"A Day in Ancient Olympia:The Cradle of the Olympics Games"
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is "A Day in Ancient Olympia:The Cradle of the Olympics Games" worth booking?
"A Day in Ancient Olympia:The Cradle of the Olympics Games" is a 8-hour experience in Athens, Greece, from $84 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $84 per person
Your private tour will start from Athens and drive you through a scenic and beautiful landscape to the magnificent structure of the Corinth Canal, a narrow passage carved between two seas, where the power of nature meets
What you get
About this experience
Your private tour will start from Athens and drive you through a scenic and beautiful landscape to the magnificent structure of the Corinth Canal, a narrow passage carved between two seas, where the power of nature meets human ingenuity. The Corinth Canal connects the Saronic with the Corinthian Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Time for a break and some amazing photos. From there, the journey leads to Ancient Olympia, the legendary birthplace of the Olympic Games, where the ruins, the stadium, and the sacred temples still carry the spirit of ancient athletes. There you will visit both the archaeological site and choose between the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and the Museum of the Olympic Games. You will visit the Temple of Zeus, Pelopion, the stadium and the Temple of Hera. Afterall this knowledge bet that you get ready to taste the famous Greek cuisine and have a memorable lunch. It's up to you to choose from a variety of flavors of the most known Greek dishes.
What's included
Included
- Hotel/Airbnb/Port Piraeus Pick up & Drop off (Without extra charge)
- Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with A/C, Child Seats
- English speaking driver with knowledge of the history. Not licensed to accompany you in any site.
- Bottled water
- On-board WiFi
- Mobile Chargers
- Assistance with purchasing Skip-the-Line tickets (customer covers ticket cost)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Private transportation - Tour
Not included
- Licensed Tour guide upon request depending on availability.
- The guide driver is not a licensed tour guide to accompany you at any site/museum.
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
Your private tour will start from Athens and drive you through a scenic and beautiful landscape inside the Peloponnese peninsula. Our first stop is the Isthmus of Corinth is a narrow strip of land that connects Central Greece with the Peloponnese , while the canal that has been opened in it connects the Saronic Gulf with the Gulf of Corinth . It is about 6 kilometers long and the narrowest point is where the Corinth Canal was built (1880-1893). It was a strategic point and for this reason a wall had already been built since ancient times (end of the 5th century BC), which had been preserved until the Byzantines (Hexamilion).
15 minutes here
Olympia
Olympia, is a small town in Elis on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, famous for the nearby archaeological site of the same name. This site was a major Panhellenic religious sanctuary of ancient Greece, where the ancient Olympic Games were held every four years throughout Classical antiquity, from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. They were restored on a global basis in 1894 in honor of the ideal of peaceful international contention for excellence.
Pass by without stopping
In the western Peloponnese, in the beautiful valley of the Alpheios river, lies the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece. Dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods, it lies on the southwest foot of Mount Kronios, at the confluence of the Alpheios and the Kladeos rivers, in a lush green landscape. Although secluded near the west coast of the Peloponnese, 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 honour Zeus. According to UNESCO’s World Heritage website, there is probably no ancient archaeological site anywhere in the world more relevant in today’s world than Olympia. The stadium of Olympia, where the ancient Olympic Games were held, and the massive temple of Zeus, the largest temple in the Peloponnese, are the site’s most significant attractions.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
This is the stadium where most Olympic Games used to take place in the antiquity. The racetrack is over 200 meters long and nearly 30 to 34 meters wide.
Pass by without stopping
Statue Of Zeus At Olympia
Located close to the stadium, the Temple of Zeus was built in the 5th century BC by a local architect. The temple was made of limestone and marble. Historical records narrate that a giant golden statue of Zeus was found inside this temple.
Pass by without stopping
One of the oldest temples in Greece, this temple to goddess Hera was constructed in the 7th century BC according to the Dorian style. Today this is the altar where the Olympic flame is lit before the games.
Pass by without stopping
The Philippieion, the only circular building inside the Altis, is one of the finest examples of ancient Greek architecture. Located west of the temple of Hera, it was dedicated to Zeus by Philip II of Macedon.
Pass by without stopping
The palaestra is situated west of the Altis enclosure, near the Kladeos river. Built in the third century BC as part of the gymnasium complex, it was used to practice boxing, wrestling and jumping.
Pass by without stopping
Archaeological Museum of Olympia
Considered among the best museums in Greece, the Archaeological Museum hosts findings from the ancient site and from other excavations in the area. Well labeled and with many rooms, the most famous exhibits of the museum are the statues of Hermes of Praxiteles and of Nike Paionios.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Museum of the Olympic Games
The Museum of the History of the Olympic Games is housed in the old archaeological museum in Ancient Olympia. It houses findings from the entire area that are related to the ancient games.
