Mercedes Private Tour to Ancient Olympia

The Corinth Canal is a waterway that crosses the narrow isthmus of Corinth to link the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf. As such, the canal separates the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese, turning it into an island The canal, though executed in the late 19th century, has been a 2000-year-old dream. Before its construction, ships in the Aegean Sea that wanted to cross to the Adriatic or anchor in Corinth, a rich shipping city, had to circle the Peloponnese, which would prolong their journey an extra 185 nautical miles. It is believed that Periander, the tyrant of Corinth (602 BC), was the first to conceive of the idea of digging the Corinth Canal. As the project was too complicated given the limited technical capabilities of the times, Periander constructed the diolkos, a stone road which allowed ships to be transferred on wheeled platforms.

Olympia was the birthplace of the most famous and important sporting event in the ancient world. The Olympic Games took place here every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD. The site was also a place of worship dedicated to the Greek god Zeus from about the 10th century BC. Here you will find incredible sculptures such as the decoration of the temple of Zeus, as well as the famous Hermes of Praxiteles and the statue of Nike of Paionios. The Olympic Games—the most famous and important sporting event in the ancient world—paid homage to the finest athletes. That tradition continues to this day, nearly 3,000 years later. But Olympia was not just used every four years to laud mortals. It was also a place where remarkable works of art and culture were created and shared to worship the Greek god Zeus. It is this melding of history and the molding of modernity that makes this site so special. The Olympic Games in the times of ancient Greece were about more than sport.

More detailed a visit to the museum will bring you closer to the Stadium

The modern town of Ancient Olympia offers a charming pedestrian street lined with traditional tavernas, cafés, local shops, and boutiques. It is the perfect place to take a relaxing stroll, enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, and experience everyday life in this historic destination. If you wish, this is an excellent stop for lunch, where you can taste authentic Greek cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients. You can also enjoy a coffee, a refreshing drink, or browse the souvenir shops for local products, olive oil, honey, handcrafted gifts, and keepsakes inspired by the Olympic Games. Whether you are looking for a leisurely walk, a delicious meal, or simply some time to unwind after exploring the archaeological site, the town center of Ancient Olympia provides a pleasant and authentic Greek experience.