Katakolon Private Tour Option 3

The Best of Both:
Ancient Olympia and Wine Tasting

Startng from Katakolon

Tour Summary-
Type: Antiquities, Wine Tasting
Length: 8 Hours (can be trimmed to 7 hours if needed)
Walking: Difficult - uneven surfaces
Mobility: NO wheelchairs
Guide: Licensed Guide
Languages: English
Note: There are very few licensed guides in Katakolon, please make your request early.
Prices: Scroll Down or Click here for Prices

Katakolon, Greece- This full day tour from Katakolon allows you to visit the Ancient Site and Museum of Olympia plus enjoy an afternoon wine tasting and tour. You also get free time in the charming village of Olympia.

After meeting your driver and licensed guide at the port in Katakolon you drive to the remarkable site of Olympia where the first Olympiad was held in 776 B.C. in honor of Olympian Zeus.  Its setting could not be more idyllic: in the middle of a fertile valley with the rivers of Alphios and Kladhios flowing past.  The site was a sanctuary even before the Stadium was built and the games took place in the sacred area called Altis.  The most imposing monument in this area was the outstanding Temple of Zeus housing the gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

The Temple of Hera, the Prytaneion, and the Philippeion were also monuments standing in the sacred grove.  The famous Stadium, the largest of its day with a capacity of 45,000 spectators, is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage, constructed in Roman times.

Continuing your tour you will visit the archaeological museum that is just a 10-minute walk from the site.  Among the great finds of the area that are displayed here are the Head of Hera and the superb statue of Hermes of Praxiteles.  In addition you will be able to admire ornaments from the Temple of Zeus, the famous statue of Hermes created by Praxiteles and the helmet of Miltiades, the Athenian general during Athens' 'Gold Age.' 

After spening the morning in Ancient Olympia you enjoy free time in the village of Olympia. There are many small gift shops and delightful resteraunts where you can enjoy lunch (not included) in the cool shade on the many popular outdoor patios.

Next you enjoy a pleasant drive through the scenic countryside of the Peloponnese. After passing typical quaint villages you arrive at the estate of one of the oldest families in the area. The owners happily greet their guests in a warm and friendly manner serving coffee and soft drinks before setting out on a guided tour of the vast grounds surrounding the manor.

The estate has been in the hands of the present owners for four generations. Since the early days the family has been active in producing fragrant wines by cultivating cuttings imported from Italy, namely the Refosco grape. The tour shows how, over time, the winery has blended a combination of old and modern wine techniques and equipment to produce wines that have successfully matured to reach exportation standards.

Not only are you shown the cellars and the traditional family museum you will also have the opportunity to visit the forest and vineyards. The border of the estate reaches a vantage point which overlooks the sea and the island of Zakinthos is visible.

Upon returning to the main building of the manor, you have the opportunity to sample the wines, local cheeses and a variety of snacks from the small but eloquent buffet under the cooling pine trees. You return to the ship in Katakolon later this afternoon.

Tour Breakdown-
1- Depart pier and drive to Ancient Olympia- 40 Minutes
2- Tour the Site and Museum of Ancient Olympia- 3 Hours
3- Free time for Lunch and Shopping in the Village of Olympia- 2 Hours
4- Drive to Winery- 30 Minutes
5- Winery tour, tasting and snacks- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
6- Return to Pier in Katakolon- 30 Minutes

See More Options in this Port

Private Sightseeing Tours and Shore Excursions from Katakolon