What You Will Do
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 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 essence of Spartan discipline and heroism.
To enrich your experience further, the tour includes a visit to Ancient Corinth and the fortified hill of Acrocorinth—explore the city where St. Paul preached and enjoy views from the region’s most powerful acropolis.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
1
Athens
10 minutes
Pickup from your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens airport, or Piraeus port.
2
Corinth Canal
15 minutes
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
3
Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos)
1 hour
(Optional by choosing "(+) Ancient Corinth 12H" rate of this tour) Ancient Corinth was one of the richest and most influential city-states in ancient Greece, strategically located between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese. On your visit, you’ll explore the vast archaeological site that reflects Corinth’s commercial and cultural significance across centuries.
Walk through the remains of the Agora, where bustling trade once took place, and admire the striking Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest surviving Doric temples. See the Bema, the platform where St. Paul addressed the Corinthians, bringing early Christianity to Greece. Discover the remnants of Roman shops, baths, fountains, and paved roads, showcasing layers of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influence.
The site also features the Fountain of Peirene, connected to ancient myth and essential for the city’s water supply.
4
Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth
15 minutes
(Optional by choosing "(+) Ancient Corinth 12H" rate of this tour) The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth houses a rich collection of artifacts unearthed from the surrounding site, spanning from the Neolithic era to the Roman and Byzantine periods. Visitors can explore well-preserved statues, mosaics, pottery, everyday tools, and sacred objects that reflect the city’s long and diverse history. Highlights include exhibits from the Roman forum, the Temple of Apollo, the Asklepieion healing sanctuary, and repatriated sculptures once stolen from the site. The museum offers valuable insight into Corinth’s religious, commercial, and artistic legacy, making it an essential stop within the archaeological complex.
5
Acrocorinth
45 minutes
(Optional by choosing "(+) Ancient Corinth 12H" rate of this tour) Towering above the ruins of Ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth—the acropolis of Corinth—offers an awe-inspiring blend of natural beauty, strategic significance, and layered history. Rising over 570 meters, this massive limestone hill served as a fortress for over two millennia and was considered one of the strongest natural fortifications in Greece.
Your visit begins with a scenic drive or hike to the top, where three successive defensive walls still stand guard. Once inside, wander through medieval gates, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman-era structures, all set within sweeping views of the Corinthian Gulf and surrounding plains.
At the summit lies the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite, once home to the goddess’s cult and a symbol of the city’s ancient power and wealth. During later periods, the site was transformed into a Christian church and later a mosque, reflecting the rich, changing religious heritage of the region.
6
Archaeological Site of Mystra
1 hour 30 minutes
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.
7
Acropolis of Ancient Sparta
10 minutes
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.
8
Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia
10 minutes
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.
9
Acropolis of Ancient Sparta
10 minutes
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.
10
Leonidas Monument
10 minutes
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.
11
Archaeological Museum of Sparta
20 minutes
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.
12
Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil
30 minutes
Dive into Greece's rich agricultural heritage at the Olive Museum. Discover the historical and cultural significance of olive cultivation and production in the region that has shaped the Mediterranean lifestyle for centuries. (Closed on Thesdays)
13
Sparta
1 hour
After visiting the ancient sites and museums, you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch in modern Sparta. Local tavernas serve traditional dishes such as syglino (smoked pork) and hilopites (handmade pasta), offering a true taste of the region. To complete the experience, you’ll also visit traditional markets, where you can explore and stock up on locally produced honey and olive oil—perfect souvenirs of Laconian flavor and tradition.
14
Athens
15 minutes
Drop-off at your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens airport, or Piraeus port.
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