Best Olympia Tour for Cruise Passengers from Katakolon Port
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Olympia, Greece
- 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
What's Included
- Guaranteed return to the ship on time
- Comfortable a/c transportation
- Cruise port pick up and drop off
- Free time in the heart of Olympia
- Friendly certified English speaking guide
- Admission fees
- Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
- Archaeological Site of OlympiaArchaia Olympia 270 65, Greece
Pickup details
The tour departs from OUTSIDE the Cruise Terminal - please look out for a J A T sign. PLEASE NOTE THAT ACTUAL PICKUP TIME MAY VARY FROM TOUR START TIME METIONED ON YOUR TICKET. The exact pick-up time and tour coordinator's phone number will be communicated to you closer to the date of your tour. Please check your email.
Itinerary
1
Katakolo Port
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Archaeological Site of Olympia
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
3
Archaeological Museum of Olympia
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Olympia
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
5
Katakolo Port
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
- Infants must sit on laps
- Near public transportation
- Stroller accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Please note that the start time displayed on our website is a general estimate for the activity’s commencement and may not correspond to your specific pick-up time. We recommend checking your email the day before the scheduled activity to receive detailed pick-up information, including the exact pick-up time. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us via email, WhatsApp, or phone.
- Please note that the sequence of the tour itinerary and the time spent at each location might be adjusted in response to variables like traffic conditions, crowd sizes, and unforeseen events. However, we will our best to cover all the destinations mentioned in the itinerary.
- Please be advised that this tour is not wheelchair or scooter accessible and may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 999 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.6
based on 52 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Our tour guide Theodoris was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating historical insights while keeping the tour engaging and fun. We visited breathtaking landmarks and still had plenty of free time to explore the charming local shops and enjoy an authentic lunch. The transportation was comfortable, and we appreciated the peace of mind knowing the ship wouldn't leave without us. It was a perfectly organized, unforgettable day that provided incredible value. I highly recommend this tour to everyone.
If you are a history person and have interest in the beginnings of the Olympics this tour is for you. We were lucky enough to have an archeology master as our tour guide (Theodora) and the information flowed effortlessly. She kept the tour and times on scheduled which is always appreciated. The town of Olympia was very cute and enjoyable. Having the extra time after the tour in port was also appreciated. Would recommend 👌 👍.
Excellent experience. We had some issues with tendering and Dimitra was great to work with, letting us know when we needed to be ready to go. The tour itself was fabulous! Theodora was a great guide, full of knowledge all around the ruins. There was so much to see, but we were able to learn more than what was just on the plaques around the area. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone on a cruise ship. The air conditioned bus back and forth was also welcomed!
Olympia was very cool. Knowledgeable guide. Good shopping at the port. Comfortable ride to the site. Glad we went.
Tour guide was very informative and knowledgeable. Meeting point was a bit confusing but we found the bus instead of the meeting point. Good amount of walking involved.
The ruins weren’t quite as interesting as Pompeii or Rome. Pretty much a bunch of large stones. If you don’t have the time, you might skip this one.
Most importantly, we learned a lot about Olympia on this tour. Alona did her best to impart her knowledge to the rather large group she was leading. But there were some issues.
The “hang on your ear” headset (Whisper) was a pain in the rear. I wear earbuds often and these were the worst ever. As long as you were stationary they were OK but walking with them? No good. And this was essentially a walking tour. Our group of four all had problems with them staying in place. My advice? Ditch the Whispers.
The pace for this tour was too fast. Alona took off and soon had our group spread out over 30-40 yards. She may have been going at a fast pace because we got off to a late start due to many people having problems finding the meeting point. Perhaps they didn’t get the communications from the tour operator? I’m guessing Alona had a tight schedule to keep and we rushed to keep it. We would have liked some time to look around, take photo, etc. More time in the museum would have been nice.
Can’t recommend this tour until the issues mentioned above are addressed.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your kind words about our guide.
