Monemvasia is unique among ruined medieval cities in that it is entirely built on a rock that appears to be barren when seen from the mainland. Your tour will commence with a walk through the narrow streets within the castle walls, so tiny that in many places only two people can walk side by side. You will see the ruins of houses and Byzantine churches - most in ruins with the fortunate exception of the Church of Christ Elkomenos . This cathedral dates back to the 13th century, but features alterations made during the Venetian occupation of Monemvasia. Four surviving ancient Byzantine icons are on display. Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a hat. Guests must be physically fit. Minivans will operate as shuttles from the tender to the gate of the Old Town as larger coaches are not permitted on the road to the Old Town.

Monemvasia is unique among ruined medieval cities in that it is entirely built on a rock that appears to be barren when seen from the mainland. Your tour will commence with a walk through the narrow streets at the castle, where the streets are so tiny that in many places only two people can walk side by side. While strolling along these narrow lanes you will see ruined houses and Byzantine churches and Church of Christ Elkomenos. This cathedral dates back to the 13th century, but features alterations made during the Venetian occupation of Monemvasia. Then you will visit " Liotrivi"(Olive Oil Factory ), a fully restored historic mansion that previously was the home of the family Ritsos, where the world-renowned poet lived during his childhood. You will have a guided tour in the old olive mill and learn the traditional method of producing extra virgin olive oil. You will walk to the vineyards and the olive groves. In a patio area, an experienced cook will knead and bake traditional bread in a wood-oven. The bread made, along with other local products, will be served to you in an appetizer buffet under the olive trees where you will have the opportunity to also taste the famous wines of Monemvasia. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. Bring a hat. Guests must be physically fit.

Leaving Gythion, your tour will cross the Mani Peninsula to Dyros to visit the spectacular caves of Vlyhada and Alepotrypa , first opened to the public in 1963. You will ride for almost a mile through "caverns measureless to man." Aided by electricity, the splendors of nature are on show. You will see formations that look like, and are named after, great sites such as the Metropolitan Throne, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Chinese Palace. At the bottom of one of the lakes of Vlyhada, often considered the most beautiful cave in the world, many interesting things have been discovered, such as fossils of hippopotami. After your cave visit you will drive to nearby Areopolis for a short stroll through the town, before returning to Gythion. Please note : Since the temperature in the caves is cooler you may want to bring a light jacket.

This tour by motorcoach will cross the plain of Laconia through its orange and olive groves, with the mighty Taygetus Mountain (7,897 ft.) in the background to arrive in Sparta , which today is a big, modern town. As the original Spartans cared little for buildings and lived a "Spartan" existence in barracks, their ancient architecture was simple and basic. Today, its scanty remains reflect little of Sparta's ancient renown. Four miles west however, sits the medieval town of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , with its churches and houses, monasteries and palaces lining the steep narrow streets. For 200 years, from the middle of the 13th century, this Byzantine town flourished. From the mid-15th century to the beginning of our century, the town was in constant decline, with the exception of a few years during which it was under Venetian control. However, the magnificence of the Byzantine architecture , remarkably preserved and sensitively restored, gives you the impression you are entering a whole different age. Please note: The site is located on a very steep hill so flat rubber shoes are recommended.

Before heading to the ruins of ancient Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site you will stop at the roadside monument to the memory of Loenidas. You will have an in-depth guided tour of Mystras followed by time on your own to wander through the narrow streets of this medieval city. Your next stop will be at the Olive Oil Museum of Sparta . Unique in Greece, it is located in one of the main olive producing regions. The museum houses a variety of olive oil presses and other equipment. You will be served olive pate, olives, rusks, local cheese, cucumber and tomatoes along with tsipouro, ouzo, and mineral water before your return trip to Gythion. Please note : Mystras is not wheelchair accessible and steps are involved. It is not possible to stay on the motor coach during that portion of the tour.