10-hour tour to Sparta & Mystras: Ancient Warriors & Byzantine Beauty
Sparta & Mystras: A Journey Through Ancient Warriors and Byzantine Splendor!
Ever dreamed of walking in the footsteps of ancient warriors? Our 10-hour private tour from Athens to Sparta and Mystras brings history to life right before your eyes! It takes you to the heart of the Peloponnese, where you’ll discover the legendary city-state of Sparta, known for its fierce warriors and strict military culture, and the captivating Byzantine city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join us on this 10-hour adventure that combines the bravery of ancient Spartan warriors with the beauty and mystique of Byzantine Mystras, creating an unforgettable experience that will transport you back in time.
Travel ID
Duration: 1 day / 10 Hours
Destinations: Corinth Canal, Sparta, Mystras
Region: Peloponnese
Starting Point: Athens
Tour Language: English
Age Range: 1 to 99 years old
Available: All year round
Departures: Daily
- Visit the legendary city-state of Sparta, known for its powerful army and brave warriors
- Explore the Archaeological Museum of Sparta and see impressive artifacts and collections
- Walk through the remains of the Acropolis of Sparta and the Temple of Artemis Orthia
- Pay homage at the Tomb of Leonidas, the legendary Spartan king
- Explore Mystras, the former capital of the Byzantine Despotate of Morea
- Marvel at the engineering feat of the Corinth Canal
- Enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque Greek countryside
Journey to the Peloponnese
The private tour to Sparta and Mystras starts after breakfast from your hotel in Athens. After a short drive through the center of Athens, your personal tour driver will take the scenic coastal road of the Saronic Gulf towards the Peloponnese peninsula.
After approximately a 50-minute drive, you will reach the famous Corinth Canal, which connects the Ionian Sea (West Greece) with the Aegean Sea (East Greece). The Corinth Canal, completed in 1893, is 6.4 kilometers long and 21.4 meters wide at its base. Stop for spectacular pictures from the canal bridge and continue towards Sparta and Mystras.
Exploring Sparta
Sparta, a city-state founded by the Dorians in the 11th century BC, was well known for its citizen soldiers, strict military training, and powerful army with excellent skills.
The most famous battle in their history is the Battle of Thermopylae. In 480 BC, a huge Persian army was trying to invade Greece. Barring the way at the mountain pass of Thermopylae were 300 Spartan soldiers led by King Leonidas, along with a few hundred Arcadians and Thespians.
Do not miss visiting:
- The Archaeological Museum of Sparta with its amazing artifacts and statues, containing Roman sculptures, small objects from sanctuaries at Sparta, mosaics, Laconian reliefs, inscribed stele from the Temple of Artemis Orthia, and prehistoric collections.
- The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, which is nicely set and very informative about the history of olive cultivation and the production of olive oil since ancient times. Here you will find out about the many varieties of olives, see many works of art, and view figures from over fifteen thousand-year-old fossilized leaves coming from Santorini.
- Menelaion, the sanctuary and cult of Menelaus and Helen in Therapne, Sparta.
- The Acropolis of Sparta, situated on a hillside just outside the town center, consists of the ancient Roman Agora, Temple of Athena Chalkioikos, the Theatre, the Church of Christ the Savior, the cyclical building, and the remains of many other elements.
- The ancient theater of Sparta, an atmospheric site where two walls were composed of limestone while the center and stage were white marble.
- The Temple of Artemis Orthia at the entrance of the city, where Spartan boys became men.
- The Tomb of Leonidas, also known as Leonidaion, an impressive building measuring 12.5 x 8.30 meters, dating back to the 5th century BC.
The Byzantine Mystras
Just 7 km from Sparta lies Mystras, the capital of the Despotate of Morea and the second city of the Byzantine Empire for a long period of its history. This unique site is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and the relationship between art, history, religion, and culture.
Explore the well-preserved Byzantine churches with their magnificent frescoes, and walk inside the ancient castle. The monastery is still inhabited, and the whole stroll to the top is pleasant, allowing you to imagine the city as it once was. Mystras was an important center of Byzantine scholarship and played a significant role in the late Byzantine period.
At the end of the tour, your driver will take you back to Athens, arriving late in the afternoon.
Resources:
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.
