Ancient Olympia Scenic Tour.
This is where the Olympic Games took place every four years for over 1100 years, until their abolition by Emperor Theodosius I in AD 393.
The Olympic flame is still lit here for the modern Games. Thanks to the destruction ordered by Theodosius II in AD 420 and various subsequent earthquakes, little remains of the magnificent temples and athletic facilities, but enough exists to give you a hint of the sanctuary’s former glory.
It is one of Greece’s most evocative ancient sites. Wandering amid the tree-shaded ruins, you can almost picture the blood and smoke of oxen sacrificed to Zeus and Hera, the sweaty, oiled-up athletes waiting inside the original stadium and the raucous crowds waiting to see the action unfold.
According to one (of many different) legends, Zeus held the first Olympic Games to celebrate beating his father Kronos at wrestling. Archaeologists, however, date the oldest structures in the ancient complex to around 2000 to 1600 BCE, while records show the first known games – the athletic contest was originally part of a wider festival honouring Zeus – took place on the site in 776 BCE.
It’s worth remembering that some structures precede others by centuries; a visit to the excellent archaeological museum (as well as the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity) before or after will provide context and help with visualising the ancient buildings.
On our way to Ancient Olympia, we briefly pop up to check the Canal of Corinth as well as the Ancient Corinth (upon prior request).
Type: Culture & History Tour
Suitability: Singles, Couples, Families, Groups
Location: Ancient Olympia
Duration: Full Day
Sights & Activities: Archaeological Olympia Site, Archaeological Museum of Olympia, Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity and Museum of the History of the Olympia Excavations, Canal of Corinth, Ancient Corinth (upon prior request)
Availability: Upon Request
Please read carefully our Terms & Conditions before booking.
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What is included
- Professional English speaking tour leader
- Snacks & water
- Luxury private transfers in Mercedes Vito mini vans or similar (A/C, WiFi, leather seats)
- Hotel pick up & drop off
- VAT, petrol, toll fees, parking fees, taxes & service fees
- Licensed tour guide is not included but can be arranged with an extra charge
- Entrance fees to the sites
- Carbon Neutral roadtrip
What is NOT included
- All meals and drinks (visiting local restaurants and food arrangements can be organised though without extra charges)
- Travel Insurance
- Flight tickets to/ from Athens (We strongly advise you to check www.swoodoo.com the best flight tickets search engine, for the best airfare deals.)
- Process fees when paying with credit/ debit card (app. 3-4%)
- Whatever has not been mentioned clearly
Important notice
For your own personal safety & peace of mind be extremely aware of very low cost tours and offers. The companies offering them may be operating illegally.
Make sure that the tour company you select is registered under the Greek National Tourism Organization & Ministry of Tourism. All legally operating tour companies is mandatory to carry a license number.
Our GNTO NUMBER is: 1351E70000037401.