Private Ancient Olympia And Winery Tour Combo

Private Ancient Olympia And Winery Tour Combo Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Journey to Ancient Olympia and discover Greek wines.

Depart the harbor of Katakolon, a charming fishing village on the Ionian Coast filled with brightly-colored fishing boats. Travel the short distance to Olympia to view the spectacular ancient ruins before discovering Greek wines and enjoying traditional snacks.

Travel through the rich countryside between the Alfios and Klados Rivers on your way to Olympia, where you will embark on a guided tour that visits the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, and the Stadium, among other sites.

Ancient Olympia, the archaeological site of the first Olympic Games in 776 BC, lies in the lush valley formed by the Alfios River. Begin at the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Once the richest in the sanctuary, it contained the giant gold and ivory statue of Zeus. Then see the Temple of Hera, the Shrine of Pelops (one of the oldest in the sanctuary), the Council House where the athletes took the Olympic oath, the Treasuries, the Gymnasium, and Palaestra. Finally, come to the Stadium, where the marble starting blocks are still in position.

You'll also visit the Archaeological Museum, only a short walk from the Olympia site. Here, you'll find a wonderful collection of Greek sculptures, as well as treasures that have been unearthed over a century of excavations. See parts of the pediment from the Temple of Zeus, illustrating the mythical war between the Centaurs and the Lapiths. The museum is also home to the famous Hermes of Praxiteles.

After touring the historical and archeological sites of Olympia, it's time to switch gears with a relaxing drive to the Merkouri Estate Winery, family owned for more than 150 years. You will tour this lovely property, with more than 40 acres of vineyards and 15 varieties of grapes, both Greek and international. Your guide will explain how the terrain influences the grapes, providing nuances unique to Greek wines. Find out all that's involved in the production of fine wines, from vine to fermentation, from aging to bottling. And finally, you will sample two of their delightful wines.

For an authentic taste of Greece, we include an array of traditional Greek nibbles, such as olives, salami, cheeses and cherry tomatoes and two bottles of wine (one white, one red) for every 6 guests.

- This tour involves walking over gravel and uneven pathways, so please wear comfortable walking shoes.
- The price of this tour does not include any entrance fees, or gratuities.
- The entrance fee to Olympia is 9€ per person.
- This trip books up quickly, so please book as far in advance as possible.

- This tour can accommodate up to 15 passengers.
- The minimum age to drink alcohol is 18.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 09:00 AM, duration: 6 hours