Ancient Olympia/ Ancient Corinth private tour from Athens/ Nafplio (up 12 hours)

If you’re dreaming of stepping back in time and exploring some of Greece’s most iconic archaeological sites, this private day tour offers a well-structured way to do it. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, we’ve gathered plenty of insights to help you decide if it fits your travel style. The tour covers Ancient Olympia and Ancient Corinth, two locations bursting with history and stories that shaped the ancient world.

What immediately catches your eye are the convenient private transportation and the chance to see multiple sites in one long day—no rushing, no waiting in long lines. Plus, the fact that your driver is knowledgeable, helpful, and uses an onboard Wi-Fi to keep you connected makes this a practical choice for many travelers. However, a key consideration is that entrance fees are not included, so you’ll need to budget for those separately.

This tour is particularly suited for history buffs, those who want to maximize their sightseeing in one day, or travelers who prefer the comfort and flexibility of private transport over crowded group excursions. If you’re comfortable with a long day on the road and appreciate a less rushed experience, this could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Private, flexible transport ensures comfort and personalized pacing.
• Visit both Olympia and Corinth in one day for a comprehensive glimpse of Greece’s ancient world.
• Driver as an informal guide with educational commentary enhances your understanding.
• Long drive but onboard Wi-Fi helps pass the time and stay connected.
• Entrance fees not included—be prepared for additional costs.
• Suitable for those comfortable with a 12-hour day and long drives.

What the Tour Entails: An In-Depth Breakdown

Why Opt for a Private Tour?

Unlike scheduled group excursions, this private experience puts you in the driver’s seat—literally. With a dedicated driver, your journey through Greece’s archaeological highlights is designed around your pace. The driver isn’t a licensed guide inside the sites, but they do provide informative commentary during the drive, enriched with maps, audio documentaries, and books. Some reviewers, like Cheryl, appreciated the driver’s educational videos, which added a layer of understanding to the sites.

The Long Drive, But with Comfort

One of the defining features here is the long 7+ hour drive, which might seem daunting at first. However, the inclusion of onboard Wi-Fi makes it easier to pass the time, whether by catching up on your favorite playlist, reading, or using maps and travel info. The vehicle options—sedan, minivan, or minibus—allow groups of various sizes to travel comfortably, with children under 11 traveling free in certain vehicle types.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Corinth Canal

Your first stop is the Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel cut through the Isthmus of Corinth. This man-made canal, completed between 1881 and 1893, is not only a feat of engineering but also a striking photo opportunity. Standing on the pedestrian bridge 80 meters above the canal, you’ll get sweeping views and great snaps. The site is free to visit, and most travelers find it a quick but memorable photo stop.

Reviewers like Janette appreciated the opportunity to walk across the canal and marvel at its scale, as well as the chance to snap photos before heading further inland.

Olympia: The Cradle of the Olympic Games

Next, you’ll arrive at Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Set amid a peaceful valley beside the Alpheios and Kladeos rivers, Olympia’s ruins span centuries—from Bronze Age relics to Byzantine structures.

You’ll explore Zeus & Hera Temples, the stadium, where the original Olympic competitions took place, and Fidias’ Workshop. While the site is extensive, the actual time spent on-site is roughly an hour, which some guests find sufficient given the size of the site and the walkability of the ruins.

The Olympia Museum houses artifacts uncovered during excavations, including the famous Nike of Paionios and Hermes of Praxiteles statues, which are a must-see for art lovers. Entrance fees to Olympia and its museums are extra, so make sure to factor that into your budget—most travelers agree the fee’s value is justified given the quality of exhibits.

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia

The museum hosts some of the most iconic statues and relics from Olympia’s past. Highlights include the Nike of Paionios and the helmet dedicated to Zeus by Miltiades from the Marathon victory. Many reviews praise the museum’s collection, considering it a highlight of the trip.

Given the significance of the artifacts, the museum is a worthwhile stop, even if you only have 45 minutes to explore. The exhibits provide context and depth that complement the ruins outdoors.

