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Greece
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Messenia
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Kalamata
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Tours & Activities
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Day Trip to Ancient Olympia from Kalamata
1 day
Full Day
About this activity
Our tour will begin from your hotel and in less than two hours, after crossing the valley of river Alpheus, we will be in the Western Peloponnese and specifically in Olympia. During our trip, you will learn everything about Ancient Olympia, which was not a simple city with permanent residents, but a sanctuary of buildings associated with the ancient Olympic Games.
The history of its foundation began in 776 BC, when three Greek kings, decided to turn the interest of their soldiers to something else other than wars. Sports! But the ethos and the Olympic ideals of the ancient Greeks, the excellent preparation of the organizers and the massive participation of athletes made these Games become the most famous and important event of the ancient world.
Once you know every detail concerning the monuments you will encounter in the archaeological site, we will take you to the entrance and let you browse at your convenience, as long as you want.
From the first buildings that you come across, you will be overwhelmed by the energy of athletes who once used them. The ancient gymnasium and the Palaestra, were the places where athletes used to practice before the games.
Immediately after, you will find the Workshop of Pheidias, the laboratory in which one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the golden statue of Zeus was created. Leonidaion, was Olympia’s hotel and hosted distinguished guests of the Games from 330B.C.
You will have the opportunity to admire Vouleuterio, the building in which the Elean Senate, whose members were responsible for the organization of the games was situated. The Temples of Zeus and Hera will leave you speechless with the magnificence of their architecture.
Entering the ancient stadium through the Crypt, you will feel the agony of the athletes who were taking part in the games in front of thousands of spectators. You will have the opportunity to be photographed at the point where, even today, the lighting of the Olympic Flame takes place.
But your adventure will not be over yet. The museum of Olympia, one of the largest and most important museums of Greece, will make you feel the pulse of these times, the splendor and magic of the Olympic idea.
We will wait for you at the exit of the museum and we will take you to the nearest restaurant to relax or optionally to try the excellent Mediterranean cuisine. Before we take our way back, we can visit modern Olympia with the traditional souvenir shops.
This experience will be unforgettable.
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The history of its foundation began in 776 BC, when three Greek kings, decided to turn the interest of their soldiers to something else other than wars. Sports! But the ethos and the Olympic ideals of the ancient Greeks, the excellent preparation of the organizers and the massive participation of athletes made these Games become the most famous and important event of the ancient world.
Once you know every detail concerning the monuments you will encounter in the archaeological site, we will take you to the entrance and let you browse at your convenience, as long as you want.
From the first buildings that you come across, you will be overwhelmed by the energy of athletes who once used them. The ancient gymnasium and the Palaestra, were the places where athletes used to practice before the games.
Immediately after, you will find the Workshop of Pheidias, the laboratory in which one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the golden statue of Zeus was created. Leonidaion, was Olympia’s hotel and hosted distinguished guests of the Games from 330B.C.
You will have the opportunity to admire Vouleuterio, the building in which the Elean Senate, whose members were responsible for the organization of the games was situated. The Temples of Zeus and Hera will leave you speechless with the magnificence of their architecture.
Entering the ancient stadium through the Crypt, you will feel the agony of the athletes who were taking part in the games in front of thousands of spectators. You will have the opportunity to be photographed at the point where, even today, the lighting of the Olympic Flame takes place.
But your adventure will not be over yet. The museum of Olympia, one of the largest and most important museums of Greece, will make you feel the pulse of these times, the splendor and magic of the Olympic idea.
We will wait for you at the exit of the museum and we will take you to the nearest restaurant to relax or optionally to try the excellent Mediterranean cuisine. Before we take our way back, we can visit modern Olympia with the traditional souvenir shops.
This experience will be unforgettable.
Included
- Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
- Driver / guide
- Transfer by luxurious vehicle
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- WiFi on board
- Bottled water
Not included
- Entrance fees (12
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Licensed guide (upon request with extra cost)
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
60%
Reviews
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The tour to Olympia was very good! There was some lack of communication about the pick-up time. It was little later than was posted in the confirmation which led to some concern at first. However we were picked up at the correct location and from then-on it was comfortable and easy travel with our small group of 7 in a Mercedes passenger van. Our tour guide and driver, Telia, was very friendly and knowledgeable, though this knowledge was only available on the drive. It was a little disappointing that after we got our tickets we were left to walk through the site on our own she didn't accompany us as a guide through the ancient site or museum. The roads to Olympia are not easy to navigate so the convenience of the pick-up and drop-off were worth the cost, but I was expecting a full guided tour. The site and Museum themselves are magnificent! It is a quite a feeling to be standing at Hera's Alter and realize that this is the historical origin and where the flame for every modern Olympic game is lit. You walk through the artifacts and structures very close, so you feel the experience of what it was like. Must see!