Olympia Greece isn’t just a place to see ancient ruins—it’s a spot where you can truly connect with the roots of Western civilization. Whether you’re walking among the remains of temples dedicated to Zeus or imagining the ancient Olympic athletes racing in the stadium, touring Olympia offers a blend of history, culture, and personal discovery. We particularly love tours that combine expert guides with immersive activities, like the Olympia’s Secrets & Wine Enchantment Tour, which offers a personalized look at both ancient legends and Greek winemaking traditions.
If you prefer exploring with a knowledgeable guide or diving into the archaeological wonders privately, Olympia offers plenty of options. For a fun, interactive experience, the Ancient Olympia Entry Ticket & Virtual Reality Audio Tour brings history alive through technology. Alternatively, if you’re craving a full day of discovery, the Ancient Olympia Full-Day Private Tour combines private, flexible exploration with local flavor. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of the top tours in Olympia, helping you choose the perfect experience for your trip.
1. Olympia’s Secrets & Wine Enchantment Tour – All Included
At number 1, this Olympia’s Secrets & Wine Enchantment Tour is a standout for its blend of ancient history and Greek wine culture. Priced at $175 per person, it lasts about 5 hours and offers an intimate, all-inclusive experience. The tour begins at Katakolo Port, where you’ll hop on a comfortable bus heading to Olympia. The archaeological site is explored with expert guidance, highlighting key features like the ancient gymnasiums and the legendary stadium.
What makes this tour unique is the focus on premium Greek wines at a family-owned estate—ABELON by Ktima Brintziki—where you’ll learn about the winemaking process firsthand. The visit includes curated tastings of local wines, making it ideal for enthusiasts wanting to pair history with a modern taste of Greece. Reviews praise the warm, welcoming atmosphere, with one noting, “The winery is owned by a local family and produces everything organic and local.” Another highlights its personalized feel, perfect for those seeking a relaxed, engaging experience. All entrance fees, guidance, and transport are included, providing excellent value.
Bottom Line: If you want a thoughtful mix of ancient ruins and refined wine tasting in a small-group setting, this tour hits the spot.
2. Olympic site all-inclusive private tour with a local expert
Number 2 on our list is the Olympic site all-inclusive private tour, perfect for travelers craving exclusivity and expert insights. For $446, up to six people can enjoy a 2-hour customized experience without waiting in lines, thanks to pre-booked tickets. Your private guide, a field archaeologist, brings Olympia’s ancient past to life with stories about the original Olympic stadium, the temple of Hera, and the colossal temple of Zeus.
This tour stands out because of the personalized attention and the opportunity to run the track where ancient athletes competed—an experience that many visitors find surprisingly moving. The guide’s passion for archaeology means you’ll also learn lesser-known facts about Olympia’s history and architecture. Guests have loved Elena’s tour, with one describing it as “one of our trip’s highlights” due to her lively storytelling and in-depth knowledge.
This option is best suited for those who want to focus on the key archaeological highlights without the hassle of large group tours. The private format ensures flexibility and a more immersive experience.
Bottom Line: For history lovers who want the deepest dive into Olympia with a knowledgeable guide, this private tour offers both intimacy and insight.
3. Half Day Private tour from Katakolon to Olympia
For around $236 per group (up to four people), the Half Day Private Tour from Katakolon to Olympia makes a compact yet rich visit possible. Over roughly five hours, this tour includes exploration of the ancient site and the Museum of Ancient Olympic Games. It’s ideal if you want to experience Olympia without committing a full day, with plenty of time for sightseeing and relaxing in the town afterward.
The tour is guided by a friendly driver and guide who provide engaging commentary about the significance of the temple of Zeus, the Heraion, and the ancient stadium. One reviewer calls the driver “very nice,” and notes the day was “amazing”—a testament to the personalized service. The itinerary also includes free time to explore Olympia’s streets and enjoy some local food, making it a well-rounded experience for those wanting a taste of authenticity.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a private, flexible experience but also value comfort and local insights. It offers good value for a personalized half-day adventure.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, private immersion, especially if you want to combine sightseeing with relaxed exploration.
4. Guided visit to ancient Olympia with an Italian-Greek archaeologist tour guide
Number 4 features a guided visit to Olympia with an Italian-Greek archaeologist, priced at $260 for groups up to 10. This 2.5-hour tour is led by a PhD student in archaeology, offering a deep dive into the most significant ruins and stories of Olympia. The guide enhances the experience with exclusive curiosities, making it ideal for history buffs eager for detailed insights.
You’ll explore the archaeological site and the museum, walking through the remains of temples, the ancient gymnasium, and the stadium. The guide’s academic background ensures that you receive accurate, engaging narratives about the origins of the Olympic Games and the significance of each monument. Past clients praise the “authentic experience” and the “storytelling that connected past and present.”
This tour is perfect if you want a comprehensive, scholarly perspective in a shorter time frame, with a focus on storytelling and in-depth history.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who appreciate detailed explanations and want to maximize their understanding of Olympia’s archaeological treasures.
$260 per group up to 10
5. Tour of the archaeological site of Olympia by an Italian-Greek archaeologist
At number 5, this tour of the archaeological site offers a focused 1.5-hour walk guided by a PhD-level archaeologist. Costing $224 for groups up to 12, it’s a shorter, more budget-friendly option for travelers who want a solid overview of Olympia’s ruins.
