Half-Day Private Tour from Katakolo or Kyllini Port to Anc. Ilis

Upon arrival to the area of Katakolo, you can meet our driver either at our office in the port of Katakolo in a very convinient location or at the hotel you are staying at. Our driver will be waiting outside of the office or at the reception of your hotel with a sign of your name. Transfer to our private vehicle and enjoy the ride to Ancient Ilis and the Castle of Chlemoutsi.

Leaving Katakolo we are heading to a monastery nearby, which stands for more than 1.200 years at the ground of Peloponnese. Holy Mary of Skafidia, enclosed by a medieval fortress, the only monastery in Greece that has such a fortification, welcomes you to discover it. In addition to its remarkable architecture, it also has many religious and historical treasures such as Holy vessels, vestments, reliquaries, old icons, coins, and much more.

Ilida was the city that had the responsibility of organizing and holding the famous Olympic Games of antiquity. Once you arrive at Ancient Ilida museum, the spacious open-air square welcomes the visitor and offers him an unobstructed, excellent view on the one hand of the archaeological site, on the other hand of the entire plain of Elis up to medieval castle of Chlemoutsi. Visit the Archaeological Museum, with its interesting collection from the site's excavations: statues, inscriptions, reliefs, pottery, figurines, architectural members, which date from the early Hellenic period to the Roman era. Inside you will find yourself lost in time. Artifacts 2.000 old, mosaics that standing after thousands of years, solar clock, statues of the finest marble in the world, unique golden jewelers and much more, you will find at the museum’s exhibition; a relatively small museum but none the less full of beautiful items.

Leaving the museum nearby there is the ancient Theater of Ilis. As you begin to understand, in Greece and in the area specifically, what’s “old” and “new” it’s really relevant! For more than 2.400 the theater holds plays from the ancient times. Nearby the river “Pinios”, at the beginning operated as a sanctuary and a worship place for god Apollo, later on the residents of the area, made the place on of the older theaters in the country. The scenery is one of the reasons why the Greeks built it in the specific location, and along with the quietness of the place, will give us an unforgettable experience of inner peace and appreciation of life itself.

Our driver will pick you up and drive you through small villages up to the Castle of Chlemoutsi. Originally called Château Clermont, travellers referred to this incredible structure as Castle Tornese and the Byzantines called it Chloumoutzi. Due to its strategic location, the imposing stronghold guarded the capital Andravida, the harbour of Glarentza and, of course, the palace of the House of the Villehardouin that was situated within its walls. Admire the breathtaking view to the plain of Elis and the Ionian Sea. Leaving the museum nearby there is the ancient Theater of Ilis. As you begin to understand, in Greece and in the area specifically, what’s “old” and “new” it’s really relevant! For more than 2.400 the theater holds plays from the ancient times. Nearby the river “Pinios”, at the beginning operated as a sanctuary and a worship place for god Apollo, later on the residents of the area, made the place on of the older theaters in the country.

After visiting the castle, nearby there is a coffee house that stands atop of the Ionian Sea and gives us astonishing view all the way to the island of Zakinthos. You can relax here and enjoy your beverage or a light lunch, before we depart for Katokolo.

Ancient theaters, beautiful museum, majestic castles, astonishing views, unforgettable memories; what more can someone ask from a tour? In ancient Ilida you will find all these, with the assistance of our experienced drivers, while riding on new comfortable vehicles. Your driver will be drive you through a scenic road that you will get to enjoy! All along the private tour your driver will be there to explain and assist with anything you might need!