Classic Greece: To Antiquity and Beyond

Katakolon could not seem less of a cruise port if it tried. A tiny enclave clinging to the western Peloponnese coast, it's a sleepy place except when ships dock. But it's a popular cruise destination because of its proximity to Olympia. Ancient Olympia was one of the most important cities in classical Greece. The Sanctuary of Zeus was the city's raison d'être, and attracted pilgrims from around the eastern Mediterranean, and later the city played host to Olympic Games, the original athletic games that were the inspiration for today's modern sporting pan-planetary meet. At the foot of the tree-covered Kronion hill, in a valley near two rivers, Katakolon is today one of the most popular ancient sites in Greece. If you don't want to make the trip to Olympia, then Katakolon is an ideal place for a leisurely Greek lunch while you watch the fishermen mend their nets, but there's just not much else to do there.

Today, our ‘Your Choice’ experiences are truly Olympic in scope, offering you two classic Greek treats. A brief ten- minute walk from our berth, finds a variety of shops and restaurants to explore. Just a short distance away, the popular pebbled Plakes Beach awaits, and the sandy stretch of Agios Andreas Beach is a mere five-minute taxi ride. Steeped in maritime history, the picturesque port town of Katakolon remains the gateway to the ancient site of Olympia, and our port for today. One of the most important sanctuaries in ancient Greece, Olympia was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods. Every four years, athletes from across the Greek world gathered here to compete in various sports, honouring Zeus and fostering unity among the city states. The busy port town of Katakolon itself is a hub of activity, with its quaint streets lined with shops and cafes, while the Katakolon Lighthouse and the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology offer insights into the region’s rich history. Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Option 1 – Morning experience: An Olympic Encounter Renowned as the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, the 8th -century BCE site of Olympia was the Greek world’s most revered religious sanctuary, dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods. The site housed numerous temples, altars, and sporting facilities, with the Temple of Zeus featuring a 40-foot statue of Zeus sitting on an elaborate cedarwood throne adorned with ebony, ivory, gold and precious stones. This statue was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Held every four years from 776 BCE to 393 CE, the games at Olympia attracted athletes from all over the Greek world. Over 45,000 spectators cheered on their sporting heroes, who competed in a range of sports such as running, wrestling, boxing, and chariot racing. The games were not only a display of physical prowess, but also a celebration of Greek unity and religious devotion. Victors were awarded olive wreaths and gained immense prestige and honour in their home cities. Today, Olympia continues to influence the modern Olympic Games. Many of the ancient sports, lost throughout the centuries, were revived in 1896 by Pierre de Coubertin’s ‘Modern Olympics’. The Olympic flame, a symbol of peace and unity, is lit in a ceremony at the ancient site of Olympia before every modern Olympics, and then relayed to the host city. This tradition underscores the connection between the ancient and modern games. A visit to Olympia is a lesson not only in its historical and archaeological importance, but also in its lasting impact on global culture through the ongoing tradition of the Olympic Games. The site fosters a spirit of unity and excellence that resonates nearly 3,000 years after those first games. Our local guide brings the story of Olympia to life with tales of sporting heroes, revered gods, and generations of families who have lived on this land. The museum is a short walk from the site and contains the 4th -century BCE statue of Hermes by Praxiteles, plus several finds from the excavations, including Paeonius’ Nike of Victory, who according to Olympic legend, came down from the heavens to hand a palm leaf to every winner. Option 2 – Half day experience: Farm and Feast Nestled among olive trees and vineyards, this 30-acre, family-owned estate lies approximately 45 minutes from the port in the picturesque region of Floka near Ancient Olympia. Embracing traditional farming methods and organic cultivation passed down through generations, the estate exudes a timeless charm. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a classic shot of ouzo, a beloved Greek spirit celebrated for its distinct anise flavour and potent clarity. Integral to Greek culture, ouzo is often savoured as an aperitif or paired with meze (small dishes). Accompanying the ouzo is a freshly baked local pie, served as our hosts share insights into the estate’s non- mechanised olive-harvesting techniques. Delve into a captivating history of olive oil and its revered properties, underscoring the profound connection between Greek cuisine and the land. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the farm, interacting with the resident animals. Later, we gather in the charming stone farmhouse, now transformed into a cosy dining area. Here, indulge in a feast of traditional flavours sourced from the farm and the local area, complemented by the estate’s wine drawn straight from large oak barrels. Our visit culminates in true Greek style with a lively sirtaki dance. Join in the celebration as guests and newfound friends of the estate embrace the joyous spirit of Opa!

