This comprehensive day tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through Greece’s most iconic historical destinations. From exploring the ancient ruins of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, to witnessing the impressive Cyclopean Walls of Mycenae, this tour promises an immersive experience that delves into the grandeur and sophistication of Greece’s rich past. Along the way, travelers will discover the legendary city-state of Sparta, renowned for its warrior culture, and marvel at the stunning panoramic views from the Temple of Apollo. With private transportation, knowledgeable local guides, and convenient inclusions, this tour offers a seamless and worry-free way to uncover the remarkable treasures that have captivated visitors for centuries.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Sparta.
Key Points
- This day tour offers comprehensive exploration of Greece’s iconic historical destinations, including Ancient Olympia, Sparta, Mycenae, and the Temple of Apollo.
- Visitors can explore ancient ruins, learn about the significance of the sites, and witness the grandeur of the Mycenaean civilization.
- The tour includes a visit to the Kaiadas Cave, a site with a dark history as an execution location for the Spartans.
- Travelers will enjoy private luxury transportation, bottled water, snacks, and sodas, as well as a knowledgeable chauffeur/local guide.
- The tour can be booked in advance with flexible payment options and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
This day tour offers visits to the archaeological sites of Ancient Olympia, Sparta, and Mycenae, as well as the Temple of Apollo, giving travelers a comprehensive exploration of some of Greece’s most iconic historical destinations.
The tour lasts 14 hours and includes pickup and drop-off in Athens. Visitors will spend 2 hours at the Ancient Olympia site, 45 minutes in Sparta, and 1 hour at the Mycenaean ruins.
Optional add-ons include an extra hour in Sparta and an hour in the Peloponnese region. Along the way, travelers will learn about the Kaiadas Cave and see the Cyclopean Walls of the Mycenaean era, as well as visit the Temple of Apollo at an elevation of 1130 meters.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sparta.
Itinerary
The tour begins with a visit to the Archaeological Site of Olympia, where travelers will spend approximately 2 hours exploring the ancient ruins.
Next, the group will head to Sparta, where they’ll have a 45-minute stop. For those interested, there’s an optional 1-hour visit to explore Sparta further.
The tour then continues to the Archaeological Site of Mycenae, where visitors will spend 1 hour discovering the Cyclopean Walls of the Mycenaean era.
Plus, there’s an optional 1-hour stop in the Peloponnese region.
Throughout the day, the tour includes bottled water, snacks, and sodas, as well as private luxury transportation and a knowledgeable chauffeur/local guide.
Ancient Olympia
The tour’s first stop is the Archaeological Site of Olympia, where visitors can explore the ancient ruins that were once the site of the original Olympic Games.
Spanning over 200 acres, the site includes the remains of temples, altars, and other structures used during the ancient Olympic competitions.
Guests will have around 2 hours to wander the grounds, admiring the impressive Doric-style architecture and learning about the significance of this historic site.
The highlight is the excavated Olympic Stadium, where the ancient Greek athletes once competed in events like wrestling, running, and javelin throwing.
With knowledgeable guidance, visitors can envision the grandeur of the original Olympic Games held here over 2,500 years ago.
Sparta
Next, the tour takes visitors to Sparta, the legendary city-state known for its warrior culture and military prowess. Guests spend 45 minutes exploring the city’s key sites, including the monument dedicated to King Leonidas, the famous Spartan leader who led the valiant defense against the Persians at the Battle of Thermopylae.
For those interested in delving deeper into Sparta’s rich history, an optional one-hour extension allows exploration of the Acropolis and the Olive Oil Museum. This component of the tour provides a glimpse into the disciplined and austere lifestyle that defined the Spartan people, shedding light on their enduring legacy as one of ancient Greece’s most formidable military forces.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyMycenae
After exploring the storied city of Sparta, the tour then takes visitors to the archaeological site of Mycenae, the famed seat of power during the Mycenaean civilization. Guests spend approximately one hour exploring the Cyclopean Walls, massive stone fortifications that once protected this ancient citadel and provide a tangible connection to the grandeur of this bygone era.
The highlights of the Mycenae visit include:
| Feature | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclopean Walls | Immense fortifications built with massive limestone blocks | 30 mins |
| Lion Gate | Iconic gateway adorned with a relief sculpture of two lionesses | 15 mins |
| Grave Circles | Tombs of Mycenaean royalty and nobility | 15 mins |
Highlights
Among the highlights of this day tour is the chance to explore the Kaiadas Cave, a site with a dark and intriguing history. Kaiadas served as an execution location where the Spartans would dispose of prisoners and other undesirables.
Discovering the impressive Cyclopean Walls of the Mycenaean era, which showcase the sophisticated engineering of this ancient civilization.
Visiting the Temple of Apollo, perched at an elevation of 1130 meters and offering stunning panoramic views.
Learning about the rich history and legacy of the ancient Greek sites, bringing the past to life.
Experiencing the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage of the Peloponnese region.
Inclusions
The tour package includes a variety of inclusions to enhance the experience, such as bottled water and snacks/sodas to keep travelers refreshed throughout the day.
Plus, liability insurance is provided for peace of mind.
Private luxury transportation with a chauffeur/local guide ensures a comfortable and knowledgeable journey.
Pickup and drop-off services are also included, allowing for a seamless start and end to the tour.
While the guide can’t accompany guests inside the monuments, the necessary monument tickets are provided.
These inclusions are designed to create a convenient and worry-free experience, allowing visitors to focus on exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Peloponnese region.
Booking and Pricing
The tour is priced at $406.60 per person, making it an accessible option for those seeking to explore the rich historical sites of the Peloponnese region.
Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, providing flexibility in booking. Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for last-minute changes in plans.
The tour can be booked in advance, ensuring availability for your desired travel dates.
Payment can be made later, allowing you to plan your trip with ease.
Cancellations up to 24 hours prior to the tour are free, providing peace of mind.
The per-person price of $406.60 represents a reasonable cost for the comprehensive itinerary and inclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour may not be entirely suitable for children. It involves visiting historical sites and hiking, which could be challenging or uninteresting for some younger travelers. Parents should consider their children’s interests and abilities before booking this tour.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, casual clothing is recommended. Visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes as the tour involves exploring ancient sites. Light layers are advised to account for changing weather conditions.
Can We Stop for Lunch During the Tour?
The tour includes bottled water and snacks/sodas, but does not specifically mention a meal stop. However, guests can likely request a lunch stop during the 14-hour tour, which would provide an opportunity to sample local cuisine.
Are There Any Additional Costs During the Tour?
The tour includes bottled water, snacks, and soda. Additional costs may be incurred for meals, optional activities, or personal purchases during the tour. The tour price covers liability insurance, private transportation, and entrance fees to the sites.
Can We Request a Customized Itinerary?
Yes, customers can request a customized itinerary for this tour. The tour operator is flexible and willing to adjust the schedule to accommodate special interests or preferences, as long as the overall duration remains manageable.
Recap
This comprehensive day tour offers a seamless and immersive experience exploring Greece’s iconic historical destinations.
Visitors can discover the ancient ruins of Olympia, the legendary city-state of Sparta, the impressive Cyclopean Walls of Mycenae, and the stunning Temple of Apollo.
With private transportation, snacks, and knowledgeable local guides, this tour provides a worry-free and convenient way to explore Greece’s rich cultural heritage.
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