The scenic seaside Greek town of Katakolon, with a population around 600, serves as the gateway to ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The town only comes to life when a cruise ship comes in!!

On the way to ancient Olympia we travelled through the fertile valleys of the Western Peloponnese region. Strawberries, watermelons, tomatoes, wheat and corn fill the fields and behind them rise groves of olive trees. We also saw grapes being grown in a circular fashion - very different to our way of growing grapes.

Drive 40 minutes from Katakolon, and you are transported back thousands of years. The mystical site of Ancient Olympia was sacred ground to the people of the Peloponnese peninsula as early as the 10th century BC. But today, Olympia is most famous as the site where the first Olympic Games were held in 776BC in honour of Olympian Zeus. We had a brilliant guide who bought the site to life. As we walked along we felt like we were walking in the footsteps of the earliest Greek and Roman athletes -- wrestlers, chariot drivers, discus throwers, runners and long-jumpers -- who vied for glory and the gods' favour. As we stood alongside the massive columns we could envision the once magnificent temples, the gymnasium and the Bouleyterion where the oath was taken over the testicles of a bull....seriously !! This is where we get the words testify and testament in the English language.

We saw the unassuming Altar of Hera where the Olympic flame is still lit to this day. If you were not told what it was you would probably overlook it. Entering the ancient Stadium via the tunnel-like passage constructed in Roman times was surreal. You could feel runners on the starting blocks ready to race. We even got to run along the very track used at the first Olympic games!!.

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is a treasure trove of pieced-together sculptures and statues that once adorned the ancient structures. Among the great finds are the Head of Hera and ornaments from the Temple of Zeus. The famous statue of Hermes created by Praxiteles holds a place of honour. It is well worth having a look at how much has been preserved from the excavations at the site.

Katakolon is a quirky little town with only two main streets littered with shops that unashamedly only open when the cruise ships are in. Along the waterfront are many cafes overlooking the bay. A great place to grab a wine and catch up on your emails!!