Mystras Castle

Meet your tour leader your hotel inside the city limits or at the Land Gate, ready for your adventure in the venetian city.  Pass by the point where Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first ruler of Greece, was killed and will end up in the Syntagma Square, where Venetian and neoclassical buildings dominate your surroundings. Explore the old town's picturesque alleyways, where you will see historical buildings such as the First Parliament of the Greek State and the Archaeological Museum. You will then walk uphill to the Acropolis of Nafplion and marvel at the unique panoramic views of the bay. Continue the tour at the port of the city, where you'll learn about the Bourtzi castle, a Venetian fortress built on a a nearby island, which stands as the most recognized attraction of Nafplion. Then the tour ends at the port in front of the old city, where you'll have free time to continue exploring.

This amazing tour will give you an excellent to the discovery of the history of Laconia combining Ancient Greek and Medieval Greek history. We will begin with a drive along the coast. On the way, you passing some Greek seaside villages and the heroic Salamis Island (where the historical naval battle took place between the Athenians and the Persians). Soon after will be our first stop at the Corinth Canal. Operating since 1892 dividing the Peloponnese Peninsula from the rest of Greece while connecting the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Sea. Walking across the pedestrian bridge will be in awe of what has been accomplished here, on some days bungee jumping is an option. Leaving the canal we will head towards Mystras driving into the southern Peloponnese Peninsula through the mountainous landscape of the Greek countryside. 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. Walking in the site on the upper point you will reach the citadel and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding areas while walking downhill 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 Byzantine emperor. Before visiting Sparta we will stop at a traditional Greek tavern at the small village of Mystras. Following we will spend the rest of our time in Sparta, 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 birthplace of Helen of Troy and the Kingdom of Menelaus (in the 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 in Thermopylae in 480BCE. The city whose one soldier counted as ten soldiers from any other Greek city. Reaching Sparta we will visit the ancient citadel of Sparta where you will have a view of the ancient theater being revealed gradually in front of your eyes. Continuing 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). Lastly, we will visit the archaeological museum of Sparta and before we depart for Athens we will also visit the museum of (olive and) olive oil.

After a short drive through the center of Athens, your personal tour driver will take the scenic coastal road of the Saronic Gulf, towards the Peloponnese peninsula. After approx 50 minutes drive, you will reach the famous Corinth Canal, which connects the Ionian sea (West Greece) with the Aegean sea (East Greece). Stop for spectacular pictures from the canal bridge, and continue towards Sparta and Mystras. Sparta… A city-state founded by the Dorian’s in 11C BC well known for its citizen soldiers, strict military training, and powerful army with excellent skills. The most famous battle of the many in their history is the battle of Thermopylae. In 480 BC, a huge Persian army was trying to invade Greece. Barring the way at the mountain pass of Thermopylae where 300 Spartan soldiers led by King Leonidas, along with a few hundred Arcadians and Thespians. Do Not Miss To Visit: The Archaeological Museum of Sparta with its amazing artifacts and statues,- contains; Roman sculptures, small objects from sanctuaries at Sparta, mosaics, Laconian reliefs, inscribed Stella from the temple of Artemis Orthia, prehistoric collections. The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil witch is nicely set and it is very informative of the history of olive cultivation and the produce of olive oil since ancient times. Here you will find out about the many varieties of olives and all the relevant details, and see many works of art figures from over fifteen thousand years old fossilized leaves coming from Santorini. The Acropolis of Sparta is situated on a hillside just outside the town center and consists of the ancient Roman Agora, Temple of Athena Chalkionos, the Theatre, the church of the Christ Savoir, the cyclical building, and the remains of many other elements. Visiting the remains of the Acropolis, you may still see traces of the Spartan glory. The Menelaion is one of the world’s most astounding places, and you will be in a beautiful setting with the most glorious views. You look over the ancient Evrotas valley and Sparta and see the majestic peaks of the Taygetos mountains. There are two impressive monuments at this place, a bronze age palace, and a classical/Hellenistic shrine. Both are well preserved (not reachable today due to the extremely bad condition of the road). An emblem and an important monument of modern Sparta is the tomb of Leonidas. Also known as Leonidion. It is located north of Sparta’s modern city. Excavations of the previous century have brought in to light an impressive building measuring 12.5X8.30m. Mystras only 7km from Sparta, Mystras was the capital of the Despotate of Morea and the second city of the Byzantine Empire for a long period of its history. A unique site for anyone into history and the relation art/history/religion/culture. The place is mystic with Byzantine ruins and you can walk inside the ancient castle. At the end of visiting the sites, your private driver will drive you back to Athens arriving late in the afternoon.

