Explore Ancient Olympia with Jae Academy and Indulge in Olive Oil and Wine Tastings

Ancient Olympia holds a unique place in history as the birthplace of the Olympic Games and a center of Greek culture. Walking through its village streets and visiting the original track and field site offers a rare chance to connect with the past. Jae Academy’s cultural tour combines this immersive experience with a delightful exploration of local olive oil and wine traditions. This journey blends history, nature, and gastronomy into a memorable 1 hour and 15 minutes adventure.

The first ancient Greek track and field in Olympia village

Walking Through Ancient Olympia Village

The tour begins with a stroll through the charming village of Ancient Olympia. This walk leads visitors up to the hill overlooking the original Greek track and field, where the first Olympic athletes competed. The path offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, rich with olive groves and historic ruins.

Walking this route allows visitors to feel the spirit of the ancient games and imagine the athletes who once trained and raced here. The site remains remarkably preserved, providing a tangible connection to the origins of track and field sports.

Olive Oil Class and Production Tour

After exploring the historic grounds, the tour shifts focus to one of Greece’s most treasured products: olive oil. Guests receive a welcome drink featuring the farm’s white wine before diving into an olive oil class.

The class covers the entire olive oil production cycle:

• Pruning in spring

• Flowering and harvesting in late autumn

• Tools and equipment used in cultivation

  
  

Participants learn about the most significant Greek olive varieties and their historical ties to Ancient Olympia. This detailed introduction sets the stage for the next part of the tour.

Visitors then take a guided walk through the olive mill areas. Here, every step of olive oil processing is explained, from extraction to storage. The tour also covers the standardization process that ensures the quality of extra virgin olive oil.

Olive Oil Tasting Experience

The tasting session is a highlight of the tour. Guests sample 3 to 4 plain extra virgin olive oils alongside nine aromatic varieties. Each tasting is paired with quick food suggestions to enhance the flavors.

This hands-on experience helps visitors appreciate the subtle differences between olive oils and understand how aroma and taste vary depending on the olive type and production method.

Wine Tasting with Meze

The tour concludes with a wine tasting paired with a traditional ‘meze’ style dish. This combination offers a delicious way to experience local flavors and relax after the day’s activities.

The wine tasting complements the olive oil experience, showcasing the region’s rich agricultural heritage and culinary traditions.

Visit to the Old Olive Stone Mill and Shopping

Before the tour ends, guests visit an old olive stone mill, a historic piece of equipment that highlights traditional olive oil production methods.

There is also free time to browse and purchase olive oil products and other local specialties. For those arriving via Katakolo Olympia, transportation back to the cruise ship is arranged to ensure a smooth and timely return.

This tour by Jae Academy offers a unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. Walking through Ancient Olympia’s village and visiting the first Olympic track provides a deep connection to the past. The olive oil and wine tastings add a sensory dimension, allowing visitors to savor the flavors that have shaped Greek life for centuries.