Ancient Olympia and the Temple of Epicurean Apollo
Walk the sacred grounds of the Olympic birthplace and a UNESCO-listed mountaintop sanctuary in a single remarkable day.
This private full-day tour takes you to two of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece: Ancient Olympia, the UNESCO World Heritage site where the Olympic Games were born, and the Temple of Epicurean Apollo, a masterpiece of classical architecture set at 1,130 meters above sea level.
Ancient Olympia was not simply a venue for athletic competition. Known in antiquity as the Sacred Forest, this site on the north bank of the Alfeios River grew into the greatest religious sanctuary of the ancient world, drawing politicians, philosophers, and artists across centuries.
The Temple of Epicurean Apollo at Bassae stands apart from nearly every other ancient monument in Greece. Designed by Ictinos, the architect behind the Parthenon, it is the only ancient temple known to incorporate all three classical orders — Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian — within a single structure.
This tour is conducted privately, meaning the itinerary, pace, and focus are shaped around your group. Transportation, guiding services, water, snacks, and a local coffee stop are all included, along with a souvenir gift at the close of the day.
Tour Highlights
Visit the Temple of Zeus, original home of the colossal gold-and-ivory statue listed among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Walk the Ancient Olympic Stadium, the track where athletes competed before tens of thousands of spectators beginning in 776 B.C.
Explore the Philippeion, the circular monument commissioned by Philip II of Macedon and completed by Alexander the Great.
Discover the Temple of Epicurean Apollo at Bassae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site uniquely combining all three Greek architectural orders.
Tour the Museum of Ancient Olympia, home to original sculptures, bronze artifacts, and finds spanning thousands of years of occupation.
Travel through the scenic landscapes of Ilia, Arcadia, and Messinia on the mountain road leading to the Bassae sanctuary.
Enjoy the full experience as a private group, with dedicated guiding and flexible pacing throughout the day.
Itinerary
Your private vehicle departs from the agreed meeting point and travels toward the Peloponnese. The drive offers views of the western Greek countryside as you approach the Alfeios River valley.
Arrive at the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, the former Sacred Forest and hub of ancient Greek religious and athletic life. Your guide introduces the historical context stretching back to the fourth millennium B.C., leading you through the principal monuments at a comfortable pace.
Walk through the Temple of Zeus, the Philippeion, the Palaistra, the Temple of Hera, and the Ancient Olympic Stadium. Each stop is accompanied by historical commentary connecting the site to its role in ancient Greek civilization and the Olympic tradition.
Visit the on-site museum to view original pediment sculptures from the Temple of Zeus, the Nike of Paionios, and bronze votive offerings recovered from across the sanctuary grounds.
Depart Olympia and ascend through the highlands bordering Ilia, Arcadia, and Messinia. A brief stop at a local coffee shop is included along the route before arriving at the Bassae plateau.
Explore the remarkably preserved temple dedicated to Apollo Epikourios at an elevation of 1,130 meters. Your guide explains its architectural significance, its commission by the people of Phigalia following a plague, and its unique design features before the return journey.
What Is Included
Included
- Private transportation throughout the tour
- Professional guiding services
- Bottled water
- Snacks during the journey
- Coffee at a local coffee shop
- Souvenir gift at the end of the tour
Not Included
- Archaeological site entrance fees
- Museum entrance fees
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Tour
Secure your place on this private full-day journey through two of Greece's most celebrated ancient sites. Availability is limited given the private nature of the experience.
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