Argolida-Sparta

Day 1

We begin our journey from Athens in the morning and follow the coastal National Highway to the Corinth Canal where we make out first stop.  Moving along to the south, on the narrow stretch of land that joins the Peloponnese to the mainland of Greece, we arrive at the ancient city of Corinth.   The site of ancient Corinth was first inhabited in the Neolithic period (5000-3000 BC), and flourished as a major Greek city from the 8th century BC.

Corinth played a major role in the missionary work of the Apostle Paul.  At the archeological site you will visit the Bema, the public platform that was used for public announcements and judgments, and where St. Paul had to plead his case under the accusations of contrary teaching (50s AD).   Other major landmarks you will see are the 6^th century BC Temple of Apollo and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of medicine and healing.  Next stop is Kechries, the port from where St. Paul sailed to Ephesus.

As we continue our journey, we stop for lunch at the beautiful port of Nafplio, where you can enjoy lunch beside the sea, with the view of Bourtzi, the castle that stands on a small islet in the middle of the harbor.

Our next destination is Mycenae, the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon and the most important and richest palatial center of the Late Bronze Age in Greece.  Its name was given to one of the greatest civilizations of Greek prehistory, the Mycenaean civilization (1600-1100 BC).  Taking a tour of the archaeological site, you will see the Lion Gate, located at the entrance of the Bronze Age citadel of the city.  The impressive Cyclopean wall surrounding and protecting the Acropolis, and the tomb of king Agamemnon, the biggest and best preserved of all the tombs.

We conclude our first day as we drive towards the south of Peloponnese and arrive at the city of Sparta, capital of the prefecture of Lakonia.  It lies on the foothills of Mount Taygetos in the Evrotas River valley, an enchanting natural environment.  We will spend the night in Sparta.

Day 2

We start in the morning our tour of Sparta which was founded in the 9^th century BC and it was the most powerful military city of Ancient Greece.  The Spartans had dedicated their lives to serving their country with courage, honor, by all means and with no fear:  King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans are still to this day considered the embodiment of determination and strength.  The colossal bronze statue of King Leonidas is located in the central stadium of Sparta!

In Sparta, our tour includes a visit to the Acropolis, the Ancient Theater and the Archaeological site of Menelaion.  You will also have the chance to visit the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine fortified city of Mystras (a Unesco World Heritage site), just 7 km from Sparta.  Continue to see some of the monasteries and churches with impressive frescoes, plus you will have the chance to walk through the ancient castle and admire the Byzantine ruins.

As we complete our tour and before we begin our return trip to Athens, we stop for lunch at a traditional tavern in Mystras.