This itinerary not only commemorates the military and cultural impact of Sparta but also provides a broader understanding of the intricate relationships between the city-states of ancient Greece.
Before delving into the program, it's important to highlight the pivotal role of ancient Sparta in the landscape of ancient Greece. Known for its formidable military prowess and austere social structure, Sparta stood out as a dominant force in the Greek world. Its rigorous training and dedication to discipline made it a powerhouse that both intrigued and intimidated its rivals. This program offers a journey through the sites that were shaped by Sparta's influence and its interactions with other key city-states like Athens and Thebes.
INCLUDED UP TO 6 PAX
• All transfers in luxury 9-seater van
• English/Italian-speaking driver/escort
• Boat excursion to Sphacteria
• Accommodation in double rooms in 3*/4* hotels
• Breakfast
• Vat
NOT INCLUDED UP TO 6 PAX
• Lunches and dinners
• Flights to and from your place of origin
• Official guide service
• Stay taxes
• Medical/luggage travel insurance
• Cancellation insurance for medical reasons
• Entrance fees to sites and museums where applicable
• Anything not specified as included
INCLUDED FROM 7 PAX TO 15 PAX
• All transfers in 20-seater mini-bus with driver
• English/Italian-speaking escort
• Boat excursion to Sphacteria
• Accommodation in double rooms in 3*/4* hotels
• Breakfast
• Vat
NOT INCLUDED FROM 7 PAX TO 15 PAX
• Lunches and dinners
• Flights to and from your place of origin
• Official guide service
• Stay taxes
• Medical/luggage travel insurance
• Cancellation insurance for medical reasons
• Entrance fees to sites and museums where applicable
• Anything not specified as included
DAY 1: ATHENS
Arrival in Athens
Visit to the Acropolis Museum: Discover the archaeological artifacts that tell the story of ancient Greece, where Sparta distinguished itself with its military power and strict social system.
Exploration of the Acropolis: Admire the Parthenon and other iconic structures that dominate the city, once a rival of Sparta.
Overnight in Athens
Total distance covered: 50 km
DAY 2: ATHENS – TROPHY OF EPAMINONDAS – THERMOPYLES - DELPHI
Visit to the Epaminondas Monument at Leuctra: Pay tribute to the Theban general who defeated Sparta at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC, a surprising victory that overturned Spartan hegemony in Greece.
Visit Thermopylae battle site: Explore the historic site of the famous battle where Spartan soldiers, led by King Leonidas, made their legendary stand. In 480 BC, Leonidas and his 300 Spartans, along with a small force of Greek allies, heroically defended the narrow pass against the vast Persian army. Their courageous sacrifice became a symbol of bravery and resistance, demonstrating the Spartans' commitment to their land and way of life.
Visit to Delphi: Explore the archaeological site and museum of Delphi, famous for the oracle that often influenced Spartan political and military decisions.
Overnight in Delphi
Total distance covered: 290 km
DAY 3: DELPHI – OLYMPIA – PYLOS
Departure for Olympia: Journey to the ancient city of Olympia, where the Spartans participated in the Olympic Games to demonstrate their athletic superiority.
Visit to the archaeological site and museum of Olympia: Explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games and discover the museum's treasures.
Transfer to Pylos: Continue to the picturesque town of Pylos.
Overnight in Pylos: Accommodation and evening relaxation.
Total distance covered: 340 km
DAY 4: PYLOS – CHORA – SPHACTERIA – PYLOS
Visit to the Palace of Nestor: Discover one of the best-preserved Mycenaean sites, which testifies to the pre-Spartan world.
Visit to the Chora Museum: Admire collections that include Mycenaean era artifacts.
Exploration of Sphacteria: Excursion to the historic island of Sphacteria, the site of the 425 BC battle during the Peloponnesian War, where Athenian forces captured a contingent of Spartan soldiers.
Overnight in Pylos: Return and overnight stay.
Total distance covered: 45 km
DAY 5: PYLOS – MESSENE/ITHOME – SPARTA
Visit to Messene: Explore the ancient ruins of a city that, with Theban help, freed itself from Spartan rule in the 4th century BC. Messene and Laconia, the region of Sparta, shared a tumultuous history marked by conflict and domination. After the First Messenian War in the 8th century BC, Messene was subjugated by Sparta, leading to a long period of Spartan control that lasted until the Theban intervention.
Excursion to Ithome: Discover the historic mountain, a symbol of resistance against Sparta. It was here that the Messenians made their stand during the Second Messenian War, showcasing their enduring struggle for independence.
Overnight in Sparta: Transfer and accommodation in Sparta.
Total distance covered: 160 km
DAY 6: SPARTA
Exploration of Sparta: Visit urban and suburban sites, including a possible visit to the "Palace of Menelaus," a symbol of Sparta's glorious past.
Overnight in Sparta: Relaxation and overnight stay in the historic city.
Total distance covered: 10 km
DAY 7: SPARTA – MEGALOPOLIS – MANTINEA – ATHENS
Visit to the Archaeological Sites of Megalopolis and Mantinea: Admire the ruins of these ancient cities. In Mantinea, in 362 BC, a decisive battle occurred where Thebans, led by Epaminondas, again defeated the Spartans, but Epaminondas himself died, marking the end of Theban dominance.
Overnight in Athens
Total distance covered: 260 km
DAY 8: ATHENS
Transfer to the Airport
Distance traveled: 50 km
