Katakolon to Olympia

[nutsngum]

I've been searching the related posts, however I was hoping I could get a definitive answer...

 

The train from Katakolon to Olympia...how far is the dock from the train station, and the train station to the site itself?

[kuldalai]

If you fish back a few pages on this Greek Ports thread you will full detail on the train from the Port to Olympia .

 

IIRC there is only one suitable departure to Olympia in the morning and if you miss it, well that ruins your day . Likewise returning from Olympia in the afternoon there are not many train services .

 

Remember the ships discharge all the Ships Tours pax first, before letting solo travellers off so that adds an added element of uncertainty in making the sole train morning train departure to Olympia . IIRC the station is fairly close to the Port .

[dnbnor]

depending on which berth your ship docks at, the town of Katakalon is 2 mins or 10 minutes walk from your gangplank. The town consists of one short main road to the right of the port entrance , the train station being at the end of the road approx. 150 yds . Olympus is approx. 28 km from Katakolon. When we were there a few days ago, the rail workers were on strike but there were many taxis lining the port exit. At the port entrance there is a small tourist office kiosk, the man advised that a taxi was approx. eur100 return, although we spoke to another cruiser who paid eur80 for 4 people. I am sorry I cannot help you with the train timetable.

[amazonlady]

We did this a couple of years ago and from what i remember the train we took was about 8,20 in the morning and returned at about 1 o clock. It takes about 4 minutes to walk to the train station and about 10 minutes walk at the other end. There was also a lovely little bar just opposite the train station where we sat and had a cold drink.:)

[sauciesue]

Has anyone used a shore excursion company other than the ship's excursion? We have always been able to get private tours on most of our cruises. They are not only cheaper but better than the one's cruise lines offer. Looking for recommendations from port of Katakolon.

[Hlitner]

If you want a cheaper option other than the train your best best is to simply rent a car. There is a local rental car dealer right near the entrance of the port (it is located in a shop on the main street very close to the port) and has a web site

http://www.rentacarkatakolo.gr

 

These folks were very friendly (they speak English) and driving in Greece is quite easy.

 

Hank

[woodofpine]

I can ditto the car rental recommendation with the agency linked. My group rented a couple vehicles which ran about 60 euro each total including 10 euro for gas refill. The agency was english language and cruiser friendly, vehicles good. With 3 or 4 especially it is considerably cheaper than a line shore excursion. The train is cheapest but the schedule was not easily made (we never got a reply from the national railway re seasonal service; we were there end March and public services were in turmoil). It was a few euro for admission to Olympia (free <18 yo) but well worth the visit - better than I expected (don't miss the museum; not overwhelming in size but very well displayed).

[Goldygolfer]

Has anyone used a shore excursion company other than the ship's excursion? We have always been able to get private tours on most of our cruises. They are not only cheaper but better than the one's cruise lines offer. Looking for recommendations from port of Katakolon.

 

4 of us used George from Taxi Katakolon and had a great day. He took us to Ancient Olympia first. We then visited several other places of interest, including the town of Olympia, a modern ampitheatre and the Mercouri Winery. The countryside is really beautiful and George is very personable.

 

Just google "Taxi Katakolon" for his website. Book early - he is very proular.

[Hlitner]

We always find it interesting that folks who hire taxis or car/drivers never mention the cost. As a rule, you will pay a minimum of $250 for a car/driver as opposed to under $100 for driving yourself. As we said in a previous post, it is very easy to drive in Greece, particularly out in the Pelaponnese (where Katakolon is located) where there is very little traffic.

 

Hank

[sauciesue]

Thank you both but driving and trains are not an option for us, We are seeking recommendations of tour companies other than the cruise ship's excursion.

[Goldygolfer]

In May of this year the going rate for a private taxi tour in most Greece ports was 40 euro per hour. 4 people is the perfect number for this type of tour so this equates to 10 euro per hour per person.

 

While I acknowledge that this is more expensive than hiring a car or using public transport and doing your own thing, I enjoy the bonus of a driver/guide providing information and/or historical background as we go along. It helps me to better understand and be more aware of what I am actually looking at. I also enjoy the extra information (which is often given) about their family, how they live, what they do for entertainment and their general lifestyloe.

 

It also means that no one has the "hassle" of driving in a strange country and can therefore also enjoy the sights.

 

IMO it is worth the extra money, but I appreciate that we all have different values and ideas. Viva la difference :)

 

PS - Sorry for the typo in post #8. It should read "he is very popular".

[vino100]

4 of us used George from Taxi Katakolon and had a great day. He took us to Ancient Olympia first. We then visited several other places of interest, including the town of Olympia, a modern ampitheatre and the Mercouri Winery. The countryside is really beautiful and George is very personable.

