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Katakolon Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Ancient Olympia, Archeological Site and Archeological Museum
Olympia, Greece
- 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
When you’re in port in Katakolon, visit Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, on this private shore excursion. With a private guide, travel to this famous archaeological site and explore the ruined ancient stadium, athletes’ training areas, and other monuments associated with the games, first held in 776 BC, as well as relics such as the Temple of Zeus. Hear about the games’ history; visit the Archaeological Museum to see the statues and artifacts excavated here; and enjoy free time in modern Olympia before your return to Katakolon.
- Katakolon private shore excursion to Olympia
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Site of Olympia
- Wander around the site of the original Olympic stadium
- See the site of the Temple of Zeus
- Enjoy free time in modern Olympia to shop or get a snack
- Private tour with knowledgeable guide ensures a more personalized experience
What's Included
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Transport by private vehicle and professional driver
- Private guide
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Entrance fees (approx. 12 euros)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
You must contact the local service provider at least 48hrs before tour to be informed on the exact pickup time (meeting point will be provided on your confirmation voucher)
Start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Opening hours
- 1/1/2025 - 12/31/2025
Monday - Sunday : 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- 1/1/2025 - 12/31/2025
Monday - Sunday : 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
What To Expect
While your cruise ship is in Katakolon, see one of ancient Greece's greatest sites on this private shore excursion to Olympia. Meet your private guide at the port, settle into your air-conditioned vehicle, and journey through the countryside to this age-old, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Along the way, listen as your guide explains how Olympia was a sanctuary dedicated to the god, Zeus, from the 10th century BC and became the location for the first Olympic Games in 776 BC.
Hop out of your vehicle at the rural, wooded site, and stroll around the former monuments and buildings linked to the games. Hear how the event was held in honor of Zeus and ran every four years up to the 4th century AD.
Imagine the long-ago splendor of what the Greek orator Lysias described as ‘the most beautiful place in Greece,’ and see the remnants of the Olympics stadium; the Palaestra gymnasium, where the wrestlers trained; and more.
During your visit, also view other treasures such as Olympia's Temple of Hera, one of Greece’s oldest temples; and the vestiges of the Temple of Zeus, once the site of a massive statue of Zeus that was ranked as one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.
After exploring here, head to the nearby Archaeological Museum of Olympia, home to some of most striking finds excavated from the archaeological park. Head inside and view the bronzes, pediments and sporting artifacts on display, as well as the scale models showing what the site looked like in its heyday.
Lastly, continue with your guide to the nearby modern village of Olympia. After some free time here for a snack (own expense) or to buy souvenirs, drive back to Katakolon port where your experience ends.
Worry-free Shore Excursion: We will ensure your timely return to Katakolon port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Along the way, listen as your guide explains how Olympia was a sanctuary dedicated to the god, Zeus, from the 10th century BC and became the location for the first Olympic Games in 776 BC.
Hop out of your vehicle at the rural, wooded site, and stroll around the former monuments and buildings linked to the games. Hear how the event was held in honor of Zeus and ran every four years up to the 4th century AD.
Imagine the long-ago splendor of what the Greek orator Lysias described as ‘the most beautiful place in Greece,’ and see the remnants of the Olympics stadium; the Palaestra gymnasium, where the wrestlers trained; and more.
During your visit, also view other treasures such as Olympia's Temple of Hera, one of Greece’s oldest temples; and the vestiges of the Temple of Zeus, once the site of a massive statue of Zeus that was ranked as one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.
After exploring here, head to the nearby Archaeological Museum of Olympia, home to some of most striking finds excavated from the archaeological park. Head inside and view the bronzes, pediments and sporting artifacts on display, as well as the scale models showing what the site looked like in its heyday.
Lastly, continue with your guide to the nearby modern village of Olympia. After some free time here for a snack (own expense) or to buy souvenirs, drive back to Katakolon port where your experience ends.
Worry-free Shore Excursion: We will ensure your timely return to Katakolon port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Archaeological Site of Olympia
1 hour 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Archaeological Museum of Olympia
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Olympia
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 9 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- At time of booking, Cruise Ship passengers must provide the following details under Special Requirements: Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Please enter your preferred pickup time in the Special Requirements box at the time of booking, and reconfirm 48 hours prior to the tour’s departure time
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Reviews
4.5
6 reviews
Scott_G, May 2023
The tour of the Olympic archeological site and museum was totally unexpected. We were amazed/awed by everything we saw and wished we could have stayed all day.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and informative which helped a great deal
Response from Host, May 2023
Dear Scott_G thank you for your very positive review and for taking the time to share it with us. Olympia is indeed a very interesting place to visit when in Greece. The company of an experienced guide is the best way to discover it. We remain at your future disposal
Michael_C, Jun 2016
Our tour guide, Georgia, was fun and interesting. She shared interesting facts instead of just historical information. Looking at ruins can be boring if you don't know what you see. She brought Ancient Olympia to life with her descriptions and stories of the site.
Duke, Aug 2015
Taking a private tour is the best. Our guide was excellent. We explored the whole area learning all about the history and ancient Olympic Games. Our transportation to and from was excellent also, as small van and air conditioned.
hopeful, Jul 2012
The entrance price should have been included in the tour as much valuable time was wasted queuing up for tickets from the lone ticket seller when we arrived. There was no audio and the softly spoken tour guide was hard to hear, nor did she have a flag or other identifying object. We felt disappointed with this tour.
Donald N, May 2012
Excellent guide; very informative; easy to find the bus from the ship; small group made it more personal
Margaret M, May 2012
Tour guide very knowledgeable. Bus arrived early and so did we, once everybody turned up the tour started early but did not finish any earlier.
From $423.74
per personPrice varies by group size
-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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