EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Visit the site of the first Olympic Games and learn about its glorious history. Then head to the beach and spend the rest of the day basking in the sun and swimming in the warm, sparkling waters of the Ionian Sea. Even though the temples and monuments have disappeared and only the ruins are left, you can't help but to envision the grandeur of the Temple of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The site was a sanctuary even before the stadium was built and the games took place.

The famous stadium, the largest of its day, is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage constructed in Roman times. Today, you can stand at the starting line and imagine the roar of the spectators seated on the marble benches, as the athletes took their marks. Reboard your coach and head to the beach to bask in the sun and swim in the sparkling Ionian Sea. Enjoy use of a sun bed and umbrella at the main beach, as well as a complimentary refreshment. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

OVERVIEW

Explore Olympia, a former sanctuary and site of the first Olympic Games, where you will use augmented reality software to view the ruins as they originally stood. The games were eventually outlawed, earthquakes wreaked havoc and over time river silt covered Olympia. Fortunately, the silt preserved the site until excavations began in 1829. What has been unearthed within this UNESCO World Heritage site is extraordinary. You will see the remains of the Olympic stadium, rows of Doric columns from the gymnasium and the Temple of Hera, Olympia's most intact structure. Still, the highlight is the Temple of Zeus, which once held the Statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. To enhance your understanding of Olympia, you will use an electronic tablet with augmented reality software. Simply point the tablet's camera at the ruins, and the buildings will appear on the screen in 3D, just as they looked in ancient times.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the first Olympic Games were held.
• See the remains of temples, a gymnasium and the Olympic stadium.
• Use the provided augmented reality software to view the buildings as they once stood.
• Enjoy free time to shop in a nearby village.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

You'll travel through the countryside to reach the mystical site of ancient Olympia, some 25 miles to the east. Visit the remarkable site where the first Olympiad was held.

The most imposing monument in this area was the outstanding Temple of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Today, you'll only find the ruins of the temple and the gold and ivory statue has disappeared, but you can imagine how grand it was. Broken columns of the Temple of Hera and remains of other monuments still rest in the once sacred grove.

You can enter the famous stadium, through a long tunnel-like passage and stand in the very spot where many ancient athletes competed.

Later, at a picturesque restaurant located in the heart of Olympia village, you’ll savor a selection of Greek appetizers accompanied by ouzo, served by waiters who will delight you with dances to lively Greek music.

At the conclusion of the tour, you’ll have the option of returning to the ship or staying behind to do some further exploring on your own in the village.

Visit the archaeological site of Olympia. The site was a sanctuary even before the stadium was built and the games took place in 776 B.C. Today, only parts of the temple remain at the museum and only ruins remain at the site. The Temple of Zeus no longer exists and its traces have disappeared through the ages. The Temple of Hera, Prytaneion, and Philippeion were monuments standing in the sacred grove. The famous Stadium, with a capacity of 45,000 spectators, is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage. Stand at the starting line and imagine the voices of thousands of spectators seated on the stone bleachers.

Continue with a drive through picturesque countryside to a local family owned vineyard where you'll be welcomed by the owners, the Kanellakopoulos family. Start your tour from the winery, with a mix of old and new equipment to the cellar. Visit the family museum with a collection of various old agricultural tools and equipment, interwoven with the estate cultivation throughout the years. You'll have an opportunity to taste the wines they produce, along with some snacks offered by the owners.

Visita el sitio arqueológico de Olimpia y pasa tiempo en el pueblo. El sitio fue un santuario incluso antes de que se construyera el estadio y los juegos comenzaran en el año 776 A.C. Hoy, solo partes del templo permanecen en el museo y solo las ruinas permanecen en el sitio. El Templo de Zeus ya no existe y sus vestigios han desaparecido durante los años. El Templo de Hera, el Pritaneo y el Filipeo eran monumentos situados en la arboleda sagrada.

Para entrar al famoso estadio, con una capacidad para 45,000 espectadores, es necesario atravesar un largo pasadizo estilo túnel. Párate en la línea de partida e imagina las voces de miles de espectadores sentados en las gradas de piedra. En el poblado de Olimpia, disfruta de un poco de tiempo libre para visitar las diferentes tiendas de recuerdos o tal vez relajarte en un café local.

El pequeño poblado de pescadores de Katákolo es la entrada al sitio místico de la antigua Olimpia. Visita el extraordinario sitio de Olimpia donde se llevaron a cabo las primeras olimpiadas. Es un lugar de ensueño: se erige en el medio de un valle fértil atravesado por los ríos Alphios y Kladhios. El sitio fue un santuario incluso antes de que se construyera el estadio y se organizaran los juegos en el área sagrada llamada Altis. El monumento más imponente del área fue el increíble Templo de Zeus, una de las siete maravillas del mundo antiguo. En la actualidad, solo las ruinas del templo permanecen en pie.

Para entrar al famoso estadio —el más grande de su época— debes atravesar un largo pasadizo estilo túnel que fue construido en los tiempos de los romanos. Continúa hacia el Museo Arqueológico, que requiere una caminata de cinco minutos desde el sitio. Entre los hallazgos grandiosos de la zona que se exhiben aquí se encuentran la Cabeza de Hera y la magnífica estatua de Hérmes de Praxíteles. Además tendrás la oportunidad de admirar los artefactos del Templo de Zeus.

