Deluxe Olympia Tour from Katakolon Cruise Port with Leisure Time
Description
Set off on an inspiring shore excursion from the cruise port and explore the remarkable heritage of Ancient Olympia—where history, architecture, and culture come alive. Your journey begins at the famous archaeological site, known as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. From there, continue to the celebrated Archaeological Museum, which houses extraordinary artifacts and remarkable works of ancient art. After the guided visit, you will have free time to stroll through the picturesque town, visit local boutiques offering handmade souvenirs, or enjoy authentic Greek flavors—an ideal way to complete this enriching experience. With a thoughtfully organized itinerary, a flexible 24-hour cancellation policy, and a guaranteed timely return to your ship, you can simply relax and make the most of your day. Join us for a memorable visit to Olympia—where the spirit of the ancient world blends seamlessly with modern-day comfort.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Join us for an enchanting adventure starting right at the cruise port, where our friendly hosts welcome you with a smile. Relax in our air-conditioned transport as we take you on a scenic journey through the beautiful Greek countryside. Our tours are carefully timed with your cruise schedule, ensuring a seamless start and a timely return, so you can fully enjoy the wonders of Olympia without any stress.
Step back nearly 3,000 years into the heart of ancient sporting glory. This sacred site hosted the first Olympic Games in 776 BC, and even today, the Olympic Flame is lit here before every modern Games. Wander through the Temple of Zeus, once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and visit the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic Torch begins its journey. Stroll the ancient gymnasium, athlete training grounds, and the original Olympic stadium—still echoing with the spirit of competition and once again used during the Athens 2004 Olympics. Run on the same track as ancient and modern athletes alike!
Deepen your journey with a visit to one of Greece’s most renowned museums, where the past unfolds with striking clarity. Step into galleries where history comes alive through the exquisite Hermes by Praxiteles, alongside timeless sculptures, precious artifacts, and everyday objects that reveal the rhythm of ancient life. Each display weaves together threads of mythology, athletic tradition, and divine legacy, offering a richer understanding of the world you’ve just walked through among the ruins. It’s the ideal complement to your site visit—adding depth, context, and wonder at every turn.
Enjoy your leisure time in the peaceful village of modern Olympia, home to fewer than 600 residents. Wander its cozy streets lined with local shops, family-run tavernas, and artisan boutiques, where you can savor Greek delicacies or find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to remember your visit.
After a day filled with history, culture, and unforgettable moments, relax in comfort on your return to port. With over 20 years of expertise in crafting cruise-friendly excursions, we guarantee a seamless experience with on-time return to your ship and no worries along the way. Let the stories of Olympia travel with you—memories of gods, games, and Greek charm that will stay with you long after your cruise continues
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will arrange to pick you up at THE CRUISE PORT holding a sign reading ‘J A T’. Please note, that THE PICKUP TIME STATED IN YOUR BOOKING CONFIRMATION IS APPROXIMATE AND MAY BE ADJUSTED. The precise meeting time will be communicated to you via a subsequent email and message.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Kindly note that the start time displayed on our website is a general estimate for the activity’s commencement and may not correspond to your specific pick-up time. We recommend checking your email the day before the scheduled activity to receive detailed pick-up information, including the exact pick-up time. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us via email, WhatsApp, or phone.
- Please be advised that the sequence of the tour itinerary and the time spent at each location might be adjusted in response to variables like traffic conditions, crowd sizes, and unforeseen events. However, we will our best to cover all the destinations mentioned in the itinerary.
- Please note that most of our tours depart 30 minutes after ship arrivals. To ensure your participation, please book your tour accordingly.
- Please be advised that this tour is not wheelchair or scooter accessible and may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility.
- Kindly note that the tour duration may be adjusted to align with your ship’s departure time.
- Please be aware that your tour guide will join you in London; guide services are not included during the transfer from Southampton
Reviews(15)
This was exactly the kind of shore excursion I was looking for. The departure from Katakolon Cruise Port was straightforward, transportation was comfortable, and the itinerary allowed enough time to enjoy Ancient Olympia without feeling rushed. The guide was knowledgeable and maintained a pleasant pace throughout the visit. The leisure time afterward was a nice opportunity to unwind before returning to the ship. Overall, the experience felt thoughtfully planned and offered a great combination of history, comfort, and flexibility.
Since it was my first visit to Greece, I wanted to learn about one of its most famous historical sites. This excursion was an excellent introduction to Ancient Olympia. The guide explained the significance of each area in an engaging and accessible way, making it easy to appreciate the history behind the ruins. I especially liked having leisure time because it gave me the chance to revisit a few spots, take photographs, and enjoy the town before returning to the ship. Everything was well organized from start to finish.
Our tour guide, Theodora, was so knowledgeable about the history of the Olympic Games. It was fascinating to hear stories and visit Olympia. A lot of facts and information shared and I am truly impressed with Theodora’s wealth of history knowledge.
We wanted a relaxing excursion rather than a busy schedule, and this tour matched our expectations perfectly. Ancient Olympia is a beautiful location with remarkable history, and the guide presented everything clearly while encouraging questions. We never felt hurried, and the free time afterward gave us an opportunity to enjoy the local atmosphere at our own pace. Returning to the cruise port was smooth and well timed. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience that combined culture with relaxation.
This was an exceptional tour! Very informative and the experience is beyond words. Port pick up was smooth. Highly recommend this tour.
Traveling with children can sometimes be challenging, but this tour was very well organized and enjoyable for everyone. The visit to Ancient Olympia was fascinating, and our guide explained the history in a way that kept both adults and kids interested. The pace was comfortable, so we never felt rushed. Having extra leisure time afterward was a wonderful addition because we could enjoy a coffee, browse local souvenir shops, and simply take in the atmosphere. Transportation was comfortable, and everything ran according to schedule, making it easy to return to the cruise port without stress. This was a memorable family experience that balanced education, relaxation, and sightseeing perfectly.
Our group of friends booked this excursion during our cruise stop, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. Ancient Olympia is an incredible place to visit, and seeing the birthplace of the Olympic Games was something we had always wanted to do. The guide shared interesting stories without overwhelming us with too many details, which kept the tour engaging. We especially appreciated the free time afterward to explore the town at our own pace and enjoy some local snacks. Everything was organized smoothly, and the timing worked perfectly with our cruise schedule.
I joined this tour solo and found it very straightforward. The meeting point was easy to locate, and everything was clearly explained from the start. The guide gave a useful introduction to Olympia, but I especially appreciated the free time to explore on my own. It made the experience feel more personal and less structured. It’s a good option if you want both guidance and flexibility during a short port stop.
I joined this tour during a short cruise-based business stop and found it well organized from a timing perspective. The logistics were clear, and the return schedule was strictly followed. The tour focuses on major highlights of Olympia with a mix of guided explanation and free time. It is not a deep historical experience, but it provides a solid overview within limited time. Overall, it works well for travelers who need efficiency and reliability more than detailed sightseeing.
As a couple, we liked that the tour wasn’t rushed. The drive from Katakolon was comfortable, and the group size made the experience feel manageable. At Olympia, the combination of guided explanations and leisure time worked well. We didn’t feel pressured to stay in one place too long, which made the visit more enjoyable. It’s not an in-depth historical tour, but it gives a pleasant overview of an important site.