According to her, you had difficulty keeping up with the group pace and were often behind, which caused issues with the headset coverage area, as its range is limited.
Please pay closer attention to the Additional Info section of the tour description, which clearly states that this tour is not recommended for guests with limited walking abilities, such as members of your lovely party.
Safe travels
This trip started off awful. We didn’t get any information yesterday (we found out later that others received an email from the company the day before the excursion) about who was to greet us at the port. We spent a lot of time walking around and asking who might have our names on their list. We accidentally found JAT and the tour leader confirmed we were on her list. This has never happened on any other tour that we have taken with any and all companies we paid for excursions in the past! Our meeting time was 10AM for a 10:30 tour. We started searching at 9:45. When we were finally on the bus and turned on our cellular data we saw that an email was first sent to us at 9:53. That was way too late for it to be sent for us to first start receiving the information! This created a lot of frustration! We can’t imagine ever using Viator in the future!
Wonderful day. Having an archeologist for your guide adds an extra special touch. Theodora was a fantastic guide - knowledgeable and engaging.
This tour was both amazing and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed Theadora; she was knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. It was magical to experience the birth of the Olympics and learn interesting information about the start of the Olympics and how various gods and history influenced this amazing event. After reviewing teh ruins we then visited the musuem which was well done and contained relics of the time period. I left this tour with so much more knowledge about thsi incredible time period and event and am so glad I particpated in this tour. I particpated in teh tour mid August so it was very warm but regardless sof teh heat, I am happy to have been a part of thsi event. I strongly reccomend that if you take this excursion in teh summer, bring a water bottle and an umbrella to help brave the hear. Also, there are water fountains at the entrance of the Olympic Park, so fill up before you begin this adventure. Also, Theodora is not only very knowledgeable; she is also very kind. My husband also left his water bottle on the bus, and she drove back to the ship dock to return it to him. This was truly a great tour and educational excursion.
Our tour of Olympia was one of the absolute highlights of our trip, and Theodora was the reason why. A locally born archaeologist, she brought an incredible depth of knowledge and genuine passion to every part of the experience. Rather than simply reciting historical facts, she made ancient Olympia come alive, vividly painting a picture of what life was like thousands of years ago and helping us imagine the athletes, spectators, and traditions that shaped the first Olympic Games. Her enthusiasm for Greek history was contagious, and her archaeological expertise shone through in every story she shared.
Beyond her impressive knowledge, Theodora was warm, engaging, and exceptionally kind. She took the time to answer every question thoughtfully, and her stories were both entertaining and informative. We also appreciated her patience and professionalism when delays with cruise ship tenders caused a late start. She remained calm, gracious, and welcoming throughout, never appearing rushed or frustrated despite the circumstances. That level of composure and genuine care made the experience even more enjoyable.
The tour itself struck a perfect balance between fascinating history and free time to explore, though visitors should be prepared for a fair amount of walking. If you're looking for a guide who is knowledgeable, passionate, engaging, and truly dedicated to sharing the history of Greece, we cannot recommend Theodora highly enough. She transformed what could have been a stressful day into an unforgettable experience, and we will always remember how she brought ancient Olympia to life.
This tour is fantastic! Our tour guide Constintina is the perfect balance of guide and historian. Her Archiologal background and personality made the tour both fun and informative. Highly recommend to anyone thinking about taking this tour.
I can’t say enough about how wonderful Theodora was. She’s a locally born archaeologist, giving her a great deal of expertise about Olympia. She has an enthusiasm for history that comes through during the tour. She very pleasant and took the time to answer all questions. Her stories were entertaining and informative. Her archeological knowledge shines through. Highly, highly recommend her.
Theodora was excellent tour guide she was very detailed and clear throughout the tour. Highly recommended.
Theodora was excellent. She was knowledgeable due to being an archaeologist. Sometimes she forgot to check on my friend who couldn’t walk the ruins. But otherwise good tour.
