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    Ancient Olympia

    Feel the pulse of history in Ancient Olympia – birthplace of the Olympic Games and a global symbol of peace.

    Ancient Olympia is one of the most iconic destinations in the world. Birthplace of the Olympic Games and a sacred site dedicated to Zeus, Olympia is a crossroads of culture, history, and spiritual inspiration. The archaeological site includes the Stadium, Gymnasium, Phidias’ Workshop, the impressive Temple of Hera, and the Temple of Zeus. The Archaeological Museum houses masterpieces such as Praxiteles’ Hermes. Surrounded by olive groves and rivers, Olympia offers a tranquil setting ideal for cultural trips, school visits, and travelers seeking to connect with the roots of Western civilization.

    Highlights

    Palaestra

    Located west of the Altis sacred enclosure near the Kladeos River, the palaestra was part of the 3rd-century BC gymnasium complex and used for boxing, wrestling, and jumping.

    Philippeion

    The only circular structure at the site and 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.

    Temple of Hera

    One of the oldest Doric temples in Greece, built in the 7th century BC. This is where the Olympic Flame is lit before each Olympic Games.

    Archaeological Museum of Olympia

    A remarkable museum with artifacts from the archaeological site of Olympia, covering the site's history from prehistory through Roman times. Exhibits include ceramics, offerings to Zeus and Hera, sacrificial ornaments, and statues from the Temple of Hera.

    Temple of Zeus

    Built in the 5th century BC using limestone and marble by a local architect. It once housed the giant gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

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    IDEAL DESTINATION

    The birthplace of global ideals of peace and noble competition.

    Olympia is an ideal destination combining monumental history, cultural legacy, and natural calm. As the birthplace of the Olympic Games, it offers a meaningful connection to Western heritage. With world-class museums, temples, the ancient stadium, and stunning nature, Olympia inspires every visitor—families, history enthusiasts, and lovers of authentic Greece.

    Gastronomy – Local Delights & Must-Try Flavors

    The region blends Peloponnesian culinary traditions with authenticity. Enjoy the freshest fish and seafood, accompanied by homemade appetizers. Chicken is a favorite in the Peloponnese—often braised with pasta, fried, roasted, or baked with potatoes (bougana-style). For dessert, sample olive marmalade, traditional spoon sweets, and other seasonal delights made from local produce.

    Best Time to Visit

    The archaeological site is open year-round (except official holidays). Due to high summer traffic, the best times to visit are April and May, and from late September to late October, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are lighter.

    How to get around in Ancient Olympia

    Transportation options to/from the airport

    You can reach Olympia by car or via intercity buses. Olympia is 289 km from Athens, and the drive takes approximately 4 hours. Access to the area is possible either via the Athens-Patras national road or via the new national road toward Kyparissia-Pyrgos through Tripoli.

    Public Transportation

    If you don’t have your own car to get around Olympia and the surrounding area, you can alternatively use taxis or rent a car.

    Questions / Answers

    Q&A

    In Elis, Western Peloponnese – about 3.5 hours by car from Athens.

    Temple of Zeus, Temple of Hera, Stadium, Gymnasium, Council House (Bouleuterion), and Phidias’ Workshop.

    Yes. The Archaeological Museum showcases key artifacts, while the Olympic Games Museum focuses on the history of the Games.

    Yes. The Temple of Apollo Epicurius and the beaches of Kyllini are nearby.

    Absolutely. Olympia is educational, cultural, and safe—ideal for families and school groups.

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    They said about us...

     Savita
    2025-07-21
    Αthens, Santorini and Corfu
    My Kids and I loved the trip except for our lost baggage from the Aegean airlines upon arrival at Athens at the start of the trip.Loved all the sightseeing. Tour guides and Pick up services were awesome!! Tour guides were very knowledgeable in their area and history of the city and my kids and I loved that. They answered all our questions. Pick up services were always on time.I just wish I had a little more time in Corfu to do the boat tour as I had planned. Wasn’t able to accomplish that. Loved the wine tasting, Oia and Fira in Santorini. Thank You so much for helping me plan this trip. Great memories made on this trip!!Savita
    2025-05-09
    Group from India
    Thank you so much for your flexibility and support throughout the past weeks – the group ended successfully and we truly appreciate your efforts.
    During the trip, we also received very positive feedback from the tour leader regarding the hotels, restaurants, and the quality of your transportation service. We’re very happy with the overall arrangement and sincerely hope to continue working with you on upcoming groups.
    2024-03-27
    BDA - Scientific meeting
    Mata/ChristineThe feedback from all delegates was very positive about all the arrangements provided by the hotel and your good selves. Accommodation, meals and overall satisfaction from the hotel was very good. The renovated rooms help to bring the best of the hotel – the gala dinner room location was fantastic. Please give this feedback to the hotel too. All the transfers, excursions, the drivers, guide etc were performed professionally and all delegates again had something good to say about your services and the way you have handled the management of these activities. Overall well done. This is a genuine feedback and hope that makes you feel satisfied for a job well done
    Fabiola Cano
    2023-11-29
    Fabiola Cano from Viajes Lerma
    It was a real pleasure to meet you. The passengers were happy with all your details and the beautiful country of Greece. Regarding food, I must thank you for the care you took to choose the places and the dishes. They were all a great success. The menus, even in Spanish, were totally appreciated. Regarding accommodation, I found the hotel nice, comfortable and well located. The breakfast room is a bit busy in the mornings, but the food tastes great. And the view of the Parthenon from the top roof is impressive. Transportation good. The tours seemed good to me. Tour guides have a good command of the Spanish language and were quite friendly.  Regarding contact and respond from the company. I must emphasize that there is only praise for you, Anna. You really are a great person. The joy of your soul is transmitted around everything you do. Always with a smile no matter how tiring the tourist activity is. The details and care with which you do your job are extremely applaudable. I only have one word but for you THANKFULNESS.October 2023
    RAK
    2023-05-05
    One more Thank You
    Dear Mata and Desi,I mean it when I say I have never been exposed to such level of loving care in the world of travel.  We were not just your clients. We felt like your family. You cared for us, and all of our many (many! Many!) different needs. You showed Stuart such respect. You were patient with some in our group who would not always ask things with proper respect. You kept showing up in places we did not expect. You made visits to the pharmacy, and extra trips with your car, all to make us feel comfortable and at home.Truly—you are at the top of your business, and it shows. I do not even remember how we initially found you. But however it was, I am so grateful for this friendship and partnership. And I do mean it when I hope that we do many trips together in the future, and that I can send many of my colleagues to you for trips.It is hard for this trip to be over and to say goodbye. Know that we mean it when we say we have not only appreciation for you. But love for you.Αντίο και σας ευχαριστούμε και σας αγαπάμε και είμαστε ενθουσιασμένοι που θα σας δούμε σύντομα.With a heart that is full because we know one another, and heavy because we have to say goodbye!
    Kleopatra M
    2021-09-15
    Very helpful office…
    Very helpful office… special thanks to Ms. Lina who was very kind, very fast (although she had a large workload due to the tourist season) and met our needs perfectly !!! I highly recommend it !!!Kleopatra M
    Aris Konstantinidis
    2021-09-07
    The only travel agency that has served me perfectly
    The only travel agency that has served me perfectly as a voucher holder for \"tourism for all\". Perfect organization of the whole trip. Definitely first in my choices for future travel!Aris Konstantinidis