Sparta - Bred for Battle! The legendary period!

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Piraeus

   Pick up from your accommodation in Athens or your cruise ship pier at Piraeus port. The Port of Piraeus is the chief seaport of Athens, Greece, located on the Saronic Gulf on the western coasts of the Aegean Sea. Piraeus port is the largest port in Greece, home to Europe's biggest passenger port, and as such is a huge draw for cruise ships from around the world bringing tourists eager to explore this centuries-old city, and one of the largest in Europe. But yet another major draw is the fact that it's easy to visit Athens because it's located nearby. The Greek capital city of Athens is just 12 kilometers or 7 miles from Piraeus port. We will drive directly to the Acropolis to admire the Temple of Democracy!

   Pass by without stopping

2. Attica

   You will be traveling through Attica, a journey” in 6,000- year history, the land that gave birth to ideas and arts, has created and shaped what we call today the western civilization. Today, a visit to Attica offers visitors a unique experience. A “journey” in its 6,000-year history, including the chance to see renowned monuments and masterpieces of the art of antiquity and the Middle Ages, and the architectural heritage of the 19th and 20th centuries. Here lies Athens, the capital of Greece, the busiest city of the country with the most prominent archaeological site and symbol of the country, the world-famous sacred rock of the Acropolis. Attica is home to some of the world’s most important and fascinating museums and archaeological sites, testimony to its long and prominent role in world history. Festivals featuring ancient Greek drama, as well as performances, sports, or culinary events are organized throughout the year, spellbinding the audience. Then travel towards Peloponnese!

   Pass by without stopping

3. Peloponnese

   Admire the travel along the coastal road of the Saronic golf till we will arrive at the famous Corinth canal in Peloponnese. The Peloponnese is a peninsula and geographic region in southern Greece. It is connected to the central part of the country by the Isthmus of Corinth land bridge which separates the Gulf of Corinth from the Saronic Gulf. Peloponnese grape varieties have a very special place in the treasure of native Greek grape varieties. Τhe Peloponnese Wine Roads take you on a journey to a modern, sometimes rare and definitely unknown to many wine world, full of authenticity and history. Native Peloponnese grape varieties do not only reflect the diversity of Greek and Peloponnesian wine, but also the significance of some very special Greek varieties. Among them are two of the four most renowned varieties of the Greek vineyard in the world’s best markets: the exotic Moschofilero-Mantinia and the captivating Agiorgitiko-Nemea. Moreover, Mavrodafni is known for the popular dessert

   55 minutes here

4. Corinth Canal

   The Corinth Canal is a waterway that crosses the narrow isthmus of Corinth to link the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf. As such, the canal separates the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese, turning it into an island. It is an important navigational route that once allowed ships to enter the Aegean Sea. Dug through the isthmus at sea level, the canal is 6.4 kilometers long with a width of only 25 meters. The canal, though executed in the late 19th century, has been a 2000-year-old dream. Before that, ships in the Aegean Sea that wanted to cross to the Adriatic or anchor in Corinth, a rich shipping city, had to circle the Peloponnese, which would prolong their journey an extra 185 nautical miles. It is believed that Periander, the tyrant of Corinth (602 BC), was the first to conceive of the idea of digging the Corinth Canal. As the project was too complicated, Periander constructed the diolkós, a stone road that allowed ships to be transferred on wheeled platforms.

   15 minutes here

5. Laconia Region

   After your visit at the famous Corinth Canal you will be traveling through Lakonia region. Laconia or Lakonia is a historical and administrative region of Greece located on the southeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. Its administrative capital is Sparta.

