Step back in time and discover the birthplace of the Olympic Games on the Katakolo: Olympia Archaeological Site Shore Excursion. Explore the ancient ruins and historical landmarks of this captivating site, guided by a knowledgeable local. Marvel at the iconic Ancient Stadium, the majestic Temple of Zeus, and the Olympia Museum‘s priceless antiquities. Convenient cruise terminal pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless experience, though visitors should be prepared for additional costs like entrance fees and meals. Enjoy the rich history and cultural significance of this remarkable destination, where the legacy of the Olympics lives on.
Key Points
- 4-hour self-guided tour from Katakolo to the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Olympia, with pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal.
- Explore historical sites like the Ancient Stadium, Temple of Zeus, and Olympia Museum showcasing antiquities and notable statues.
- Opportunity to learn about the Olympic heritage from a knowledgeable local guide and take advantage of photo opportunities throughout the tour.
- Tour includes entrance fees to the archaeological site and museum, with discounts for children under 18.
- Tour may pose accessibility challenges for travelers with mobility impairments due to uneven terrain and extensive walking required.
Tour Overview
This shore excursion from Katakolo takes travelers to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
The 4-hour self-guided tour costs from €1,464 per person, with up to 10% savings available. Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is offered.
The excursion includes cruise terminal pickup and drop-off, a professional driver, and a local guide to answer any questions.
Experience Highlights
The tour allows visitors to explore the ancient stadium with the first-ever Olympic running track spanning over 200 meters. Travelers will also discover the Temple of Zeus, constructed in the 5th century BC, and the Temple of Hera, home to the statue of Hermes and the Olympic flame lighting spot. The Olympia Museum features antiquities and notable statues, including Nike Paionios and Hermes of Praxiteles. Professional transfer service with a local guide is available to answer questions throughout the experience.
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Ancient Stadium | First-ever Olympic running track (over 200 meters) |
| Temple of Zeus | Constructed in the 5th century BC |
| Temple of Hera | Statue of Hermes, Olympic flame lighting spot |
| Olympia Museum | Antiquities, statues (Nike Paionios, Hermes of Praxiteles) |
| Professional Transfer | Local guide available for questions |
Tour Inclusions
The shore excursion from Katakolo includes cruise terminal pickup and drop-off, as well as a professional driver and local guide.
This tour offers several inclusions to enhance the experience:
- Photo opportunities throughout the tour
- Entrance fees to the archaeological site and museum (free for under 18, €12 for ages 19-65)
- Knowledgeable local guide to provide context and answer questions
- Comfortable transportation to and from the cruise terminal
While food, drinks, and tips aren’t included, this excursion covers the essential logistics to ensure a smooth and informative visit to the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
Tour Exclusions
While the Katakolo shore excursion covers various inclusions, there are a few items that aren’t part of the package.
Guests will need to cover the cost of any food or drinks they wish to purchase during the tour. Plus, gratuities for the driver and local guide aren’t included, though a 15-20% tip is recommended.
It’s important to note that the entrance fees to the ancient site and museum are also not part of the tour price, though they’re quite affordable.
Travelers should budget appropriately for these extra expenses to ensure a seamless and enjoyable Olympia exploration experience.
Meeting Point
Outside the cruise terminal security area, between the post office and public toilets, travelers will find the designated meeting point for the Katakolo shore excursion to Olympia. This convenient location ensures a smooth start to the adventure.
To make the most of the experience, guests should:
- Arrive promptly at the scheduled meeting time to avoid delays.
- Bring a valid passport or ID for easy identification.
- Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes.
- Leave any large bags or luggage behind, as they aren’t permitted on the tour.
Once gathered, the group will embark on a captivating journey to the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
What to Bring
Guests should pack a valid passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and weather-appropriate clothing for the Katakolo shore excursion to Olympia.
The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must. Sunglasses and a sun hat will protect against the Mediterranean sun.
Since the weather can be variable, it’s best to dress in layers that can be easily added or removed. Large bags and luggage aren’t allowed, so pack light.
With the right gear, guests can focus on exploring the ancient Greek site and its rich history.
Accessibility Considerations
The shore excursion from Katakolo to Olympia may pose accessibility challenges for some travelers. The tour involves navigating uneven terrain at the ancient archaeological site, which may be difficult for those with mobility impairments, heart problems, respiratory issues, or epilepsy.
Pregnant women and wheelchair users are also not recommended for this tour. Key accessibility considerations include:
- Cobblestone and uneven surfaces throughout the site
- Lack of wheelchair-accessible pathways or ramps
- Extensive walking required to explore the full site
- Absence of specialized accommodations for those with disabilities
Guests must be able to easily enter and exit the transportation provided for this excursion.
Additional Notes
Navigating the ancient site of Olympia requires comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. The uneven terrain may pose a challenge for those with mobility issues. As such, the tour is not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, heart problems, respiratory issues, epilepsy, or wheelchair users. Guests must also be able to easily enter and exit the transportation provided.
| Additional Notes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Comfortable | Weather-appropriate |
| Footwear | Walking shoes | Required |
| Accessibility | Not suitable | For certain conditions |
| Mobility | Guests must | Enter/exit easily |
| Luggage | No large bags | Allowed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?
Yes, there are discounts available for group bookings. Guests can save up to 10% on the tour price when booking for a group of 2 or more people. The discount is automatically applied at the time of booking.
Can We Customize the Tour Schedule if Needed?
Yes, the tour schedule can be customized if needed. Guests can speak with the local guide to adjust the itinerary or pace of the tour to meet their specific needs and interests.
Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Archaeological Site?
There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Avoid wearing revealing or casual attire out of respect for the historical site. Light layers are best to accommodate changing conditions.
Can We Bring Our Own Lunch and Snacks?
The tour doesn’t explicitly prohibit guests from bringing their own food and snacks. However, there are no food service options included, so guests should plan accordingly if they want to have their own provisions during the self-guided visit.
Are There Any ATMS or Currency Exchange Facilities Nearby?
There are no ATMs or currency exchange facilities at the Olympia archaeological site. Visitors should plan to bring euros for any purchases or gratuities during the tour. Local guides can provide recommendations for nearby banking services if needed.
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Recap
The Katakolo: Olympia Archaeological Site Shore Excursion offers a captivating exploration of ancient Greek history. Visitors can marvel at the iconic ruins, including the Ancient Stadium and Temple of Zeus, while also discovering the treasures housed in the Olympia Museum. With convenient cruise terminal transportation, this tour provides a seamless and immersive experience, though guests should be prepared for additional costs. This excursion is an excellent opportunity to explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games.