Oraia (beautiful) is the word Greeks use to describe Nafplion. The town's old section, on a peninsula jutting into the gulf of Argos, mixes Greek, Venetian, and Turkish architecture; narrow streets, often just broad flights of stone stairs, climb the slopes beneath the walls of Acronafplia. Tree-shaded plazas surround neoclassic buildings. The Palamidi fortress—an elegant display of Venetian might from the early 1700s—guards the town. Nafplion deserves at least a leisurely day of your undivided attention, and you may want to spend several days or a week here and use the city as the base from which to explore the many surrounding ancient sights.

Sitting on the northeastern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, this historical town overlooks the Argolic Gulf, framed by surrounding mountains. Serving as the first capital of independent Greece, between 1833 and 1834, Nafplion boasts a wealth of historical landmarks that bear witness to its illustrious past. Serving as the gateway to major UNESCO World Heritage Sites Epidaurus and Mycenae, Nafplion offers visitors a memorable day out. Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Option 1 – Morning experience: Nafplion Walking Tour with Ouzo Factory Tour and Tasting Our locally guided walking tour begins as soon as we disembark, at the old port, where we begin our exploration of the town’s most important sites. From here we can view the iconic Palamidi Fortress, perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the town, standing as a testament to Nafplion’s strategic importance throughout the ages. Meanwhile, the old town, with its narrow cobblestone streets, Venetian mansions, and neoclassical buildings, invites visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in centuries of Greek history and culture. Karonis Distilleries, a family-run business in Nafplion, has been crafting ouzo, tsipouro, and masticha for 145 years. Managed by Fotis and Yiannis Karonis, this distillery uses modern copper stills to produce high-quality spirits. Just two minutes from the town centre, we tour the distillery, taste the products, and explore a museum filled with artefacts from 1870. No visit to the Peloponnese is complete without a taste of Greece’s most popular brew. Ouzo, a beloved Greek spirit, is an integral part of Greek culture and social life. It is often enjoyed at gatherings and celebrations, symbolising Greek hospitality and tradition. Visitors can also sample the Karonis’s distinguished cherry liqueur, made from Arcadian cherries. Both drinks, shared with friends and family, highlight the rich flavours and heritage of Greece, making a visit to Karonis Distilleries a delightful and educational experience. Option 2 – Morning experience: UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mycenae This morning, we journey through time and explore the remains of the ancient city of Mycenae, which was a major centre of Greek civilisation from 1600 BCE to 1100 BCE and one of the most important cities of Ancient Greece. Our local expert guides us through time, bringing daily life in this ancient city alive among its relics and ruins. This sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site brings the Bronze Age city of Mycenae to life, as our curiosity travels beyond archaeology, fuelling our fascination for the heroic age of Greek mythology. Renowned for its impressive fortifications, monolithic architecture, and rich archaeological finds, Mycenae has played a crucial role in shaping ancient Greek history and mythology. Ruled by legendary figures such as King Agamemnon, who according to myth led the Greeks in the Trojan War and was later murdered upon his return to Mycenae, the city’s story is central to Homer’s epic poems, the ‘Iliad’ and the ‘Odyssey’ . Archaeological excavations at Mycenae have unearthed a wealth of artefacts, including intricately decorated pottery, gold jewellery, and the famous ‘Mask of Agamemnon’, a gold funeral mask discovered in a royal tomb. These discoveries provide insights into the wealth, artistry, and sophistication of the Mycenaean civilisation. The site’s significance extends beyond archaeology, as it continues to inspire artists, writers and scholars, fuelling fascination with the heroic age of Greek mythology and the legacy of ancient civilisation. Option 3 – Morning experience: UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sanctuary of Asklēpiós and Epidaurus This morning we tour one of Greece’s most revered sites and the world-famous Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. A significant centre of healing, Epidaurus remains a symbol of humanity’s quest for self-preservation, with Asklēpiós’ staff and wrapped snake recognised as a sign of the medical profession even today. Acknowledged as the legendary birthplace of Apollo’s son, Asklēpiós – the god of medicine – Epidaurus’s fame spread as pilgrims seeking cures for their ailments flocked to the site, and particularly the temple of Asklēpiós, which is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Treatments, combining religious rites with practical medical practices, ranged from herbal medicines to therapeutic snake licks. Clients travelled great distances to reach the site, which included a hospital, a guest house, mineral springs and a gymnasium. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, built in the 4th century BCE to accommodate the crowds, is considered one of the most well-preserved ancient theatres in Europe. With a capacity of around 14,000 spectators, the theatre hosted dramatic performances that were an integral part of the healing rituals, as the Greeks believed in the therapeutic power of the arts. Today, Epidaurus continues to influence the world through its contributions to both medicine and the arts. The ancient theatre still hosts performances during the annual Epidaurus Festival, while the site’s emphasis on holistic healing resonates with modern integrative medicine approaches, blending physical treatments with psychological and spiritual well-being. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its legacy as a centre for healing and culture highlights the enduring influence of ancient Greek civilisation on modern medicine and the arts.