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Holding the torch as the spiritual home of the Olympic Games, Olympia has an enduring legacy, and its values echo around the world during humanity’s greatest sporting contest. Come ashore at Katakolon - a small port village on the Peloponnese peninsula facing the Ionian Sea, and relax on beautiful Kourouta Beach.
Or, head inland through this legendary destination, to the historic home of the Olympic Games. Located in the valley of the River Alfeios, Olympia is a staggering archaeological site of immense ruins and enduring legacy. Visit the museum, and Olympia Stadium - where the ancient games were held in honour of the Greek god Zeus. As many as 45,000 spectators fit into the mud seats, to witness the ultimate contest of athleticism. See the stand where judges would sit and the white blocks where runners would line up to compete. The tradition continues stronger than ever, and the Olympic flame of the modern games is ignited by the sun here, in the ruins of the Temple of Hera. It is then taken to spread the Olympic values across the globe. The Temple of Zeus, and the Statue of Zeus - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - also rose here in all of their glory. Hewn from limestone, the temple contained the 13-metre tall statue of Zeus, which was sculpted by Phidias - one of Ancient Greece's finest artists. Although the statue has been destroyed, you can walk the temple's ruins and see the guesthouse where the majestic wonder was painstakingly crafted.
tour 1 A Hike Through Olympia and Olive Oil Production Factory
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Put on your walking shoes for this hike through the ancient ruins of Olympia, then discover the green gold made from the local olives at a special oil tasting on this half day (four and half hours) excursion. Embark from the pier in Katakolon and board your coach for the 45-minute scenic drive to the village of Olympia. Set off on a two-and-half-mile hike that takes you through acres of olive and orange groves. Continue along the banks of the River Alfeiós and walk for a couple of hours around the area of the ancient Olympic Games. Enter the grounds of the archaeological site to view some of the ancient ruins and historical highlights of Olympia.
Reboard your coach for a short drive to the Olive Temple, a family-owned olive oil factory. Be welcomed the owners, the Karabelas family, who will guide you through the steps of olive oil production. Enjoy the full olive oil experience as you visit the areas of processing and standardization of their premier olive oils: Olympian Myth and Laurel and Flame. Enjoy a tasting of the Olive Temple's various homemade products served with wine and mineral water. Return to your coach for the 30-minute drive back to the pier.
tour 2 Olympia & the Archaeological Museum
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Discover the treasures of Ancient Greece during this scenic, half-day visit to Ancient Olympia and the Archaeological Museum. Depart the pier for the approximate 40-minute drive through rolling hills and olive groves en route to Ancient Olympia. Located in the middle of a fertile valley near the Alphios and Kladhios rivers, the site was a sanctuary even before the Olympic Stadium was built, and the games took place in the sacred area known as 'Altis'. The area's most imposing monument was the outstanding Temple of Zeus. It housed the gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Upon arrival, take a walking tour through the excavated remains of Ancient Olympia, one of the world's greatest archaeological achievements and the birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 B.C. The Temple of Hera, Prytaneion and Philippeion were also monuments that stood in this sacred grove. The famous Olympia Stadium was the largest of its day, and had a capacity of 45,000 spectators. It is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage constructed during Roman times.
Next, proceed on-foot for a visit to the nearby Archaeological Museum. Among the wonderful excavated finds on display is the Head of Hera, the superb statue of Hermes by Praxiteles, ornaments from the Temple of Zeus and the helmet of Miltiades. Afterward, re-board your coach for the brief drive to the village of Olympia, where some time is made available to explore the area at your leisure. Relax with a beverage or browse the various souvenir shops before commencing the approximate 40-minute return drive to the pier.