Ancient Sparta & Mystras Private Day Tour from Athens
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore ancient Sparta's archaeological sites
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mystras
- Enjoy a private, personalized tour experience
- Discover the rich history of the Peloponnese region
- Benefit from hotel pickup and drop-off in Athens
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private transportation from Athens to Sparta and Mystras
- Guided tour of ancient Sparta and Mystras archaeological sites
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Athens
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
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.
Pass by: 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.
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.
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.
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).
We will visit the museum of (olive and) olive oil and learn many things about the most famouss products of Greece.
Pass by: We will drive back to Athens.
Important information
Know before you book
- This is a private tour; the price is per group, not per person.
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Please inform the operator of any dietary restrictions in advance if meals are included.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- The drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside any site or museum. If you require a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you need to hire one additionally. If you have any questions you can contact us on the phone number provided by Viator.
- The duration of the tours is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Traveler reviews
Mystras/Sparta Tour
Visit to Mystras was excellent. Great walk through the ruins of the Byzantine era city. Spectacular views of the countryside, and a very good lunch in town. Our guide Theodore was great. Very friendly, and he was a wealth of knowledge on the history of the area. The only somewhat dissapointment was Sparta. Visiting Corinth would be a better option for those who haven't been there.
Beautiful Mystras
Terry was our guide for this one day trip. He is very knowledgeable and we had a great conversation during the long commute to Sparta. Mystras was mesmerizing and a must visit to the archeological site while Sparta mostly was a stop by experience and we found the visit to the Sparta museum was a tad less luscious. A private tour is expensive but you get to have a more personal and flexible experience which we appreciated.
VIP treatment in the beautiful Peloponnese
We had an awesome day with Panos! He was so friendly, attentive, and patient. We appreciated his knowledge on all the historic sites we visited. He drove us to every destination safely and with great care. Lastly, the itinerary was perfect - our personal highlight being Mystras castle. Thank you, Panos, & be well!
Unforgettable, a Dream Come True
There is no better way to see Sparta and Mystras and as a fan of hoplite history, getting to see Sparta in person was an unforgettable experience. The statue of Leonidas is absolutely amazing and only a short distance away is the ruins of Mystras. It is easily one of the most beautiful sites to see and is very accessible. Our driver Andreas was also absolutely outstanding, the drive was very enjoyable and he made it all the better with his stories and insight into the areas we drove by. He was flexible with our travel and brought us to a restaurant near Mystras that was unbelievably good. This trip was worth every penny spent!
Sparta and Mystra is well worth the trip to visit when in Athens. This guide brought history to life.
Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and very personable. He totally planned an enjoyable time during the visit of each site. Going to see Mystra and Sparta was a highlight of our trip.