Private tour of Ancient Olympia archaeological site

The workshop where one of the ancient world's greatest sculptures was actually built still stands in the ruins.

A private guided tour of the Ancient Olympia archaeological site in Greece's Peloponnese, led by a licensed guide in English or French. The tour covers the gymnasium, palaestra, Philipeion, the workshop of Phidias, the temples of Zeus and Hera, the Olympic torch altar, and the ancient stadium. The tour runs 90 minutes and suits travelers staying in the area. Cruise passengers should confirm availability in advance.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit the archaeological site of Olympia

• See gymnasium and palaestra
• Visit the round Philipeion
• Explore Phidias' workshop
• View temples of Zeus and Hera
• See altar of Olympic torch
• Visit ancient Olympic stadium

The experience

You arrive at the archaeological site and walk through the remains of buildings that anchored the ancient Olympic Games. A licensed guide leads you past the gymnasium and palaestra, the training grounds where athletes prepared, and the round Philipeion, a small monument built to honor Philip II of Macedon. The route takes you to the workshop of Phidias, the sculptor who created the gold and ivory statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The building itself survives in the ruins. You see the temples dedicated to Zeus and Hera, and the altar where the Olympic torch is lit during the modern Games ceremony.

The tour ends at the ancient Olympic stadium, where the original track and starting blocks remain visible. The whole experience runs 90 minutes, a pace that lets you linger at the major structures without rushing through the site. A guide in English or French provides context for what you're standing in front of, and the route is wheelchair accessible, so mobility constraints don't prevent you from reaching the main attractions.

What’s included

• Licensed guide services in English or French.
• access to the gymnasium, palaestra, Philipeion, workshop of Phidias, temples of Zeus and Hera, Olympic torch altar, and ancient stadium.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day20 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:30

Book up to1d before

AgesUp to 90 years

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on site€ 20

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Niki Olympic Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in the Olympia area and have a free afternoon or morning: the 90-minute format fits between other activities without consuming your whole day. Cruise passengers should confirm availability when booking, as this tour operates subject to port schedules.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

What exactly is the workshop of Phidias and why does it matter?

The workshop of Phidias is the actual building where the sculptor created the gold and ivory statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The structure survives in the archaeological site, making it one of the few places where you can stand in front of the workspace where an ancient masterpiece was built.

Do I need to pay an entrance fee for the archaeological site separately?

Entrance to the archaeological site is not included in the tour price and is arranged at checkout as an option. Your guide will lead you through the site once you have entry.

Is private transportation from my hotel included?

Private transportation is available as an option at checkout. The tour itself is a private guided experience at the site. You can arrange transport separately or confirm whether it's bundled with your booking when you reserve.

How long does the tour take and what's the pace like?

The tour runs 90 minutes and covers the major structures (the gymnasium, temples, workshop, and stadium) at a pace that allows time to take in each location without rushing. The route is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.