A trip to the birthplace of the Olympic Games

Overview

For those of you that cannot leave Athens without visiting the birthplace of the Olympic Games, this is a good chance to experience as much as possible of this ancient sacred land, being prepared for a long but fascinating day.

In western Peloponnese, in the so-called “valley of the gods”, Ancient Olympia grew to be the most celebrated sacred site of Ancient Greece, and the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the most important sports events in all antiquity: starting from 776 B.C., all Greeks – across the then known world – would be united every four years and all hostilities would be suspended so that everyone could take part in these games in the true spirit of sportsmanship. Olympia is now, as it used to be in the past, a famed destination, a powerful landmark known the world over.

Travel to Olympia’s archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tour the impressive remains of buildings which the ancient Greeks used as worship areas, sports and symposia centres etc. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and see the ancient exhibits up close, the most important ones being the celebrated statue of Hermes by Praxiteles; Nike (Victory) by Paionios, a plastic arts masterpiece; and the sculptures that used to decorate the Temple of Zeus, considered among the greatest ancient Greek Art creations.

Departing Athens, you will drive towards the west of it and you will continue your journey through the highway, You will have a short stop by the Corinth canal, which separates the mainland from the peninsula of the Peloponnese and connects the Ionian Sea with the Aegean Sea. There you will have the chance to walk over the bridge and enjoy breathtaking views, taking as many photographs as you would like to.

Then through the highway through the Peloponnesian mountains , we will continue your drive and you will arrive in the beautiful plane of Olympia, approximately 4 hours after your departure from Athens.

After this fascinating experience of exploring the ancient sacred grounds and experiencing the serene environment of the site which inspired the sacred truce among the ancients Greeks, will drive back in Athens,

You will be drop off at the pickup point.