Best of Olympia

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Olympia
Run the track at the birthplace of the Olympic Games with a visit to Olympia. But athletes aren’t the only legends to have graced this spot; you can see the grounds of the statue of Zeus that was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world or wander the Foloi Forest, home of centaurs and dryads that aided Hercules. You’ll even find some of the best sandy beaches and sunsets in Greece along the Olympian Riviera.

Dig in with a full-day trip to ancient Olympia including lunch at a honey farm and excavation simulation that allows children to play archaeologist for a day. Previous kimkim travelers have also been able to hike through Foloi Forest, between the Erymanthos and Ladon rivers, and swim at the Nemouta waterfalls.
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Olympia Essentials

Overlooking Oia
Map of 10 Days in Greece - 6 Family-Friendly Itineraries
10 Days in Greece - 6 Family-Friendly Itineraries

Greece has a multitude of wonders to attract you and your family for 10 days of adventure. It's one of the sunniest places in the world, so catch some rays as you explore the cultural capital of Athens in the company of storytellers, breathe in the healing airs of Crete on easy hikes and treasure hunts, and watch the stunning sunsets of Santorini from secret spots.

The Parthenon of the Acropolis has no straight lines
Best Historical and Mythological Experiences in Greece

While many travelers understandably plan trips to Greece that center around the islands, beaches, and nature, there are incredible ancient sites all throughout the country that offer unforgettable trips to the past. Whether you want to wander the streets where the philosopher, Socrates, walked or enter a Temple of Apollo where a high priestess once spoke prophecies heard throughout the land, these experiences will help you better understand the cradle of Western civilization.

Villages and Seaside Vistas of the Peloponnese
Best Things to Do in the The Peloponnese

Although not as touristy as the rest of Greece, the Peloponnese region abounds in history, culture, and gastronomy. For over 3,000 years, this jagged peninsula was the heart of Ancient Greece. Visit some of the country's most historic spots, like Ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games started, the impressive theater of Epidavros, and the fortified stone village of Monemvasia. Relax on the scenic Mani Peninsula, explore the popular coastlines, and climb the castle of Nafplio, all while noshing on local cuisine like the country's famed Kalamata olives.

Olympia Itineraries

Ancient Greek columns
Road Trip Around Ancient Greece - 5 Days

In just five days, you can see a lot of Greek antiquity — especially if you have a good map and the keys to a rental car! On this fascinating five-day tour, you'll drive around Athens, Olympia, Mycenae, Nafplio, Delphi, and the Meteora, stopping along the journey to tour ancient ruins, visit key museums, and walk around the original site of the Olympic Games. It's not all history on this colorful road trip, though: you'll also have the chance to hunt for truffles in the woods, dine in traditional Greek taverns, and hike through quiet forests before looping back to Athens, where the trip comes to a close.

Exploring the ruins of Olympia
Map of Greek History, Nature, and Culture for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 10 Days
Greek History, Nature, and Culture for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 10 Days

Older kids and teens can enjoy ten days of activities that will acquaint them with Greece's personality through the ages. Start in Athens with tours of ancient monuments and modern street art, then head to Nafplio to explore sprawling sanctuaries. You'll then head to Olympia to try your hand at beekeeping and archaeology before ending your trip among the sacred stones at Delphi.

Ancient stone columns at Olympia
Discover Greek History & Culture - 7 Days

Delve into the fascinating history and culture of Greece on this weeklong tour around some of the country's top highlights. You'll begin in Athens with a guided tour of the Acropolis, then continue to Mycenae — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the historic coastal city of Nafplio. Tour the ruins of Olympia, the site of the original Olympic Games, before moving on to discover fascinating antiquities in Delphi and Amfissa. You'll explore the otherworldly Meteora and spend some time sampling local wines and regional dishes in the countryside before heading back to Athens, where the trip ends.

Sunset over the Poseidon Temple ruins at Cape Sounio
Map of Luxury Journey Through Ancient Greece: Athens, Peloponnese & Santorini - 7 Days
Luxury Journey Through Ancient Greece: Athens, Peloponnese & Santorini - 7 Days

Follow in the footsteps of the Gods and delve into ancient Greece as you uncover the best of the mainland's classical sights. With a private driver throughout, you'll tour ancient Mycenae, Olympia, and Delphi, bookended with luxurious stays at Athens' top 5-star hotels. Then, spend two nights savoring the sunsets in Santorini while days are spent tasting wine in labyrinthine caves, cruising the Cyclades' best beaches, and savoring the view from your private cliffside plunge pool.

