Perched on the west coast of the Peloponnesus, Greece's largest peninsula, this sleepy fishing village of some 300 souls is your gateway to Olympia, site of the original Olympic Games. Held every four years between 776 B.C. and 393 A.D., when the Emperor Theodosius banned pagan festivals, the Olympic Games celebrated the ideal harmony of mind and body. Every four years, the sacred flame of Altis is rekindled to light the torch for the Modern Games.
Olympia's temples were destroyed after the games were banned. An earthquake in the 6th century compounded the destruction, and floods buried the site. Excavation of the ruins began in 1875, and Olympia was declared a National Park in 1976.
Olympia's temples were destroyed after the games were banned. An earthquake in the 6th century compounded the destruction, and floods buried the site. Excavation of the ruins began in 1875, and Olympia was declared a National Park in 1976.
We decided to do this Princess tour because we wanted to see the site of the original Olympics.
Get ready for an Olympic-sized family adventure in the ancient ruins of Olympia. With your guide by your side, you'll walk to the Temple of Zeus. Built between 470 B.C. and 456 B.C., a gigantic Statue of Zeus once stood inside. Hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it was made of gold and ivory, and sat on a throne lavishly decorated with gold, precious stones, ebony and ivory. Nearby sits the Temple of Hera. Built around 600 B.C. it was here that the Olympic Torch was lit. You'll also see the ruins of the great stadium. If you want to feel like an Olympian champion you're invited to participate in a short race along the original racetrack. All participants will receive a small memento of the trip and kids will be given a prize. Before returning to the harbor, you'll view the modern village of Olympia.
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