2 days private tour to Mythical Sparta & Ancient Olympia
Sparta & Olympia: A fantastic variety of sights and activities
Embark on an extraordinary two-day private tour that unveils the captivating history and breathtaking landscapes of the legendary Peloponnese Peninsula. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tales of Sparta, the birthplace of the iconic King Leonidas, and Olympia, the hallowed grounds where the ancient Olympic Games were born. This meticulously curated experience promises to leave you spellbound by the grandeur of Southern Greece’s cultural heritage.
Duration: 2 days / 1 nights
Destinations: Sparta – Ancient Olympia
Region: Peloponnese, Laconia, Elis (Ilia)
Accommodation: 1 nights in Olympia
Tour Language: English
Age Range: 1 to 99 year old
Available: All Year Round
Departures: Daily
Itinerary of our 2-Day Private Tour to Mystras, Sparta and Ancient Olympia
Athens – Corinth canal – Sparta – Mystras – Olympia
- Corinth Canal: Marvel at the impressive engineering feat that connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
- Mystras and Sparta: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mystras, a “dead city” that served as a valuable hub of Byzantine culture, and visit the legendary city of Sparta, birthplace of King Leonidas.
- Olympia: Discover the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, explore the archaeological site, and immerse yourself in the rich history through the Archaeological Museum and the Olympic Games Museum.
- Scenic Drives: Enjoy picturesque journeys along the Attica coastline and through the Peloponnese Peninsula, passing charming seaside towns and villages.
- Personalized Experience: Benefit from the expertise and knowledge of an English-speaking professional driver throughout the tour.
- Accommodation and Culinary Delight: Spend a comfortable night in Olympia and savor a delicious lunch, sampling the flavors of the region.
Corinth Canal
Your tour commences with a scenic drive along the Attica coastline, passing through charming seaside towns and villages. Marvel at the engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal, a remarkable feat that links the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
Carved through solid rock, this 6.4-kilometer-long canal separates the Peloponnese Peninsula from the Greek mainland, allowing ships to bypass the treacherous voyage around the peninsula.
Take a moment to capture the breathtaking views of this impressive waterway before continuing your journey.
Mystras and Sparta
Next, venture to the ancient city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled on the slopes of Taygetos mountain. This “dead city” served as a valuable hub of knowledge, history, art, and civilization for the Byzantine people, boasting a formidable fortress and a wealth of cultural treasures.
Continuing your journey, you’ll arrive at the legendary city of Sparta, a prominent ancient state that rivaled the famed Athens. Explore the ruins of Sparta’s Acropolis, adorned with olive trees and remnants of grand columns, and delve into the city’s rich history at the Museum of Sparta. As the birthplace of King Leonidas, known for his heroic stand with the 300 Spartans against the Persian army at Thermopylae, Sparta boasts a rich history and impressive remains.
After an enriching day of exploration, you’ll spend the night in Olympia, preparing for the next day’s adventures.
Ancient Olympia
On the second day, prepare to be awestruck by the archaeological site of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Explore the remnants of the original north wall of the stadium, where ancient athletes once raced, and immerse yourself in the rich history at the Archaeological Museum and the Olympic Games Museum.
After a delicious lunch with Greek specialties in Olympia, you will return to Athens, reliving the memories of your extraordinary adventure through the ancient wonders of the Peloponnese Peninsula.
Throughout this private tour, an English-speaking professional driver will accompany you, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience. Embrace the opportunity to witness the grandeur of these legendary sites, where history and mythology intertwine, creating an unforgettable journey through the heart of ancient Greece.
Tour Type
- Shore Excursion – Private tour
- Activity level: Moderate
Included in the tour
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
- Your tour will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver or escort possessing in-depth knowledge of Greece’s history and culture. They will provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, guiding you until the entrance of archaeological sites and museums. However, please note that drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside these venues.
- If you desire a licensed state tour guide to escort you within the archaeological sites and museums, providing comprehensive insights and explanations, we can gladly arrange one for an additional cost. These licensed guides are freelance professionals, and their availability is subject to your tour date.
- When a licensed tour guide or English-speaking tour escort accompanies a group, the professional driver may not necessarily speak English fluently. Their role is focused on providing safe transportation.
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Athens. Extra charge for hotels outside Athens.
- Pick up and drop off at Piraeus Port or Athens Airport.
- Pick up and drop off at our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athens, Greece.
- Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
- Road tolls and all local taxes
Excluded from the tour
- Wine tasting fee (for wine tours)
- Olive oil tasting fee (for olive oil tasting tours)
- Optional Gratuities
- Food and beverage
- Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the Differences between a Tour Guide and a Tour Driver
Cancellation Policy
Additional info
- Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered out of respect for the cultural norms.
- Please review our Terms & Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions
- Upon booking, an electronic voucher will be emailed to you containing our contact information, tour details, and all necessary instructions. This voucher serves as your ticket and proof of purchase. Please present a printed or digital copy of the voucher on the day of your tour to redeem your activity.
- City Tax for Hotel Stays: Effective from January 1st, 2018, a City Tax for hotel overnights is applicable and not included in our excursion rates. Clients will need to pay this tax directly at their hotel upon check-out. The amount per room is as follows: 5-star hotel: €4/overnight || 4-star hotel: €3/overnight || 3-star hotel: €1.50/overnight
- Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Archaeological Sites and Museums in Greece
- Entrance Fees for Children from Non-EU Countries: Starting November 1st, 2019, children aged 6 and above from non-European Union (non-EU) countries will be required to pay the full entrance fee for Museums and Archaeological sites. For children from EU countries, the existing rates remain in effect. However, it is crucial to have their passports readily available to prove their nationality.
Persons with Disabilities
- Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
- In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
