Cities of Antiquity

Step back in time to the first Olympic Games on an excursion to the magnificent setting in which they began. Drive with your guide into the breathtaking fertile valleys of the western Peloponnese, passing olive groves, vineyards and orchards. On a spectacular mountain plain in the shadow of Mt. Kronos, walk among the remains of the first Olympic Park, established in 776 BC. See the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and once home to a gold-and-ivory statue of the Greek god. Admire the Temple of Hera and circular Philippeion temple. Marvel at the stadium, the largest of its day with a capacity of 45,000 spectators. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore more. You may choose to visit the Olympia Archaeological Museum and its remarkable collection, including the stone head of Hera; or explore Modern Olympia on your own before returning to your ship.

Explore the site of the first Olympic Games and visit the estate of an esteemed winemaker. Drive with your guide into the fertile valleys of the western Peloponnese, passing olive groves, vineyards and orchards. On a spectacular mountain plain in the shadow of Mt. Kronos, you will walk among the remains of the first Olympic park. See the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which once housed the gold-and-ivory statue of the Greek god. Marvel at the stadium, the largest of its day with a capacity of 45,000 spectators, and view many other of the earliest Olympic venues. Later, continue to the Magna Grecia estate, where the owner welcomes you with a small glass of ouzo. Follow your host inside to sample local wine and olive oil with delicious homemade snacks. After time to stroll the orchard and vineyard, return to your ship.

Immerse yourself in the ancient history, delicious cuisine and customary dance of Greece. Drive with your guide into the fertile valleys of the western Peloponnese, where the ancient city of Olympia rests upon a dramatic mountain plain. Here, you can walk among the remains of the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the stadium, which once held 45,000 spectators, and many other of the earliest Olympic venues. Later, you will continue to the Touris Club, where hotel’s owner Mrs. Vasso welcomes you into her restaurant and invites you to participate in a cooking demonstration of traditional Greek cuisine. After, you will sample the food you have prepared together with a variety of other local specialties. During lunch, you can also learn a few steps of the nation’s syrtaki dance, made famous by the movie Zorba the Greek, a wonderful way to celebrate your Greek discoveries.

Discover local traditions and sample olive oils and wines during a visit to the countryside of Olympia. Embark on a scenic inland drive by motor coach from Katakolon, passing the Alfeios River Dam as you travel to a family-owned olive oil mill in the charming village of Makrisia. Explore the traditional techniques and view the older production equipment on display at the open air museum, then savor a taste of different olive oils produced at the family’s facilities. Continue to the village of Koskina, located near the heart of ancient Olympia, where you will tour a family-run winery that creates wines inspired by the customs and traditions of ancient Greece. Meet the family and gain insight into their history, production techniques and enjoy a wine tasting, accompanied by tasty bites. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Explore the excavation site of Elis to see an ancient city and artifacts of antiquity. Journey to discover the historic secrets of Elis, a prominent city in antiquity, known for organizing the first Olympic Games and as a place for athletes to gather and train before the competition. The archeological site of Elis offers a glimpse into the past with ancient ruins, the most distinguishable of which is the theater. Explore this snapshot of ancient Greece with your guide before continuing on to the Archaeological Museum of Elis. Here, you will gain a deeper understanding of life in antiquity by examining a range of artifacts that span the early Hellenic period to the Roman era. Finally, you will continue on to Olympia for a visit to its namesake archaeological site, then enjoy lunch at a traditional local restaurant before returning to your awaiting ship.

Explore the western Peloponnese peninsula with a visit to a stunning monastery and a regional winery. Board your motor coach and travel inland to visit a historic Greek Orthodox monastery.  Set amid peaceful surroundings, this sacred site offers a glimpse into centuries of religious tradition. During your visit, learn about the role monasteries have played in preserving faith, culture and education, while gazing upon traditional architecture, religious treasures and more. Immerse yourself in the monastery’s serene atmosphere, which continues to draw pilgrims today, and gain insight into its origins and transformation over the years. After, continue to the Brintziki Estate, a winery that focuses on creating wines that reflect the distinct terroir of the region. Hear old legends and learn about Greece’s wine culture before sampling the wine yourself, then return to your ship.