For those of you who would prefer a rather free schedule tour and who are not interested that much in seeing the Acropolis or the museums with a licensed tour guide, but would prefer to explore on their own the many attractions of the area, this is the best way to plan your private shore excursion.

In organizing a private shore excursion, transportation plays a very important role to assure a safe and comfortable trip. For families and friends that travel together we offer a luxury type, latest technology(euro 5), fully air-conditioned, no older than 3 years old 9 seats minivan driven by a professional experienced non-smoking English speaking driver. For larger parties we can arrange a VIP luxury type Mercedes minibus that accommodates up to 18 passengers.

Book your private minivan or minibus and driver and explore Athens and the surrounding area on your own.

There are many things that will diversify your tour and augment your experience of the area. For example:

• enjoy a city tour of Athens with your private vehicle, with several stops along the way for pictures
• visit at one of the sandy Aegean Sea beaches for swimming and relaxing by the seaside
• visit the southeast parts of Attica, driving all the way to Cape Sounion and Lavrion
• ask us to organize for you a private cooking class and take back with you the knowledge of traditional Greek cuisine recipes
• visit one of the area's monasteries and admire the unique iconography and architecture

4.5 to 6 h. tour (Private tour)

(Transportation + optional guidance + temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion + optional dinner by the seaside or swim)

For those of you that have been to Athens city center before, or who would prefer an alternative tour away from the big crowds and with not much walking involved, this is one of your best options. It is also a tour that includes one of the most picturesque routes along the sea in Greece.

The tour with the professional English speaking driver and the private vehicle will start from the port of Piraeus. Officially Piraeus is considered to be a different city, but you can say it is one of the suburbs of Athens. Along the way you will keep seeing and hearing explanations about the different parts of Piraeus and Athens, such as the Kastela and Mikrolimano ports. Since Athens hosted the Olympic Games in 2004 and most of the Olympic settlements were located on the southern suburbs of it, you will cross an Olympic Venue and continue south towards Cape Sounion. Your English speaking driver or licensed tour guide will give you information about the districts you will be driving through and will help you narrate yourselves as you will be heading southeast.

On your way to Cape Sounion, you will pass through some of the most beautiful suburbs of Athens, on the south east coast and right next to the sea, like Faliro, Voula and  Vouliagmeni which among other things, is famous for its underground lake.

Then you will enter the windy road, by the Saronic Gulf and you will enjoy one of the most beautiful coastal drives of Greece, passing several villages and areas that are mainly consisted by summer homes of the Athenians, with exceptional architecture.

Before your arrival to Cape Sounion, you will have the view of the remaining standing columns of the temple of Poseidon, from quite a distance. This was why in the past, sailors used to call the port next to it "Cavo Colones", meaning the port with the columns, which was also helping them find their way towards Attica. You can ask your driver to make a short stop for photos with the nice background of the temple of Poseidon.

As soon as you arrive in Cape Sounion, you will be given the chance to enjoy walking all the way to the top where the temple of Poseidon is and take pictures of the magnificent view all around you. When the atmosphere is very clear, you can see a lot of the Greek islands of the Aegean Sea from a distance. The temple of Poseidon was built in 444 BC to calm down Poseidon, after Athena was honored so much, by having the Parthenon built in honor of her. Since Athens was a great naval power in the ancient times, and their ships were exporting goods all over the known world, but also had many enemies, it was smart of them to use Cape Sounion as an alternative port. Moreover, very close to Cape Sounion, existed the mines of silver and lead of Lavrion. From the port of Sounion was that most of the lead was being exported. That was why Poseidon, the god of the sea and sailors, should be honored and always stand by their side on these long journeys through the sea, providing them with favorable winds and calm waters.

The cafeteria on top of the cape, is also where you will be able to enjoy the marvelous view from, along with a coffee or snack.

Many famous and non famous people have been inspired by the view, the sunset and the atmosphere of this area and on the base of the temple, remain many of their names inscriptions, such as the one of Lord Byron. Don’t try to leave your autograph there! It was before the site was guarded, that that had happened, and today such an action is against the law.

On the way back to Piraeus, if time allows it, you can extend your tour's duration and you can stop at one of the many seaside tavernas to enjoy lunch or dinner, or you can stop at one of the beaches for a swim.

5 or 7 h. tour (Private tour)

(Athens - Corinth Canal - Ancient Corinth Site and Museum - Athens)

Optionally you can extend this tour with a visit to Ancient Eleusis

This is going to be a journey with interesting things to see along the way, off the beaten track.

Your private vehicle and driver will be waiting for you at the designated meeting point in Piraeus port.

