Sparta and Mystras

This Kalamata shore excursion visits the archaeological site of Classical Sparta, once the largest and most powerful state in ancient Greece, and the fortified Byzantine city of Mystras nearby on Mount Taygetos.

After meeting your guide, you drive to Classical Sparta, whose military strength once led an alliance of mainland city-states and, after the Peloponnesian War, briefly made it the dominant power in Greece. Unlike Athens, ancient Sparta had no grand public buildings, city walls, or towers; its citizens were said to consider their soldiers the only walls the city needed. Modern Sparti, by contrast, is a thriving city and the birthplace of Otto, the first king of independent Greece, in 1834.

From Sparta you continue to Mystras, capital of the Byzantine Despotate of the Morea in the 14th and 15th centuries before it was abandoned. Entering through the castle gate, you climb through the narrow lanes of this fortified hill town, past the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios, the oldest and most significant monument on the site, where a two-headed eagle carved into the floor marks the spot believed to be where the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI, was crowned. Continuing up the hill, you'll pass the Church of Agia Sophia, the Palace of the Despots, and the Monastery of Pantanassa, known for its well-preserved frescoes. After your visit, you're driven back to your ship in Kalamata.

Mobility: this tour is not wheelchair accessible, given the uneven terrain at both sites. If you're traveling with a larger group, this tour can be arranged with a mid-size bus or full-size coach.

• Mobility: Due to uneven surfaces, steps, and walking distances, this itinerary is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs. Please contact us for alternative sightseeing options, including private driving tours that may better accommodate your needs.