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Private Ancient Olympia

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Olympia is the ancient site on Greece's Peloponnese peninsula that hosted the original Olympic Games, founded in the 8th century B.C. Your private tour will allow you an exclusive and personal visit to these extensive ruins that include athletic training areas, a stadium and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus.

Begin your private day with a step back in time when you are met by your local, knowledgeable and professional guide who will show you to your transportation for the approximately 40-minute journey through scenic villages to the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The Olympic Games, during classical times, were the most famous games in the known world. They were held every four years from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD.

Before the site of Olympia was built, a hidden Sanctuary of Zeus sat on this spot. The sanctuary was known as an Altis, and it is here where you begin your approximately 90-minute exclusive visit. Perhaps the most impressive ruin is the Temple of Zeus, which still reveals some of its elegance and scale. It once housed an oversized gold-ivory statue of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The sculptor Phidias, who made the statue, had his workshop in Olympia. A Byzantine church was erected on top of the workshop, and its remnants can be seen today.

The Altis also encompasses the Prytaneion, the magistrates' residence, the Philippeion, an offering of Philip of Macedonia after his victory at Chaeronia as well as Hera's Temple, which served as a perfect setting for the famous statue of Praxiteles' Hermes that has been perfectly preserved and is now housed in the nearby museum. Around the Altis, you will see the Twelve Treasuries, small buildings erected as offerings by the city-states of Greece.

Just beyond the treasuries is the world-famous Stadium, accessible through a vaulted entrance. It was the largest of its kind, seating 20,000 people during the ancient games. More recently, it was used as the stadium for the hammer throwing event in the 2004 Olympics. Continue to the Gymnasium, the Vouleuterion, and the Leonidaion, which served as a kind of hostel for the visitors of the games.

After visiting the Site of Ancient Olympia, you will have the chance to reach the beautiful village of Olympia. You will have approximately 50 minutes to stroll around the village and admire the nature of this place. From here, you will drive back through the Peloponnese countryside to reach the port of Katakolon.

This private tour is the very best way to experience ancient Olympia with an up-close and very intimate look into the history of all things Olympic.

About Shore Excursions Group
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ABOUT US
Shore Excursions Group was created with one goal in mind: to provide exceptional travel experiences to cruise passengers in the ports they visit around the world. To accomplish this, we have compiled an exceptional array of tours delivered by local experts with decades of experience serving travelers and delivering excellent tours. Our owners and management team are comprised of seasoned travel industry executives who leverage their considerable experience to deliver memorie ...
from $50.00 (USD)
Per Person
 
Tour Type
Private
 
Group Size
Private
 
Activity Type(s)
Cultural, Scenic, Walking
 
Tour Duration
4 Hours
 
Activity Level
Moderate
 
Tour Leaves From
Cruise Ship Pier
 
Food/Beverage Provided
Not Included
 
Special Instructions
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sensible, flat-soled walking shoes. Guests should bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
 
Restrictions
Minimum age to consume alcohol is 18 years. Guests must be able to walk over cobblestones and uneven surfaces, inclines and steps. This tour is not wheelchair accessible, but walkers can be accommodated.
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