- Departing from Athens 06.45 am. we drive on the highway 8a southwards, passing by ancient Corinth, where the Isthmian Games were held. A wealthy and powerful ancient City State, capital of "Roman" Greece (146 BC - 330 AD). Most of us know the city of Corinth from the life of St. Paul, who lived here for nearly 2 years and wrote the letters to the Corinthians after he left Corinth.
- The Corinth canal was the reason of the city's wealth and we cannot drive on without stopping for a couple of photos. After a short break, we continue on the freeway and arrive at Olympia by 10.30 am., driving through the middle of Peloponessus.
- We visit the museum, and the ancient site. You will learn why "gymnasium" means "place for naked athletes", what was the purpose of the palaestra, the Voulefterion, the luxurious hostel, the huge temples, see the spot where the Olympic flame is lighted for the torch relay using a parabolic mirror and the sun rays, the Philippeion - Gt. Alexander's monument, the treasuries, the beautiful aquaduct of the sanctuary, the tunnel of Agnaptos, a masterpiece of Greek architecture, learn what was the punishment for the cheaters (emperor Nero remains the most infamous, cheating owner-charioteer in the history of the Olympic festivals by bribing the Umpires), and you will also learn about Kallipateira (the mother that disguised herself as a trainer, trying to watch her son), the Heraea Games for the females, Kyniska, the Spartan princess (the first of the six female victors in the history of the ancient Olympic Games), the genius starting mechanism at the racecourse , etc and from the pictures that we have collected, you will get a perfect image of how the buildings looked like. Every building had a purpose.
- Without any doubt Olympia is a place worth your visit. A place that still plays a role in our life and that you will remember every time you watch the lighting of an Olympic flame, the beginning of an Olympic torch relay, and the ceremony at the monument of Pierre Fredy (De Coubertin).
Following his last wish in his will, his heart is buried under this monument at Olympia and everybody should pay respect to the man who accomplished the revival of the Olympic Games.
- When you finish with your sightseeing, you may stroll around the main street or relax in the peaceful setting of the modern Olympia town.
- For the return we depart at =/- 16.00 and arrive in Athens before 20.00.

However, when you visit the ancient site at Olympia you need the help of somebody to understand the site. You need a tour guide to show you how every structure looked like and to point out the purpose of every building. Somebody to tell you about the Pan-hellenic Games, since the Olympic Games was one of them. Otherwise the visit to Olympia may seem to be worthless. The archaeological museum is one of the best. But the site is extensive (over 23,000 sq.m.)and in fairly poor condition. CLICK and see how the site looks today.
Answering the question: Is Olympia worth visiting? Olympia is one of the most important ancient Greek sites, but the visit to Olympia is worth while, if you know the history and myths, the purpose of every structure, the principals and the ideals of the ancient Games. This is what I try to give to you.

Contact us at tours@astoria.gr and we shall answer your questions.
We want everybody to visit Olympia and learn its history.

See all the bus tours organised from Athens