Journalist Lou Freed and her husband Jim (who took the photos) are sailing the Mediterranean on Noordam’s Roman Empire Cruise. They chronicled their experiences in writing and pictures for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Katakolon is a famous jumping board for a visit to the archaeological site of Olympia, site of the ancient Olympic games. After a tour of the ruins, don’t miss a visit to the museum, which houses a wonderful collection of statuary and pottery from the site.

Olympia Museum.

The town of Katakolon has a number of refreshing restaurants and coffee bars along the waterfront where visitors can relax with a pleasant, shady view. Several products from olive trees predominate in the shops of this town. If you wish to bring something for your kitchen, look for the olive bowls, spoons and trays.

You can even find olive wood hand carved Christmas crèches. For extra softness on your skin and the extra shine in your hair, olive soap and shampoo provide the answers.

A local restaurant.

There are also two new small museums at the far end of Katakolon’s main street: one dedicated to ancient Greek musical instruments such as the reproduction of Apollo’s guitar and the other to ancient Greek machines, clocks and astronomy instruments. All the instruments and machines were hand made by the museum’s curator and a wonderful way to get insight into ancient Greek culture and ingenuity.

Ancient musical instruments at the museum.

Ancient machines at the museum.