Sunrise over Athens
Discover the Best of Athens, the Peloponnese & Santorini - 8 Days

Explore ancient ruins, relax on beautiful beaches, and wander through island villages on this 8-day trip around Greece. The trip starts and ends in Athens, where you'll tour the Acropolis and visit key museums. In between stays in the capital city, you'll visit the fabled Homeric city of Mycenae and the original site of the Olympic Games in Olympia. Then you'll catch a ferry to Santorini and enjoy a few days exploring the island, relaxing on the famous Red Beach, and taking in stunning sunsets over the water.

Lion Gate in Mycenae, Greece
Highlights of Athens & the Mainland - 8 Days

Many trips to Greece involve island-hopping. But this 8-day tour, perfect for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, showcases the best of the mainland! You'll begin in Athens, visiting the Acropolis and the city's top museums, then viewing the city from far away on a sunset tour to Cape Sounio. Continue on to the ancient sites of Mycenae, Nafplio, and Olympia, the host of the first Olympic Games. Spot dolphins in the water on a scenic cruise around Amvrakikos Gulf, then explore the monasteries and rock formations of the Meteora before circing back to Athens. With a mix of culture, history, wildlife, and active pursuits, this journey around mainland Greece is popular with travelers of all ages.

A classic view of Santorini
Explore Athens, Classical Greece & Santorini - 9 Days

Can't choose between Greek antiquity and picture-perfect island sunsets? This 9-day itinerary, offering a mix of both, is for you. You'll start in Athens, spending a few days sightseeing and touring the Acropolis. Then you'll explore ancient ruins at Mycenae and visit Olympia to see the site of the first Olympic Games. Catch the ferry to Santorini on day six for a few days on the idyllic island, enjoying a sunset cruise and strolls through quiet villages. You'll head back to Athens for one last night in the capital city before the trip ends.

Monemvasia's Preserved Old Town
Hidden Gems of Mainland Greece - 12 Days

This dynamic road trip takes you through some of mainland Greece's best kept secrets, starting with a mythology tour of the Acropolis in Athens and a visit to the wineries in Nemea. Then head into the picturesque Peloponnese Region where you'll discover the ancient ruins in Sparta, the medicinal tales of Ascelpius, and the charms of historic Mani villages. Visit the birthplace of the Olympics in Olympia, hike to an alpine lake for a swim, and visit a family-operated olive farm to learn all about the production process and to taste different varieties.

See ancient sites including the Amphitheater with a tour of Athens' iconic Acropolis
Map of Luxury Journey Through Ancient Greece: Athens, Crete & Peloponnese - 10 Days
Luxury Journey Through Ancient Greece: Athens, Crete & Peloponnese - 10 Days

Experience the best of ancient and modern Greece with this luxury tour that starts in Athens and combines cocktails, street art, and fine dining with tours of the Acropolis and the capital's landmarks. Fly south to Crete and visit the legendary Palace of Knossos, rounded off with a visit to the famous Boutari winery. Back on the mainland, you'll discover picturesque fishing villages and ancient sights, capped off with plenty of Greek hospitality and mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine.

Sunset in Santorini
Escape to Athens, Mykonos & Santorini - 12 Days

This colorful 12-day itinerary around Greece features a wide range of cultural activities and outdoor adventures, from sightseeing at the Acropolis to sailing around Santorini at sunset. You'll begin the journey with sightseeing in Athens, then move on to explore ancient ruins at Mycenae, Nafplio, Delphia, and Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games. Hike around the Meteora before catching a boat to Mykonos and enjoying some relaxation on the island. You'll end the trip with several days in Santorini, plenty of time for exploring island villages, discovering quiet beaches, and taking in a glorious sunset during a sailing excursion.

Sunset over a monastery in Meteora
Map of Best of Greece: Mainland, Santorini & Crete - 14 Days
Best of Greece: Mainland, Santorini & Crete - 14 Days

Travel for two weeks across a wide span of Greece's top attractions, from the clifftops of Meteora to the Cretan seaside. You'll start by winding your way through the many columns of mainland historic attractions like ancient Delphi and Olympia. Go out to sea to Santorini for a taste of the Cyclades, then end your trip in Crete's second-largest city.

Peloponnese Waters
Athens, the Peloponnese, Delphi & Santorini - 14 Days

Travel across the Peloponnesian peninsula and dive into Greek history with this 14-day itinerary. After a brief stay in Athens, go down to the sea to visit Nafplio, Ancient Olympia, and Delphi. Set sail for the quintessential Greek island of Santorini to end your journey on its stunning caldera.

