3 Day Peloponnese Tour: Sparta, Monemvasia & Ancient Olympia

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, if you’re game on some days bungee jumping is an option.

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.

The Archaeological Museum of Sparta is a museum in Sparta in Greece. It houses thousands of finds from the ancient Acropolis of Sparta, known as the Lakedaemonia, but also from the rest of the municipality of Laconia. The collection's pieces date from the Neolithic Age to the late Roman Period. There are seven rooms of an approximate area of 500 square metres 5,400 sq ft which display only a small part of the collection

The Ancient Theater of Sparta is located at the southwest side of the Acropolis hill, under the Sanctuary of Athena, and is the most impressive monument of the archaeological site of Sparta. The first phase of its construction dates back to the late Hellenistic Period (5th century B.C.) but it was reconstructed during the Roman period (1st-4th century A.D.) Despite the numerous transformations it preserves the form taken under the reign of the Emperor Augustus (1st century A.D.). Like many ancient theaters, it has northern orientation to keep the sun off the spectators. It is one of the largest theatres of Ancient Greece, its external diameter is 140 meters long and its total width reaches 114 meters. It had 48 rows of seats providing a total capacity of 16.000. The theater initially hosted public events, ceremonies and games.

Following that 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 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.

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.

The olive tree thrives in the Mediterranean basin and is inextricably linked to Greece and its history. Olive oil production in this region is an activity that dates back thousands of years and provides us with this precious gift of nature that nourishes, protects, preserves, heals, stimulates and inspires us all. The use of the olive tree has been known since antiquity. It was cultivated in Ancient Greece and its produce used to be an important commercial product.

Monemvasia, founded by the Byzantines in the sixth century, is a breathtaking medieval tower town located on the south eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Take the opportunity to explore this mystical stone built settlement, nestled at the edge of a big rock by the sea, and immerse yourself in a unique medieval atmosphere!

Upon entering the castle, your journey through time begins. Peer into the history of the fortress the so called Gibraltar of the East, which was occupied by the Byzantines, the Crusaders, the Venetians, and the Turks in the past. Wander around its narrow cobbled streets, and admire the beautifully restored stone buildings. Taste culinary delights at a fine restaurant on the roof of a tower house, and spend a romantic night at a stone-built tower. The Kastro or castle is divided into two parts, the lower and upper town.

Nestled in the foothills of the Saggias mountains on the western coast of the Peloponnese’s Mani Peninsula, Areopoli is often referred to as “Mani’s heart of stone”—a monicker that, it should be noted, has more to do with the town’s traditional stonemasonry buildings than with the (actually rather friendly and welcoming) disposition of its townsfolk. Mani, part of the district of Laconia, has emerged as a popular destination thanks to its winning combination of breathtaking rugged beauty and local history and culture, which you can delve deeper into with every village you visit. Just one glance at the map reveals that the region is dotted with scenic spots—gorgeous wild coves, tranquil beaches, and enchanting caves—as well as historical and built heritage sites, all within a stone’s throw from each other.

A holiday in Gytheio is a holiday in the “Land of the Gods" literally as well as metaphorically! The town’s name is derived from "gyia" (land) and “theos” (god), but while you might think this reflects the area’s beauty, there’s actually another myth behind the name. When the ancient city was being built,
Hercules and Apollo fell out over the sacred Delphic Tripod. However, since neither of them won the struggle for the tripod, the city was not named after either of them, but was instead called the "Land of the Gods”

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is one of the principal museums of Greece, located in Olympia. It is overseen by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and, as of 2009, is directed by Georgia Chatzi. When the original building was completed and opened in 1882, it was the first museum in Greece outside of Athens. The museum houses discoveries from the surrounding area, including the site of the Ancient Olympic Games. The collection includes objects produced and used in the area from prehistory to its time under Roman rule. The principal pieces in the museum are Hermes and the Infant Dionysus (attributed to Praxiteles), some objects from the Temple of Zeus, the Nike of Paionios, as well as an oenochoe that belonged to Phidias. The extent of its bronze collection makes it one of the most important in the world.

The archaeological site held over 70 significant buildings, and ruins of many of these survive. Of special interest to Greeks of all times is the Pelopion, the tomb of the quasi-mythical king, ancestor of the Atreids, the two kings who led their domains to war against Troy. The Peloponnesus is named for Pelops. The tomb suggests that he may not have been entirely mythical.

Olympia was a sacred place that attracted worshipers from around the ancient world. Starting from the 8th century BC, the religious celebrations at Olympia became associated with the Sacred Olympic Truce, honored throughout the Greek world following an agreement between the Spartan Lykourgos and the King of Elis, Iphitos. In the 5th century BC, Olympia became a place where ideas were spread, with dozens of thinkers and influential individuals coming here to exchange and pass on their knowledge and ideas.