• Katakolo Port - Upon arrival in the Katakolo area, guests can meet the driver either at the office in the port of Katakolo, located in a very convenient spot, or at the hotel where they are staying. The driver will be waiting outside the office or at the hotel reception holding a sign with the guest’s name. After transferring to a private vehicle, guests can enjoy the ride to Ancient Elis and the Castle of Chlemoutsi.

• Monastery of Skafidia - Leaving Katakolo, the journey heads to a nearby monastery that has stood on the ground of the Peloponnese for more than 1,200 years. Holy Mary of Skafidia, enclosed by a medieval fortress and the only monastery in Greece with such fortifications, welcomes visitors to discover it. In addition to its remarkable architecture, it holds many religious and historical treasures, including holy vessels, vestments, reliquaries, old icons, coins, and much more. This is one of the most historic monasteries of Elis, surrounded by beautiful countryside and offering a glimpse into the region’s religious and cultural heritage.

• Archaeological Museum of Ancient Elis - Ancient Elis Archaeological Site & Museum. Ilida was the city responsible for organizing and hosting the famous Olympic Games of antiquity. Upon arriving at the Ancient Ilida museum, the spacious open-air square welcomes visitors and offers an unobstructed, excellent view of the archaeological site on one side and the entire plain of Elis up to the medieval castle of Chlemoutsi on the other. The Archaeological Museum features an interesting collection from the site’s excavations: statues, inscriptions, reliefs, pottery, figurines, and architectural members dating from the early Hellenic period to the Roman era. Inside, visitors will find themselves lost in time. Artifacts 2,000 years old, mosaics that have stood for thousands of years, a solar clock, statues of the finest marble in the world, unique golden jewelry, and much more are on display in the museum’s exhibition—a relatively small museum, but nonetheless full of beautiful items.

• Elis Region - Leaving the museum, the ancient Theater of Elis is nearby. As one begins to understand, in Greece and in this area specifically, what is “old” and “new” is truly relative! For more than 2,400 years, the theater has hosted plays from ancient times. Near the river “Pinios,” it originally operated as a sanctuary and place of worship for the god Apollo; later, the residents of the area made it one of the older theaters in the country. The scenery is one of the reasons the Greeks built it in this specific location, and along with the quietness of the place, it offers an unforgettable experience of inner peace and appreciation of life itself.

• Chlemoutsi Castle - The driver will pick guests up and drive them through small villages up to the Castle of Chlemoutsi. Originally called Château Clermont, travelers referred to this incredible structure as Castle Tornese, and the Byzantines called it Chloumoutzi. Due to its strategic location, the imposing stronghold guarded the capital Andravida, the harbor of Glarentza, and of course, the palace of the House of the Villehardouin that was situated within its walls. Visitors can admire the breathtaking view of the plain of Elis and the Ionian Sea. Please note that Chlemoutsi Castle is closed on Tuesdays.

• Kyllini - After visiting the castle, a nearby coffee house stands atop the Ionian Sea and offers an astonishing view all the way to the island of Zakynthos. Guests can relax here and enjoy a beverage or a light lunch before departing for Katakolo.

• Katakolo - Ancient theaters, a beautiful museum, majestic castles, astonishing views, and unforgettable memories—what more could anyone ask from a tour? In ancient Ilida, guests will find all of these with the assistance of experienced drivers while riding in new, comfortable vehicles. The driver will take guests along a scenic road to enjoy! Throughout the private tour, the driver will be there to explain and assist with anything that might be needed.

• Flexible departure time adapted to your cruise ship’s arrival and departure schedule
• Private transportation
• Bottled water
• On-board WiFi
• All Fees and Taxes
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• A Licensed tour guide and archaeology graduate (on request we can arrange private guide for you)
• Meals and beverages
• The ticket for the Archaeological site and the museum (Up to 25 years old: free of charge)

Discover a quieter, more authentic side of western Greece on a private shore excursion from Katakolo or Kyllini Port.

Rather than following the usual route to Ancient Olympia, explore the historic region of Elis at your own pace. Visit Ancient Elis, the ancient administrative center linked to the organization of the Olympic Games, explore the Archaeological Museum of Elis, and continue to the impressive medieval Chlemoutsi Castle, one of the best-preserved castles in the Peloponnese.

Along the way, enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside, passing olive groves, villages, farmland, and the beautiful landscapes of the western Peloponnese.

Depending on available time, cruise ship schedule, and preferences, the itinerary can be adjusted to include a coastal stop in the Kyllini area or time by the sea.

This is a private experience for the group only, with comfortable transportation, bottled water, and a flexible itinerary designed around the cruise schedule.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.