Ancient Olympia Private Full Day from Athens with Great Lunch & Drinks Included

Discovering Ancient Olympia: A Private Day Trip from Athens

Thinking about visiting Olympia on your trip to Greece? This private full-day tour from Athens offers a tailored experience that lets you explore at your own pace, with the comfort of private transportation and a chance to enjoy authentic local cuisine. While it’s a bit of a splurge, around $492 per person, many find the personalized attention and flexible itinerary worth every euro.

What we really like about this tour is the ability to customize it based on your interests—whether you’re fascinated by ancient ruins, love scenic coastal views, or want to see the Corinth Canal. Plus, the inclusion of a traditional Greek lunch at a locals-only spot really sets this apart from more cookie-cutter options. That said, it’s a long day, and not everyone will want to spend 8 to 10 hours on their feet, especially if you’re traveling with young children or prefer more relaxed sightseeing.

One thing to keep in mind is that entrance fees to the archaeological sites are not included, so you’ll want to budget accordingly. Also, while the tour offers a private guide and driver, the price reflects a premium service, so it’s best suited for travelers who appreciate comfort and flexibility over group hustle.

If you’re after a truly personalized, comfortable way to see Olympia and some of the Peloponnese’s highlights, this tour could be just what you need. It’s perfect for those who want to customize their day, enjoy scenic drives, and get insider tips on local spots.

Key Points

• Flexible Itinerary: You choose what interests you most, making each tour unique.
• Private Transportation: Comfortable, new vehicles with WiFi to keep you connected.
• Personalized Service: A dedicated guide is always on hand and reachable by mobile.
• Authentic Local Lunch: Off-the-beaten-path dining with Greek-style food and drinks.
• Comprehensive Experience: Includes Olympia’s ruins, museum, scenic stops, and optional Corinth Canal.
• Cost and Value: For the price, you’re paying for intimate attention and convenience rather than entry fees.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Off: The Best Way to Begin Your Day

The tour kicks off bright and early at 8:00 am, with pickup included in your Athens hotel or agreed-upon location. From there, you’ll hop into a nearly new vehicle (built between 2020 and 2022), ensuring a smooth ride for the entire day. The driver-guide team is non-smoking, emphasizing a comfortable, relaxed setting. The WiFi in the car is a thoughtful touch, especially if you want to check maps or share photos during the drive.

This private setup means you avoid the crowds and rigid schedules typical of group tours. Instead, you get to decide how long to spend at each stop and when to move on. As some reviews highlight, having a knowledgeable guide who can tweak the tour on the fly makes a big difference—one traveler mentioned how the guide suggested a cultural spot with fantastic views, which wasn’t initially on the list.

Olympia: The Heart of the Tour

Your first stop is the Archaeological Site of Olympia, where you’ll explore the grounds that once hosted the original Olympic Games. The site’s extensive ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium, and temples dedicated to Hera and Zeus. It’s a place that feels almost tangible, especially if you’ve ever watched the Olympics and wondered about their roots.

While the tour doesn’t include entrance tickets—these are optional and paid separately—you’ll have plenty of time to wander and get a feel for the scale and significance of the place. We loved the way the ruins are spread out, allowing for a relaxed pace and plenty of photo opportunities. Expect to spend around 1 hour and 20 minutes here.

Olympia Museum: Art and Sculpture

Next, your visit to the Olympia Museum offers a chance to see sculptures and artifacts that bring the site’s history to life. Highlights include the marble decoration of the temple of Zeus, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and Praxiteles’ famous sculpture of Hermes.

One of the reviews mentions how the sculptures are “unbelievable,” and seeing Praxiteles’ work firsthand is a real treat. Since admission isn’t included, you might want to factor in some extra cash if you’re keen to see everything. Expect about 45 minutes here, which is enough to appreciate the craftsmanship without feeling rushed.

Lunch with a Local Flavor

The tour’s standout feature is undoubtedly the lunch at a non-touristy, locals-only restaurant by the beach. This isn’t just a quick sandwich or generic buffet—it’s a proper Greek meal, with drinks included, served in a scenic setting with sea views. According to the description, the lunch is always a highlight, giving you a taste of authentic regional cuisine away from tourist traps.

One traveler described it as “a Greek lunch away from anything you would call ‘touristy,’” which adds to the appeal. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere lets you unwind and enjoy the scenery—crucial after wandering around ancient ruins.

Optional Stop: The Corinth Canal

Depending on timing, your guide might take you to the Corinth Canal, a marvel of engineering that connects the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf. It’s a quick stop—about 15 minutes—but offers memorable photo opportunities and a chance to see how the ancient and modern worlds connect.

Note that this stop is optional and depends on how the day unfolds. If you’re short on time, it might be skipped, but if you’re a fan of spectacular views and engineering feats, it’s worth mentioning.

Wrapping Up at Syntagma Square and Return to Athens

The final part of your day involves a relaxed drive back to Athens, with a drop-off at your hotel or preferred location. The entire experience typically lasts between 8 and 10 hours, giving you plenty of time to absorb what you’ve seen and ask questions.

What the Reviews Say

• Comfort and Personal Attention: Multiple travelers praised the “very comfortable car” and “great driver/guide,” emphasizing how personalized service made the day enjoyable.
• Flexibility and Local Insights: One review mentioned how the guide was accommodating, suggesting offbeat spots with stellar views—something you don’t get with standard tours.
• Genuine Food and Culture: The lunch is consistently highlighted as authentic and delicious, a real highlight for those wanting to taste Greece beyond the usual tourist fare.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to avoid crowded group tours and prefer a more tailored, relaxed approach. It suits those interested in history, culture, and scenic drives, especially if you appreciate authentic local food. The flexibility to choose your stops makes it a good fit for people with specific interests or those who want to spend more time at particular sites.

It’s also well-suited for travelers who value comfort and personal service over budget, given the premium price point. If you’re traveling with family or a small group seeking a private, insightful experience, this tour ticks many boxes.

FAQs

• Is pickup included? Yes, the tour offers pickup from your Athens hotel or location within the city. Additional costs may apply outside the Athens area.
• Are entrance fees included? No, entrance tickets to Olympia and other sites are not included, so you’ll need to budget for those separately.
• Can I customize the itinerary? Absolutely. The tour is designed to be flexible based on your preferences, including stops like Epidaurus or Cape Sounion if desired.
• How long does the tour last? Expect an 8 to 10-hour day, depending on your chosen stops and pace.
• Is food included? Yes, a traditional Greek lunch with drinks is included, served at a non-touristy beachside restaurant.
• What vehicle will I ride in? You’ll travel in a private, brand-new vehicle (from 2020 to 2022), with WiFi and a non-smoking driver.
• Is the guide professional? The tour provides a driver/guide who is available throughout, though there’s an option to hire a licensed guide for inside sites at an extra cost.
• What is the cancellation policy? You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In summary, this private full-day tour to Olympia from Athens offers a blend of history, scenic beauty, and authentic Greek experiences. It’s best suited for travelers who value flexibility, comfort, and personalized service. If you’re keen to explore Greece at your own pace and enjoy genuine local flavors, it might just be the perfect way to spend a day.