The Mystras and Ancient Sparta Full Day Private Tour offers a unique journey through the heart of Byzantine and Spartan history, combining two iconic sites in one immersive experience. In Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll explore the well-preserved remnants of a once-thriving Byzantine city, including palaces, monasteries, and churches adorned with stunning frescoes. The panoramic views from the Fortress of Mystras offer a breathtaking backdrop as you walk through history. Transitioning to Ancient Sparta, you’ll uncover the secrets of one of the world’s most famous warrior societies. From the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, where Spartan boys were trained, to the Leonidas Monument, this tour captures the spirit of Spartan discipline and heroism. The blend of historical depth, scenic beauty, and personal exploration makes this tour an unforgettable journey into Greece’s storied past.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Private transportation
✔ On-board WiFi
✔ Bottled waters
✔ Mercedes air-conditioned Premium Minivan
✔ Charge your devices with our 4 USB quick chargers (Type C & Apple)
✔ PDF guide for all sights & monuments of the tour
✖ Licensed tour guide available upon request for monument visits, subject to availability (extra cost)
✖ Entrance tickets for Archaeological Sites and Museums
✖ Meals and drinks
Pickup Locations
1. Foivos Hotel Athens
2. Alter Athens Hotel
3. Ruby Rooms Athens
4. Zenith Hotel
5. Athens City Plaza
6. Wyndham Athens Residence
7. Apollo Hotel
8. Titania Hotel
9. Athens Zafolia Hotel
10. Philippos Hotel
11. The Editor Athens Hotel
12. Vision Omonia
13. Anixis
14. Crowne Plaza Athens - City Centre, an IHG hotel
15. Novotel Athenes
16. Georgias House 7 min from Athens Airport
17. Hotel Tier Collection
18. Hotel Bryon
19. Bob W. Eolou Athens
20. Ambrosia Suites
Additional Info: Additional Pickup Details:
-Pickup and drop-off at any location in Athens, Piraeus or Attica region.
-Pickup Time: Please be ready at your designated pickup location 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
-Pickup Location: Our driver will meet you at the lobby of your hotel or the specified pickup point. If you are staying in a private residence, please ensure you provide the exact address and any necessary access information.
-Identification: The driver will be holding a sign with your name for easy identification.
-Contact Information: In case of any changes or if you need to contact us, please send us a message through your booking or account.
-Luggage: Please inform us in advance if you have any special luggage requirements, such as large items or extra bags.
-Special Requests: If you have any special requests or needs, please let us know when booking, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
We look forward to providing you with a memorable and enjoyable tour!
Itinerary
1
Athens
Pickup from your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens airport, or Piraeus port.
Duration: 15 minutes
2
Corinth Canal
Begin your adventure with a stop at the Corinth Canal. This impressive engineering marvel, completed in the late 19th century, connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. The canal cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, creating a stunning 6.4-kilometer waterway. Enjoy breathtaking views from the bridge and learn about the canal's historical attempts dating back to ancient times. For thrill-seekers, there is an option to try bungee jumping with an approx. cost of 100€/person at the canal for an unforgettable adrenaline rush. This is a perfect spot for capturing some memorable photos.
Points of Interest: Bridge Viewpoint, Bungee Jumping Site
Duration: 15 minutes
3
Archaeological Site of Mystra
Explore Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved Byzantine ruins, including palaces, churches, and monasteries. Once the capital of the Despotate of the Morea, Mystras provides insight into Byzantine history, art, and architecture.
-Visit the Palace of the Despots, the administrative center of Byzantine Mystras.
-See the Church of Agios Demetrios, famous for its frescoes and as the coronation site of the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI.
-The Church of Our Lady Hodegetria combines Byzantine and Gothic styles, with frescoes depicting biblical scenes.
-The Laskaris House offers a look into the lifestyle of Byzantine aristocracy.
-Visit the Peribleptos Monastery, built into the cliffs, renowned for its 14th-century frescoes.
-The Monastery of Pantanassa is known for its architecture and panoramic views of the Laconian plains.
-The Fortress of Mystras, perched atop the city, offers sweeping views of the surrounding region, highlighting its military importance.
Duration: 2 hours
4
Your visit to Ancient Sparta begins at the Acropolis, the ancient city’s highest point. Although much of it has been lost to time, the Acropolis remains a significant site offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. Here, you’ll get a sense of the city’s strategic importance and can reflect on its place as a major political and military center in ancient Greece.
Duration: 20 minutes
5
Next, you’ll visit the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, one of Sparta’s most important religious sites. This sanctuary was dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of hunting and protector of youth, and was a central part of Spartan life. Here, young Spartan boys underwent rigorous endurance tests as part of their agoge training. The site served both religious and educational purposes, making it vital to understanding the culture of Sparta.
Duration: 20 minutes
6
From the sanctuary, you’ll head to the Ancient Theater of Sparta, which was once one of the largest theaters in ancient Greece. Although only ruins remain, this theater played a crucial role in Spartan public life, hosting performances, festivals, and civic assemblies. The remains of this grand structure provide a glimpse into the cultural side of Sparta, often overshadowed by its military reputation.
Duration: 20 minutes
7
Leonidas Monument
Your final stop in Ancient Sparta is the Leonidas Monument, a tribute to the legendary king who led 300 Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae. This monument honors Leonidas’ courage and sacrifice, values that defined Spartan society. Standing before the statue, you’ll reflect on the legacy of this great warrior and his contribution to Greek history.
Duration: 10 minutes
8
Archaeological Museum of Sparta
Before lunch, you’ll visit the Sparta Archaeological Museum, where artifacts from the city’s rich history are preserved. The museum houses pottery, tools, and the famous statue of Leonidas, providing deeper insights into the daily life, military culture, and religious practices of the Spartans.
Duration: 20 minutes
9
Sparta
After visiting the ancient sites, you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch in modern Sparta. Local tavernas serve traditional dishes such as syglino (smoked pork) and hilopites (handmade pasta), allowing you to savor the flavors of the region.
Duration: 60 minutes
10
Athens
Drop-off at your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens airport, or Piraeus port.
Duration: 15 minutes
Additional info
• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Luggage: Please inform us in advance if you have any special luggage requirements, such as large items or extra bags.
• Special Requests: If you have any special requests or needs, please let us know when booking, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
• Travel Time: Approx. 2,5 hours to go and 2,5 hours to return.
• Pickup and travel time are included in the tour duration.
• Our chauffeurs are not official tour guides, but they are highly knowledgeable and can provide fascinating commentary in fluent English. While they will not accompany you inside the archaeological sites, they are well-versed in the history and significance of each location and can answer all your questions during the tour.
• We provide assistance to people with movement disability for boarding and alighting from the vehicle. However, it is advisable to inform us in advance if any special arrangements are required.
• For families with younger children, we offer child safety seats upon request.
• Entrance tickets: Archaeological site of Mystras (12€/adult) and Archaeological Museum of Sparta (2€/adult)