After a drive through the western suburbs of Athens, you will start having the view of the Saronic Gulf on the one side of the road. First you will see an industrial part of it and the shipyards of Skaramangas. Ancient Eleusis, famous for the sanctuary of Demeter and the Eleusinian mysteries, that remain a mystery even today, will be on your way and can be part of your tour, if you choose to have the extended 7 hour tour. Unfortunately all the development of the industrial area today as well as the modern city of Eleusis does not really show the beauty of the landscape as it was described to be in the ancient times. In Eleusis you can see an interesting site and an archeological museum with beautiful statuary from the classical days. From there started the procession of the Eleusinian mysteries, all the way to the Parthenon, every time the Panathenaia festival was being celebrated in Athens.

After you leave Eleusis, you will have the island of Salamis on the one side of the road, as well as the part of the sea, where one of the most famous naval battles in world's history was fought, in 480 BC, between the Athenians and the Persians. On the other side of the road will be mount Aegaleo, from where Xerxis was viewing the naval battle, sitting on his golden throne.

Soon after that, you will start seeing the impressive mountains of the Peloponnese in the distance, as you will be approaching the area of the man-made Corinth Canal, which is where the Mainland splits from the Peloponnese and where the Ionian sea "meets" with the Aegean sea.

A short stop by the Corinth Canal is required so that you will be able to get off and walk closer to it in order to photograph it standing on the bridge over it. The view will be breathtaking from both sides. There are several cafeterias on both sides where you can also enjoy a short coffee break.

It's a very short drive from there to the ancient site of Corinth, where your licensed tour guide will be waiting for you to greet you and to take you on a detailed exploration of ancient Corinth's site and museum. The impressive Acrocorinth fort was built right on top of where the ancient city used to be. Most of the remaining ruins are from the Roman era, except for the still standing monolithic columns of the temple of Apollo. You will see the Roman Odeon, the Ancient Springs, the Agora, the Bema from where St. Paul preached, the archaeological museum with some extraordinary samples of the Corinthian pottery, as well as the amazing view to the sea and the valley, proving why that city was so important and world famous back then. Among other things it was famous for some of the most corrupted business men that were living in it. The legend of Sisyphus, who cheated even Hades himself, consists the emphasis and example of their way of thinking. That was also one of the reasons why St. Paul decided not only to visit, but to spend 18 months of his life there, preaching about ways of virtuous life.

At the end of the guided tour and before returning back to Piraeus, you will visit for photographs the impressive Acrocorinth fort, with its walls remaining in most parts in a very good condition, will help you understand even more why in antiquity they used to say that it was one of the "eyes" of the Peloponnese and that whoever would manage to conquer it, would easily be able to conquer the rest of Greece.

From Ancient Corinth it is a very short drive to the ruins of the ancient port of Kechries where St. Paul embarked his ship after preaching to the Corinthians to get to Ephesus. You will have the chance to make a short stop there, before returning back to Piraeus.

Transportation by a luxury type private car, minivan or minibus with a professional, English speaking, non-smoking driver and guidance by a professional licensed tour guide.

6 to 6.5 h. walking tour (Private tour)

(private transportation + guidance all the way and walking tour through the Syndagma Square, the National garden, the Zappion Mansion, the temple of Olympic Zeus and guided visit of the Acropolis, walk pass the Ancient Agora and explore Monastiraki)

This tour includes most of the highlights of Athens, one can see in a day, combined with a unique experience of tasting along the way specialties and Greek delights that the Greeks love, from the places they love, many of them being "holes on the wall".

As you leave the ship, your private transportation vehicle will await you at the designated meeting point with a sign with your name on it. You will begin your 30 minutes drive towards the city center. During your drive you will be seeing some of the different parts of Piraeus, such as the Kastela and Mikrolimano ports. Since Athens hosted the Olympic Games in 2004 and most of the Olympic settlements were located on the southern suburbs of it, you will cross an Olympic Venue and you will follow an open free way that will bring you right at the center of Athens and Sydagma square where you will be met by your licensed tour guide.

Close by is one of the oldest and most famous bakeries, where you will be able to taste the best "tyropita" - cheese pie, in order to get some extra energy for your walking tour.

You will then proceed to the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, where the famous guards with their Greek traditional uniforms are standing unmovable and if you have a good timing you will also be able to see the changing of the guards. You will then move on to the National Garden, grabbing a koulouri with sesame seeds from a street vendor to taste and stopping for the "must taste" Greek coffee, either in the gardens area or around Sydagma square depending on the weather.

From there you will proceed to the Zappion Mansion, a very impressive building, which having been built in 1896, it has served as the base of the Olympic Committee, during the world's first modern Olympics. Nowadays it is being used for several exhibitions and conferences, as well as for public festivities.

Across from there is the temple of Olympic Zeus, which you can enter and visit with the same combined ticket that you can use for most monuments in Athens. You can actually buy the combo ticket there and not have to wait in line for it at the Acropolis, which can be very crowded, and on the contrary it's never very busy at the temple of Olympic Zeus.

Passing by the Arch of Triumph of Hadrian, you will walk across to the pedestrians' street that leads to the Acropolis and you will stop by the famous Greek yogurt shop where you will be able to taste it either with honey or with homemade siruped fruits topping.

