Athens to Olympia Day Trip

Athens to Olympia Day Trip

Starting our full-day Athens to Olympia day trip , we drive southwest. We will make a short stop at the Corinth Canal to see a masterpiece of engineering, built back in the 19th century by a Hungarian company to connect the Aegean sea with the Corinthian Gulf. After the shortstop, we continue to the birthplace of the Olympic Games- ancient Olympia. An unforgetable trip for every visitor.

Athens to Olympia Day Trip - Visit Olympia

Driving through the Peloponnese region, we will pass by Nemea (famous for its wine), Tripoli, and Megalopoli. The rich land of the Peloponnese produces olive oil, oils, strawberries, lemons, oranges, mandarins, water lemons, and other agricultural products in big numbers. The duration of the drive to reach Olympia is up to 4 hours.

Reaching the area of the birthplace of the Olympic Games with our Athens to Olympia day trip you will see many restaurants, coffee shops, and souvenir shops. Also, you will see flags from most of the countries that participate in the Olympic Games. We will stop at the entrance of the Archaeological site, first, you must visit the museum.

Inside the archaeological museum, you will see many spectacular masterpieces of the ancient Greek world such as the Hermes statue of Praxiteles having Dionysus in his hands, the statue of winged Nike, the statue of Dionysus who holds Ganemedes, the amazing friezes from the temple of Zeus and Hera.

The famous workshop of Phidias who after the masterpiece that he created, the spectacular cryselephantine statue of Athina inside the Parthenon,he made the temple of Zeus which was considered as one of the seven wonders of the World. The helmet of Miltiades who was the General of the battle of Marathon,hundreds of pottery pieces, Roman statues, etc.

Ancient Greece - History

After the museum visit, you will be able to see the archaeological site where the ancient Olympic Games took place every four years to honor Zeus. According to mythology, Zeus fought against his father Cronus, and defeated him, after his win, he took the throne of Olympus. We don't know exactly why the Games were held every four years, but, a myth says that Heracles (not Hercules), a hero who had won a race at Olympia commanded that the race should be repeated every four years.

The monuments inside the archeological area that you will visit are the temple of Hera which was built in 600 BC, the temple of Zeus which housed one of the seven miracles of the World, the 17 meters statue of Zeus made of gold and ivory from the same sculptor-Phidias. Treasuries that had offerings from many Greek city-states

Palestra, a school for wrestling and boxing, Gymnasium, a training facility for the athletes plus bathhouses, the Stadium that could house up to 60.000 spectators, the Metrooon, the Hipodrome, Prytaneion where officials and winners could meet, Leonidaion, a kind of hotel-building for vip's, and finally Philippeion, a memorial that contained statues of King Phillip and Alexander the Great. They both had participated in the games and King Philip had won in horse racing.

During the games an Olympic truce was enacted, so the athletes could easily reach Olympia. Months before the Games starts, messengers were spreading the date that the Games will start, so, the athletes to have plenty of time to reach Olympia. The winners were crowned with an olive wreath and when they turned back to their city huge celebrations took place. Today, the ceremony of the Olympic flame is performed a few weeks before the start of the Games.

In this World heritage site, the ceremony of the Olympic Flame is taking part every four years for the Summer Olympics.

Later on, you will have time for shopping and lunch, and as well to visit the ancient Greek Technology Museum. After finishing our full-day private Olympia from Athens tour, we will return to Athens!

What about the next stop? Argolis or a classical tour?

The Significance of Ancient Olympia

Ancient Olympia holds a special place in history for several reasons. Firstly, it was the site of the ancient Olympic Games, which were held every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD. These games were not only a celebration of physical prowess but also a display of cultural unity among the Greek city-states. The Olympic Games were so important to the Greeks that they even marked the beginning of their calendar. The games attracted athletes and spectators from all corners of the ancient world, making Ancient Olympia a hub of cultural exchange and competition.

Furthermore, Ancient Olympia was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World the Statue of Zeus. This colossal statue, created by the renowned sculptor Phidias, stood at around 40 feet tall and was considered one of the greatest masterpieces of ancient Greek art. Unfortunately, the statue was destroyed in a fire in the 5th century AD, but its significance and legacy live on.

The Historical Importance of Ancient Olympia

In addition to its association with the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia played a crucial role in ancient Greek politics and religion. The sanctuary of Zeus was not only a place of worship but also a center for political and diplomatic activities. The Greeks believed that Zeus, as the king of the gods, had the power to bring prosperity and peace to their cities. Therefore, many city-states would send envoys to Ancient Olympia to seek the favor of Zeus and to participate in important political discussions.

Moreover, Ancient Olympia was a site of pilgrimage for ancient Greeks. People from all walks of life would make the arduous journey to the sanctuary to pay homage to Zeus and seek his blessings. The Olympic Games themselves were considered a religious festival, with athletes competing in honor of the gods. The importance of religion and spirituality in the lives of the ancient Greeks cannot be overstated, and Ancient Olympia was at the heart of this cultural and religious devotion.

Why Taking a Tour to Ancient Olympia is Important

Visiting Ancient Olympia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the ancient world. Walking through the ruins of the sanctuary, you can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the grandeur of the past. Taking a tour to Ancient Olympia is important because it provides a unique opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and achievements of the ancient Greeks.

By exploring the ruins with a knowledgeable guide, you can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of each structure and artifact. A guide can bring the stories of Ancient Olympia to life, explaining the myths and legends associated with the site and providing insights into the daily lives of the people who lived there. Without a guide, it is easy to overlook the subtle details and miss out on the hidden gems of Ancient Olympia.