The Best of Sparta and Mystras
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Port
Gythion (Sparta), Greece
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$170
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 6 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
From the pier you will travel north to the village of Sparta. Although it was once among the most powerful of city-states, today Sparta is an unimposing town. The original Spartans lived in barracks -- an austere existence for which they are still quite famous. They cared little for buildings, monuments and the other "soft" trappings favored by their rivals; consequently, scarcely a trace remains of their city to testify to its former might.
You'll stop for photos at the statue of Leonidas -- the legendary King of Sparta who fought the Battle of Thermopylae with just 300 Spartan warriors.
Nearby, on the lower slopes of Mount Taygetos, stand the ruins of ancient Mystras . Take an in-depth guided walking tour of Mystras before enjoying lunch and free time to wander through the narrow streets of this once-invincible fortress.
Reboarding your coach, you'll return to the pier.
Please note: There are numerous steep paths and stairs to negotiate. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Those who find the climb to the summit too strenuous will still be able to fully enjoy the art in the beautifully painted churches of Aghios Dimitrios, the Evangelistria, and the Pantanassa. Modest attire is required for visiting churches or cathedrals; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered; shorts and short skirts are not allowed.