It was interesting to see the grounds and where the Olympics were started. The museum was very crowded but our guide did a great job explaining everything.
★★★★★ Outstanding Tour with an Exceptional Guide!
Our tour of Olympia was one of the highlights of our trip, and Theodora was a huge part of what made it so memorable.
Her knowledge of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, was incredible. She didn’t just recite facts, she brought the ancient site to life. As we walked through the ruins, she painted a vivid picture of what life was like thousands of years ago, helping us imagine the athletes, spectators, and traditions that shaped the first Olympic Games. Her passion for Greek history was contagious, and we left with a much deeper appreciation for this remarkable place.
What impressed us even more was her patience and grace. We had a large family on our tour that was consistently late at nearly every stop, creating delays throughout the day. Despite this, Theodora remained calm, kind, and respectful the entire time. She never appeared frustrated or rushed and continued to treat everyone with genuine warmth and professionalism. That level of composure and kindness speaks volumes about her character.
If you’re looking for a guide who is knowledgeable, engaging, patient, and truly passionate about sharing the history of Greece, we wholeheartedly recommend Theodora. She turned what could have been a stressful day into a wonderful experience, and we are so grateful for everything she shared with us.
Thank you, Theodora, for your professionalism, your kindness, and for making ancient Olympia come alive. We will always remember this special day! 🇬🇷🏛️
We enjoyed this tour but the cost was extreme. This was the most expensive tour we took for the week.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
The price of this product is standard and comparable to similar activities offered on this website in destinations around the world. If the cost of even this affordable shared group tour is beyond your travel budget, we recommend exploring independently, as even your cruise ship’s tours with more than 50 participants are more expensive.
Worst ever. do not join. Guide did not wait for us despite of WhatsApp assurance amidst adverse weather. Refused to refund.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Samuel, Your refund request has been declined in full accordance with Viator’s cancellation policy, as your party arrived at the pickup location 34 minutes after the tour’s scheduled start time.
The weather did not prevent the other 247 cruise passengers from joining their tours on time; your party was the only exception.
For future shared-tour bookings, please be more punctual or consider booking a private tour, which may offer greater flexibility regarding departure time.
We do not offer any €15 tours, but we are pleased to hear that you found an affordable alternative.
Safe travels!
It was amazing to see the birthplace of the Olympics and we couldn’t believe how much was there! Definitely take this tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. My only complaint was she would talk and move on most of the time which didn’t leave time to explore the spots she didn’t highlight. And the A/C on the bus was set too warm on an extremely hot day.
A good tour, but very leisurely. If you like to get things done, this might not be for you. Be mindful that in the height of summer there is very little shade to escape the heat. Overall, the tour was fantastic.
Elena was an amazing guide! So knowledgeable and kind. She had great stories to go along with the history she shared. Highly recommend this tour!
Trip was highly informative our guide had full knowledge of everything to do with Olympia .
Would use again
False advertising. Save your money. You will not False Advertising, Poor Communication, and Terrible Customer Service
I booked the Best Olympia Tour for Cruise Passengers from Katakolon Port specifically because it advertised four distinct experiences:
* The Archaeological Site of Olympia
* The Archaeological Museum of Olympia
* One full hour in the village of Olympia to shop, explore, and enjoy the town
* Transportation back to the port
The itinerary clearly states that guests will spend one hour in Olympia village. That was one of the main reasons I chose this tour over simply hiring a taxi to the archaeological site.
Instead, after visiting the archaeological site and museum, we were taken directly back to Katakolon. We never visited Olympia village at all.
When I questioned our guide, she admitted she had never been informed that there was supposed to be an hour in Olympia. The guide had no idea we were supposed to spend an hour in Olympia. This wasn’t caused by traffic, weather, or an unforeseen circumstance. It was simply poor communication between the company and its guides.
When I contacted the operator, they hid behind the disclaimer that itineraries “may be adjusted.” That clause is clearly intended for unavoidable circumstances—not as permission to remove 50% of the advertised itinerary without informing customers in advance.
