Olympia, Greece - Mediterranean Cruises

Your scenic drive traverses inland through the small farming villages that toil the fertile soil of the plains of Elis. Your destination is the sacred precinct of Olympia, lying in a valley watered by the Alfios river. Steeped in fantastic myths and legends, it is the site which gave birth to one of man's most noble ideals.

In 776 BC the Olympic games started and every four years the Olympic flame is relit in this tranquil holy place and delivered to each new city that hosts the games. As you walk through this serene paradise you cannot help but be impressed by its peaceful atmosphere and beauty of the setting.

Stroll the deserted sanctuary with its temples, altars and treasuries, all overlooked by masses of trees, said to have been planted by Zeus' son, Hercules, to mark the boundaries of his father's domain. Walk, or if you are up to it, run the original course in the stadium with its marble starting blocks still intact.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The visit to the site involves over 1½ hours of walking with some gravel pathways that are rough in some places.

Explore the sacred precinct of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. The area is steeped with fantastic myths and legends and is the origin of the Olympic flame every four years.

A short walk will bring you to the Museum of Olympia which houses the treasures unearthed during the excavations, including the remains of the pediments of the temple of Zeus. Pride of place goes to one of the true masterpieces of all times, Hermes, an original work of Praxiteles.

Set in a beautiful neo-classical building overlooking the site of Olympia is the museum dedicated to the way the ancient athletes competed in the Olympic Games. Learn of the different events they strove for and how each one was competed. View many of the archaeological finds from the site which relate to the Games 1,000 years residence. Luncheon with wine will be served in a local leading venue in the modern village of Olympia before having free time to browse for souvenirs.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The visit to the site and the Museum of Olympia involves over two hours of walking with some gravel pathways that are rough in some places. Flash photography is not permitted inside the museum. The Museum of Olympia involves walking a distance of 400 yards from the site with a slight incline.

Head inland through some of the small agricultural villages, which farm the fertile soils of the plains of Elis.

Discover one of Katakolon's oldest established wineries, Domain Mercouri, which has a rich history in producing both wine and olive oil.

You will be taken on a tour of the family-run estate with its intriguing mix of old and new equipment, including the wine cellar and the olive presses. The family museum hosts a collection of various old agricultural tools, used on the estate over the years.

Continuing your journey of the winemaking process, you will head for the nearby vineyards, which border the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea.

On your return to the main buildings, let your taste buds be tantalised by a tasting of local produce, including the estate's wine, olive oil and a small selection of local snacks, including fresh bread and feta cheese.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The visit to the winery involves a certain amount of walking, over mainly flat ground, with some steps and gravel. There is a steep slope heading to the cellar. In the winery, no working machinery will be seen.

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which houses priceless treasures. The central hall keeps the remains of the pediments of the Temple of Zeus, which housed one of the seven wonders of the world, the gold and ivory statue of the God. Amongst the many exhibits is the Victory of Painia, the figure inscribed on all medals given out at the Olympics of Athens in 2004.

Greece is one of the few countries in the world where folk dances are as alive today as they were in ancient times. This is a great opportunity to see a troupe of dancers performing Greek and local dances, in traditional costume. Almost every dance has a story to tell and they continue to be passed on from one generation to another, keeping the national identity well and truly alive.

Refreshments of a glass of wine, Ouzo or a soft drink, accompanied by some traditional Greek snacks, will be served at a leading venue in Olympia village.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. To reach the Museum of Olympia, there is a walk of 400 yards on a slight incline, and over a bridge with 30 steps. The folkloric show venue has 15 steps at the entrance. Flash photography is not permitted inside the Museum. This excursion does not include a visit to the Olympia archaeological site.

Discover ‘sacred’ Olympia, steeped in ancient myth and legend. The Olympic Games are believed to have originated here in 776 BC. Every four years, the Olympic flame is relit and delivered to the Games’ ‘host’ city. Stroll the deserted sanctuary with its temples, altars and treasuries, all overlooked by masses of trees, said to have been planted by Hercules to mark the boundaries of his father's domain. Walk, or for the more active, run the original course in the stadium with its marble starting blocks still intact.

Thought to be one of the most important Museums in Greece, the Archaeological Museum of Olympia is host to a collection of priceless treasures unearthed during archaeological excavations. The Museum offers many awe-inspiring exhibits including the remains of the pediments to the Temple of Zeus, which housed one of the seven wonders of the world, the gold and ivory statue of the God. The marble statue of Hermes, thought to date back to 330 BC will also leave you spellbound with its perfection.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is over two hours of walking on this tour over some gravel pathways and steps. Flash photography is not permitted inside the Museum. To reach the Museum of Olympia, there is a walk of 400 yards on a slight incline, and over a bridge with 30 steps.