Overview

This amazing tour will give you the opportunity to discover the history of Laconia combining Ancient Greek and (the lesser known) Medieval Greek history. Visit Sparta, where Leonidas reigned and travel back in Byzantine era walking around towers, palaces and churches in Mystras.

Description

Stop At: Corinth Canal, Isthmia 20100

We will begin with a drive along the coast. On the way you will view of some Greek seaside villages and the island of Salamis (where the historical naval battle took place between the Athenians and the Persians).
Our first stop the Corinth Canal. Opened in 1892 separating the Peloponnese peninsula from the rest of Greece and connecting the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Sea. You will have time to walk across on a pedestrian bridge to admire the canal closer, (if you’re game) on some days bungee jumping is an option.

Duration: 15 minutes

Pass By: Archaeological Site of Mystra, Mystras 23100

After the stop at the canal we will head towards Mystras driving into the southern Peloponnese peninsula through the mountainous landscape of the Greek country side. Reaching Mystras you will automatically understand why this location stands so unique within the Greek sites. Known as the ghost city, fortified on a citadel, Mystras is one of the two locations in Greece that preserves not only medieval churches but also ordinary houses, mansions and palaces of the Byzantine Empire in combination with Frankish elements.

Stop At: Archaeological Site of Mystra, Mystras 23100

Walking in the site on the upper point you will reach the citadel and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding areas while walking down hill you will meet the palaces and the Royal courtyards. Although known as the ghost city most of the monasteries are still in use and the monks will gladly show you around their small society. Before you exit you will come across the chapel of St. Demetrios, on its floor survives a plaque depicting a two head eagle (the symbol of Byzantium). It was on this very plaque that Konstantine Palaiologos kneeled before he was crowned the last emperor of the Byzantium.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Acropolis and Ancient Theater, north end of Sparta, Sparta

Following that we will spend the rest of our time in Sparta known as the eternal rival city of the Athenian Democracy. Sparta revolved around a different Cosmo theory for the ancient Greek standards. Initially known as the birth place of Helen of Troy and the Kingdom of Menelaus (in Mycenaean period), Sparta was organized as a purely military society in the ancient Greek period. It was the city of the two Kings were a few aristocrats ruled and of course the city where Leonidas and his 300 Spartans marched from to face the Persian army Thermopylae in 480 BCE.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Leonidas Monument, Sparta

Continuing we will pass in front of the stadium where the statue of King Leonidas stands marking the ending point of Spartathlon race (Athens – Sparta 245,3 km).

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, 129 Othonos Amalias Street, Sparta 23100

We will visit the museum of (olive and) olive oil and learn many things about the most famouss products of Greece.

Duration: 20 minutes

Pass By: Athens, Athens

We will drive back to Athens.