After your short relaxation you will continue walking, passing outside the very impressive New Acropolis Museum, and you will then proceed to walking up to the Acropolis, which is 156 meters (about 600 feet) all the way to the top. Most of the ancient marble paths are still there, for you to walk on and to "travel" with your imagination, back in the glorious "Golden Age of Pericles", when most of the Classical period monuments you will admire were built. Climbing up you will see and hear explanations about the Filopappos hill, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Dionysius theatre, the Pnyx hill - birthplace of Democracy and the Areopagus hill.

Stopping before the Propylaea, you will have an excellent view of the temple of Wingless Nike and the Ancient Agora, where Socrates, Plato, Aristotle introduced great philosophical schools. Walking through the Propylaea you will reach the top and you will see the breathtaking Parthenon and the Erechtheion temple opposite it.

At the end of the guided tour, you will enjoy some free time to explore on your own and take pictures of the roof tiles of the buildings in the Anafiotika and Plaka districts, the Lycabetus hill e.t.c. Meeting your guide down the hill you will continue your walking tour to the other side of the sacred hill, passing very close to the Areopagus rock.

From there you will walk around the outside of the Ancient Agora of Athens, which will get you into the flea market area (Monastiraki) and you will have the chance to grab and taste gyros and pita, at the oldest and most famous restaurant in Athens. This is where your walking tour with your private tour guide will end and your private transportation vehicle will pick you up from, to drive you back to your cruise ship.

The order of the visits on this tour might change, according to your guide's judgment, depending on the weather, traffic or other reasons that might affect the timings and your enjoyment, which is our main goal.

7.5 to 8 hours private tour

(private transportation + guidance all the way + Athens city bus tour + Guided tour of the new Acropolis Museum + Guided tour of the Acropolis and the Parthenon + Plaka and Monastiraki + one of the extra activities you will choose from)

For those of you that have more time at their disposal while your cruise ship is docked at Piraeus port, we have designed a fully customizable tour, that will help you see and experience as much as possible in one day in Athens. Below you will find some information about the must-see monuments in Athens, but in case you have visited them before, or you would prefer to visit some other archaeological sites or museums instead, we can work together on further customizing your Athens full day tour.

This tour includes most highlights of Athens, one can see in a day. Athens is a city with a lot of history, great architecture, old districts, some of the best museums in the world and a lot of great restaurants where someone can taste famous Greek cuisine recipes. Since you will be on a cruise and you have limited time available, we have designed for you a tour that can help you experience Athens the best way and make the most of your visit there.

The tour with the licensed tour guide and the private vehicle will start from the port of Piraeus. Officially Piraeus is considered to be a different city, but you can say it is one of the suburbs of Athens. Along the way you will keep seeing and hearing explanations about the different parts of Piraeus and Athens, such as the Kastela and Mikrolimano ports. Since Athens hosted the Olympic Games in 2004 and most of the Olympic settlements were located on the southern suburbs of it, you will cross an Olympic Venue and you will follow an open free way that will bring you right at the center of Athens. While being amazed by the first views of the Acropolis and its Parthenon that you will be having from inside your private vehicle, you will also be impressed by the view of the massive remaining marble Corinthian columns of the temple of Zeus which still stand in the triangle between the Acropolis, the Panathenaic stadium and the Zappion Mansion which once used to be an Olympic Committee building. If you would like to stop and get off for a closer visit of either the temple of Olympic Zeus or the Zappion Mansion, you could ask your guide to do so. Next comes the Panathenaic marble stadium of the 1896 Olympics where you can stop for photos or even for an inside visit. The sightseeing will proceed passing the Parliament house, the Sydagma square, the Athenian Trilogy consisted by the Academy, the Library and the University buildings, the semi-byzantine building of the first eye clinic building in Europe and the church of St. Dionysios which is the Metropolis of the Catholic church in Athens. The drive will proceed through the Stadiou Avenue and the other side of Sydagma square, the Arch of Hadrian and will either end by the statue of Melina Merkouri and the pedestrians street between Plaka and the Acropolis or closer to either the Acropolis or the museum, depending from where your walking private guided tour will start from.

At the New Acropolis Museum, characterized as one of the best museums in the world, is where you will spend approximately 1 and a half hour, seeing parts of the excavations of the ancient city through its glass floor, an amazing exhibition of "Kores" and "Kouroi" statues, the Karyatides e.t.c. As you will be ascending the different levels of the museum, you will reach the top floor, all glass, where admiring the remaining pediments and frieze of the Parthenon you will also have an excellent view of the Parthenon itself. This is the next best view of the Parthenon, if any of you for any reason would prefer to not climb up the Acropolis hill.

It is 156 meters(about 600 feet) up to the top of the Acropolis and most of the ancient marble paths are still there, for you to walk on and to "travel" with your imagination, back in the glorious "Golden Age of Pericles", when most of the Classical period monuments you will admire were built. Climbing up you will see and hear explanations about the Filopappos hill, the Herodium Odeon, the Dionysius theatre, the Pnyx hill - birthplace of Democracy and the Areopagus hill.

Stopping before the Propylaea, you will have an excellent view of the temple of Wingless Nike and the Ancient Agora, where Socrates, Plato and Aristotle introduced great philosophical schools. Walking through the Propylaea you will reach the top and you will see the breathtaking Parthenon and the Erechtheion temple opposite it, where the Karyatides stood instead of columns to support the roof.

At the end of the private guided tour, you can either enjoy some free time to explore on your own and take pictures of the roof tiles of the buildings in the Anafiotika and Plaka districts below, the Lycabettus hill e.t.c. or you can descend with your tour guide and enter for a walk the Plaka area. Alternatively you can walk down passing parallel to the Ancient Agora of Athens and end up at the Monastiraki (Flea market) area for some free time to shop, dine or stroll around. Plaka is one of the most famous districts of central Athens and one of the few parts of the city which remain untouched, full of neoclassical buildings where people still reside, as well as several gardens, terraces and squares where small traditional restaurants are serving their specialties. Monastiraki (Flea Market) is a very interesting walk through small shops one next to each other that practically sell everything from Antique items and Art to used clothing and gramophone records. If you are interested, among the many shops that sell leather ancient Greek style sandals, you can also visit one of the most famous, the Melisinos Sandals Workshop, which is located very close to the Monastiraki square. In Monastiraki you will also be able to taste pita gyros, since some of the most famous restaurants of this kind are located next to the square.

Afterwards, and before returning to Piraeus, you can enhance your experience by choosing one of the following activities.

1. WALK AND TASTE IN ATHENS

This is a bonus you can add on your Athens experience and a unique experience of tasting along the way specialties and Greek delights that the Greeks love, from the places they love, which in some cases are "holes on the wall".

You will enjoy your guided tour with stops along the way, in order to enjoy snacks as well as pita gyros to go at the end.

The tasting experience per person includes a typopita (cheese pie), a koulouri (bread snack with sesame), a Greek coffee, Greek yogurt with topping and pita gyros to go.

2. A COOKING CLASS

Put your hands in the mix! Learn some of the famous and delicious Greek recipes, by cooking them yourselves. Greece has a long history and tradition in cooking. The Greeks have always been lovers of healthy and good quality food, since the ancient times. Ancient recipes have survived throughout the centuries but have also been influenced and modified throughout the years by different cultures and cuisines that Greeks have come in touch with.

Athens has thousands of restaurants, but some of the most favorite for the locals to dine, are in the historical and old parts of central Athens. From some of the restaurants we have chosen for you, we will take you to a traditional one, where the old barrels, the simplicity of everything and the warm welcome smile of the owners, will fascinate you as soon as you step in.

You will learn how to make your own "mezes" which in Greek is a sacred word for gastronomy, since it means something very tasty, that you always accompany with ouzo, beer or wine with your friends. After that you will be served the food you cooked, as well as other specialties of the restaurant. House wine and sodas will also be included.

3. DINE IN A TAVERNA IN PLAKA, OR MONASTIRAKI

We have carefully selected some restaurants in the Plaka area and Monastiraki, since these are some of the most touristy and crowded areas in Athens and just the nice seats or view of the restaurant, cannot complete your experience. There are some restaurants in Plaka where even the local Athenians love to dine, getting away from the crowded tourist parts of Plaka.

In Plaka we can offer you a dining experience in one of the oldest tavernas, where Mr. Michalis will personally take care of your menu and will talk to you about the fresh ingredients he uses in his kitchen, as well as about how proud he is of his "mousaka". The best in the city he always says!

Alternatively, we can make your experience a bit different, if you choose to taste gyros, tzatziki and the famous pita breads in the oldest and most popular taverna in Monastiraki. Outdoors, in a small yard if the weather permits it, or indoors surrounded by so many pictures of the famous Bairahtaris owner and all the celebrities from around the world, that have eaten his gyros.

4. VISIT THE INDOOR MEAT - FISH AND SPICE MARKET OF ATHENS

This will be a challengeable experience. If you don't have "agoraphobia" which is the Greek word for fear of crowds, since the place gets pretty crowded in the morning and if you don't think you will mind the smells of fresh products such as fish, meat and spices, which are in display all around you, this is an experience you shouldn't miss having. This Market is inside a very historical building of the 19th century, next to the Athinas Street, that is also famous for the neoclassical architecture all around it. You will be able to see how the Greeks like to buy their fresh food and how the merchants bargain with them, having the prices per kilo marked on everything, but also advertizing them by crying out very loud, trying to get their customers' attention.

Mingle with the locals, take unique pictures and prepare your appetite for a Greek lunch afterwards, if you would like to.

5. EXPERIENCE A COOKING CLASS AND A VISIT IN THE GASTRONOMY MUSEUM

Meet the Greek food heritage and learn more about the Cultural and Historic aspects of Greek gastronomy through periodic exhibitions. You will be guided through the exhibitions of tools and utensils that were used in the past and in some places even up until today for the preparation of some of the most famous traditional Greek dishes. After that you will put on your apron, follow the instructions of the chef and create your own Greek meal! Then you will taste the fruits of your labor in a luxurious and cozy environment and you will enjoy a full meal including your own creations together with options from the restaurant's menu. At the end of your visit, you will also be given a booklet with the recipes you have prepared, to always remember.

In case you are not interested in the cooking part, we could only arrange for your visit through the exhibition of the Gastronomy museum.

6. VISIT AN EXTRA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OR MUSEUM

For those of you interested in taking in as much information as possible about the Greek history its monuments, we could add on your guided tour an extra visit of either an archaeological site or a museum of the many there are in Athens. Therefore after the guided visit of the Acropolis and its Museum, you can have a coffee or lunch break and then continue your guiding experience with the visit of either the Ancient Agora, or Keramikos, or the National Archeological Museum, or the Benaki Museum, or the Cycladic Art Museum, or the Byzantine Art Museum.

If there is still time available, before taking the road back to Piraeus, you can use some time for shopping or walking around the city's center.

At the end of the tour your tour guide will escort you back to Piraeus. On the way you will be able to discuss your experience in Athens and ask questions you may have.

The order of the visits on this tour might change, according to your guides judgment, depending on the weather, traffic or other reasons that might affect the timings and your enjoyment, which is our main goal.

6 h. tour (Private tour)

(Transportation + guidance all the way + Guided city bus tour of Athens + Guided tour of the new Acropolis Museum + Guided tour of the Acropolis and the Parthenon + Free time in Plaka and Monastiraki)

This tour includes most highlights of Athens, one can see in a day. Athens is a city with a lot of history, great architecture, old districts, some of the best museums in the world and a lot of great restaurants where someone can taste famous Greek cuisine recipes. Since you will be on a cruise and you have limited time available, we have designed for you a tour that can help you experience Athens the best way and make the most of your visit there.

The tour with the licensed tour guide and the private vehicle will start from the port of Piraeus. Officially Piraeus is considered to be a different city, but you can say it is one of the suburbs of Athens. Along the way you will keep seeing and hearing explanations about the different parts of Piraeus and Athens, such as the Kastela and Mikrolimano ports. Since Athens hosted the Olympic Games in 2004 and most of the Olympic settlements were located on the southern suburbs of it, you will cross an Olympic Venue and you will follow an open free way that will bring you right at the center of Athens. While being amazed by the first views of the Acropolis and its Parthenon that you will be having from inside your private vehicle, you will also be impressed by the view of the massive remaining marble Corinthian columns of the temple of Zeus which still stand in the triangle between the Acropolis, the Panathenaic stadium and the Zappion Mansion which once used to be an Olympic Committee building. If you would like to stop and get off for a closer visit of either the temple of Olympic Zeus or the Zappion Mansion, you could ask your guide to do so. Next comes the Panathenaic marble stadium of the 1896 Olympics where you can stop for photos or even for an inside visit. The sightseeing will proceed passing the Parliament house, the Sydagma square, the Athenian Trilogy consisted by the Academy, the Library and the University buildings, the semi-byzantine building of the first eye clinic building in Europe and the church of St. Dionysios which is the Metropolis of the Catholic church in Athens. The drive will proceed through the Stadiou Avenue and the other side of Sydagma square, the Arch of Hadrian and will either end by the statue of Melina Merkouri and the pedestrians street between Plaka and the Acropolis or closer to either the Acropolis or the museum, depending from where your walking private guided tour will start from.

At the New Acropolis Museum, characterized as one of the best museums in the world, is where you will spend approximately 1 and a half hour, seeing parts of the excavations of the ancient city through its glass floor, an amazing exhibition of "Kores" and "Kouroi" statues, the Karyatides e.t.c. As you will be ascending the different levels of the museum, you will reach the top floor, all glass, where admiring the remaining pediments and frieze of the Parthenon you will also have an excellent view of the Parthenon itself. This is the next best view of the Parthenon, if any of you for any reason would prefer to not climb up the Acropolis hill.

It is 156 meters(about 600 feet) up to the top of the Acropolis and most of the ancient marble paths are still there, for you to walk on and to "travel" with your imagination, back in the glorious "Golden Age of Pericles", when most of the Classical period monuments you will admire were built. Climbing up you will see and hear explanations about the Filopappos hill, the Herodium Odeon, the Dionysius theatre, the Pnyx hill - birthplace of Democracy and the Areopagus hill.

Stopping before the Propylaea, you will have an excellent view of the temple of Wingless Nike and the Ancient Agora, where Socrates, Plato and Aristotle introduced great philosophical schools. Walking through the Propylaea you will reach the top and you will see the breathtaking Parthenon and the Erechtheion temple opposite it, where the Karyatides stood instead of columns to support the roof.

At the end of the private guided tour, you can either enjoy some free time to explore on your own and take pictures of the roof tiles of the buildings in the Anafiotika and Plaka districts below, the Lycabettus hill e.t.c. or you can descend with your tour guide and enter for a walk the Plaka area. Alternatively you can walk down passing parallel to the Ancient Agora of Athens and end up at the Monastiraki (Flea market) area for some free time to shop, dine or stroll around. Plaka is one of the most famous districts of central Athens and one of the few parts of the city which remain untouched, full of neoclassical buildings where people still reside, as well as several gardens, terraces and squares where small traditional restaurants are serving their specialties. Monastiraki (Flea Market) is a very interesting walk through small shops one next to each other that practically sell everything from Antique items and Art to used clothing and gramophone records. If you are interested, among the many shops that sell leather ancient Greek style sandals, you can also visit one of the most famous, the Melisinos Sandals Workshop, which is located very close to the Monastiraki square. In Monastiraki you will also be able to taste pita gyros, since some of the most famous restaurants of this kind are located next to the square.

At the end of the tour your tour guide will escort you back to Piraeus. On the way you will be able to discuss your experience in Athens and ask questions you may have.

The order of the visits on this tour might change, according to your guide's judgment, depending on the weather, traffic or other reasons that might affect the timings and your enjoyment, which is our main goal.

For those of you who would prefer a rather free schedule tour and who are not interested that much in seeing the archaeological site and the museum in Olympia with a licensed tour guide, but would prefer to explore on their own the many attractions of the area, this is the best way to plan your private shore excursion.

In organizing a private shore excursion, transportation plays a very important role to assure a safe and comfortable trip. For families and friends that travel together we offer a luxury type, latest technology(euro 5), fully air-conditioned, no older than 3 years old 9 seats minivan driven by a professional experienced non-smoking English speaking driver. For larger parties we can arrange a VIP luxury type Mercedes minibus that accommodates up to 18 passengers.

Book your private minivan or minibus and driver and explore ancient Olympia and the surrounding area on your own.

There are many things that will diversify your tour and augment your experience of the area. For example:

• visit at one of the sandy Ionian beaches for swimming and relaxing by the seaside
• visit at one of the small family operated wineries that still keep the tradition of wine making for many generations
• enjoy a home cooked meal with natural local ingredients in the private environment of a local home
• join one of our cooking classes and take back with you the knowledge of traditional Greek cuisine recipes
• visit one of the area's monasteries and admire the unique iconography and architecture

5.5 to 6 h. tour (private only)

(Transportation + guidance all the way + guided tour of ancient site + guided tour of the archeological museum + free time in Olympia + extra activities)

During this unique adventure we will explore the beauty and energy of the land of Olympia.

Departing from the port with your private vehicle and driver, you will travel through the rich countryside between the Alfios and Kladeos rivers, on your way to Olympia, where you will embark a 2 and a half hour guided tour, that visits the temple of Zeus, the temple of Hera, the shrine of Hera where the lighting of the Olympic torch takes place and the stadium, among other sites.

Ancient Olympia, the archeological site where the first Olympic Games started in 776 BC, lies in the lush valley formed by the Alfios and Kladeos rivers. The temple of Zeus in antiquity was housing one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, the gold and ivory statue of Zeus, which Phedias had created. You will 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 Treasury houses, the Gymnasium and the Palaestra where they used to exercise for a month prior to the Games. Finally you will reach the stadium, where the marble starting blocks are still in position, and feel the energy overflowing from the earth.

At the same time, our exploration of our inner landscape will bring deeper self-awareness. This is perfect for those who want to unblock all mental and physical barriers to live the best life ever!

You will also visit the Archeological Museum, only a short walk from the Olympia site itself. There you will find a wonderful collection of Greek sculpture, as well as treasures that have been unearthed over a century of excavations, and you will be able to feel the energy being emitted from these artifacts. See the breathtaking original pediments from the Temple of Zeus, all in white marble from Paros, illustrating the mythical war between the Centaurs and the Lapiths on the one side, the beginning of the chariot race between Prince Pelops and King Oinomaos on the other side. The museum is also home to the famous Hermes of Praxiteles statue and the statue of winged Nike.

Depending on the time of year that you will visit Olympia and the time that you will have at your disposal, you might want to either have the guided tour through the site and the museum be shorter than 2 and a half hours, or skip the museum, explore with your guide only the archaeological site and have more energy afterwards for your unique athletic activity.

After the private guided tour you will be able to choose one of the following athletic activities:

Yoga class

In a private area and with a private instructor specialized in yoga, you will be able to enjoy a yoga session that will help you fully revitalize your body and mind and get the most out of each breath. Most important of all, you will be able to experience that in Olympia, which is considered an area filled with energy. Depending on the weather conditions your session will either be indoors or outdoors, in a private garden or veranda with a view.

Jogging or race walking

How about going jogging or race walking on the hills surrounding the archaeological site of Olympia? We have designed some routes that you can choose from, which include more or less uphill paths as well as a brief stop to see the monument of Pierre de Coubertin in the gardens of the Olympic Academy, who was the founder of the modern Olympic Games in 1896. The highlight of this activity will be once you will reach the road overviewing the ancient stadium, jogging or race walking a parallel path to that of the ancient champions.

All you need to bring with you are your running shoes, your shorts and the best of your energy. The rest, water, a place to change if you need to, and energy drinks if necessary, we will provide you with.

Cycling

A cycling adventure awaits you, to explore the land of Olympia. You will be able to go over Kronios hill and even reach the entrance of the Olympic Academy, where a monument of Pierre de Coubertin lies.

We can provide you with a place to change your clothes, if necessary, as well as with the bicycles that you will use. If needed, we can arrange for an expert in the area who organizes biking retreats to lead the way for you.

Super Food Experience

At the end of your invigorating retreat, it is time to boost your body’s vitality. A meal of healthy, mouth watering ingredients composed of high vibration living foods including raw or steamed superfoods awaits you that will enhance your holistic health, energy and long term weight control.

This will truly be a life-changing retreat. Join us and we promise you will leave more inspired about your life!

6 h. tour (Private tour)

(Transportation + guidance all the way + guided tour of ancient site + guided tour of the archeological museum + free time in Olympia + extra activities)

This is a tour designed for people that have more time at their disposal and would also like to enhance their experience in this historical, but also beautiful and traditional area. I have selected some extra activities to suggest, in order to make the most of your visit.

Departing from the port with your private vehicle and driver, you will travel through the rich countryside between the Alfios and Kladeos rivers, on your way to Olympia, where you will embark a 2 and a half hour guided tour, that visits the temple of Zeus, the temple of Hera, the altar of Hera where the lighting of the Olympic torch takes place and the stadium, among other sites.

Ancient Olympia, the archeological site of the first Olympic Games, in 776 B.C., lies in the lush valley formed between the Alfios and Kladeos rivers. The temple of Zeus in antiquity was housing one of the 7 wonders of the Ancient world, the gold and ivory statue of Zeus, which Phedias had created. You will also 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 Treasury houses, the Gymnasium and the Palaestra where they used to exercise for a month prior to the Games. Finally you will reach the stadium, where the marble starting blocks are still in position.

You will also visit the Archeological Museum, only a short walk from the Olympia site itself. There you will find a wonderful collection of Greek sculpture, as well as treasures that have been unearthed over a century of excavations. See the breathtaking original pediments from the Temple of Zeus, all in white marble from Paros, illustrating the mythical war between the Centaurs and the Lapiths on the one side, the beginning of the chariot race between Prince Pelops and King Oinomaos on the other side. The museum is also home to the famous Hermes of Praxiteles statue as well as the statue of the winged Nike. Extremely important for world's history and the way democracy was founded in Athens was the battle of Marathon in 490 BC from which the helmet of general Miltiades that was dedicated to Zeus still exists and is in display in the museum.

By the end of the guided tour, if you want, you can have a short break in the modern town of Olympia, for coffee or shopping.

To complete your overall experience tour in Olympia you can pick among the following unique activities, that will bring you close to the local people, see where they live or work, talk to them and learn more about the "real" modern Greece.

A. A COOKING CLASS

Put your hands in the mix! Learn the famous and delicious Greek recipes, by cooking them yourselves. Greece has a long history and tradition in cooking. The Greeks have always been lovers of healthy and good quality food since the ancient times. Ancient recipes have survived throughout the centuries but have also been influenced and modified throughout the years by different cultures such as the Romans, the Byzantines and the Turks.

A famous local chef, as well as Mrs. Vasso, the owner of a beautiful local restaurant, where the class will take place, will help you learn some of the magic tricks of how the fresh and healthy ingredients are mixed together in the Greek cuisine. You will learn how just with the use of extra virgin olive oil, some spices and fresh vegetables, or yogurt, you can "transform" each plate you make, into a feast of senses! Among other things you will learn how to prepare tzatziki, cheese pies(tyropitakia), opening your own pastry(fyllo), as well as zucchini balls(kolokythokeftedes).

After that you will be served the food you cooked, as well as other specialties of the area, from a large all-you-can-eat buffet. House wines and sodas will also be on your tables.

This beautiful experience couldn’t end without the tasting of Greek coffee, which you can also make yourselves, steering the coffee in your own "briki", the traditional pot in which this coffee is being prepared. There was a long period of time that Greek people believed strongly that by "reading" the marks that the coffee grains leave upon the cup can you insight about your future. Some old ladies could "read" the cup and could "fish" answers from whoever was vulnurable with this idea. Maybe you would like to "play" with your coffee cup too.

You will leave the place with a unique experience to remember, as well as with your own cooking book with the recipes that you had prepared.

