09:00

Admission to the Archaeological Site of Olympia

Set aside around three hours for the site, following the marked paths among temples, altars and sports structures. The visit is mostly outdoors and the ground can be uneven; the entrance ticket is typically in the range of 12–20 EUR, depending on the season and access method.

Arrive at opening time and bring water and a hat.

10:00

Temple of Zeus

Take in the foundations and the temple’s monumental scale, once the focal point of the sanctuary. The original sculptures are kept in the museum, so it’s worth photographing the ruins and then looking for the corresponding works on display indoors.

The visit is included in the archaeological area.

11:00

Philippeion and Altis

Make your way to the Philippeion, the circular building associated with the Macedonian dynasty, and take a moment to appreciate the layout of the Altis, the sacred precinct. Allow about 30–45 minutes for this area, including time to read the on-site information.

Stick to the designated paths: several structures are fragile.

12:00

Olympia Stadium

Pass through the monumental entrance and walk along the stadium track, imagining the scale of the ancient contests. The walk from the heart of the sanctuary is short; access is not normally subject to an additional fee beyond the site ticket.

At noon, shade is limited.

14:00

Archaeological Museum of Olympia

After lunch, set aside at least two hours for the museum: among the most famous exhibits are the sculptures from the pediment of the Temple of Zeus and Praxiteles' Hermes. The cost may be included in the combined ticket or vary according to current regulations; check the official ticket office.

Check the closing time, which may change throughout the year.

09:30

Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity

Head to the museum, located in the area of ancient Olympia, to follow the evolution of the Games and the various events through artifacts and display panels. Allow about 60–90 minutes and check whether there is an entrance fee, typically free or just a few euros depending on the current rules.

Do not confuse it with the archaeological museum visited the previous day.

11:15

Archimedes Museum

In the center of town, this museum offers reconstructions of devices and machines attributed to the Greek scientific tradition. The visit usually lasts 45–75 minutes; an admission fee or contribution of around 3–8 EUR is a ballpark figure to verify on site.

Ask for a demonstration if one is available during your visit.

12:45

Lunch and a walk in Olympia

Stop on the main street for a simple lunch of Greek dishes and local products: allow roughly 12–25 EUR per person. Spend the early afternoon browsing shops, cafés, and small sections of the center, without straying far from the pedestrian area.

The middle of the day is ideal for an indoor break.

15:30

Kladeos River

Take a relaxed walk along the Kladeos River, on the accessible stretches near the town and the archaeological site. The route is free and takes no more than an hour; after rain or during high water, stick to safe paths and local guidance.

Not all banks are set up as a continuous walking path.

17:00

Return and evening in Olympia

Walk back to the center and leave time to rest or have dinner near your accommodation. For dinner at a taverna, budget roughly 18–35 EUR per person, drinks excluded or included depending on the venue.

The day is intentionally car-free.

08:30

Departure from Olympia

Drive toward the archaeological area of Elis, about 45–55 km depending on the route, with an estimated driving time of around one hour. Public transport may require changes or have limited frequency; factor in fuel and parking as additional costs.

Check the location of the entrance and the site's accessibility in advance.

09:45

Archaeological Site of Elis

Spend about 90 minutes exploring the remains of the ancient city, including the theater area and traces of public buildings. Entry is often free or low-cost, but opening hours may be seasonal: check before you set off.

Bring water: shade on the site is limited and intermittent.

11:30

Archaeological Museum of Elis

Visit the museum to add context to the artifacts and the city's history, tied to the organization of the Olympic Games. Set aside about 45–60 minutes and confirm the actual opening hours, which may be more limited than those of larger museums.

If it is closed, do not try to enter the exhibition spaces.

13:00

Stop in Amaliada

Head to nearby Amaliada for lunch and a stroll through the center. A casual meal costs roughly 12–25 EUR per person; the stop is also a good chance to stock up on water and supplies before heading to the sea.

In small eateries, kitchen hours may be reduced out of season.

15:00

Kourouta Beach

Continue on to Kourouta for a beach afternoon: the coast is sandy, and in summer there may be services and beach facilities, with drinks or sun loungers costing around 5–15 EUR. Return to Olympia in the evening, allowing for about an hour and a quarter of driving.

The availability of beach services depends on the season.

09:00

Pyrgos

Drive to Pyrgos, about 30 km from Olympia, and take a stroll through the center among squares, cafés and shops. It’s a useful stop for a late breakfast or practical shopping; a drink generally costs about 3–8 EUR.

Parking may be easier on the streets outside the central area.

10:30

Mercouri Estate

Continue on to the Mercouri estate, among vineyards and olive trees, to learn about a historic agricultural tradition in Elis. Visits and tastings should be arranged or checked in advance; allow an estimated cost of 10–25 EUR for a tasting, if available.

Do not assume it will be open without a reservation.

12:30

Katakolo

Head down to the port of Katakolo and stroll along the waterfront, where boats, bars and shops alternate. The drive from Mercouri is short; for lunch, budget around 15–30 EUR per person, depending on fish and drinks.

On ship arrival days, the port can be very crowded.

