I find it fitting to write about Olympia in the days following the extinguishing of the Olympic flame for the 2018 Winter Games since I visited Olympia the day after the flame was lit last October. Sadly, there was no trace left of the ceremony, in which Greek women representing Vestal Virgins light the torch at the ruins of Olympia's Temple of Hera; by the time I arrived, the crowds had left and the Olympic torch was already en route to Athens, from where it would be flown to South Korea. As other reviewers have noted, the archaeological site of Olympia is vast and replete with ruins of temples, a gymnasium, lodging, and baths, as well as an excellent museum. Most impressive is the Olympic stadium, where the ancient world's fastest men would compete for fame and glory. Perhaps the most well-known feature of the ancient games was the Olympic truce, which allowed athletes and spectators to travel to and from the games in safety. I'm a bit of a modern Olympics junkie, so I appreciated the opportunity to visit the original site of the games in advance of the 2018 Winter Olympics, in which the Olympic truce took on even greater meaning.

Logistics: Olympia is a bit remote on the Pelopennese, but can be reached by private transportation or via trains and buses. Cruise ships offering tours of Olympia will dock at the port of Katakolo.