 

Just google "Taxi Katakolon" for his website. Book early - he is very proular.

 

We also used George this Sept..He got us to Olympia before the tour busses and trust me when I say it got very crowded after the busses arrived.I would highly recommend George.

[beckntom]

Sara (vino100) and I were on the same tour, and here's another vote for George. He's very warm and personable and all four of us enjoyed his company and his tour. I felt like we were leaving a new-found friend at the end of the day.

[mbeginner]

I've been searching the related posts, however I was hoping I could get a definitive answer...

 

The train from Katakolon to Olympia...how far is the dock from the train station, and the train station to the site itself?

 

 

 

http://www.travelsingreece.com/trips/katakolon/

[sauciesue]

Sara (vino100) and I were on the same tour, and here's another vote for George. He's very warm and personable and all four of us enjoyed his company and his tour. I felt like we were leaving a new-found friend at the end of the day.

 

Thank you so much for recommending George. Will check out the site and arrange to use him....and Goldygolfer you hit it on the nail as to our feelings about driving, being escorted and the $. You all have been very helpful!

[Goldygolfer]

Thanks for the compliment Sue. I so much appreciated the assistance and advice that I got from these boards prior to our trip to Europe and cruise in May that I am only too happy to pass on any advice and comments which might help others.

 

We had a wonderful time. I'm sure you all will too.

[fea]

We will be stopping in Katakolon but will only be there from 10:30 AM to 4 PM. Would this be enough time to hire a taxi to Olympia? Could you give me an idea on what the cost would be if we hired George?

 

Thanks bunches

[sauciesue]

We will be stopping in Katakolon but will only be there from 10:30 AM to 4 PM. Would this be enough time to hire a taxi to Olympia? Could you give me an idea on what the cost would be if we hired George?

 

Thanks bunches

 

We will be in port from 8 AM---5PM, so time's not an isue. George was booked for our date and gave us another driver Dimos. Although I mde arrangements with him I am planning to cancel since I realized his (and George"s) quotes were i euros not $. Thought $220 euros outrageous especially since it did not include admissions nor a guide.....Jean

[Toots]

No one has mentioned this, but when you walk to the town (a few minutes walk) there is a big sign "bus to Olympia $10". Our friends took this bus, had several hours in Olympia where they did the ruins and the museum on their own, then took the bus back.

[agabbymama]

Definitely have a Plan "A', and then a Plan "B" for when Plan "A" falls apart.

 

We were going to take the train, so bypassed all the taxis at the pier. We shopped as we walked along the main street to the train station. Upon arrival, the train station was closed, with a sign, that the train was being repaired. Wouldn't be running that day. And didn't see the sign that there was a bus.

 

Headed back to the ship, and of course all the taxis were now gone. I didn't think about a car rental, so we just went back to the ship for a late lunch. So I've now been to Greece twice, and missed Olympia both times.

 

Have a great trip!

[Cornishpastyman1]

So I've now been to Greece twice, and missed Olympia both times.

 

 

What a sad tale, I really feel for you. It's no sort of consolation but in case you don't try for a third time, Olympia looks like this

[lanikeekee]

Thank you both but driving and trains are not an option for us, We are seeking recommendations of tour companies other than the cruise ship's excursion.

If you want to do it on the cheap when you get off the ship the town has some tour companies that are cheap...my husband and a freind paid $10 euros each return on a bus....very cheap!!!!!

[hliang]

Thank you for the infor. When you took the bus from private company for $10 each way, did the bus accomodate your cruise schedule? Our ship will arrive at 9am and leave at 3pm. Very tight schedule.

If you want to do it on the cheap when you get off the ship the town has some tour companies that are cheap...my husband and a freind paid $10 euros each return on a bus....very cheap!!!!!

[vino100]

If you want to do it on the cheap when you get off the ship the town has some tour companies that are cheap...my husband and a freind paid $10 euros each return on a bus....very cheap!!!!!

 

Hi Lanikeekee,hope all is well with you and Paul. You did get a good deal on your trip to Olympia.We used George and while he was a little more we loved our day with him.He even took us to see his home. where are you going on your next cruise? We sure had a great time on the Noordam with everyone.:D Sara ,vino 100

[luvtocook]

We just returned from Star Princess and also used George in Olympia, he and his friend Tatkis were FANTASTIC!!! We beat all the busses to the ruins, had some time for shopping, went on a private winery tour & tasting and had a great lunch. He is VERY entertaining and gives great information. WELL worth the price and nice comfortable vehicles! Highly recommend George.