Olympia Disney Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

The site of the first Olympic Games (which ran from 776 BC to AD 393), Olympia, Greece, is located 180 mi/290 km west of Athens. Olympia still serves as the inspiration for the modern Olympics, which were started in 1896: The eternal flame of Altis, which dominates the site, is the source of the flaming torch carried to the current games.

Major structures include the Temple of Zeus (sixth century BC), the Temple of Apollo, Nero's Villa, the Altis Sanctuary and a museum (superb sculpture displays). The International Olympic Academy is headquartered in Olympia, and there's a Museum of the Olympic Games.

You can stay in Olympia, the nearby coastal town of Katakolon or in Pirgos (about 6 mi/10 km west of Olympia). Pirgos has beautiful architecture (particularly the market and the theater) and lots of little cafes and tavernas.

Overview

Introduction

The state capital of Olympia is a small city just a short drive from the Seattle-Tacoma area. The main attraction is the Capitol Campus—take a guided walk through this beautifully landscaped area and sit in the Capitol gallery to observe government in action. Tours are given daily. Phone 360-902-8880 for tour reservations.

Not far from the capitol is a garden that honors Olympia's sister city of Yashiro, Japan. This traditional walled garden features authentic lanterns and a 13-tier pagoda.

Olympia also boasts the state's second-largest farmers market, on Capitol Way. It is open April-October Thursday-Sunday and in November and December on Saturday and Sunday only. https://www.olympiafarmersmarket.com.

The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is 8 mi/13 km north of Olympia. Go there to watch migratory birds from an interpretive trail or from specially designed photo blinds. Phone 360-753-9467. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/billy_frank_jr_nisqually.

For more information on the capital, contact the Olympia Thurston County Visitor & Convention Bureau. Phone 360-704-7544. https://www.experienceolympia.com.