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
"By MiniBus up to 12pax"
Private tour in 11hours Luxurious Mercedes Benz Skip line Tickets: We will purchase the tickets and you can pay the driver directly in cash. (by card-additional charge to cover the bank fees Pickup included
"By Sedan up to 3pax"
Private tour in 11hours Luxurious Mercedes Benz Sedan Skip line Tickets: We will purchase the tickets and you can pay the driver directly in cash. (by card-additional charge to cover the bank fees Pickup included
"By MiniVan up to 8pax"
Private tour in 11hours Luxurious Mercedes Benz Skip line Tickets: We will purchase the tickets and you can pay the driver directly in cash. (by card-additional charge to cover the bank fees Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Greece Athens Taxi GAT
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Additional fees if the tour concludes at a location other than the designated meeting point.
- Flexible Pick-Up Times - Customize pick-up times to suit your schedule.
- Hourly Extensions - Extend your tour for a fee, adaptable to your needs.
- Ticket prices for archaeological sites vary depending on the season, either winter or summer
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for "A Day in Ancient Olympia:The Cradle of the Olympics Games". Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Day trip to Corinth
Andreas was the perfect guide for us. He was very knowledgeable and accommodating. Really enjoyed our day with him in his comfortable vehicle.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great day with Andreas and that you enjoyed both his guidance and the comfort of the vehicle. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback, and we’d be delighted to welcome you back to Athens anytime! Konstantinos
via Tripadvisor
Friendliest driver and comfortable experience
We booked the trip only one day in advance, since our last trip provider (from another company) just didn't show up. We were totally amazed by the experience Greece Athens Taxi GAT offered us and definitely recommend it to everyone interested in a private day-trip with a pleasant driver! The mini-bus we were travelling with, was very spacious (we only had 4 persons in our group), there was WiFi on the bus (although the connection was a bit intermittent sometimes, but overall amazing extra feature to offer), you could charge your phone on the mini-van. We occured some minor technical problems with the mini-van we were travelling with, but this is the part we were truly amazed by the service! The driver had already found a solution with a second transportation bus that was already on the way to our spot where we had to stop and that was a guarantee for us that we had been taken good care of. Something you don't see so often in Greece and we definitely didn't experience such problem-solving service from any other company/service in our trip in Greece that time. They even offered us free transport to the airport after that minor incident, which was also very kind from them. Our driver - Andreas - did know a lot about Greece and so our drive to Ancient Olympics was also an informative tour, rather than just a bus drive. He was very kind and professional with his job. The trip back to Athens was also great, because we took another route back through Korintos Canal - something worth seeing for sure.
Response from the operator: Hello from Athens!!!!! Thank you very much for your review! We are very glad that you enjoyed our services regarding the van's amenities but more so the professionalism, knowledges of the history and kindness of our driver Andrea. Regarding the internet unfortunately on the route to Ancient Olympia it is well known that many times there is a signal interruption. The decision to change the car was made as a precautionary measure to avoid any problems on your return. Fortunately everything went well and you were not inconvenienced at all but instead enjoyed your return more!!!! We look forwrad to welcoming you in Athens again!!!! Best regards, Konstantinos Tzarda
via Tripadvisor
It was a very good...
It was a very good experience. The driver was friendly and professional and the car excellent. There happened an unfortunate electronics problem with the car, but the driver handled the situation exceptionally well and the trip was not affected. Overall we're very satisfied. Would recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your review to Viator and Iwant to apologised for the problem with the car!!!!! This feedback helps us improve our ability to provide you with the best service possible. We look forward to welcoming you again to Athens and offer you our services !!! Best regards, Konstadinos Tzarda
via Viator
Wonder tour guide
Andreas was fantastic! Great driver and guide. This is a long day, but it is worth the trip given the history you can take in. Andreas is passionate about his country and that love shows in his tour
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your review!!!!!!!!! I appreciate it!!!! This feedback helps us improve our ability to provide you with the best service possible. We look forward to welcoming you again to Athens and offer you our services !!!
via Tripadvisor
Best Way to See Olympia and the Corinth Canal
Our driver, Bledi, went over and above to show us the sights, to fulfill our interests, and to improve our knowledge of the archeological sites. He was very attentive to our comfort and drove in a very professional manner. He even went above and beyond helping us to find a Covid testing site.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $84 to $760
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
"A Day in Ancient Olympia:The Cradle of the Olympics Games": questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Athens.
How much does "A Day in Ancient Olympia:The Cradle of the Olympics Games" cost?
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Prices start at $84 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Athens usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does "A Day in Ancient Olympia:The Cradle of the Olympics Games" take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Athens is not rushed.
Is "A Day in Ancient Olympia:The Cradle of the Olympics Games" worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Athens, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule "A Day in Ancient Olympia:The Cradle of the Olympics Games"?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is "A Day in Ancient Olympia:The Cradle of the Olympics Games" suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book "A Day in Ancient Olympia:The Cradle of the Olympics Games"?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Athens can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Athens and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does "A Day in Ancient Olympia:The Cradle of the Olympics Games" start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Athens within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Athens?
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On Outty we rank every Athens experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Athens Small Group E-Bike Tour, Small Group Greek Traditional Food Tour in Athens 20+ Tastings, Athens Scenic Bike Tour with Regular or Electric Bike + Acropolis. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Athens?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Athens?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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