2 Days Argolida - Sparta - Mystras
Day 1
Our 2-Day Argolida – Sparta sightseeing tour begins early in the morning with our door-to-door service, from wherever is the most convenient for you, Athens City Centre, your Hotel, Athens Airport, Port of Piraeus, Ferry Boat or Cruise Ship.Driving with our private-hire (chauffeur-driven) minibus, we take the motorway to Corinth with its lovely sea views along its coastal route, giving you the opportunity to see where the great naval battle of Salamina took place in 480 B.C.
After a pleasant one and a half hour drive, we will make a short stop at the famous 6km long Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean and Ionian Sea. You will have the opportunity to take some stunning pictures and perhaps try a Greek coffee or an ice-cream.
Continuing on, ten minutes later we reach the small village of Ancient Corinth, where the archaeological site is situated. Ancient Corinth itself was a very busy trading city, which led to its cosmopolitan character. It was known as “Wealthy Corinth”, and the reason for its wealth, was its location. Corinth was able to control the only land access to the Peloponnese and so dominated trade in both the Saronic Gulf (to the east) and the Gulf of Corinth (to the west).
There we will visit the Temple of Apollo, a unique monolithic construction built in 585 B.C., the Agora of Ancient Corinth, the Archaeological Museum, and the Bema of Apostle Paul, who visited the city between 51 and 52 A.D.
Our next stop on our private tour is a visit to the birthplace of the Mycenaean civilization – Mycenae. The ancient city of Mycenae, the golden Mycenae of Homer, is located near the city of Argos. During the reign of King Agamemnon (known from the Iliad), Mycenae was at that time the most important city in Greece. Merchants and sailors from the 15th century B.C., became known from the epic writings of Homer as heroic warriors. Among the most impressive monuments of the Acropolis at Mycenae are the Lions Gate, Treasury of Atreus, and the huge Cyclopean Walls. After visiting the site you will have the opportunity to taste Greek cuisine at a local taverna in the village of Mycenae.
We will continue on our 2-Day Argolida Tour with our private minibus to visit the seaport town of Nafplion. This beautiful town was the first capital of modern Greece from 1829 to 1834 and according to mythology, the most ancient city of Greece. Nafplion is nestled under the shadow of the Palamidi and the Akronafplia forts (castles). The Palamidi is a Venetian built baroque fortress and was completed in 1714, captured by the Turks in 1715 and finally captured by the Greeks in 1822.
You will walk through the picturesque streets and the squares of Philhellenes, Kapodistrias and Syntagma with their neoclassical buildings, tourist and traditional Greek art shops, cafes and restaurants. Take time for a coffee at a cafe looking out over the charming harbour of Nafplion to the fort of Bourtzi, which is situated at the mouth of the harbour. The Bourtzi was built in 1473 by the Venetians to protect the town from pirates and any other invaders coming by sea. The Greeks regained it from the Turks on June 18, 1822. Until 1865 it served as a fortress, and then was used as the living quarters of the executioners of the convicts who were taken from the castle of the Palamidi. From 1930 to 1970 it became a hotel.
Day 2
Ancient Sparta was known for its military strength, due mainly to the way young Spartan boys and girls were educated, and the discipline, heroism and unparalleled bravery of its soldiers, who achieved legendary victories. The film, “300”, bringing history to life by depicting the battle of Thermopylae against the Persians in 480 B.C.
Sparta was not particularly distinguished in literature or the arts, but remains forever in human history for the bravery of its citizens and their commitment to the values of the ancient world.
After breakfast at your hotel we will visit the sites of Sparta, including the Statue of King Leonidas, the Acropolis of Sparta, the Archaeological Museum or the Olive Oil Museum.
We will then drive with our private-hire (chauffeur-driven) minibus along the scenic route north of Mount Taygetos to reach Mystras situated six km NW of Sparta. Our first glimpse of the Byzantine castle and fortified village of Mystras will take you on a journey back, in your imagination, to the Byzantine Empire. A scene of the grandeur of a bygone era; the “Palaces of Palaeologus”, the residences of the nobility ( Laskaris, Fragopoulos), the imposing churches, St. Demetrios, Pantanassas and the monasteries, Peribleptos, Vrontochion, covering a historical period from the mid 13th century until 1953, making an almost fairy tale impression on our senses.
The last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, was despot at Mystras before he came to the throne at Constantinoupolis.
We will conclude our 2-Day sightseeing tour of Argolis, Sparta and Mystras by taking you to a local Greek taverna in the village of Mystras.
After your meal our two day private minibus tour will come to an end as we drive back to your Athens drop-off point.
Lunch and admission fees to monuments and sites are not included in the price of your private tour.
Your tour is flexible, giving you the opportunity to change your itinerary according to your personal wishes. Just discuss any changes you would like, with your chauffeur-driver.
