Katakolon Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Ancient Olympia and Archeological Site

When your cruise docks in the Katakolon port, take a private shore excursion to Olympia, where you'll discover its famous archeological site on a walking tour. Ancient Olympia is the sanctuary of ancient Greece, where the classical Olympic Games were held. See the remains of the original Olympic stadium, the Bouleuterion and the Temple of Zeus.

Enjoy free time in modern Olympia to shop or visit the Museum of the Olympic Games. As you explore with your private tour guide, you are sure to make the most of your time in port and have a memorable, personal experience.

While you're in port in Katakolon, discover the birthplace of the Olympic Games on a private shore excursion to Olympia. Relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle as you make your way east to the ancient site. It is here where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC in honor of Zeus; the games continued until approx. 394 AD when Emperor Theodosius I abolished them because he considered them reminiscent of paganism. Follow your local guide through the site, listening to interesting facts about the area.

At the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Archeological Site of Olympia, marvel at the Temple of Zeus, which once housed the gold and ivory statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This site was also the home of the original stadium and the Bouleuterion (the administration building). Today, you can see the Bouleuterion remains as an early Greek temple with a square horseshoe shape and tiered seating arrangements.

Then enjoy an hour of free time in modern Olympia to shop or relax at one of the numerous cafes. Wander around the town hall, designed by the renowned Greek architect Aris Konstantinides, or visit the small Museum of the Olympic Games.

Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the Katakolon port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Click here for more information and online booking or for more tours and activities in magical Greece.

Katakolon Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Ancient Olympia, Archeological Site and Archeological Museum

When you arrive in the Katakolon port, discover part of ancient Greece on a private shore excursion to Olympia. Learn about the origins of the Olympic Games as you visit the site of the former Olympic complex with your private guide. Walk around the remains of the first-ever Olympic stadium, the gymnasium, the Temple of Zeus and other ancient landmarks at the World Heritage-listed Archeological Site of Olympia and the Archeological Museum of Olympia. Then see how today's locals live in modern Olympia as you enjoy free time to explore the city.

While your cruise ship sits in port in Katakolon, embark on a journey to ancient Greece on this private shore excursion to Olympia. Relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle while your private tour guide shares interesting historical facts about the region.

In Olympia, walk around 2,000-year-old monuments and buildings, and imagine the splendor of ancient Olympia, described as 'the most beautiful place in Greece' by the Greek orator Lysias, who was famous for his speeches circa 400 BC.

With your private guide, visit the Archaeological Site of Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where numerous exhibits are on display. Marvel at the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, which once housed the gold and ivory statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. See the remains of the first Olympic stadium, the gymnasium, the Palaestra and the Heraeon (also known as the Temple of Hera), the oldest temple in Olympia.

Discover the beginnings of the Olympic Games at the Archeological Museum before heading off to modern Olympia. Enjoy an hour of free time in the city to explore or get a snack before you return to the Katakolon port.

Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the Katakolon port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you're unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

Click here for more information and online booking or for more tours and activities in magical Greece.

Katakolon Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Kourouta Beach

While you are in port in Katakolon, spend part of your day on a private shore excursion to Kourouta Beach. Swim in the calm waters of the Ionian Sea, sunbathe or wander around the lively collection of cafes and bars that line beach.

This relaxing shore excursion allows you to enjoy your time at Kourouta Beach at your own pace.

When your ship arrives in the Katakolon port, hop in a private car and head out on a shore excursion to Kourouta Beach, where you can spend your time however you'd like. Kourouta Beach, popular with locals but not as much with foreign tourists, is located just 30 minutes from the Katakolon port in the southwest part of the Peloponnese peninsula.

The sandy beach has all you need to ensure you have a great day. Changing rooms are available for your convenience, and sunbeds and sunshades are available to rent (approx. 8 euros). You may sunbathe, go for a swim or walk along the shore. Explore the pedestrian path along the beach or grab a snack in one of the numerous bars - the choice is yours! A private local host will be with you to ensure you have a pleasant day at the beach and assist with anything you may require.

Kourouta beach has been awarded with the Blue Flag, a voluntary Eco-label given to clean beaches that are also safe and with an environment protection program in place.

Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the Katakolon port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

Click here for more information and online booking or for more tours and activities in magical Greece.

Katakolon Shore Excursion: Private Wine-Tasting Tour of Mercouri Estate Winery

While you are in port in Katakolon, tantalize your taste buds on a private wine-tasting tour!

On this shore excursion from the Katakolon port, head out to Mercouri Estate winery, famous for its rich red wines and olive oils. Sample three Greek wines and snack on a selection of traditional appetizers.

Visit the winery's cellars and small museum to learn interesting details about wine-making in Greece. Wander around the estate's gardens, discover the local flora and visit the old family home, built in 1878. You can also visit the winery's church and private beach!

When you arrive in the Katakolon port, hop in a private car and head out on a private wine-tasting shore excursion. Enjoy views of the Greek countryside as you make your way to the beautiful Mercouri Estate Winery, located just 20 minutes from the Katakolon port. See the picturesque villages of Andreas and Korakochori on the way.

At the Mercouri Estate, the Kanellopoulos family, current owners of the property, will guide you through the different parts of the winery. Learn interesting facts about wine-making in Greece as you visit the family home (a beautiful stone house built in 1878), the underground cellars, the old tavern building and stables (which now houses a small museum), and a chapel.

Enjoy views of the approximate 90-acre (36-hectare) vineyards, including a small part of the original vineyards dedicated to producing the Refosco Mercouri grape variety, made into one of the estate's signature wines, which has been grown for 130 years.

Continue your exploration of the estate as you walk through the forest and to the estate's private beach, from where you'll enjoy spectacular views of the neighboring island of Zakynthos.

Next, it's time to relax and sample some local wines. The island's soil and climate are particularly favorable for producing good quality red wines, such as the traditional Greek red varieties of Mavrodaphne, Agiorgitiko and Avgoustiatis. Discover some of the secrets of professional wine tasting from your wine expert as you snack on a selection of local products like salami, feta cheese, olives and bread.

Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the Katakolon port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

Click here for more information and online booking or for more tours and activities in magical Greece.