Ancient Olympia and Monastery Tour｜Greece

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Begin your journey to Ancient Olympia with a visit to the archaeological site, where you can truly feel the spirit of the ancient Greeks and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the very first Olympic Games dedicated to Zeus.

Explore the place where the Olympic flame is ignited, and step into the world’s first Olympic stadium, where every four years the sacred flame is passed to the next host nation. See the spot where the legendary Statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was created and once stood. Discover the Temple of Hera, the Philippeion built by King Philip II of Macedon, and stroll along the famous “Alley of Shame,” learning the fascinating story behind its name.

Continue to the Archaeological Museum, home to masterpieces such as Praxiteles’ renowned statue of Hermes, the Nike of Paeonius, the pediments of the Temple of Zeus, and many other priceless artifacts uncovered during excavations of Ancient Olympia.

Your journey then takes you to a medieval monastery, where you’ll hear the remarkable story of the discovery of the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, still preserved within its walls. Enter the first Christian church carved into the rock, the very place where the icon was found more than 800 years ago. Visit the main temple, also hewn into the cliff at an altitude of 334 meters. Despite enduring earthquakes, landslides, and fires over the centuries, it has been lovingly restored and now welcomes parishioners and pilgrims from around the world.

Proceed to the monks’ cells, where you’ll step inside a small chapel and have the opportunity to venerate the miraculous icon. Friendly nuns will greet you warmly and offer loukoum, a traditional sweet delicacy they prepare themselves.

Finally, take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Ilia region, its mountain slopes, and sweeping valleys, scenery that invites you to linger. Every year, thousands of believers travel to this monastery to honor the icon that miraculously survived a devastating earthquake and the destruction of the original church.