Kayak over the ruins of Epidaurus
Map of Greek History, Nature, and Culture for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 14 Days
Greek History, Nature, and Culture for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 14 Days

Take older kids and teens on this two-week itinerary that will get you out into some of the most interesting natural landscapes in Greece. You'll start in Athens, exploring the capital's parks and street art scene, then head to Nafplio to explore ancient theaters and monuments by both land and sea. Visit the castles of the Mani Peninsula, learn about Greek cooking in Kalamata, and tour the Classical-era temples at Delphi before you head home.

See the world-famous Temple of Erectheion at the Acropolis
Map of Luxury Journey Through Ancient Greece: Athens, Crete & Peloponnese - 14 Days
Luxury Journey Through Ancient Greece: Athens, Crete & Peloponnese - 14 Days

Dive into the ancient history, culture, and gastronomy of Athens, Crete, and the Peloponnese with this two-week luxury tour that ticks off the classical highlights. Start in the country's capital for private tours of the Acropolis and Athens' modern-day neighborhoods, then fly south to Crete for authentic experiences in idyllic hilltop and lakeside hamlets. Throw in a sunset cruise, private vineyard tours, and 5-star accommodation, and you'll leave feeling refreshed and inspired.

A fortress in Heraklion on Crete
Enjoy Athens, the Peloponnese, Santorini & Crete - 15 Days

This lively 15-day itinerary around Greece features too many activities to list, from boating excursions and tours of ancient ruins to waterfall hikes and wine tastings. The journey begins on the mainland with sightseeing in Athens, a visit to Olympia — the site of the first Olympic Games — the fabled Homeric city of Mycenae, and more. Then you'll take off on an island adventure, starting with a ferry ride to Santorini, known around the world for its spectacular beaches and sunsets. Wrap up the trip on Crete, dividing your time between Heraklion and Chania as you discover the island's caves and coastline.

Wander the ruins of Knossos Palace just outside of Heraklion
Map of Historic Tour Through Mainland Greece & Crete - 16 Days
Historic Tour Through Mainland Greece & Crete - 16 Days

Immerse yourself in Greece's rich culture, history, and mythology on this 16-day trip across the mainland and Crete. Begin in Athens, where you'll explore the Acropolis, visit museums, and discover the city's Ottoman history. More archaeological wonders await in Nafplio, Olympia, and Delphi as you walk in the footsteps of ancient Greeks. Finally, visit the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Meteora before flying to Crete to explore Knossos Palace in Heraklion and ride a Trikke along Chania's Venetian harbor.

A monastery in the Pindos Mountains
Epic Adventure Around Ancient Greece & the Islands - 18 Days

If you have more than a couple of weeks to travel, this epic 18-day trip around Greece is a fantastic choice. The itinerary takes you to ancient monuments, idyllic islands, clifftop monuments, family-run wineries and so much more! Start in Athens before hitting the road for a self-guided car trip around the mainland's historic ruins, including Olympia, where the original Olympic Games were held. Then it's time to island-hop to Milos, Santorini, and Crete, enjoying active excursions and relaxing beach time along the way. You'll dine in local taverns, boat around the coast at sunset, and stroll through quaint villages, culminating the trip with an unforgettable hike through Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete.

Agios Prokopios Beach in Naxos
Culture & Adventure in Crete, Santorini, Naxos, the Peloponnese & Meteora - 21 Days

Spend 21 days in Greece with this unique itinerary that balances history, relaxation, and culture. Start in Crete, Greece's largest island with the oldest civilization. Explore the Venetian town of Chania and the massive Samaria gorge, and Crete's capital — Heraklion. Catch a ferry to Naxos where you'll learn how to cook Greek food and relax on an idyllic beach. Finish your trip in laid-back Santorini for an immersion into Greek winemaking.

Other popular travel destinations in Greece
Athens · Greek Islands · Cycladic Islands · Santorini · Crete · Naxos · Mykonos · Chania · Peloponnese · Northern & Central Greece · Nafplio · Tinos · Heraklion · Meteora · Ionian Islands · Kalabaka · Zagori · Thessaloniki · Corfu · Nafpaktos · Paros · Sparta & Mani · Delphi · Syros · Mani Peninsula · Monemvasia · Rhodes · Dodecanese & Northern Aegean Islands · Milos · Rethymno · Kalamata · Corinth · Sparta · Saronic Islands · Sifnos · Sifnos Port · Gortynia · Messinia · Drama · Hydra