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LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
Embark on a 2-day castle tour through Greece’s rich medieval past.
On Day 1, visit the Corinth Canal, then explore Acrocorinth, an ancient fortress with stunning views. Continue to Nafplio, Greece’s first modern capital, where you’ll visit the Palamidi Castle, offering breathtaking panoramas, and the Bourtzi Castle, set on a small island in the harbor. Enjoy free time to stroll Nafplio’s charming streets before an overnight stay.
On Day 2, travel to the Byzantine city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive churches and palaces. Then, head to Sparta, home of the legendary warriors, where you’ll explore its history and cultural significance. Enjoy a relaxing meal at a traditional taverna before returning to Athens. This tour offers a perfect mix of history, architecture, and scenic beauty, making it an unforgettable journey into Greece’s medieval and ancient past.
What's included
Accommodation in hotel, with breakfast for each passenger
Wholly Private tour (your party only), Air condition, Wi-Fi in vehicle, fuel surcharge and tolls
Professional English-speaking driver, who provides information and tips and does not enter the sites
Breakfast
Transportation to and from your central hotel in Athens or Piraeus, Ports & Athens Intl. Airport
Professional guide at Mystras (other sites if wanted are extra charge)
Coffee, drinks & snacks and meals
Extra Professional guide in the other sites (if wanted, with a small extra charge)
Gratuity is not included and is left to individual discretion
Admission fees for the sites
What to expect
Day 1: Acrocorinth & Palamidi Castle
Corinth Canal
20m
Corinth Canal – A Marvel of Engineering
Our first stop is the breathtaking Corinth Canal, a 19th-century engineering feat that connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas. This narrow waterway, carved through solid rock, is an impressive sight and an ideal place for stunning photos. After taking in the views, we continue our journey toward our first castle.
1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
Acrocorinth Castle – The Mighty Fortress
Perched on a rocky hill overlooking ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth Castle is one of the most impressive fortifications in Greece. With its origins dating back to antiquity, the castle has served as a stronghold for various civilizations, including the Byzantines, Franks, Venetians, and Ottomans. As we explore its vast walls, ancient gates, and breathtaking viewpoints, you’ll witness history come to life. From the top, the panoramic views of the Corinthian Gulf and the Peloponnese are simply spectacular.
Palamidi Castle
1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
Palamidi Castle – The Venetian Masterpiece
Next, we head to Palamidi Castle, a Venetian fortress towering above Nafplio. Built in the early 18th century, Palamidi is famous for its 999 steps, which lead to its well-preserved bastions and stunning vantage points. (Don’t worry—there’s also a road that takes you to the entrance!) The castle played a crucial role in the Greek War of Independence and offers an immersive glimpse into the country’s military history. As we explore its stone walls, secret passages, and breathtaking views of Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf, you’ll understand why this fortress is one of the most visited in Greece.
Bourtzi
2h · Admission ticket not included
Bourtzi Fortress – The Floating Castle
Our last stop is Bourtzi Fortress, a small Venetian castle located on an islet in Nafplio’s harbor. Originally built in the 15th century to defend the city from pirate attacks, this picturesque fortress later served as a residence for executioners and even as a luxury hotel! Though access to the interior may be limited, the sight of this fairytale-like fortress floating in the sea is truly magical.
Nafplio
12h
After our castle explorations, you will have free time to enjoy Nafplio at your own pace. Wander through its charming alleys, explore its elegant neoclassical mansions, visit local shops, or relax at one of the seafront cafés. As the evening sets in, settle into your accommodation in Nafplio and enjoy a traditional Greek dinner by the sea.
Day 2: Mystras
Archaeological Site of Mystra
2h · Admission ticket not included
After breakfast, we depart Nafplio and head towards the historic region of Laconia, where the legendary Mystras awaits. This UNESCO-listed Byzantine city is one of the most extraordinary medieval sites in Greece. Built on the slopes of Mount Taygetos, Mystras was once a powerful cultural and religious center.
As we explore its well-preserved palaces, monasteries, churches, and fortifications, we step back in time to the era of Byzantine emperors and scholars. Highlights include the Despot’s Palace, the Monastery of Pantanassa, and the Church of Agios Dimitrios, where the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, was crowned. The stunning frescoes and awe-inspiring ruins of Mystras make it a must-see destination for history lovers.
Sparta
1h
From Mystras, we continue to Sparta, the home of the ancient warrior society known for its discipline and military strength. While little remains of the ancient city, a visit to the Statue of Leonidas, the legendary Spartan king, and the Archaeological Museum of Sparta offers insight into the history of this powerful civilization.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
Please contact us, to confirm final details.
We pick you up from all Hotels from Athens and Piraeus.
Athens International Airport, the port and cruise terminal or address you have given us.
Additional information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All prices are for 1 private vehicle, for 1 to 3 passengers with a sedan, 4-6 passengers with a minivan
Children/Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Youth (12+) charged at Adult rate
You must be able to walk on unpaved or uneven terrain, otherwise the driver will do their best for you to see most of the sites
Departure time is usually between 6:30am-9:00am, based on your preference!
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Our drivers are professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. Their priority is your satisfaction and safety. All our drivers speak English and are ready to help and to provide tips!
Our cars are well-maintained, clean, and have free Wi-Fi. Baby chairs, wheelchairs and most phone chargers are available on request, at no additional charge
We reserve the right to cancel a booking for a full refund in the case of bad weather, health issues or site closures
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
