Katakolon Olympia – Greece – Cruise Tour

KATAKOLON (OLYMPIA), GREECE

Experience ancient history and modern charm in Katakolon, a vibrant cruise port on the Greek coast. From here, you can catch a glimpse of Olympia, the birthplace of the original Olympic games and a shrine to the ancient Greek gods. Cruise to Greece and walk through the Olympia complex to get a historical tour of architectural styles, from the classical ruins to the red-tiled roofs of the traditional homes. Then, stroll through the Katakolon’s lively center to discover unique local galleries and shops, and grab a seat at an oceanfront taverna with a glass of white wine and a dish of locally caught calamari. 1

THINGS TO DO IN OLYMPIA (KATAKOLON)

RELIVE HISTORY
The train to Olympia takes you through the splendid green hills of the Greek countryside, dotted with olive groves and vineyards. On the remains of the Olympic site, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum at Olympia and the Museum of the Olympic Games.

FIND LOCAL TREASURES
As you walk through the village, stop and chat with the locals who create ornate traditional goods. Choose from an array of handmade crafts made from olive wood, ceramic and leather at one of the many shops that line Katakolon’s main street.

EAT LIKE AN OLYMPIAN
Local tavernas offer a wide array of Greek traditional cuisine, served alongside views of the pristine blue water. Jump onboard a Greece cruise to enjoy a glass of the region’s crisp white wine with some fresh seafood. If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to try the grilled octopus.

LOCAL CUISINE
Katakolon’s local cuisine is fresh and simple enough to be healthy but so delicious that you won’t even notice. Locally caught seafood is prepared grilled with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. Flavorful vegetables are served plain or in dishes such as spanakopita, a spinach pie, or moussaka, a delicious combination of vegetables, meat and bechamel sauce.

SHOPPING
Pottery, olive wood, lace and leather are just a few of the materials used here to create traditional crafts. Local artisans pride themselves in making each piece a one-of-a-kind item. From hand-crocheted center pieces to ceramic bowls that tell a story, each item reflects Katakolon’s local traditions and history.

On the Peloponnese shores stands the little seaside town of Katakolon, Greece, a Mediterranean cruises destination. Situated on a headland overlooking the blue Ionian Sea, this charming location boasts a lighthouse, the Agios Nicolaos Church, and musical instruments museum. A short ride away lies the ancient site of Olympia, the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3000 years ago, it hosted Greece’s first Olympic Games in its Panhellenic religious sanctuary.

Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:

Olympia, Folklore Show and Tasting
Olympia and its Museum
Magna Grecia Estate and Olympia in 3D

Explore the fascinating world of Greek mythology on a Cruise excursion to the archaeological site of Olympia. This is one of the most significant places in Greece’s history, settled in the hilly region of the river Alfeiós. Visit the remains of the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the hippodrome, and the great stadium which seated up to 45,000 spectators. Then, in the town, enjoy a delicious meal and a typical folklore show in an authentic local restaurant.

For a truly immersive experience, choose a Cruise excursion that also stops at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. This cultural hub displays an extraordinary selection of elaborate sculptures, terracotta artefacts, and beautiful mosaics, discovered during the site’s excavation. See sculptures of Pelops in a chariot race, Lapiths, Centaurs, and The Labours of Hercules from the temple of Zeus. The museum also comprises a fantastic book and souvenir shop offering plenty of keepsakes and gifts. 2

Take a Cruise excursion to the Magna Grecia Estate which is a short coach-drive past the charming villages surrounding Katakolon. Explore the vineyards, see the farm animals, and savour some meze appetisers with a glass of regional wine. Next, visit extraordinary Olympia, where you’ll imagine what the games site looked like back in 8th-century B.C. At the museum, be entertained by a virtual 3D reconstruction of Olympia during its most magnificent period in history.