Mystras and Sparta Historic Journey: Visit Leonidas and Limeni Village

Embark on a historic journey to Mystras and Sparta, where you’ll explore the impeccably-preserved Byzantine city of Mystras, visit the ancient citadel of Sparta, and discover the secret gem of Limeni Village in Peloponnese.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Athens - We will start from your hotel or other accommodation. We will need about 1 hour to reach Corinth Canal

  • Corinth Canal - 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 and take nice photos.

  • Archaeological Site of Mystra - After the stop at the canal we will head towards Mystras driving into the southern Peloponnese peninsula through the mountainous landscape of the Greek country side. Reaching Mystras you will automatically understand why this location stands so unique within the Greek sites. Known as the ghost city, fortified on a citadel, Mystras is one of the two locations in Greece that preserves not only medieval churches but also ordinary houses, mansions and palaces of the Byzantine Empire in combination with Frankish elements.

  • Mystras - 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.

  • Acropolis and Ancient Theater - Sparta is 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.

  • Leonidas Monument - As we continue our tour in Sparta, 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).

  • Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil - We will visit the museum of olive/olive oil and learn many things about the most famous products of Greece.

  • Areopoli - The word Areopoli, which means “city of Ares”, the ancient Greek god of war, became the official name in 1912. It was the seat of Oitylo municipality. The Greek War of Independence was started at Areopoli on March 17, 1821 by Petros Pierrakos, also known as Petros Mavromichalis, the last bey of Mani. Now Areopoli has grown into a flourishing town. Its tower houses, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages.

  • Limeni - Limeni is a village in Mani. Mani is in the southern part of Peloponnese and is an area of unique natural beauty, tradition, and history. This place is a secret gem that is not known to many tourists, and it still has its original character. When you arrive at the village, the first things that strike you are turquoise waters and the imposing stone towers built around the coast. As you get into the small alleys, you get mesmerized by the simplicity and beauty of this little jewel of Peloponnese.

  • Athens - Our tour concluded at your hotel or other accommodation.

What's Included
  • Private pick-up & drop-off from your hotel, Airbnb, or port
  • Complimentary welcome culinary gift
  • Bottled water provided
  • Exclusive use of private transportation
  • Professional drivers with extensive historical knowledge (Note: drivers are not licensed tour guides)
What's Not Included
  • Licensed Tour guide inside Archaeological sites
  • Lunch
  • Entry/Admission - Archaeological Site of Mystra (12 Euro p.p.)
  • Entry/Admission - Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil (3 Euro p.p.)
Additional Information

Formerly marvelled as the wonder of Morea, Mystras, the ancient city, is a remarkably well-preserved Byzantine settlement set against a mountainous backdrop. Traverse through the city, hailed by the UNESCO World Heritage List as an exquisite palatial complex, before setting off for the historic Sparta to explore an ancient citadel and pay a visit to King Leonidas’ statue. Drop by the Olive Oil Museum to deepen your understanding of olive oil production, followed by an excursion to Peloponnese’s concealed treasure, Limeni. Limeni, a village in Mani and located in Peloponnese’s southern region, is a site graced with unparalleled natural splendor, cultural heritage, and historical significance. Its authentic charm remains untouched today. As you wander through its narrow lanes, you’ll be captivated by this small Peloponnesian village’s simple yet enchanting allure.

Location
Athens
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.0
(4 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
James
Aug 21, 2024
Nick was awesome - Sickness an awesome , very informative and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend him and will do another tour when back in Athens again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mary
Jul 7, 2024
Private tour to Sparta, Mystras and Limeni - We took a full day tour from Athens to Sparta, Mystras and Limeni. Nik was great, he was very knowledgeable and personable. We learned so much about Greece. The car was clean and comfortable. The ride through the Greek countryside was beautiful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
737athanasias
Feb 25, 2024
Peloponnese is Mythical - Great trip and great driver.Very knowledgeable and fun. Limeni is an absolute beauty! Would absolutely recommend to anyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth_w
Jan 11, 2024
Would recommend spending... - Would recommend spending your time elsewhere. The tour guide was very nice and seemed to know the history but overall a waste of time. Since the weather was getting poor, rain, I asked the guide for an updated schedule as soon as we got in the car- said there was no schedule. Second stop at the ruins was quick because of the rain and the rocks on the walk way were too slippery (he told us to stay there for two hours.. took us 30 mins). We still did the canal on the way. We started heading out of town after the ruins and as we left the guide said how the other planned site on the web page were a waste of time we will go else where. I stated I wanted to see them, that is why I signed up. He did a u-turn to go to the olive museum but we missed the next few. He drove us to the first town that was listed on this site and everything was closed; he was confused on where to go with the town closed and told us to walk around - we were confused where since it was raining and with the rough seas the path along the water was blocked. The guide started asked locals where we should go. The next town over had a place open to eat so we stopped in there. From there we basically went back home. All this driving took all day from 8am pick up and roughly 7pm drop off. Really just a waste of time and wish I had planned something else. The guide was nice but so difficult to understand as he faced forward driving and we were in the back seat. He also was a smoker and when walking would blow smoke which often ended up in our faces.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1
Adult
October 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today