica, which was later destroyed by an earthquake.
Significance: It serves as vital archaeological evidence confirming the location and methods used to build the massive, 12-meter-high statue.
The Archaeological Museum of Olympia in Greece is a world-renowned institution near the ancient Olympic site, showcasing artifacts from the Sanctuary of Zeus. It is famous for housing the Hermes of Praxiteles and the Temple of Zeus sculptures. Key highlights include ancient bronzes, terracotta, and early Olympic history.
Major Artifacts: Hermes of Praxiteles, Nike of Paionios, and Temple of Zeus pediments.
Significance: Houses finds from one of the most important religious and athletic centers of the ancient world.
Operating Hours: 08:00–20:00 (Summer), 08:30–15:30 (Winter).
Significance: Houses finds from one of the most important religious and athletic centers of the ancient world.
Operating Hours: 08:00–20:00 (Summer), 08:30–15:30 (Winter).
Eating and Drinking
Eating and drinking in Olympia, Greece, centers on traditional, rustic tavernas offering authentic Greek cuisine near the archaeological site. Expect grilled meats, fresh fish, moussaka, and local wine in a relaxed, often family-run atmosphere. Key local experiences include tasting local olive oil, visiting honey farms, and enjoying cocktails with scenic views.
For taverns and restaurants apart from the taste, tradition and value also played a part in our selection. And only the best coffee houses or cafes have been chosen, the places where we ourselves stop for a coffee or just a small break.
Tavernas: for authentic moussaka and grilled meats.
Drinks: Zorbas Cocktail & Wine Bar is popular for cocktails and atmosphere.
Local Produce: Klio’s Honey Farm and local wineries like Olympia Land Winery.
Experience: Authentic, unpretentious dining, often with complimentary local dessert or digestive.
Where to Stay – Travel Time
For a stay in ancient Olympia we recommend 4* Hotels or A’ class Boutique Hotels.
For Overnight tours, we will suggest you, hotels and mansions, which maintain the traditional style, with stunning views, in well chosen locations in the big cities or towns or in the beautiful mountains of the mainland. Greece Private tours working only with the best. We have made up a web of associates throughout Greece. The Boutique and 4 or 5 star hotels were exclusively chosen for their cleanliness, comfort, hospitality and quality breakfast.
You could visit ancient Olympia in Peloponnese all year around. The best time is during the shoulder seasons of March April–May or September–October, offering pleasant hiking weather and fewer crowds. Early morning (before 9:00 AM) or late afternoon is ideal to avoid busy tour buses. Fall (October) offers stunning colours, while late Jan – Feb – April is quieter and cooler. Unique time is Christmas and Easter. Avoid: Mid-July to August (extreme heat/crowds)
How to Get Around
See All View Travel offers private tours to Olympia from Athens (one day private tour to Olympia ) or is included as top destination in multi days tour . Best Approach: 1 or 2 nights recommended for a relaxed visit. See our Mainland / Island private tours.
Our tour drivers are seasoned travelers and are dedicated to helping you live the tour of your life, that is suited to your needs and lifestyle, where you can relax, have no worry of driving, allowing all passengers to enjoy the scenic drives through the beautiful Greek countryside, stopping wherever you desire to take photos or hiking, have a break. Any combination or schedule of tour can be arranged for you from one day tour to two week long tours, depending on the time you have available.
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We see all views of Greece from different angles. We view the classical, historical, biblical, modern sites of Greece as travellers, not as tourists. Learn more about our exclusive tours and latest travel tips on our blog. Join us on social media for real-time updates and stunning photos of our tours.
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