14:00

Museum of Ancient Greek Technology

Visit this collection of reconstructions of ancient tools and devices, also ideal for families and non-specialist visitors. The visit takes about an hour; admission is roughly in the 5–10 EUR range, which should be checked before arrival.

Check the museum’s opening hours, especially in the less touristy months.

15:30

Agios Andreas Beach

Head to Agios Andreas Beach for a seaside break and a coastal walk. Access to the beach is generally free; umbrellas, sunbeds, or food and drinks may cost around 5–15 EUR.

Leave time for the drive back to Olympia.

18:00

Return to Olympia

Head back to your base at a relaxed pace, allowing about 40–50 minutes of driving from Katakolo. The evening remains free for dinner in town, with no additional sightseeing after the day on the coast.

In high season, allow extra time for traffic and parking.

09:00

Kaiafas Lake

Set off by car toward Kaiafas Lake, south of Olympia, and stroll through the accessible areas while taking in the lagoon, the vegetation, and the birds. Visiting the natural area is free; services or maintained trails are not guaranteed in every season.

Bring insect repellent and water.

10:30

Kaiafas Thermal Springs

Explore the thermal springs area and check how the facilities operate: access to the thermal services may be seasonal and have different rates. If available, expect roughly 5–20 EUR for a basic admission or treatment.

Do not confuse the walk around the area with access to the thermal facilities.

12:30

Zacharo Beach

Head to the long stretch of Zacharo Beach for lunch and a seaside break. Access is generally free; for a casual meal and a drink, expect around 12–25 EUR per person, with extra costs for any beach services.

Choose a supervised area for swimming when available.

15:30

Giannitsochori Beach

If conditions and time allow, continue south to Giannitsochori for a beach that is often quieter and a final stroll along the shore. Allow time for the return trip: local roads are slower than the main routes.

Check the wind and sea conditions before getting into the water.

17:30

Return to Olympia

Head back to Olympia in the late afternoon, allowing about an hour or a little more depending on stops and traffic. Dinner can be in town; expect 18–35 EUR per person at a mid-range taverna.

Refuel before leaving the coastal areas, if needed.

07:30

Departure for Bassae

Set off early by car: the drive from Olympia to the temple takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes–2 hours, on winding mountain roads. Fill up and bring water, as services along the route are limited.

Check road conditions and the weather before departure.

09:30

Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae

Dedicate about 90 minutes to the temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famed for its mountain setting and blend of architectural elements. The site may charge an indicative entrance fee of around 6–12 EUR; check opening hours and visit arrangements, as they may change.

The monument is protected by a covering: follow the marked visitor route.

11:30

Andritsaina

Make your way to Andritsaina and stroll through the stone-paved streets and village squares. The guide takes about an hour; stop for a simple lunch, budgeting 12–25 EUR per person, and keep in mind that the road to the village is winding.

Park in the designated spaces and continue on foot into the center.

13:30

Folklore Museum of Andritsaina

If open, visit the ethnographic museum to see objects, clothing, and traces of local life. Allow 45–60 minutes and expect a possible ticket costing a few euros; opening times may be reduced or seasonal, so it is wise to call ahead or ask in the village.

If it is closed, spend more time in the village instead of waiting longer.

15:00

Return to Olympia

Head back in the afternoon and allow about two hours of driving, with a short break if needed. You will arrive in the evening: keep the rest of the day free and do not plan any more fixed-time visits.

Avoid driving on mountain roads after sunset if possible.

08:00

Departure for the Neda Waterfalls

Drive to the waterfall access point, checking the exact route and trail conditions in advance. Driving times depend on the access point chosen and can take over an hour; plan for parking and a walk on paths that are not always equipped.

Do not rely solely on navigation: ask for up-to-date directions locally.

10:00

Trekking to the Neda Waterfalls

Follow the trail to the waterfalls and along the watercourse, allowing about 2–3 hours for walking, breaks, and the return trip. Access to the natural area is generally free, but wet rocks and river crossings can be slippery: assess the route according to the season and your abilities.

Wear shoes with good grip and do not enter the water when the current is strong.

13:00

Packed lunch and break

Stop only in a safe and permitted spot, bringing lunch from Olympia or buying it along the way. Budget about 8–15 EUR per person for simple supplies; take all your rubbish with you.

Do not assume there will be cafés or services near the trail.

15:00

Return to Olympia

Head back to the town and allow extra time for slow driving and a stop. After the excursion, leave time for a shower and some rest before the final stroll.

If the weather worsens, skip the hike: the route is exposed and the ground can be slippery.

17:30

Olympia Archaeological Museum Shop

End your stay with a stop for books, reproductions, and small archaeology-themed souvenirs; visiting the shop is optional and purchases depend on your budget. For a simple souvenir, expect about 5–25 EUR, with prices varying for publications and handcrafted items.

Check opening hours and any access requirements.

18:30

Farewell dinner in Olympia

Choose a taverna in the center for a leisurely dinner, revisiting the highlights of the week. A full meal costs around 18–35 EUR per person; keep in mind any transfers to the station or your next destination.

Book during peak travel periods.