Set in a deep valley surrounded by olive tree-peppered ridges and pine forests, the age-old archaeological site of Olympia reigns as one of the most famous in all of Greece. It was here, way back in the 8^th century BC, that the Olympic Games were first held. But those iconic sporting showdowns are only a part of the story, and visitors today can delve into a patchwork of half-crumbled temples, mythic shrines, and honorific building works that offer a glimpse into the Panhellenic culture of the ancients.

Olympia tour guides will take you deep into the revered Altis sanctuary. It was once dedicated to mighty Zeus, godly patron of the games and king of all on Mount Olympus. The complex is layered with centuries and centuries of building work and monuments, ranging from the walled crypts to the freestanding columns of the Palestra. However, the most striking ruins of the lot belong to the Temple of Zeus, where you can witness the spot where the mighty Statue of Zeus – a wonder of the Ancient World – once loomed more than 13 meters high.

On the edge of the sanctuary is the Archaeological Museum of Olympia laden with fascinating relics and remains dug up from the site. Steps from that is modern Olympia town, which hosts traditional Peloponnesian tavernas and quaint mountain homestays.