   110 minutes here

6. Sparta

   This is SPARTAAAA! Sparta was a warrior society in ancient Greece that reached the height of its power after defeating rival city-state Athens in their War (431-404 B.C.). Spartan culture was centered on loyalty to the state and military service. At age 7, Spartan boys entered a rigorous state-sponsored education, military training, and socialization program. The system emphasized duty, discipline, and endurance. 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 a favor, so the Trojan prince came to Sparta to claim his trophy. He abducted Helen and traveled 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. Here you will have the chance to taste the local cusine (optional)

   110 minutes here

7. Excavations carried out during the previous century, north of the modern town of Sparta, brought to light an impressive construction. The edifice that dates back to the 5th century B.C. was made from large limestone. Waldstein, who carried out the excavations in 1892, initially thought it was a small temple. Although its use is not yet verified, it is believed to be the tomb of Leonidas. According to Pausanias, it was here that the remains of the legendary king of Sparta were transferred and buried after the battle in Thermopylae. The tomb of Leonidas is the only preserved monument of the Ancient Agora. The tomb of Leonidas, north to the modern town of Sparta, is an emblem and an important monument, as it is the only monument preserved from the Ancient Agora. Also known and as Leonidaion, excavations of the construction were carried out by Waldstein in 1892. The impressive edifice (12.5 × 8.30 m) has the form of a temple probably dating back to the late 5th century B.C.

   10 minutes here

8. Archaeological Site of Mystra

   Mystras occupies a steep foothill on the northern slopes of Mt. Taygetos, 6km. NW of Sparta. The castle on the top of the hill was founded in 1249 by the Frankish leader William II de Villeharduin. After 1262 it came under Byzantine control, and at the middle of the 14th century became the seat of the Despotate of Moreas. In 1448 the last emperor of Byzantium, Constantine XI Palaeologos, was crowned at Mystras. In 1460 the hill was captured by the Turks and in 1464 Sigismondo Malatesta of Rimini managed to capture the city but not the castle. For a short period Mystras came under the control of the Venetians (1687-1715) but was again taken over by the Turks. It was one of the first castles of Greece to be liberated in 1821. The foundation of modern Sparta by king Otto in 1834 marked the end of the old town's life.

   60 minutes here · Admission not included

9. Piraeus

   We will take now the way back to Athens and Piraeus port. Our tour ends by dropping you off at the same spot we have picked you up. Thank you for choosing us for your tour in Greece!

   170 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Minibus up to 11 Passengers

  PERSONAL AND PRIVATE: This is a private tour just for you, your family, and your friends ROUTE PLANNER: We will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in Athens where your tour starts and we will drop you off back TRAVEL WITH STYLE: Groups of 1-3 Mercedes sedan or similar, 4-7 Luxury Mercedes Benz Minivan, 8-15 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter A/C, Leather Interior Pickup included

• Sedan up to 3 Passengers

  PERSONAL AND PRIVATE: This is a private tour just for you, your family, and your friends ROUTE PLANNER: We will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in Athens where your tour starts and we will drop you off back TRAVEL WITH STYLE: Groups of 1-3 Mercedes sedan or similar, 4-7 Luxury Mercedes Benz Minivan, 8-15 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter A/C, Leather Interior Pickup included

• Minibus up to 15 Passengers

  PERSONAL AND PRIVATE: This is a private tour just for you, your family, and your friends ROUTE PLANNER: We will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in Athens where your tour starts and we will drop you off back TRAVEL WITH STYLE: Groups of 1-3 Mercedes sedan or similar, 4-7 Luxury Mercedes Benz Minivan, 8-15 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter A/C, Leather Interior Pickup included

• Group up to 7 p. / Minivan

  PERSONAL AND PRIVATE: This is a private tour just for you, your family, and your friends ROUTE PLANNER: We will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in Athens where your tour starts and we will drop you off back TRAVEL WITH STYLE: Groups of 1-3 Mercedes sedan or similar, 4-7 Luxury Mercedes Benz Minivan, 8-15 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter A/C, Leather Interior Pickup included

Before you book

Cancellation

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

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Athens Tours Greece

Know before you go

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Dress code is formal
• Athens International Airport transfers can be arranged on request at an extra cost!
• Important note: You will have a professional English-speaking driver with good knowledge of the history and culture of Greece, to guide you till you enter archaeological sites and museums according to the program. Tour drivers are not licensed to companion you inside the archaeological sites and museums. If you'd like to have one, we can arrange it for you at an additional cost. Licensed by the state tour guides are freelance and it is subject to availability on bookings day!

Photos

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