zante

3 DAYS ZAKYNTHOS AND OLYMPIA

Price: Starting from €330 (indicative price for a group of 10 adults)

Location: Athens, Zakynthos, Olympia

Duration: 3 Days

Zakynthos Town

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is the third largest of the Ionian islands. It is an island of stark contrasts, with sandy beaches and rocky coasts. Zakynthos town is located at the base of the Bochali Hill, where the island’s main port is also located. After the 1953 earthquake, the old village was destroyed. All current buildings were constructed after the earthquake, which makes Zakynthos particularly suitable for those who value modern comfort.

The island’s southern beaches are home to the Caretta-Caretta turtles, a rare (and really cute) species. The rocky western coasts are the breeding are of the Monachus Monachus seals, another local protected species.

Shipwreck Beach “Navagio”

Accessible only by sea, this unique beach looks as if it was made by an artist. One can visit the beach either from the nearby bay of Porto Vromi or from Aghios Nikolaos. Shipwreck Beach is not organised (i.e. not equipped with sunbeds or umbrellas), and has only natural shade, depending on the time and the position of the sun. It does not have restrooms or restaurants. In short, it’s just nature and you! It is advised that you take what you might need before you start your trip. The boat will leave you right on Shipwreck Beach so that you do not have to swim to get there.

Halfway between the villages of Volimes and Anafonitria, there is an asphalt road leading to a huge parking lot. A few steps away there is a balcony from where you can admire a panoramic view of the beach.

Blue Caves

The Blue Caves are one of the most popular and advertised attractions on the island. These geological formations expand along the northwest coast of the island, starting from near Aghios Nikolaos and going all the way to Skinari Cape. The name Blue Caves is explained by the reflection of the water on them. You can visit many of them with the help of a small or medium-sized boat.

Olympia

Olympia was the site of the ancient Olympic Games, which the Greeks celebrated every four years. Olympia was not exactly what we would call a town. It was a sacred site with some buildings that were associated with games and the worship of the ancient gods. The list includes temples, monuments, altars, theatres and statues. The archaeological site of Olympia is a UNESCO Heritage Site.

The entrance to the sanctuary is on the north side. The first structure that visitors see is the Gymnasium, which to this day has only been uncovered partially by archaeologists. By the Hill of Kronos you can visit the sacred precinct, which includes the temples of Zeus and Hera. Outside the sacred precinct lay the remains of the athletic facilities, and of the accommodation infrastructure that would house Olympia’s countless visitors in ancient times. The southeast section of the site that contained the hippodrome has been washed away by the waters of the nearby river, but the remains are still evocative of Olympia’s eternal greatness.The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is one of the most important museums in Greece. The museum’s permanent exhibition contains various findings from the excavations, ranging from prehistoric times to the Early Christian period. Important findings such as sculptures from the Temple of Zeus, the Nike of Paeonius, the Hermes of Praxiteles and many bronze statues are also on display there.

Day 1

9:30 am Depart from Athens
10:45 – 11:15 am Stop at the Corinth Canal
12:30 -2:00 pm Lunch break at restaurant nearby Patra
3:15 pm Arrive at Kyllini port
4:00 – 5:00 pm Ferry to Zakynthos
5:30 pm Arrive at the hotel
7:30 pm Dinner

8:30 pm Free time

Day 2

7:00 – 8:00 am Breakfast

9:30 am – 2:30 pm Boat trip to Shipwreck Bay and Blue Cave

2:30 – 3:30 pm Lunch

3:30 – 7:00 pm Bus tour to nearby attractions

7:30 pm Return to hotel for dinner

8:30 pm Free time

Day 3

7:00 – 8:30 am Breakfast

9:00 am Check out from hotel

9:20 am Arrive at Zakynthos port

10:15 – 11:15 am Ferry to Kyllini port

Noon – 1:00 pm Visit Olympia monuments

1:00 – 2:00 pm Lunch at nearby restaurant

8:30 pm Arrive in Athens

Departure Point: Either your hotel in Athens, or meeting point at Plateia Eleftherias 23, Athens 10553

Departure Time: Suggested time 8:30 am. This is a private tour. Only your group will participate. The pick-up time is adjustable upon your request.

Return Details: Returns to original departure point

Price includes:

  • Bus tour
  • Return ferry tickets from Kyllini port to Zakynthos
  • English-speaking guide (Greek and Chinese also available)
  • Tips for driver and guide
  • Hotel for two nights at Zakynthos in double room (3 stars)
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • VAT

Price does not include:

  • Lunch
  • Attraction entrance fee
  • Travel insurance