Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games in the 8th century, is a vast site with many remains of temples and the original training facilities used by ancient Greek competitors. It can be a little overwhelming for the first-time visitor, but on this tour, you鈥檒l be accompanied by a private guide who鈥檒l walk you around the site, ensuring you see its highlights. They鈥檒l help bring the ruins to life and put them into context, explaining the political circumstances that led to the inception of the games, athletes鈥� training regimes, cheating and bribery, and the perks of being a winning athlete.
This half-day tour begins at your hotel in Olympia where you鈥檒l be picked up and taken to the site by private transfer. Once you arrive at Ancient Olympia, a short drive away, you鈥檒l meet your private guide who will begin by explaining a little about the history of the region, and how and why it was chosen as the site of the Olympic Games.
Olympia has always held significance for the Greek people as the place where Zeus was said to have fought and defeated his father, Cronus.
Just as the games are intended to transcend borders and unite the nations of the world today, in ancient Greece the games brought the warring city-states of the Greek Empire together through athletic competition in an effort to promote peace.
Athletes came from all over the empire to compete to bring glory to their cities and to themselves. The site grew to include 70 temples, as well as the sporting facilities. Today, it鈥檚 one of the largest archaeological sites in Greece. Your guide will lead you around the ruins, taking you to the most significant remains (as well as some overlooked corners) and explain their function and history as you go.
The site was in use for about 1,000 years and your guide will point out Roman additions and renovations, such as statues of Zeus paid for by fines imposed on cheating athletes. You鈥檒l also see the vestiges of the colossal statue of Zeus, regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which once stood here.
Your guide will take you to the Temple of Hestia, where the modern Olympic torch is lit before beginning its journey around the world, the 2nd-century gymnasium, the palaestra (wrestling ground), and the original stadium which could seat 45,000 spectators.
The remains of a stone archway lead into the stadium where the straight running track remains along with its stone starting blocks and the stone seats used by the judges. You鈥檒l likely see visitors and school children recreating the races.
Models of how Olympia would have looked in its prime can be seen in the site鈥檚 archaeological museum, and you鈥檒l have time to pore over its wide-ranging displays which span the site鈥檚 past from prehistory to Roman times. Once you鈥檝e had time to look around the museum, you鈥檒l say goodbye to your guide and return to your hotel with your driver.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Greece specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Dinner in a local home
Experience traditional Greek cooking and hospitality with a visit to a local home for dinner, where you can try many homemade Greek specialties, chat to your local host and gain insight into everyday life in Greece.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tour below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
