Archaeological Site of Olympia

Enjoy this convenient transfer from your cruise ship terminal at Katakolo Port, and head to the famous Ancient Olympia. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy a VR Audio Tour where you can relive the past. Disembark from your cruise ship and find the local partner at the exit cruise terminal. Hop into an air-conditioned bus and start driving 30-minutes through the idyllic country side to Ancient Olympia. Reach Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic games. Relive the past with a Virtual Reality application and listen to the fascinating audioguide in 10 languages. Admire the wonder and thrill of the original Olympic Games, which were held from 776 BC. to 393 AD. Enter the famous archaeological site of Olympia and marvel at the Temple of Hera, in front of which burns the Olympic Flame during modern day Olympic Games. See the Temple of Zeus, which once housed the Golden and Ivory statue of Zeus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and the original Stadium and Bouleuterion, monuments unlike any other, where once competitors swore an oath to conform to the rules. Choose between 2 options with entry tickets included or without. Near the Archaeological site is the modern village of Olympia that you can easily reach for shopping, souvenirs, or a quick lunch, coffee, and snacks. After a day full of history and culture you will return to the Katakolo village and port. Enter your cruise or spend some time at the picturesque village by the sea.

Explore the Archeological Site of Olympia on your own with a roundtrip transfer from the Katakolo Cruise port. Drive through the scenic mainland of western Peloponnese and explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Return to the port, just in time for your cruise departure. Meet your guide outside of the cruise terminal and board an air-conditioned bus to Ancient Olympia. Buy your admission ticket upon arrival and enter the archeological site. Learn of the origin of the Olympic Games in classical times, held from 776 BC until 393 AD. Marvel at the Temple of Hera and the Olympic flame that burns outside during the modern-day games. See the Temple of Zeus that once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Golden and Ivory statue of Zeus. Witness where competitors once swore an oath to honor the rules at the Stadium and Bouleuterion. Feel free to explore at your own pace and choose to visit the modern Village of Olympia for shopping or a traditional meal. Take a moment to swim at the nearby beach before returning to your awaiting cruise ship.

Travel back in time to the site of the first Olympic Games, and the Unesco-listed ruins of Ancient Olympia. Go directly to the archaeological site of the ancient Olympia, one of the archaeological highlights of the Peloponnese.Stroll and admire the remains of temples. See the Temple of Zeus, the largest temple in the Peloponnese, considered by many to be the perfect example of Doric architecture.Next, visit The Temple of Hera, one of the oldest monumental temples in Greece. Explore the stadium, hippodrome, wrestling school, and gymnasium where Olympic athletes trained. Continue to the archaeological museum that presents the long history of the most-celebrated sanctuary of antiquity: the sanctuary of Zeus. Take in a vast number of finds from the excavations in the sacred precinct of the Altis.Conclude your visit wit a stop at The Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Olympia. Learn the important history of the Olympic Games and hosts findings related to the period when the ancient games took place.

Meet your host at the local partner's office in Olympia, who will then explain how the virtual reality (VR) glasses work. After the short introduction, begin your virtual tour at the Archeological Site and step back in time to experience ancient Olympia. Listen to interesting facts about each monument and see many monuments come to life again.  You’ll first visit the Ancient Gymnasium, where athletes used to train for the Olympic Games before making your way to Palestra, the training place of boxers and wrestlers. Next, you’ll stop at the Phidias Workshop, where Phidias created one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Heading east, you will see the Temple of Zeus and virtually enter the monument to see the magnificent Statue of Zeus. Then, find yourself in the Ancient Stadium. Through your VR glasses, you will get to experience an ancient sporting event. See athletes competing for the Olympics and admire them from the finishing line. Then head over to the ruins of the Nymphaeum of Herodes of Atticus. With the help of your VR glasses, you’ll be able to see the ruins of the Nymphaeum in its full grandeur and see it come to life again. Last, see the lighting of the Olympic Flame in ancient times and discover that some traditions have remained the same until today. 15 monuments in total will be available for you to discover using virtual reality and audio guide.

Experience Olympia at your own pace with an e-ticket and a captivating self-guided audio tour on your smartphone. Receive your ticket by email, download the app and the audio tour on your phone, prior to your visit, and travel back in time to experience the glory of Olympia. Put on your headphones and explore the Gymnasium and continue to meet The Palestra, getting acquainted with the Prytaneion, The Phillipeion, and The temple of Hera. Through the power of storytelling and learn historical information and uncommon stories and anecdotes from ancient times. Tour’s content is the result of in-depth research, squeezed into brief original stories that will make your visit both engaging and informative. The audio tour can be used repeatedly and anytime, before or after your visit. This is an unmissable opportunity to enjoy the archaeological site of Olympia and discover the truth behind the world-renowned mythological story.

