Short Excursions from Katakolon port to Ancient Olympia
Combine your cruise with a short visit to Olympia, birthplace of the
Olympic Games.
Our shore excursions from the port of Katakolo to Olympia include
visit to the archaeological museum and archaeological site of Oympia,
lunch in a restaurant in the surrounding area and time for shopping.
The available excursions are listed below:
Desription
A classic, highly impressive itinerary that takes you through the ruins of ancient Olympia, set in a hilly landscape at the foot of Kronion Hill. The excavations, which began in 1875 by the Germans and which are still in progress, have brought to light this sacred area, which encloses within its walls an imposing complex of monuments including the Temples of Jupiter and Hera, the Grammar School, the Gymnasium and the Stadium. You'll visit the Museum where the famous statue of Hermes of the Praxitelis will be seen.
Length: 4 hours approximately
Pay attention:
Please note: The visit of archaeological excavations takes place on foot (approx. 1 ½ hours) and guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Due to works in the main parking area of the archaeological site, the drop off point for the visit to Olympia will be 400 metres from the entrance (about 5 minutes walking to site)
Desription
What is the best way to concentrate in a perfect alchemy the origins of history, the ethics of sport on its birth, the ancient culture, the great classical myths and the modern world? Our excursion will offer you the chance to know all these aspects in one site: Olympia: an expert guide will take us inside the ancient Olympia, a complex of temples, priest and athlete houses and public buildings. Located in a valley along the Alfeo river, in the north-western Poloponnese, the city hosted, every four years, the famous sport competitions in order to honor Zeus called Olympic games. Here, for the first time in 776 b.c. a list of winner was written, possibly the result of the first Olympic games in history. Among the ruins of ancient temples, along the cobble stones of ancient streets, once used by coaches, we shall dive into the past in that tense and joyful atmosphere in which, for five very long days, the athletes were competing in the different disciplines: wrestling, coach and horse races, pentathlon and pancratium(a primordial boxing). We will learn small secrets about the competition where only male Greek athletes were allowed, then it was opened to the young Romans. We will discover anecdotes about women and slaves excluded from the town, from the temples and the terraces, punished by a terrible death by being dropped from a nearby cliff. We shall stop in the ancient squares where merchants and citizens used to meet for business. At the end of the guided tour, we can discover the streets of the modern town of Olympia to come back to reality from the magic of the past. We may taste a typical and strong Greek coffee, a small glass of ouzo or purchase a souvenir to remember, going back home, a piece of history where we have been protagonist of a dream for a few emotionally intense hours.
Length: 4 hours approximately
Pay attention:
Please note: The visit of archaeological excavations takes place on foot (approx. 1 ½ hours) and guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Due to works in the main parking area of the archaeological site, the drop off point for the visit to Olympia will be 400 metres from the entrance (about 5 minutes walking to site)
Desription
Once we have left the port and fishing village of Katakolon, within half an hour of traveling through the typically landscaped area of Greece, we will reach the admired bay of Skafidia. On arrival you will find sandy beaches located within the luxurious beach resort, which will allow you access to sun beds, umbrellas and open showers. It will be a great opportunity to relax, have a swim and sun bathe while sipping on a refreshing drink.
Length: 3 1/2 hours approximately
Pay attention:
Note: The excursion does not provide a guide. A local escort will provide assistance on the beach. Please book on time, as there are limited spaces. Sun beds, umbrellas and one non alcoholic drinks are included. Children up to the age of 14 will have to share a sun bed with a parent or guardian. This excursion is not recommended for people with mobility difficulties. Do not forget your swim wear, beach towels, and sun lotion. Due to strong currents, it is strongly recommended for guests to be good swimmers.
Desription
After leaving the port of the typical Greek fishing village Katakolon, we will travel along the coast to Kourouta Beach during about 40 minutes. Once we will join the Kourouta location, just some steps will separate us from the pristine sandy beach, where we will have at disposal sunchairs, sun umbrellas, a changing room and some opened showers. Let yourself relax, swim in the clear waters, enjoy the wonderful Greek sunshine or have a soft fresh drink before returning back to our ship.
Length: 4 hours approximately
Pay attention:
Remarks: Space is limited, please reserve early. Sun beds, umbrellas one soft drink and a 1/2 bottle of water are included. Children under 14 will share the sun beds with their parents. Bathrooms will be available at the bar accross the street. This excursion is not recommended for guests who suffer from mobility problems. Due to strong currants it is necessary to be a strong swimmer. This excursion does not include a guide. Assistance will be provided by a local operator.
Desription
The small fishing village of Katakolon will be your gateway to the Olympic Games and their fascinating history, which is pervaded by both ancient mysticism and a strong contemporary streak. The site of Olympia, immersed in the lush Greek countryside that almost seems to be trying to protect it, will welcome you for a journey back in time retracing the steps of the athletes, orators, merchants and philosophers who once frequented these spots. It was here that the Olympic Games were born in 776 BC and here that the torch is lit at the start of the modern games. During your tour of the archaeological site, your guide will show you the famous stadium that could hold up to 40,000 spectators and where the athletes' marble starting blocks can still be seen today, the Temple of Zeus, which once housed the huge gold and ivory statue that was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, and the Temple of Hera. First you will come back to the port and you will have free time to walk around the local town of Katakolon or you prefer to taste a greek coffee or a fresh drink of "ouzo" in a typical sailor bar.
Length: 4 hours approximately
Pay attention:
Please note: Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended for the walking tour around the archaeological site.
Desription
Your excursion will begin with a visit to ancient Olympia, located at the foot of the verdant Kronion Hill. It is here that, according to legend, the gods of Olympus inaugurated the first Olympic games, transforming the area into Greece's primary sporting and religious centre. During your journey through the excavations you will be able to admire the ruins of the splendid sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, home of his lost golden ivoy statue, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Hera (600 B.C.), one of the most ancient examples of temple architecture in Greece, as well as the famous stadium that held up to 40,000 spectators. You will then return to Katakolon where your excursion will finish with a taste of some of the delicious local cuisine accompanied by the merry sounds of the sirtaki, a traditional folk dance.
Length: 4 hours approximately
Pay attention:
Please note: The excavations will be visited on foot so comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended. Space is limited, so please book early.
Click here, in order to see images
All Rights Reserved.
Designed by Dimiourgein