Missing an entire advertised stop is not a minor adjustment. It’s delivering a different product than the one that was sold.
To make matters worse, Viator’s support was equally disappointing. The support agent was dismissive, offered no meaningful assistance, and showed little interest in the fact that the tour did not match the advertised itinerary. Rather than advocating for the customer or investigating the discrepancy, I was essentially brushed aside.
Had I known we would skip Olympia village entirely, I never would have booked this excursion. I would have hired a private taxi and had far more flexibility for about the same cost.
This experience felt like classic bait-and-switch marketing: advertise a more comprehensive tour, then quietly omit one of the highlights while relying on fine print to avoid accountability.
I requested a 50% refund because we only received roughly half of the experience that influenced our purchasing decision. Between the misleading itinerary, the guide being unaware of what was actually sold, and the dismissive customer service afterward, this was an incredibly disappointing experience.
I would not recommend this tour or Viator’s customer support based on how this situation was handled. Buyers deserve accurate descriptions and companies that take responsibility when they fail to deliver what they advertise.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We regret to hear about your disappointment. Let me address the concerns raised:
1. According to the bus GPS records, the tour spent 38 minutes in Olympia after exploring the Archaeological Site and Museum. Yes, this is exactly the same village that you stated was never visited.
2. This fact can also be verified by other tour participants, which is why your refund request was the only one received from the entire group.
3. Please note that the “Additional Info” section of the tour description clearly states that the time spent at each site may be adjusted, while the total tour duration was delivered as advertised.
4. Your refund request has been carefully reviewed and respectfully declined, as each and every mentioned fact was verified.
When booking future activities with Viator, we strongly recommend basing your expectations on the tour description and inclusions rather than on personal assumptions.
Safe travels!
Theodora was a brilliant guide, proving to be extremely knowledgeable and engaging. Definitely would recommend this tour as it provided a brilliant mix of history and free time.
Definitely a tour for people who are able to walk distance.
The guide was knowledgeable, and both the guide and driver were pleasant. We enjoyed the visit and would recommend to others.
Good communication from tour providers and knowledgeable tour guide. Good directions to meeting points. Tour stayed on advertised schedule.
The guide was so knowledgeable and friendly and also had to deal with an emergency on our trip where someone was unwell. She was fantastic
As per most of the other historical tours you take you need to have a medium level of fitness to ensure you get the most out of the tour. Our guide/host Theodora had plenty of information to explain what we where viewing and answered all questions professionally. The only issue we experienced was the lack of respect shown by some of the tourists in our group towards Theodora. It was clear that they weren't prepared for the conditions of the day.
Very disappointed that the tour was cut short and rushed due to groups turning up late at commencement of tour. We left up to 40mins late and did not have the chance to explore the town as it was in your itinerary.
The tour guide should not have allowed late comers onto the bus. We had to wait in the bus too long.
I would request a partial refund given the circumstances of not fulfilling our expectations .
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We regret to hear that the tour did not meet your expectations. Please allow us to address the concerns raised:
1. You booked the tour with a 13:30 departure time, and the tour departed on time. We begin collecting customers at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure, in full accordance with the “Meeting and Pickup” section of the product description. Guests who prefer not to wait for fellow cruisers to disembark may arrive closer to the scheduled departure time or consider booking a private tour.
2. The total tour duration was delivered as advertised. Regarding the time spent at each site, the “Additional Information” section of the tour description clearly states: “Please note that the sequence of the tour itinerary and the time spent at each location might be adjusted in response to variables like traffic conditions, crowd sizes, and unforeseen events. However, we will do our best to cover all the destinations mentioned in the itinerary.”
Based on these facts, your refund request has been carefully reviewed and respectfully declined by Viator. For future bookings, we strongly recommend basing your expectations on the advertised tour description, itinerary, and inclusions rather than on personal assumptions. Safe travels!
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$71.66
per personWas $75.43(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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