Short Tour of Olympia, an Olive Oil Press & St. Andrew Beach

Discovering the Best of Olympia, Olive Oil, and St. Andrew Beach: An Honest Review

If you’re planning a trip to Peloponnese, Greece, and want a taste of history, local culture, and a bit of relaxation, this short tour of Olympia, an olive oil press, and St. Andrew Beach might be worth considering. While we haven’t taken it ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, learning, and unwinding in just a half-day.

What really stands out about this experience are its personalized touches and local insights. Travelers love that it’s a private tour, which means you get more flexibility and attention from your guide, plus the chance to explore at your own pace. Also, the inclusion of a visit to a working olive oil press gives a genuine glimpse into local craftsmanship—something you might not get on larger, more generic tours.

However, a potential drawback is that it doesn’t include entry fees for Olympia or the olive press, so you’ll need to budget for those separately. Also, if you’re expecting a guided tour inside the archaeological site, this tour doesn’t cover that—it’s more about the highlights and a personal exploration.

This tour suits travelers who love history and culture but also want some downtime. If you’re after a relaxed, informative outing with the chance for a swim, it should fit the bill. It’s especially appealing if you prefer private, flexible arrangements over large group bus tours.

Key Points

• Private Group Experience: Ensures personal attention and flexibility.
• Cultural and Historical Highlights: Visits to Olympia’s ruins and museum bring Greece’s Olympic roots alive.
• Learn About Olive Oil Production: A visit to a local press offers authentic insights into Greek olive oil craftsmanship.
• Relaxing Beach Time: End the tour with a swim at Saint Andrew’s Beach, perfect for unwinding.
• Cost and Entry Fees: The tour price is $327 for up to four people, but entry fees for Olympia and the olive press cost extra.
• Comfort and Convenience: Transportation is by private vehicle, with pickup and drop-off included—saving you time and hassle.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Olympia, Olive Oil, and Beach Tour

What’s the Itinerary Like?

This half-day tour is designed to give you a rounded experience without overloading your schedule. It begins with a pick-up from your cruise port or hotel in Katakolon, making logistics straightforward. Once aboard a private vehicle, your driver and guide will take you on a scenic drive towards Olympia.

The first stop is the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia. You’ll have some time to see the major highlights: the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, and the Hermes of Praxiteles statue. While the tour doesn’t include a guided inside visit, you’ll receive a guidebook in your preferred language, allowing you to explore at your own pace. This approach works well for those who enjoy self-guided wandering or want to avoid large crowds.

Next, the tour takes you to a local olive oil press. Here, the owners will walk you through the entire process of producing extra virgin olive oil, with explanations that are straightforward and authentic. The visit includes a tour of the premises, giving a behind-the-scenes look at this cherished Greek product. Many reviews highlight how informative and personal this part of the tour is, with travelers appreciating the opportunity to meet the actual producers.

Finally, the day wraps up with a visit to Saint Andrew’s Beach. The clear, calm waters are ideal for a quick swim or just relaxing on the rocks. The beach’s natural beauty and secluded vibe make it a favorite part of the trip for those wanting a break from sightseeing.

How Does Transportation Work?

Transportation is by private vehicle, which means you won’t be sharing your experience with strangers. Your driver doubles as the tour escort, providing local knowledge and ensuring you stick to the schedule. Pickup and drop-off are included, whether from the cruise port or your hotel. This convenience is a big plus, especially if you’re short on time or unfamiliar with the area.

What’s the Duration Like?

The entire tour lasts approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. That includes travel time, site visits, and beach time. Starting times can vary depending on your cruise schedule or preferences, so it’s flexible enough to fit into most itineraries. Many travelers find this duration perfect—just enough to see the highlights without feeling rushed or exhausted.

More Great Tours Nearby

What About the Cost?

At $327 for up to four people, the price is reasonable considering the private aspect and the personalized service. However, keep in mind that entry fees for Olympia (12 euros per adult) and the olive press (10 euros per adult) are additional. These costs are common in Greece but are worth noting so you can budget accordingly. The tour does not include guided tours inside Olympia, but the guidebook helps you explore independently.

What Do Travelers Say?

Based on reviews, people generally rate this experience around 4.3 out of 5, with many praising the guides and the personalized approach. Gary calls it a “fantastic tour,” emphasizing the olive oil factory as a highlight. Erin appreciated the personalized service and the flexibility to explore at her own pace. Dora’s friendly and informative manner at the beach drew glowing comments as well.

A few reviewers note that the tour doesn’t include guided inside visits, but most seem to see this as a fair trade-off for the intimacy and flexibility it offers. The opportunity to meet real olive oil producers and learn about their craft seems to be a real selling point.

Practical Tips

• Bring comfortable shoes, especially for walking around Olympia’s ruins.
• Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen—Greek sun can be strong.
• Carry your passport or ID as you might need it for the museum or site entries.
• Remember that food and beverages are not included, so you might want to bring a snack or plan to buy something during your free time at the beach.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re looking for a personalized, relaxed way to see Olympia and learn about Greek olive oil. It works especially well for those who prefer a flexible schedule and want to avoid the large group atmosphere. The combination of cultural, culinary, and leisure elements makes it suitable for travelers who want to pack a little bit of everything into a half day.

It’s less suitable if you’re hoping for a detailed guided tour of the archaeological site or if you want included entry fees and guided museum visits. Those seeking more in-depth historical insights inside Olympia might prefer to look for a tour with a licensed guide within the site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour doesn’t specifically tailor to children, families with older kids who enjoy history, walking, and swimming will find it manageable. Keep in mind that some walking is involved at Olympia and the beach.

How much walking is involved at Olympia?
You should be prepared for some walking around the archaeological site, but since it’s a self-guided visit with a guidebook, you can pace yourself.

Are the entrance fees included?
No, the Olympia entrance fee (12 euros per adult) and olive press entrance fee (10 euros per adult) are not included. You’ll need to pay these separately.

Can I customize the starting time?
The tour duration and starting times are flexible depending on your schedule — just check availability when booking.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, transportation is by private vehicle, ensuring a comfortable ride and a more intimate experience.

Does the tour accommodate special needs?
It is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm with the provider beforehand for specific requirements.

Will I get a guided tour inside Olympia?
No, this tour doesn’t include a guided tour inside the archaeological site, but you will receive a guidebook for self-exploration.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. A water bottle might also be handy.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-balanced look at Greece’s ancient past, local crafts, and seaside relaxation. It’s perfect for travelers who value a personal touch and want to blend history with leisure. The knowledgeable guides and intimate experience make it stand out from larger, more structured excursions. If you’re ready to explore Olympia, learn about olive oil, and enjoy a peaceful swim, this might be just the right pick.

You can check availability for your dates here: