Lagadia 🚍 Olympia 🚶🏼 Explore Olympia 🍴 🚍 Olive Oil Tasting 🚍 Kardamyli 🌊 🍴 🛏️
The Birthplace of the Olympics in Olympia, 776BC-393AD
In the morning we are off and onto the winding mountain roads to Olympia where 2700+ years ago the Olympics began at this athletic venue, but unlike today, the athletes competed in the nude, winners were considered superheroes, and cheaters were shamed publicly along with their fathers and villages. Not only was this an athletic event, but there were ceremonies, sacrifices, and exhibitions. The Olympics ended in 393 AD in a Roman attempt to end pagan rituals. The earthquakes that followed sealed the deal by tumbling down the structures.
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Once our tour is complete, we have time to explore on our own and find a local spot for lunch.
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Olive Oil TastingA comfort stop combined with a sampling of Greek olive oils gives us a chance to stretch our legs and learn about Greece's "liquid gold." Much of Greek olive oil is exported to Italy! Yes, Italy. 👀 Only 30% of olive oil bottled in Italy is actually Italian. The Italian bottlers create blended oils using imports from other countries and they have successfully branded "Italian" olive oil as the world's best.
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Our afternoon scenic ride takes us along the Ionian Sea we arrive at a seaside Mani village and we fall in love with, Kardamyli.
🚶🏼 ⛰️ 🏯 Kardamyli 🌊 🍸 ⛱️ 🛏️
It's a free day in this beautiful village!
Off the Beaten Path in Kardamyli
"I can check one-off the bucket list. ✅ Having a beverage served while relaxing on a beach. Yes, please." - Becky Fortunately, one day is just enough to sightsee the local outdoor museum, climb a mountain AND relax by the seaside. Truly a spectacular day.
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The Vacation From Our Vacation Day!
We begin our free day with an early walk to Old Town Kardamyli Museum. The Old Town was built in the 18th Century on the side of a mountain. Old Kardamyli is one of the oldest towns in the Peloponnese Mountains, old enough that Homer referred to it in the Iliad. From the Old Town we continue hiking up the mountain to the Church of Sophia. And even a bit higher to a little village with great views and some houses in need of new owners. 🤔 Tempting thoughts arise of owning one of these villas as the views are well worth it.
🤩 CUE A WOW MOMENT 🤩 The afternoon is for relaxing on Ritsa Beach while enjoying the salty breeze, crashing waves and the crystal clear sea before us. |
After our revitalizing day, we meet the tour family back at the hotel for a Greek Happy Hour prepared by Danae before setting out for dinner on our own.
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We would have loved to kayak the beautiful waters along the coast but a local kayaking event had all kayaks spoken for.