Medieval town of Mystras - Sparta

Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Sparta

 Mystras, Nafplion  Palamidi Castle

Sparta Mystras

1st DAY: Greece private tour drives westwards along the scenic coast , through the ancient areas of Elefsis and Megara until we reach the Corinth canal with its breathtaking views (short stop / on the bridge, which is the highest point of the canal -80 meters high and 6 km long- which connects the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea (short stop).

Shortly after we arrive at the Ancient town of Corinth. Back in ancient times Corinth was one of the three major powers in Greece, and took part in all the battles against the Persians. It was from one of the richest cities and this is quite evident by its remains, including the huge Agora (market place) and Apollo's Temple 6th c . B .C.)

The ancient theatre of Sparta is on the southern side of the Acropolis of Sparta. We do not know whether there was a theatre on this site in archaic times, if there was a structure of some kind, it would have been wooden, or the natural form of the slope itself may have served the purpose, as it did for contemporary Athenians as the theatre of Dionysus.

Following the road from Sparta which passes through plane trees, cypresses, olive trees, mulberries and orange trees we reach Mystras. In the distance, mount Taygetos looms proudly. We scan its innumerable peaks, precipitous slopes and deep gorges until our gaze suddenly rests on a hill, detached from the mountain range.

>On the naturally defended hill of Myzithras in Lacedaimon, the ruler of the Frankish Principate of Achaia Guillaume de Villehardouin built in 1249 a strong medieval castle the "Oriokastro" which was to play an important role in the history of the last centuries of the Byzantine empire.

High on its summit stands an impregnable fortress and on its flanks extends the erstwhile glorious Medieval state of Mystras, now in ruins and silent.

2nd day: Continue for Nafplion (first capital city of Greece in modern time - time for shopping if you wish) through the fertile plain of Argolis, the picturesque town nestling at the foot of a cliff crowned by the mighty ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress.

Over night in a traditional hotel, located on the top of the old city just under the castle), the picturesque town nestling at the foot of a cliff crowned by the mighty ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress. After breakfast visit the most well preserved castle in Greece, Palamidi.

You can view our portfolio of photos at http://www.panoramio.com/user/45649/tags/Nafplion

Depart for ancient Tiryns, (Set on a bluff in the centre of a plain, the fortress of Tyrins is a Cyclopean structure dating from the 13c BC, a well preserved masterpiece of ancient military architecture.)

Then drive on to Mycenae, the Homeric city of the Atreides, the city " rich in gold " of the ancient poets. Visit the Lions Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, the famous Royal Tombs of King Agamemnon e.t.c. Return to Athens

You can view our portfolio of photos at http://www.panoramio.com/user/45649/tags/Mycenae

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