The guide’s expertise shines as they share stories about the temples, the ancient stadium, and the Olympic flame’s origins. Guests appreciate the “authentic experience” and the opportunity to see key sites with a knowledgeable guide. The intimate setting and detailed explanations make this a great choice for travelers who want depth in a limited timeframe.
Ideal for those who prefer a brisk but well-informed visit, this tour balances affordability with quality.
Bottom Line: If you’re short on time but want expert insights, this tour delivers a memorable, compact experience.
$224 per group up to 12
6. Ancient Olympia Entry Ticket & Virtual Reality Audio Tour
Number 6 offers a modern twist with Ancient Olympia Entry Ticket & Virtual Reality Audio Tour. For just $23.71, you can explore Olympia’s ruins with a multilingual VR app and audioguide, avoiding crowds and long lines. The 4-hour window allows time to absorb the site at your own pace.
This experience is particularly well-suited for tech-savvy travelers or those who prefer a flexible, self-guided approach. The app enhances the visit with immersive visuals and commentary, making ancient sites come alive in a way traditional tours can’t match. While reviews note the 3.1/5 rating, many find it a valuable add-on for a more independent experience.
It’s best for visitors comfortable with technology and looking to combine self-guided exploration with historical storytelling.
Bottom Line: A cost-effective, flexible option that works well for tech enthusiasts and independent travelers wanting control over their visit.
$23.71 per person
7. Ancient Olympia Full-Day Private Tour | Olympics Birthplace
Our seventh pick is the Full-Day Private Tour, priced at $130 per person for a 12.5-hour journey. This tour offers an immersive experience, starting from Athens or Pireas, with flexible timing and a dedicated driver. You’ll visit the archaeological site, the museum, and have time for local food and shopping.
The itinerary includes a stop at the Corinth Canal, adding a scenic highlight. Guests love the personalized approach, noting the “flexible pacing” and expert guidance. The journey also includes relaxing drives along the coast, passing Greek seaside villages and Salamis Island. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive, private experience combining history and local culture.
While longer and more expensive, this tour provides a thorough and comfortable way to experience Olympia without rushing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history enthusiasts who want a full, private day trip with flexible pacing and local flavor.
$130 per person
8. Ancient Olympia Private Day Tour
Number 8 is the Ancient Olympia Private Day Tour, costing $367 per person for an 11-hour adventure from Athens. It combines a walk across the Corinth Canal with visits to Olympia’s most famous sites, including the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. The journey includes passing through scenic Greek countryside and seaside villages, making it ideal for travelers who want a full-day, private experience.
This tour is praised for its smooth logistics and personal touches, like a stop at the Corinth Canal for photos. The itinerary covers the key sites at Olympia, with time to explore the town afterward. Its length makes it a great choice for those eager to see as much as possible and appreciate the landscape along the way.
Bottom Line: Good for travelers seeking a private, all-encompassing day trip with scenic drives and flexible sightseeing.
$367 per person
9. Journey of Legends – Ancient Olympia & Marble Art
Number 9 offers a creative spin with Journey of Legends. Priced at $1,592 per group (up to 2), this 5-hour tour combines a detailed visit to Olympia with a marble sculpting workshop. It’s perfect for those interested in hands-on craftsmanship and authentic Greek culture.
The tour includes a guided exploration of Olympia’s ruins and museum, followed by a 45-minute marble sculpture session where you can create your own souvenir. Guests love this personalized approach, with many finding the workshop a memorable highlight. The tour balances historical exploration with creative activity, making it suitable for art lovers or anyone wanting a unique experience.
While pricier, the focus on individual attention and the craft workshop makes this a worthwhile choice for a special trip.
Bottom Line: For a one-of-a-kind experience combining history and art, this tour offers lasting memories.
$1,592 per group up to 2
10. Olympia Elegance: All-Inclusive Small Group Tour
Rounding out our list is the Olympia Elegance: All-Inclusive Small Group Tour, priced at $220 per person. This 5-hour experience offers a carefully curated visit to the archaeological site, museum, and some leisure time for shopping or a snack. The small group format ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace, making it ideal for travelers who value comfort.
All entrance fees, expert guidance, and transport are included, streamlining the experience. Past reviews mention the “personalized journey” and the opportunity to enjoy Olympia’s atmosphere without the rush of larger tours.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a well-rounded, intimate experience with all logistics handled smoothly.
$220 per person
How to Choose Your Tour
When selecting your Olympia tour, consider your budget—from the budget-friendly VR experience to the exclusive private options. Think about your interests: do you want a deep archaeological dive, hands-on art activities, or a relaxed wine tasting? If you’re short on time, the 1.5-hour guided tours or self-guided VR approach work well. For those wanting a leisurely, all-day adventure, the full-day private tour offers comprehensive coverage.
Also, pay attention to group size. Small groups or private tours provide more personalized experiences, perfect if you crave intimacy. Meanwhile, larger group tours can be more economical but might sacrifice some flexibility.
Booking early is advisable, especially for private and small-group tours, and consider the season. Summer months can be busy, and securing spots ahead of time ensures your preferred experience.
Final Thoughts
Olympia offers a range of tours suited to different interests and budgets. For a personalized archaeological deep dive, the guided archaeological tours are hard to beat. If you want a relaxed, scenic day with local flavor, the half-day private or full-day private options are excellent. Those interested in a modern twist should consider the VR audio tour.
No matter which you choose, Olympia remains a must-see for anyone interested in the roots of the Olympic Games, Greek mythology, and ancient architecture. Booking ahead will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences—so start planning your trip today.