B. A HOME MEAL

We have carefully selected a few beautiful houses of people we know in the area, places where we have been fascinated by their cooking skills. We think that there is no better way to experience "real" Greece than a well prepared home meal. "When in Olympia, do as the Olympians….!"

Therefore, depending on the time of year you will be visiting Olympia and the weather conditions, you will be served in a private environment, either indoors or at a beautiful veranda of a local house, where only you and your friends will be able to enjoy the hospitality and the delicious cooking the Greek house wives are famous for.

You will be served a large variety of specialties, like an original Greek Salad, the "yemista"(stuffed tomatoes and peppers with rice), "mousaka"(eggplants, potatoes and beef meat with besamel on top), "dolmades"(stuffed vine or cubbage leaves in delicious lemon sauce), "yiouvetsi"(organic chicken in fresh tomato sauce with homemade pasta) served with a salty traditional cheese called "mizithra" and many more plates, as well as house wine, beer and sodas.

Of course there will be dessert and Greek coffee served at the end of your home meal experience.

We don’t know if this description of plates was "all Greek to you", but we are sure that after this experience you will put the Greek cuisine higher on your list.

C. VISIT AN OLIVE OIL PRESS

Since the very ancient times, the Greeks have been famous for the superb quality of their olive oil, which they used to export all over the known world. It was their liquid gold and they used to trade it with gold, ivory and many other products from far away lands. Still today Greece, the third largest producer of olive oil in the world, is famous for some of the top qualities of extra virgin olive oil worldwide.

The harvesting of the olives and the production of the fresh extra virgin olive oil takes place between November and January of each year. If you are lucky to visit the area this time of year, you will see the whole procedure. But even the rest of the year the press can be opened upon request, in order for you to have a tour through it, see the machinery, smell the olive oil and hear explanations about all the steps of extraction from the olives. You will also be taught what the difference is between common and extra virgin olive oil and how to be able to tell the difference yourselves.

A table with light snacks served in extra virgin olive oil and oregano, as well as fresh bread, will be waiting for you at the end of the tour, right there... in the press!

D. THE WINE LOVERS DREAM

Visit one of the several wineries there are in the area.

Next to Olympia is located another beautiful winey, the "Olympia Land", famous both for its red and white wine. It’s a small family business, newly founded, with modern buildings and machinery, in a lush part of the valley, surrounded by different varieties of vine yards, that you will be told about.

The daughter will show you around and the mother will serve you some of her specialties that will help you enjoy even more your wine tasting at the end of the visit.

Another of the most famous, and oldest in the area, is the "Merkouri estate", located in Korakochori, an area near Katakolon. Its prolific history dates back to the late 1800s, when Corinthian currants were it's main crop. Today the estate is renowned for age old nectar and rich olive oil. Picturesque and serene, this estate is home to vineyards that board  the Ionian Sea, olive groves, an Italian residence, a winery, offices and a visitor center, as well as lush gardens with ivy covered stone chapel and peacocks jumping all over the place. A traditional family museum offers an impressive collection of antique agricultural implements and artifacts.

Upon request you can have a tour through their cellars and the rest of the estate and at the end you can enjoy a wine tasting, or even some snacks. You can visit it either at the beginning or at the end of your tour, since it is close to the port.

E. BEACH GET AWAY

After you visit Olympia, you will either travel for about 30 minutes to get to St. Andreas beach, or for about 40 minutes to get to Kourouta beach. Sun kissed sand and the crystalline waters of the Ionian sea, will help you relax and get an unforgettable experience. Next to the sea is an unspoiled pine forest. Along the sea front are beach bars, serving "frappe", coffee, ouzo and traditional dishes.

F. VISIT ONE OF THE AREA'S MONASTERIES

There are several monasteries in the area. Two of the most popular are the one of Kremasti and the one of Skafidia. They are both very old and with a few nuns living in each one of them.

The monastery of Skafidia is about 15 minutes drive from Katakolon, in a beautiful setting on the valley and near the sea. It has a Byzantine church in it, with paintings and iconography on the wall, from the 11th century AD. The garden is full of beautiful plants and flowers and the tower bell worth taking a picture of.

It's only certain hours a day that the nuns will accept visitors in it and it's a serene place where you can spend about 40 minutes or one hour, before or after any of the other things you choose to do while in Katakolon.

There is no entrance fee charged to visit the Monastery.

The monastery of Kremasti is about 30 minutes driving from Katakolon and 20 minutes driving from Olympia. It is isolated on the top of a very impressive hill of sand and overlooks the fertile valley. Unfortunately the oldest church and icons have been burned in the past, but there are still impressive icons and parts of the building for someone to see.

The nuns are very friendly and will welcome you with a smile and several times a Greek coffee, or a Greek delight.

There is no entrance fee charged to visit the Monastery.

In all Greek Monasteries, there is a dress code. Men should wear long pants and women should wear a skirt and have their shoulders covered. Women do not have to cover their heads.

In case you are not dressed according to that code, they will offer you at the entrance appropriate clothes to wear over yours.