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Type: Antiquities, Wine Tasting
Length: 8 Hours
Walking: Difficult - uneven surfaces
Mobility: NO wheelchairs
Guide: Licensed Guide
Language: English
Katakolon / Olympia Shore Excursion - This private tour visits the Ancient Site and Museum of Olympia followed by free time in the small village of Olympia and then an afternoon winery tour and wine tasting.
After meeting your guide you immediately depart for the remarkable site of Olympia, where the first Olympiad was held in 776 B.C. in honor of the 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.
Your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the site which 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.
After visiting the ancient site you will visit the archaeological museum which is close by. Among the great finds of the area that are displayed here are the Head of Hera and the superb statue of Hermes of Praxiteles. You will also 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 spending the morning in Ancient Olympia you enjoy free time in the village of Olympia. There are many small gift shops and delightful restaurants where you can enjoy a typical Greek lunch (meal 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 their 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.
At the end of the day you are brought back to Katakolon.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Katakolon tours and Katakolon Shore Excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Katakolon tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.
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Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
- Drive to Ancient Olympia - 40 Minutes
- Tour the Site and Museum of Ancient Olympia - 3 Hours
- Free time for Lunch and Shopping in the Village of Olympia - 2 Hours
- Drive to Winery - 30 Minutes
- Winery tour, tasting and snacks - 1.5 Hours
- Return to Katakolon - 30 Minutes
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