Optional: Archimedes Museum

This museum is dedicated to the famous mathematician and inventor, Archimedes. It’s a shorter, optional stop, but if you’re interested in science and Greek innovation, it’s worth a quick visit. The museum is housed in a two-floor building in Olympia and offers a fascinating insight into Greek technological advances.

Reviewers note that the drive through the Arcadia mountains offers stunning views, and a visit here adds a nice scenic element to the day.

Ancient Corinth

Your final stop is Ancient Corinth, a city that played an influential role in Greek history and early Christianity. Walk among ruins of temples, the Roman agora, and the ancient theater. It’s a site that combines history, mythology, and biblical significance.

The Archaeological Museum of Corinth showcases finds from the city’s excavation, including sculptures, inscriptions, and prehistoric relics. Entrance fees are separate, but most visitors find the museum’s collection adds valuable context to the ruins.

The Return

After exploring Corinth and its museum, your driver will take you back to your hotel or any preferred location in Athens or Nafplio. The tour is flexible, allowing you to customize the drop-off point if arranged in advance, which adds a layer of convenience.

What Travelers Say: The Real Deal

Multiple reviewers highlight the knowledge and helpfulness of the drivers, like Michael, who called his driver “attentive, kind, thoughtful, and knowledgeable.” Many also appreciated the value for money, especially considering the private transport and the long day of sightseeing.

However, some pointed out that the driver isn’t a guide who accompanies you inside the ruins. Steven’s review underlines that point: “The driver does not go into the sites with you nor is the ticket included.” If you want in-depth guided tours inside the sites, you’ll need to hire a licensed guide separately.

Another key insight from reviews is the importance of timing. The tour’s structure is flexible, but the actual time spent at each site is based on your preferences and traffic conditions. The itinerary’s times are approximate, so don’t expect to spend hours at every location.

Cost and Value

At around $332 per person, the price might seem steep, but when you consider the private transportation, the convenience, and the potential to visit multiple sites in one long day, many see it as a good value. Entrance fees are extra, but most travelers agree that the sites are worth paying for.

This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive day with minimal hassle, especially if you’re traveling from Athens or Nafplio and want to avoid the exhaustion of self-driving or joining a large group.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who treasures comfort, flexibility, and a personalized experience, this private tour ticks many boxes. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see Ancient Olympia and Corinth but don’t want to spend hours organizing transportation or waiting in lines. The driver’s informative commentary adds value, giving you more insight than a typical sightseeing bus.

However, be prepared for a long day—up to 12 hours—and the fact that you’ll need to pay entrance fees separately. If you’re OK with that, and you enjoy having the freedom to explore at your own pace, this tour can be a fantastic way to connect with Greece’s historic sites without the stress of navigating alone.

Travelers who value personalized service and a hassle-free schedule will find this experience quite rewarding. Those looking for guided tours inside the sites should consider hiring a guide additionally, as this package offers transportation and general commentary but not site-guided tours.

FAQs

Are entrance fees included in the tour?
No, entrance fees for Olympia, the museums, and Corinth are not included. You’ll need to pay for those onsite, so budget accordingly.

Can I customize the time spent at each site?
The tour is flexible, but the overall schedule is designed to maximize your experience within a 12-hour window. Your driver can provide some guidance on timing.

Will the driver guide me inside the sites?
No, the driver provides commentary during the drive and offers educational materials but is not licensed to guide you inside the archaeological sites. For detailed guiding, you can hire an archaeologist guide separately.

What are the vehicle options?
You can choose a Sedan (up to 2 adults + 2 kids), Minivan (up to 7 persons), or Minibus (up to 14 persons). Prices vary depending on group size and vehicle type.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially in the vehicle, as kids under 11 travel free in the Sedan and Minivan options. The sites are outdoors and walkable, making it manageable for families with children.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations less than 24 hours beforehand are non-refundable.

In the end, this private tour offers a well-rounded experience of Greece’s legendary sites with the convenience of private transport and insightful commentary. It’s a solid choice for those who want to make the most of a long day and appreciate a personalized approach. If you’re looking for a stress-free way to explore Olympia and Corinth, it’s worth considering.