You will visit one of the most beautiful coastal cities of the Peloponnese: Kalamata, in Messinia region. The olive oil tour and tasting experience is available all year round either in the mornings or in the afternoons. Greek official holidays are excluded. The Olive oil Experience If you want to get to know all about the unique features of olive oil or simply wonder what an olive-oil tasting seminar involves, this activity is right up your alley! Part 1: Olive grove & Visit at an Olive oil Mill Olive grove (available all year round) You’ll walk through the perennial olive trees and experience a 30' relaxing stroll through an olive grove located just 10' away from Kalamata. During your walk, you’ll get acquainted with different varieties of olive trees in all shapes and of all ages and learn the history of the olive tree and the olive oil from the Neolithic era until today! Olive oil mill (depending on season & availability - From March to October) You will learn all about the extraction process, from the olive grove to bottling and if it is the olive harvesting season, you’ll get to taste fresh and warm extra virgin olive oil, during our olive oil tasting! Part 2: Olive Oil tasting experience Along with our professional and certified olive oil expert, you’ll learn about the queen of Greek olive-oil varieties, Koroneiki, as well as other just as superb Greek olive oils. You’ll discover their key aromas, flavours and tastes, and will learn which olive-oil variety to pair with your favourite food. Part 3: Light or Full lunch (upon request & at an extra charge) If you wish to conclude your olive oil experience with a delicious light or full lunch, full of Messinian flavours, in one of the most welcoming Coffee Shop-Cum-Ouzo Taverns in the heart of Kalamata’s historic centre, just let us know and we can arrange it for you!

As the canyon does not have a high technical difficulty or a large number of technical routes and high rappels, is ideal for people or families with zero experience who simply want to be involved in Canyoning. Ag. Loukas is perfect for pleasant canyoning excursions, without particular difficulties and risks. Just a couple of hours driving from Athens you will have the chance to enjoy waterfalls, natural swimming pools We will hike for about 30 mins to arrive at the starting point. You will be given a training lesson from the guides on how to use the canyoning equipment. Ag Loukas canyon is about 1.5 km long, includes 5 small abseils, and the duration of the descent takes about 3 hours.

We will have a tour in our family olive groves where you will observe the cultivation and the Queen Koroneiki olive variety and we will inform you about cultivation, organic farming, irrigation and so many more. Back to our farm house, we will offer you a mini presentation about our brand, our local history, the local products and finally an olive oil tasting with organic extra virgin olive oils [evoos] from all over Greece. Last step, a food pairing experience with local organic and seasonal ingredients with receipes from our grand mother. You will taste home made bread, a greek salad, 100% greek yogurt, feta cheese, dark chocolate, fruits... And a small surprise for you: an olive cake!

After a pickup from your accommodation, take a 1-hour drive along the mainland coast to Peloponnese and have a brief stop at the Canal of Corinth. Continue on to reach Ancient Corinth, one of Saint Paul’s beloved cities. Have the chance to visit the ancient market and the Bema of Saint Paul, a large elevated rostrum standing prominently in the center of the Roman Forum of Ancient Corinth. Explore the former city-state and walk the same paths the Apostle of Nations once did and see where he preached hundreds of years ago. Next, visit the commercial town of Corinth and the Apostolos Pavlos Church, founded around 51-52 AD. Learn about Saint Paul's presence and life in the city and how he was hosted by the Jews of Achilles and Priscilla. Continue on to Kechrias Port and find out more about Saint Paul's second missionary journey and how he fulfilled a vow by shaving his head.   Conclude your visit with a short stop for a cup of coffee on your return journey back to Athens.

Canal of Corinth: Our tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel. Our first stop is at the awe-inspiring Canal of Corinth, which boasts a length of 6 km and a height of 80 m. Here, you'll have a chance to take some amazing photos and enjoy a coffee break before we continue our journey to Mystras. Mystras: is a Byzantine town that's renowned for its medieval splendor. When we arrive, you'll have the opportunity to explore the castle city in both the Upper and Lower Town. Take in the city's sheer grandeur as you wander through the Palace of the Despots (Anaktora), the Houses of Laskaris and Frangopoulos, the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Dimitrios, and the impressive Monasteries of Our Lady Pantánassa and of Οur Lady Perivleptos. As you explore the medieval churches, mansions, and palaces of the Byzantine Empire, let your imagination run wild as you visualize Frankish princes and princesses living in palatial mansions, foreign delegations arriving bearing gifts, and peasants, pilgrims, or traders filling the bustling streets. Mueum: After exploring Mystras, we'll visit the Archaeological Museum, where you'll gain a deep insight into the rich history of the area. The museum takes visitors on a journey through time, from ancient Greek and Roman times to the Byzantine period and beyond. Sparta: Our next stop is in Sparta, where you'll have the chance to see the Statue of Leonidas, the brave king of Sparta who led his men into battle against the Persians at the Battle of Thermopylae. We'll also visit the unique Museum of Olive Oil of Sparta, which showcases the unique history of olive production in Greece. Alternatively, we may visit the Archaeological Museum of Sparta. Valley of Keada: As we journey through the Taygetus mountain range, we'll make a stop at the "Valley of Keada," which is famous from Greek mythology. According to legend, the ancient Spartans threw their disabled children off a cliff in this valley. Another myth suggests that the ancient Spartans also threw off people condemned to death, perjurers, traitors, criminals, and prisoners of war.