Corinth - Mystras - Sparta

Corinth Canal - Starting with a coastal drive, you’ll see some charming Greek seaside villages and the island of Salamis, known for the historic naval battle between the Athenians and Persians. Our first stop is the Corinth Canal, which opened in 1892, separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece and connecting the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Sea. You’ll have time to walk across a pedestrian bridge to admire the canal up close, and on some days, you can even try bungee jumping if you’re adventurous.

Akrokorinthos - Acrocorinth is the oldest and largest castle in southern Greece. We’ll pause here for some photos of the stunning view.

Temple of Apollo - We’ll visit the Temple of Apollo, located in the ancient city of Corinth.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - Beyond its archaeological and historical significance, Ancient Corinth is a major religious destination in Greece. This is where Apostle Paul preached Christianity, was judged by the tribunal in the Agora, and established the best-organized Christian church of that era.

Mystras - After visiting Ancient Corinth, we’ll head towards Mystras, driving through the mountainous landscape of the southern Peloponnese. Upon reaching Mystras, you’ll immediately see why this location is unique among Greek sites. Known as the ghost city, Mystras is fortified on a citadel and is one of the few places in Greece that preserves medieval churches, ordinary houses, mansions, and palaces of the Byzantine Empire, combined with Frankish elements.

Archaeological Site of Mystra - As you walk through the site, you’ll reach the citadel at the upper point and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding areas. Walking downhill, you’ll encounter palaces and royal courtyards. Despite being known as the ghost city, many monasteries are still active, and the monks will gladly show you around their small community. Before you exit, you’ll come across the chapel of St. Demetrios, where a plaque depicting a two-headed eagle (the symbol of Byzantium) survives on the floor. It was on this plaque that Konstantine Palaiologos kneeled before being crowned the last emperor of Byzantium.

Acropolis and Ancient Theater - Next, we’ll spend time in Sparta, known as the eternal rival of Athenian democracy. Sparta had a different worldview compared to other ancient Greek cities. Initially known as the birthplace of Helen of Troy and the Kingdom of Menelaus (in the Mycenaean period), Sparta was organized as a purely military society in ancient Greece. It was the city of two kings, where a few aristocrats ruled, and the city from which Leonidas and his 300 Spartans marched to face the Persian army at Thermopylae in 480 BCE.

Leonidas Monument - We’ll pass by the stadium where the statue of King Leonidas stands, marking the endpoint of the Spartathlon race (Athens – Sparta 245.3 km).

Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil - We’ll visit the museum dedicated to olive and olive oil, learning about one of Greece’s most famous products.

Sparta - Monemvasia - Nafplio

Monemvasia Fortress - Monemvasia is a living old city on an island connected to the Greek mainland. A fortress and prosperous city of the Byzantine Empire, Monemvasia (meaning “one entrance”) still survives with its narrow streets, mansions, small houses, churches, walls, gate, and citadel. The city is still inhabited, and history comes alive here. We’ll spend half the day in Monemvasia, where you can have lunch by the sea on the old wall and explore the city, continually discovering new points of interest.

Agia Sofia Church - Agia Sofia (St. Sophia’s Church) is the main sanctuary in Monemvasia’s upper town. This large Byzantine church is built on the edge of a cliff, offering a vertiginous view of the bay below. Beyond the Venetian loggia that forms the façade, the interior is calm and refreshing. Admire the impressive dome, finely sculpted marble capitals, and fragments of 13th-century frescoes.

Nafplio - We’ll move towards the more recent history of Greece and the city of Nafplion. Considered the most scenic city, Nafplion served as the capital of Greece until 1834. This romantic city offers a unique combination of fortresses and castles (Palamidi, Bourtzi), a vast harbor open to the Aegean Sea, and the distinctive architecture of the old city, revealing Venetian, neoclassical, and oriental elements. After exploring the picturesque old city, we’ll stop for lunch at a traditional tavern by the sea and later drive up to the castle of Acronafplia for a panoramic view of Nafplion.

Nafplio - Epidaurus - Mycenae

Sanctuary of Asklepios - After a short drive, you’ll visit one of the most important ancient Greek sanctuaries dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing and medicine. Located in a peaceful, hilly area, the sanctuary reaches its highest point at the theater of Epidaurus.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - At the highest point of the sanctuary is the theater of Epidaurus, the best-preserved ancient Greek theater, dating back to the 4th century BCE. It showcases the incredible achievements of ancient Greek minds. You can test the theater’s acoustics, which are still excellent today, and climb to the upper seats to imagine attending an ancient Greek tragedy.

Archaeological Site Mycenae - Dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE, Mycenae represents the world described by Homer, including figures like Achilles, Agamemnon, and Helen of Troy. The palace of Mycenae gave its name to an entire era.

Lion Gate - At the site, you’ll see the famous Lion Gate (the oldest architectural sculpture in Europe), the cyclopean walls, the burial circle A, and the remains of Agamemnon’s Palace.

Archaeological Museum of Ancient Mycenae - Within the site, there’s a modern museum exhibiting the findings from the “City of Gold.”

Citadel and Treasury of Atreus - Before leaving the site, we’ll make a brief stop at the Treasury of Atreus, the best-preserved tholos tomb and one of the finest examples of Mycenaean architecture.

Athens - We’ll drive back to Athens.

• Hotel/ AirBnb/ Port pick up & drop-off
• Bottled water
• Professional Drivers with Deep knowledge of history. [Not licensed to accompany you in any site.]
• Transport by private vehicle
• Accommodation and breakfast (according to your booking)

• Accommodation with breakfast (according to your booking)
• Licensed Tour guide on request (Additional cost)
• Entrance Fees
• Airport Pick Up and drop-off (Additional cost)

• The duration of the tours is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• The drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside any site or museum. If you require a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you need to hire one additionally. If you have any questions you can contact us on the phone number provided by Viator.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.