Silversea Luxury Cruises À OLYMPIA (Katakolon)

Explore the ancient history of the Olympics and flavours of Greece during this sightseeing excursion that covers three major highlights this area has to offer.

Ancient Olympia and Temple of Zeus

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.

Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games, Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus Artefacts

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive to the Museum of the Ancient Olympic Games, one of the most important archaeological museums in Greece. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour. The museum is home to a collection of artefacts from the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, in Olympia, where the ancient Olympic Games were born and hosted. Construction of the new museum began in 1975 and it eventually opened in 1982, re-exhibiting its treasures. Following your visit, re-board your coach and head to the Magna Grecia Olive Oil Farm.

Magna Grecia Olive Oil Farm, Tour and Tasting

Upon arrival at the Magna Grecia Olive Oil Farm, take a guided walking tour. Along the way, an expert teaches you to roll the olive oil around in your mouth until it completely covers your palate and tongue. Learn to understand how to distinguish terms that describe the flavour of olive oil, such as 'bitter', 'spicy', and 'green and fruity'. After you have learned to recognize the different types of oil, you can distinguish a good quality oil from a poor one, know which olive oil goes better with fish, and which exalts the flavour of meat. Following your tour, proceed for a tasting of plain, extra virgin, and scented olive oils served with local specialities and red wine.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Relax and unwind on one of Greece's award-winning beaches during this scenic, half-day excursion to Kourouta Beach.

Kourouta Beach

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 35-minute drive to Kourouta Beach. This sandy beach is situated in a populated area and stretches approximately 12.4 miles (about 20 kilometers) in length, with a breadth of approximately 98 feet (about 30 meters). The vegetation of the area consists mainly of deciduous trees and shrubs. Kourouta Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag of Homonym Program of the European Union.

Free Time

Upon arrival at this idyllic beach, you can relax and unwind, sunbathe, swim or explore the beach. Following your visit, re-board the coach for the approximate 35-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the splendid beauty, sights and traditions of Greece during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Greek Countryside and Ancient Olympia

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive through the Greek countryside en route to Ancient Olympia, one of the country's most popular attractions. Ancient Olympia was the site of the first Olympics in 776 B.C. and, most recently, where the shot-put competition was contested in the 2004 Olympics.

Olympia Archaeological Site, Ruins and Temple of Zeus

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the Olympia site. At the foot of Kronion Hill, see impressive, compact ruins that include the expansive Temple of Zeus, and numerous temples and altars. Walk the fabled grounds on the ancient fields of play, where fierce competitions took place. Don't miss the Leonidaion, a former guesthouse, and Pheidias' workshop, where the sculptor created his revered statue of Zeus.

Greek Wine, Snacks and Folkloric Performance

Following your tour, re-board your coach and proceed to a local restaurant for a glass of local wine and specialities, as well as a true Greek folkloric performance. Greece is one of the few countries in the world where folk dances are as alive today as they were in ancient times, and your visit represents a wonderful opportunity to see a troupe of dancers performing local dances in traditional costumes. Almost every dance has a story to tell. They continue to be passed on from one generation to another, keeping the national identity well and truly alive. You are welcome to join in when the dancers invite you. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the 40-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the splendid history and flavors of Katakolon during this picturesque sightseeing excursion to Ancient Olympia, and a winery tour and tasting at the Mercouri Estate.

Ancient Olympia and Temple of Zeus

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.

Walking Tour and Olympia Stadium

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 the 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 in Roman times.

Olympia Village

Next, re-board your coach for the drive to the nearby village of Olympia, where some time is made available to explore the area at your leisure. You can relax with a beverage or browse the various souvenir shops before proceeding for a visit to a local Greek winery.

Mercouri Estate Visit, Wine Tasting & Local Snacks

Next, re-board your coach for the drive to Mercouri Estate, which is located only 15 minutes away from Katakolon port. Tour the family-run estate with its intriguing mix of old and new equipment, including the wine cellar and the olive presses. The family museum hosts a collection of various old agricultural tools, used on the estate over the years. Learn about the winemaking process and taste the local produce, including the estate's wine, olive oil and a small selection of traditional snacks, including fresh bread and cheese.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover the treasures of Ancient Greece during this scenic, half-day visit to Ancient Olympia and the Archaeological Museum.

Ancient Olympia and Temple of Zeus

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.

Walking Tour and Olympia Stadium

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.

Archaeological Museum and Olympia Village

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.

Explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games and one of Greece's most fascinating archaeological sites during this memorable, half-day excursion to Ancient Olympia.

Ancient Olympia and Temple of Zeus

Depart the pier for the approximately 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.

Walking Tour and Olympia Stadium

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.

Olympia Village

Next, re-board your coach for the drive to the nearby village of Olympia, where some time is made available to explore the area at your leisure. You can relax with a beverage or browse the various souvenir shops before re-boarding your coach for the approximately 40-minute return drive to the pier.

Explore Katakolon at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Katakolon at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Katakolon at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Katakolon at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.