Private Tour of Ancient Olympia & Isthmus Canal from Athens 1
Private Tour of Ancient Olympia & Isthmus Canal from Athens 2
Private Tour of Ancient Olympia & Isthmus Canal from Athens 3
Private Tour of Ancient Olympia & Isthmus Canal from Athens 4
Private Tour of Ancient Olympia & Isthmus Canal from Athens 5
Private Tour of Ancient Olympia & Isthmus Canal from Athens 6
Private Tour of Ancient Olympia & Isthmus Canal from Athens 7
Private Tour of Ancient Olympia & Isthmus Canal from Athens 8
Private Tour of Ancient Olympia & Isthmus Canal from Athens 9
Private Tour of Ancient Olympia & Isthmus Canal from Athens 10
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Private Tour of Ancient Olympia & Isthmus Canal from Athens

(5)
Athens, Greece
Cultural ToursArts & CultureDay Trips & ExcursionsEducational TourLayover Tours

About this activity

Combine two of Greece's most iconic landmarks in a single 11-hour private excursion: the engineering spectacle of the Corinth Canal and the sacred sanctuary of Ancient Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were held over 2,700 years ago. This curated journey pairs hands-on exploration of ancient ruins with museum masterpieces, ideal for those seeking depth without the crowds.

Be amazed by the modern engineering masterpiece of the Corinth Canal (Isthmus Canal).

Light the Olympic flame at Ancient Olympia the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. 

Explore the Archaeological Museum, where many of Olympia’s greatest works of art and artifacts are displayed. Highlights of the museum include the Sculpture from the Temple of Zeus, arguably the finest surviving examples of Archaic Greek sculpture, the 5th century BC Winged Victory by Paiongs, the 4th century BC Hermes of Praxiteles and a model of the reconstructed ancient Olympia site.

Highlights

  • Walk through the Corinth Canal, a 19th-century engineering marvel connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas
  • Light the Olympic flame at the original Olympic stadium in Ancient Olympia
  • View the Hermes of Praxiteles and Winged Victory sculptures, among Greece's finest classical artworks
  • Explore the Archaeological Museum's collection of Archaic Greek sculpture from the Temple of Zeus
  • See the reconstructed model of ancient Olympia to understand the full sanctuary complex
  • Private transport throughout—no group bus, flexible pacing

Insider tips

  • Arrive at the Corinth Canal early in the morning before tour groups; the light is best and it's less crowded.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes—Ancient Olympia's archaeological site spans a large area with uneven terrain.
  • The Archaeological Museum is air-conditioned; spend extra time here if the midday heat is intense.
  • Request a stop at a local taverna en route for authentic Greek lunch (not always included—confirm with your guide).

Good to know

  • Duration is 11 hours including travel time from Athens; depart early morning and return late afternoon/evening.
  • Private car with driver and guide included; pace and stops can be customized within the itinerary.
  • Archaeological site has limited shade; bring sunscreen, hat, and at least 2 litres of water.
  • Museum entry and guide services are typically included; check if lunch and entrance fees are covered.
  • Not wheelchair-accessible on the uneven ruins, but the museum and canal viewpoint are accessible.

Who it's for

History enthusiasts and classical archaeology buffsPhotography-focused travelers seeking golden-hour ruins and iconic landmarksSmall groups or families wanting flexible, guided experiences without large-group toursLayover travelers in Athens seeking a high-impact day trip

Best time to visit

Visit April–May or September–October for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Avoid July–August heat when the archaeological site can exceed 35°C. Early starts (before 8 a.m.) ensure better lighting for photography and cooler conditions during outdoor exploration.

Frequently asked questions

From
€698
per person