Visit the site of the first Olympic Games and learn about its glorious history, marvel at the treasures housed at the Archaeological Museum and experience a real taste of Greece when you sample olive oils and wines produced at Agriturismo Magna Grecia. Approximately 25 miles east of Katakolon is the site of Ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Even though the temples and monuments have disappeared and only the ruins are left, you can't help but envision the grandeur of the Temple of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The famous stadium, the largest of its day, is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage constructed in Roman times. Today, you can stand at the starting line and imagine the roar of the spectators seated in the marble benches, as the athletes took their marks.

Your tour continues to the Olympia Archaeological Museum. Here you'll find the Head of Hera and the superb statue of Hermes of Praxiteles, among many other magnificent pieces found in the area. Admire the sculpted ornaments from the Temple of Zeus and many other artifacts.

Reboard your coach and drive through picturesque villages to Magna Grecia Farm lying in the heart of a agricultural region. You'll be welcomed with local drinks and homemade snacks. Make sure you try the ouzo, a local liqueur that tastes like licorice. Visit the olive grove and learn the history of the tasty, peppery fruit produced here. You'll see the vineyards and encounter farm animals as well.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of this estate and in the delicious flavors of Greek cuisine by sampling a variety of mezes (appetizer dishes) accompanied by local wine. Watch a short demonstration of a Syrtaki dance and maybe try a few steps yourself. Opa!

Enjoy your day touring with your small group tour of up to 16 guests. Learn about the history of the Olympic Games, marvel at the ancient site of Olympia, see treasures housed at the Archaeological Museum and experience the real taste of Greece when you sample olive oils and wines produced at Magna Grecia Farm.

Drive the 25 miles to the site of ancient Olympia. You'll learn about history, Greek Gods and the rituals of the Olympiads, as you walk through the ruins of what was once a revered sanctuary and home to the first Olympic Games. You'll continue to the Archaeological Museum where you'll find the Head of Hera and the superb statue of Hermes of Praxiteles. Admire the sculpted ornaments from the Temple of Zeus and other artifacts.

Enjoy a ride through picturesque villages en route to Magna Grecia Farm. Here, you'll be welcomed with local drinks and homemade snacks. You'll visit the olive grove, learn about the history and see a demonstration of olive harvesting. You'll see the vineyards and encounter farm animals, as well. Immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this estate and in the delicious flavors of Greek cuisine by sampling a variety of mezes, accompanied by local wine. Flirt with Greek culture as you watch a short demonstration of Syrtaki dance, and maybe try a few steps yourself.

A short drive through picturesque villages and unspoiled scenery surrounding Katakolon brings you to Agriturismo Magna Grecia Farm, in the heart of a traditional agricultural region. Visit the olive grove and learn the history of the olive tree and the tasty, peppery fruit produced here. You'll see the vineyards and encounter farm animals as well. You'll be welcomed with local drinks and homemade snacks. Make sure you try the ouzo, a local liqueur that tastes like licorice. Visit the olive grove and learn the history of the olive tree and the tasty, peppery fruit produced here. You'll see the vineyards and encounter farm animals as well. Immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this estate and in the delicious flavors of Greek cuisine by sampling a variety of mezes (appetizer dishes) accompanied by local wine. Flirt with Greek culture as you watch a short demonstration of Syrtaki dance, and maybe try a few steps yourself.

OVERVIEW

Sample a selection of organically grown olives and dine on olive oil-based dishes at the family-owned estate. Thousands of olive groves flourish in the Olympia region, and the grove at Magna Grecia is well-known among them. The fourth generation of the Karabelas family operates the farm, which produces olives, olive oils and wines on a small scale that ensures high quality. While touring, you will hear about the production methods and the farm-to-table philosophy that ensures the freshest ingredients. You will have the chance to sample a selection of organically grown olives that demonstrates their distinctive tastes. They may include varieties such as Kalamata, Koroneiki and Olympia, all of which thrive in the farm's microclimate and have a connection to ancient Olympia. Although the lunch menu often changes, it typically includes chickpeas with eggplant, oven-baked lamb, citrus-flavored chicken, vegan dishes and baklava for dessert.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour a family-owned farm that specializes in producing olives, olive oil and wine.
• Learn about the farm’s microclimate and organic agricultural methods.
• Sample a variety of olives that are representative of the Olympia region.
• Dine on classic Greek dishes, most of which are prepared with the farm’s distinctive olive oil.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Watch a cooking demonstration and folkloric show as a complement to dining at the Touris Club, a unique property near the site of the original Olympic Games. In this serene and inspiring setting, you will watch a master chef prepare ultra-thin phyllo dough from scratch. The dough is typically used in classic Greek dishes such as cheese pie and spinach pie, both of which will be offered during lunch. All of the selections in the buffet will be homemade with locally sourced ingredients such as seasonal fruits and fresh vegetables. To make the experience even more memorable, costumed folkloric dancers will perform while you are dining. This region of Greece is also well-known for its wines, which will be served with lunch. While browsing the on-site shop, you will see a selection of wines from the nearby Mercouri Estate, a historic family-owned winery.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See a master chef demonstrate how to make traditional phyllo dough.
• Dine on a buffet featuring classic Greek dishes, all homemade.
• Watch a folkloric performance while dining.
• Enjoy the setting of the Touris Club, which lies near where the first Olympic Games were held.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Board your coach for an approximate 30 minute transfer to Kourouta Beach. This is a public beach area where you'll have free time (approximately 3.5 hours) to relax under the sun and swim. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for rent at the beach on a first-come, first served-basis. There is a beach taverna nearby for refreshments or a light snack at your own expense. Credit cards and foreign currencies are not accepted. You'll need Euros for purchases at the beach.