Corinth - Mystras - Sparta

Corinth Canal - Our journey begins with a coastal drive, offering views of charming Greek seaside villages and the island of Salamis, the site of a historic naval battle between the Athenians and Persians. Our first stop is the Corinth Canal, inaugurated in 1892, which separates the Peloponnese peninsula from mainland Greece and links the Saronic Gulf with the Corinthian Sea. You’ll have the opportunity to walk across a pedestrian bridge for a closer look at the canal, and on some days, bungee jumping is available for the adventurous.

Mystras - After visiting the canal, we’ll head towards Mystras, traveling through the mountainous terrain of the southern Peloponnese. Upon arrival, you’ll see why Mystras is a unique site in Greece. Known as the ghost city, this fortified citadel preserves medieval churches, ordinary houses, mansions, and palaces from the Byzantine Empire, along with Frankish elements.

Archaeological Site of Mystras - As you explore the site, you’ll reach the citadel at the upper point and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area. Walking downhill, you’ll encounter palaces and royal courtyards. Despite being called a ghost city, many monasteries are still active, and monks are happy to show you around. Before leaving, you’ll find the chapel of St. Demetrios, where a plaque depicting a two-headed eagle, the symbol of Byzantium, marks the spot where Konstantine Palaiologos was crowned the last emperor of Byzantium.

Acropolis and Ancient Theater - Next, we’ll spend time in Sparta, the eternal rival of Athenian Democracy. Known for its military society, Sparta was the birthplace of Helen of Troy and the kingdom of Menelaus during the Mycenaean period. It was also the city of two kings, where a few aristocrats ruled, and where Leonidas and his 300 Spartans set out 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 - Our visit to the museum will provide insights into the significance of olive oil, one of Greece’s most famous products.

Sparta - Monemvasia

Monemvasia Fortress - Monemvasia is a living old city on an island connected to the mainland. This fortress and prosperous Byzantine city, whose name means “one entrance,” still thrives with narrow streets, mansions, small houses, churches, walls, gates, and a citadel. We’ll spend half a day here, allowing you to have lunch by the sea on the old wall and explore the city, discovering new points of interest.

Agia Sofia Church - Agia Sofia, the main sanctuary in Monemvasia’s upper town, is a large Byzantine church perched on a cliff with a breathtaking view of the bay below. The interior is serene and refreshing, featuring an impressive dome, finely sculpted marble capitals, and fragments of 13th-century frescoes.

Monemvasia - Mycenae - Nafplio

Archaeological Site Mycenae - Our next stop is Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE. This citadel, associated with Achilles, Agamemnon, and Helen of Troy, features cyclopean walls, a burial circle, and the remains of Agamemnon’s Palace.

Lion Gate - At Mycenae, you’ll see the famous Lion Gate, the oldest architectural sculpture in Europe.

Archaeological Museum of Ancient Mycenae - The site also includes a modern museum displaying artifacts from the “City of Gold.”

Citadel and Treasury of Atreus - Before leaving, we’ll visit the Treasury of Atreus, the best-preserved tholos tomb and a prime example of Mycenaean architecture.

Nafplio - We’ll then head to Nafplio, a city rich in more recent Greek history and considered the most scenic in the country. Once the capital of Greece until 1834, Nafplio boasts a blend of fortresses, castles (Palamidi), and a large port open to the Aegean Sea. The old city’s unique architecture reveals Venetian, neoclassical, and oriental influences. After exploring the idyllic old city, we’ll have lunch at a traditional seaside tavern.

Bourtzi - Bourtzi is a small islet with a fortress in the expansive port open to the Aegean Sea.

Akronafplia Fortress - We’ll drive up to the Akronafplia Fortress for a panoramic view of Nafplio.

Nafplio - Epidaurus - Corinth

Sanctuary of Asklepios - A short drive will take us to the Sanctuary of Asklepios, one of the most important ancient Greek sanctuaries dedicated to the god of healing and medicine. The site is located in a peaceful, hilly area, with the theater of Epidaurus at its highest point.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - The theater of Epidaurus, dating back to the 4th century BCE, is the best-preserved ancient Greek theater. Its acoustics are still impressive today, and you can climb to the upper seats and imagine attending an ancient Greek tragedy.

Akrokorinthos - Our final stop is Ancient Corinth, dominated by the hill of Acrocorinth and its old castle, the oldest and largest in southern Greece. The site is located at the hill’s base.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - Ancient Corinth includes the Roman Agora, the Temple of Apollo, and a small museum. It is also a significant religious site, as the Apostle Paul preached Christianity here, was judged in the Agora, and established one of the best-organized Christian churches of that era.

Temple of Apollo - We’ll visit the Temple of Apollo in Ancient Corinth. Built around 560 BCE, this early Doric temple, made of local monolithic limestone, stands on a rocky hill north of Acrocorinth and symbolizes Corinth’s growth and prosperity.

Athens - We’ll then drive back to Athens.

• Convenient pick-up and drop-off from hotels, AirBnbs, or ports
• Complimentary bottled water
• Private transportation for your comfort
• Knowledgeable professional drivers (Note: drivers are not licensed for site guidance)

• Accommodation (We work with some of the best hotels. We have to know the number of the rooms)
• 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.
• Our company complies with all the health instructions of the World Health Organization about COVID-19.

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.