Laconic Mani – Mystras – Ancient Olympia

Highlights

Ancient Corinth, Mystras, Olive Oil Museum, Gytheio, Cape Tainaron, Kastropoliteia Monastery (Vathia), Diros Cave, Areopoli, Limeni, Kardamili, Ancient Olympia, Vytina, Mycenae

It is a journey that includes rugged landscapes, stones, sun, and azure waters. The landscape is Doric, people are friendly and reserved. “Laconizein esti philosophin” here not only has a name but also has grace. Centuries-old tower houses, olive groves, and crystal-clear waters. Medieval and Byzantine castle-cities, picturesque villages, and traditional architecture. Caves and wind-sculpted slopes, traditional cuisine. You are in Lakoniki Mani, the land of modern explorers who love nature and want to experience its unadorned beauty, both wild and familiar.

DAY 1

Starting in the morning from Athens, we reach Ancient Corinth, a historical city that was inhabited since Neolithic times, known from Mycenaean times, especially mentioned by Homer as “wealthy.” Its economic prosperity peaked in the 7th and 6th centuries BC, while the prominence of the Isthmian Games dedicated to Poseidon enhanced its fame and glory. In the mid-1st century AD, when visited by Apostle Paul, Corinth was an important Roman city. Our second stop will be the castle-city of Mystras, whose foundation is accompanied by the first sacking of Constantinople by the Crusaders in 1204, when the Byzantine Empire fragmented, and the Peloponnese was ceded to the Frankish family of the Villehardouins. In 1349, Mystras became the capital of the semi-autonomous Despotate of Morea until 1460 when it surrendered to the Ottomans. In 1989, by decision of the relevant committee, it was inscribed as a cultural heritage site on the list of the world cultural heritage. Next, we visit the Olive Oil Museum, an impressive museum where we will have the opportunity to learn about the presence of the olive tree and the production of olive oil. We will see rare fossils, the symbolic dimension of the olive tree in mythology, religion, customs, and art. The evolution of technology in olive oil production leads us to Gytheio, where we will spend the night. A beautiful seaside town, amphitheatrically built with traditional taverns and legends, one of which is that Paris and beautiful Helen spent the night there when they escaped from Sparta to Troy and stayed on the island of Cranae right in front of the port (you can walk there).

You can book your stay in Gytheio through our website (extra cost). We stay overnight in a 4-star hotel or a small boutique hotel depending on availability.

DAY 2

We start our second day towards Cape Tainaron, the southernmost point of mainland Greece and the Balkan Peninsula. In a small and isolated cave of Tainaron, there are references by Plutarch and Pausanias to the existence of a necromanteion. Continuing through a enchanting route to Vathia, the renowned castle-town of Mani that resists the passage of time and transports the visitor to its glorious past. The entire settlement is recognized as a monument of 18th and 19th-century architectural heritage. Multistory towers with small characteristic windows that served as defensive positions. A settlement worth visiting before heading to the Diros Cave, one of the oldest caves patiently sculpted by nature, featuring extraordinary stalactites and stalagmites, impressive curtains, and solid crystals adorning every corner. Next is Areopoli, which, according to Greek mythology, got its name from Ares, the God of War. Areopoli has been designated as a preserved settlement for its history, traditions, and beauty. It’s worth exploring the Temple of Taxiarchs, the Byzantine Museum of Mani, strolling through its picturesque narrow streets, and enjoying local specialties before departing for Limeni, a small picturesque seaside village right by the sea that will enchant you with its location.

Continuing our journey through an amazing route, we reach Kardamili, a seaside village characterized by the Ministry of Culture as a landscape of natural beauty, with rich vegetation and historical significance for the history of architecture and Greek history in general. There will be our last stop for today, where we will spend the night.

You can book your stay through our website with an additional charge.

DAY 3

Our day begins towards Olympia, the most renowned sanctuary of ancient Greece dedicated to Zeus, where the Olympic Games were held. Olympia was called “Altis,” meaning sacred grove. The professional guide will accompany you to the archaeological site, explaining everything about the greatest religious center of the ancient world, the gold and ivory statue of Zeus, Phidias’ masterpiece, the starting point of the Olympic Games from Pelops in 776 BC until their interruption by Byzantine Emperor Theodosius and their revival centuries later. After finishing our tour in Ancient Olympia, we head towards Vytina, a mountainous village at an altitude of 1030m, set in an area with pine, fir, and chestnut trees. It’s a remarkable mountain resort and traditional settlement. Don’t forget to visit the Temple of Saint Tryphon dominating the central square, built-in 1846 from black marble, and try local products, especially honey and cheeses. Take a walk on the famous Road of Love.

To conclude our journey, taking the road back, we visit Mycenae, one of the greatest centers of civilization from 1600 to 1100 BC, a powerful military fortress that legends can explain even today the existence of its walls, known as Cyclopean Walls, the royal tombs, the Lion Gate, and the museum’s findings will amaze you. Making stops to enjoy the journey, in the late afternoon, we take the road back to Athens.

*The starting Tour Price includes up to 2 people
*The Tour Price includes the tour to winery and the entrance ticket to Diros