1st DAY: 08:30 Starting from Athens we drive westwards along the scenic coast, until we reach the CORINTH CANAL with its breathtaking views (Short Stop). Then continue to MYCENAE(Visit) “Mycenae 'Rich in Gold', the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon, first sung by Homer in his epics. Free time for lunch (on own expence) Then depart to EPIDAURUS (Visit). On the headland called "Nesi" at Palaia Epidaurus, the theatre of the ancient city is quite well-preserved, in the shape it acquired during the latter years of its function. Apart from a few rows of seats, the cavea is made of limestone with poros staircases. The theater is marveled for its exceptional acoustics. Drive to NAUPLIA 1st capital of Greece in 1829 ( Stop) In the afternoon check in at your hotel – Dinner & Overnight. 2nd DAY: After your breakfast departure for Olympia the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece. Olympia became the most important religious and athletic centre in Greece. Its fame rests upon the Olympic Games, the greatest national festival and a highly prestigious one world-wide, which was held every four years to honor Zeus. Visit the Archaeological Site & the Museum and then drive via PATRAS to RION, across the channel to ANTIRRION on the “State of the Art” new suspended bridge considered to be the longest and most modern in Europe. Arrive in NAFPAKTOS (drive through) then continue to DELPHI – Dinner & Overnight. 3rd DAY: Situated at the foot of Mount Parnassos, within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the Phaedriades, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. The sanctuary of Delphi was for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. Visit of the archaeological site and the Museum where one can see among other archeological treasures, the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer dedicated to Apollo by Polyzalos, the tyrant of Gela, in 478 B.C. when he won the chariot-race at the Pythian Games. After visits depart for KALAMBAKA. Dinner & Overnight. 4th DAY: Today we will see one of the most amazing places in Greece - METEORA Meaning ‘suspended in air’ the name Meteora soon came to encompass the entire rock community of 24 monasteries, the biggest and most important group of monasteries in Greece Monks descended in the nets or on retractable wooden ladders up to 40m long to the fertile valleys below to grow grapes, corn and potatoes. Each community developed its own resources and by the end of the 14th century, the Grand Meteoron emerged as the dominant community. The rock monasteries have been characterized by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage. After visits start the drive back to ATHENS passing through THERMOPYLAE (Photo Stop). Return back to Athens approx 19:00

Step into the footsteps of ancient athletes and gods on our tour to Ancient Olympia. Explore the historic site where the Olympic Games were born and where legends were made. Wander through the remnants of grand temples, athletic arenas, and sacred spaces that once hosted the world's most prestigious athletic event. As you stroll through the archaeological wonders, our expert guides will transport you back in time, regaling you with stories of athletic prowess, mythological tales, and the significance of this hallowed ground. Marvel at the Temple of Zeus, where the iconic Statue of Zeus once stood, and stand on the ancient starting line of the original Olympic track. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region at the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Olympia, where a treasure trove of artifacts and sculptures awaits. Feel the energy of the past as you soak in the history and culture that shaped our world.

Take a step back from the present day and delve into the wonders of ancient Greece over the course of 4 unforgettable days. Jump aboard the luxury bus, sit back and enjoy a zero carbon journey through the archeological sanctuaries of Epidaurus, Mycenae, Nafplio, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora. With stunning scenery along the way, incredible architecture and a place to rest your head at night, this tour has everything you could want and more. Day 1: Visit Epdiaurus, Nafpila and Mycenae The Day starts with a drive along the Corinth Canal to Epidaurus, the reputed birthplace of Apollo's son Asclepius, and a visit to the ancient theatre, renowned for its symmetry and exceptional acoustics. From here you will proceed on to the seaport town Nafplio for a short stop then on through the plain of Argos arriving at Mycenae. This archeological site was once a major centre to Greek civilisation and is home to the Tomb of Agamemnon. In the afternoon you will depart for Olympia, where you will spend the night. Day 2: Discover Olympia and Delphi There is much to be explored at the home of the Olympic Games. Stride among the gods at the temples of Hera and Zeus, cower at the alter of the Olympic Flame, where the sacrifices were made, and buff up on your history at the site's museum. The journey will continue on via Patras to Rio, across the state-of-the-art Rio-Antirrio bridge, past the city of Nafpaktos and along the beautiful coastal road to Delphi. Thought of by the Greeks as the middle of the entire earth, Delphi came to be known as the navel of the world. In the afternoon you will take a trip to the picturesque mountain village of Arachova then back to Delphi for an overnight stay. Day 3: Explore Delphi and Ovenight stay in Kalambaka Spend a relaxed and possibly spiritual morning in Delphi taking in the atmosphere of this centre of Greek worship, the place where heaven and earth meet. In the afternoon you will depart for Kalambaka. Overlooked by the Meteora Monasteries, this will be your resting place for the night. Day 4: The Meteora Monasteries and return to Athens Travel the heights to Meteora, where you can visit the most important complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece. Built high on 6 sandstone pillars overlooking Kalambaka, you will experience breathtaking views carved by the elements of nature. Your return trip will offer an optional trip to a factory of Byzantine style icons, then continue past the monument of Leonidas (King of Sparta), and finishing up your monumental tour back in Athens in the late afternoon.

Start your tour with a visit to the Corinth Canal, a site of utmost historical significance. Enjoy a brief 15 minute stop here and take plenty of pictures whilst you have a refreshing beverage. Next, continue your travels to Ancient Olympia, where you will get to stop and discover with your driver for around 5 hours.  During your time here, you will get to visit some of ancient Greece's most iconic landmarks, such as the Archaeological Site of Olympia, the Philippeion, the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, the Museum of the Olympic Games and the Archimedes Museum. Whilst in the city of Olympia, your driver will be able to suggest a delicious, traditional Greek tavern for you to stop and have lunch.

Discover the ruins of ancient Olympia on a guided tour from Katakolon. Learn about the history of the site, dedicated to Zeus, the father of the Gods, and see the temple of Zeus, the temple of Hera, and the ancient stadium of Olympia. Meet your Tour Escort at the port of Katakolon and board your air-conditioned transportation. Begin your exploration of Olympia, at your leisure, this is NOT a guided Tour guests can choose how long they wish to visit particular areas of the site - and the length of time-a site that continues to be excavated to this day. Learn about the history of the site, which has been excavated since 1829.Olympia was built to be the center of athletic excellence in Greece, and it was here that the Olympic Games were originally held every four years to honour Zeus. Admire the Gymnasium, the Palaestra, the temple of Zeus, the temple of Hera, Heras altar, and the ancient stadium of Olympia from the outside.