Ancient Sparta, Mystras and Museum of Oil Day Tour from Athens

4.6 (8 reviews) Athens, Greece
Duration10h - 11h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Sparta is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Greece. Save hours by taking this day trip, which includes air-conditioned private transportation to Sparta and the nearby ruins of Mystras. The trip also includes a visit to the Olive Museum. The olive tree is the most ancient tree and a symbol for the ancient Greeks. A unique private tour that includes history, culture, and tastings. Once known as the Wonder of the Morea, the ancient city of Mystras is an impeccably preserved Byzantine city built on a towering mountain. It can be difficult to get to Mystras on your own. This private tour eliminates that difficulty. Explore the city described by the UNESCO World Heritage List as a magnificent palace complex, then drive to historic Sparta, where you will visit an ancient acropolis and the statue of King Leonidas. Learn about the history of the Spartan city-state at the Archaeological Museum of Sparta. Enjoy an authentic Mediterranean meal at a picturesque local tavern.

What's included

  • Private transportation
  • Hotel/Airbnb/Port/Cruises Terminal pick up and drop off
  • Transportation with Minibus/MiniVan/Suv/Sedan (it depends on the number of participants)
  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Private transportation
  • Airport Pick up & Drop off (Extra charge)
  • Professional English-speaking driver. Gives information & tips but does not come in the sites
  • The guide driver is not a licensed tour guide to accompany you at any site/museum.

What to expect

  1. Corinth Canal
    15m · Admission ticket not included
    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.
  2. Leonidas Monument
    15m
    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).
  3. Archaeological Site of Mystra
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    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.
  4. Acropolis & Fortification Castle of Mystras
    30m · Admission ticket not included
    The Museum of the emblematic archaeological site of Mystras is located in the imposing archaeological site of Mystras, a monument declared as a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The exhibition is dedicated to the relations between the Byzantine world and the West. The presentation of selected artifacts and objects from Mystras, a late Byzantine urban center, aims to provide the visitor with a comprehensive understanding of the complex political and social reality, as well as the spiritual life and art of the Palaiologan era.
  5. Acropolis and Ancient Theater
    30m
    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.
  6. Sparta Olive Oil Experience
    45m · Admission ticket not included
    Located in the heart of Sparta, the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil showcases the long history and cultural significance of the olive tree and olive oil in Greece — from prehistoric times to the early 20th century.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meeting point is New Hotel , 16 Fillelinon Athens. The driver will wait you with a signboard with the name of the tour

End point

Meeting point is New Hotel , 16 Fillelinon Athens. The driver will wait you with a signboard with the name of the tour

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • The duration of the tours is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
  • The driving hour from Athens to Sparti is 2 hours and 40 minutes

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.6 (8)
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