Olympia (Tour A)
Mediterranean Excursions
- £45-55
- 4 hours
- Medium
KATAKOLON, GREECE
Olympia – birthplace of the Olympic Games. Travel back in time and relive the wonder of this spectacular event, as it would have been between 776BC and 393AD. From the little harbour of Katakolon, it is just a short drive through the bucolic land of Elis to Olympia.
Olympia – birthplace of the Olympic Games. Travel back in time and relive the wonder of this spectacular event, as it would have been between 776BC and 393AD. From the little harbour of Katakolon, it is just a short drive through the bucolic land of Elis to Olympia. Our guide will lead us around the site, where in ancient times athletes competed in honour of the gods. One by one we discover the great monuments of the time, such as the archaic Temple of Hera, the huge Temple of Zeus, which once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the gold and ivory statue of Zeus – the unique Stadium, and the Bouleuterion where the competitors swore on oath to play fair. Judas and olive trees beautifully shade the site and above all stand the perfectly shaped conical hill of Kronos. After a short break we move onto the museum, which houses some unique works of art. They include the wonderful marble statues from the Temple of Zeus, the famous Hermes of Praxiteles, and a collection of ancient pieces of armour and bronze figurines – all amazingly well preserved after centuries in the mud of the Alpheios River. There should be a little free time in the village before the return journey to our ship. There is a moderate amount of walking during this tour, at Olympia – where rough ground is likely to be encountered – and in the museum. Flash Photography is prohibited in the museum.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
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Snack or meal provided
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Refreshments available
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Free time
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Shopping opportunity
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Wheelchair access
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Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
