from Athens 125€ per person
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.
every Monday-Wednesday-Friday
November 2024-March 2025
What’s Included
What is not Included
PICK UP POINTS
You are kindly requested to be at the pickup location 10 minutes prior to departure.
Tour program
Driving along the coast, you will get the chance to see some Greek seaside villages and the island of Salamis. Salamis is where the historical naval battle took place between the Athenians and the Persians. Our first stop of the day, the Corinth Canal. Eventually opened in 1892 separating the Peloponnese from the rest of Greece all the while connecting the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Sea. Having time to walk across on a pedestrian bridge and admire the canal closer.
2.Archaeological Site of Olympia
We will visit the archaeological site and the museum of Ancient Olympia. This is one of the largest sites in Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. Walking through the site you will pass by the Gymnasium, the Palaistra, the workshop of Phidias, the Temple of Zeus and you will end up at the Stadium where for every four years the Greeks competed for glory and for spiritual elevation honoring their cities.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
The Archaeological museum, is very unique as it includes the renowned statue “Hermes of Praxiteles” with its perfect analogies and tools that belonged to Phidias himself. With the same tools, he created one of the seven wonders of the world ,“The gold ivory statue of Zeus”.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
The Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games hosts 463 ancient works, from the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, and other museums in the Greek territory. The exhibits cover a wide chronological range, from the 2nd millennium BC until the 5th century AD. Ancient exposed in thematic units and through them over millennia, shows the history of the Olympic Games, the longest ancient institution. Apart from ancient art, the visitor has the possibility of detailed information through the rich visual material.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 48hrs in advance of the experience for a full refund
Cancellation within 48hrs before departure there is no refund.
Contact
NIkitara 6, Τ.Κ: 106 78, Athens
Tel: 210 3241483
Mob: 697 7084234
Fax: 210 3257637
email: info@planetbustravel.gr
Tel: 210 3241483
Mob: 697 7084234
Fax: 210 3257637
Αριθμό Γ.Ε.ΜΗ. 148745503000
