Gythion- Tour to Sparta & Mystra’s Byzantine City

Leave the port of Gythion. Drive through the wonderful landscape of southern Peloponnesus to Sparta. Visit the arch. Museum with its precious collections.The most important items of the museum are: the Clay amphora with relief decoration. Dated to the end of the 7th century B.C., the Statue of hoplitodromos, Clay masks from the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia at Sparta, Bronze idols coming from Menelaion and from the temple of Artemis Orthia in various types, Parts of mosaic floors, dated to the Imperial Roman period. After the visit of the museum drive to Acropolis. Explore the temple of Athena Chalkioikos on the top of the Acropolis, the ancient theatre of Sparta at the south side of the acropolis, the remains of shops just by the ancient theatre and the remains of a large Basilica of the Middle Byzantine period. After this walking guided tour drive to Mystras , with our air-conditioned coaches. At your arrival, enjoy a delicious typical Greek lunch in local restaurant offering incredible view.

After lunch walk to the nearby ancient city of Mystras which was once divided into three sectors: The castle built by Villehardouin (Kastro), the Upper Town, for the aristocracy and Lower Town, for the local citizens. Listen carefully to your guide as she/he points out some of the most important monuments, such as the Cathedral of Saint Demetrios, with it’s two-headed eagle engraved in the floor, symbolizing the Byzantium, Greek Orthodoxy and Paleologos Dynasty, which ruled the Byzantine empire in its last years. Visit Pantanasa & Perivleptos (?) .Continue further along the street, heading west, to see the Mortuary Chapel of the Evangelista (Annunciation) before making your way to the northern corner of the enclosure, where stands, the impressive Vrondocheon Monestary, with its two churches: the church St Theodore and the church of the Virgin Mary Hodegetreia, also known as Afendiko, who’s wall paintings will hold you spellbound. Before your walking tour comes to a close, marvel of the ruined houses and the palaces which are closed due to restorations, before walking down hill to rejoin your motorcoach. You will then return directly to Gythion and the ship.