Sparta & Mystras: Ancient glory & medieval splendor

PELOPONNESE, GREECE
Intro
PELOPONNESE, GREECE

An unforgettable ONE day tour at South Peloponnese!

Sparta & Mystras: Ancient glory & medieval splendor

Discover SPARTA, full of history, surrounded by the mountains of Taygetos and Parnon. Sparta was the kingdom of Menelaus and his beautiful queen, the most beautiful of all mortal women of her time, Helen. Be the knight or princess of your childhood fairy tales, in the Byzantine town of MYSTRAS and wander around its mystical tower town and let yourself be captivated by this destination’s medieval splendor.

Sparta & Mystras

Highlights

Sparta- guided tour around the history and antiquities. The tour will start with a short introduction about the history of this town, in front of thefew remains that are left from the ancient city of Sparta

-A visit at the castle city of Mystras, full of medieval memories and byzantine glory! 3 hrs (optionally guided) tour

Why select this tour?

If you find interest in ancient or medieval scenery, if you only search for a one day short tour, or you have not visited North Peloponnese yet,  then this is a tour you should definitely experience.

History & Glossary

Nafplio is considered to be one of the most beautiful and romantic towns in Greece. Here, we walk through Greek history from archaic times to the present. Legend says that the town was founded by Nafplios, son of the god Poseidon.
Nafplios’ son Palamides fought in the Trojan War and today, his namesake, the huge Palamides castle, still stands atop the hill overlooking the town. We will drive you up to this famous castle to explore it and to enjoy the panoramic view. 

Surrounded by mounts Taygetos and Parnon, Sparta was once the kingdom of Menelaus and his beautiful queen, the most beautiful of all mortal women of her age, Helen. But Aphrodite had promised Paris of Troy the most beautiful woman on earth in return of a favour, so the Trojan prince came to Sparta to claim his trophy. 
He abducted Helen and travelled back to his homeland. Menelaus wanted his wife back and talked all the other kings of Greece into fighting against the Trojans. That’s pretty much how the most celebrated war of the myths started.

Mystras, the ‘wonder of the Morea’, was built as an amphitheatre around the fortress erected in 1249 by the prince of Achaia, William of Villehardouin. Reconquered by the Byzantines, then occupied by the Turks and the Venetians, the city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape.

Trout are species of freshwater fish, subfamily of Salmon. They are classified as oily fish, a good source of important fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A and D, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Because of their popularity, trout are often raised on fish farms, are also sold commercially as food fish and are sometimes prepared by smoking.

Itinerary Sparta & Mystras

Departure from Nafplion

From our GRECOPATHS base in NAFPLIO it is easy to explore all the angles of the Peloponnese. Early wake up and after breakfast, we take a drive to the south of the Peloponnese, to the famous city of SPARTA (about 2 hours drive).

Sparta

A guided tour at the remains of the ancient city of Menelaus and beautiful Helen.

Mystras

3 hours optionally guided tour in the castle city of Mystras.

Lunch

In one of the oldest and most famous taverns in Sparta. Smoked trout served with fava, caper and caramelized onions is one of their best dishes.

Fish farm

Visit the fish farm on your way back to see the innovative family business from where your main dish came from!

Return

After lunch, we drive you back to Nafplio, where you can check in and relax in a cozy traditional guest house, or we can drive you back to Athens.

*You will receive a detailed itinerary after booking this pack!

Image Gallery Sparta & Mystras

Sparta & Mystras: Ancient glory & medieval splendor
Sparta & Mystras: Ancient glory & medieval splendor
Sparta & Mystras: Ancient glory & medieval splendor
Sparta & Mystras: Ancient glory & medieval splendor

Video Sparta & Mystras

Important Information Sparta & Mystras

Price Includes

Land Transportation with luxury mini bus and a professional driver (From Nafplio , Sparta, Mystras and back-Full day tour)

 
** Prices may be changed depends season & number of persons

Price Excludes

-Your return travel expenses to Greece from the country of your arrival

-Travel and medical insurance.

-Guided tours

-Lunch or tastings

-Gratuities to the hotel personal or the tour operators-guides at your discretion

-Entrance fees in archaeological sites & museums

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