This Is Sparta ! A Private Tour from Athens !

Meteora , Greece

This Is Sparta ! A Private Tour from Athens !

Active

8h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Sparta was unique in ancient Greece for its social system and constitution, which configured its entire society to maximize military proficiency at all costs, focusing all social institutions on military training and physical development. Sparta was the birthplace of king Leonidas and his 300 soldiers, famous for the battle of Thermopylae.

Available options

French Option

Offered in French<br/>Pickup included

This Is Sparta ! A Private Tour from Athens !

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

WiFi on board

1 per person

Use of Tablets

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

It had been an inspiration for almost 2500 years ! The man who first had the idea was Periandros the tyrant from Corinth. He found it difficult on the way but he came up to another interesting idea . The name of it was diolkos. For those who had money and didn’t want to sail around Peloponnese peninsula. Finally after several people trying to succeed in this huge achievement, the canal was constructed in 1893.

In antiquity the city-state was known as Lacedaemon (Λακεδαίμων, Lakedaímōn), while the name Sparta referred to its main settlement on the banks of the Eurotas River in Laconia, in south-eastern Peloponnese. Around 650 BC, it rose to become the dominant military land-power in ancient Greece. Given its military pre-eminence, Sparta was recognized as the leading force of the unified Greek military during the Greco-Persian Wars. Sparta was unique in ancient Greece for its social system and constitution, which configured their entire society to maximize military proficiency at all costs, and completely focused on military training and excellence. The remaining archaeological wealth consisted of inscriptions, sculptures, and other objects collected in the local museum, founded by Stamatakis in 1872 and enlarged in 1907. Modern Sparti was re-founded in 1834, by a decree of King Otto.

Stop 3

Mystras occupies a steep foothill on the northern slopes of Mt. Taygetos, 6km. NW of Sparta. The castle on the top of the hill was founded in 1249 by the Frankish leader William II de Villeharduin. It was one of the first castles of Greece to be liberated in 1821. The foundation of modern Sparta by king Otto in 1834 marked the end of the old town’s life.

What's not included

Gratuities

Licenced Guide(extra cost and according to availability)

Entrance Fees

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Meteora

Meteora is a unique geological and historical site in Greece, famous for its stunning rock formations and historic monasteries perched atop towering pillars. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking views and a rich cultural heritage that attracts visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

Meteora Monasteries

A complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries built on top of natural sandstone pillars, dating back to the 14th century.

Historical/Religious Half to full day €3-€5 per monastery

Meteora Hiking Trails

Scenic trails offering stunning views of the rock formations and monasteries.

Nature/Adventure 2-4 hours Free

Kalambaka

A charming town at the foot of the Meteora rocks, known for its traditional architecture and local cuisine.

Cultural Half day Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pita

A savory pie filled with various ingredients like spinach, cheese, or meat.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Souvlaki

Grilled meat skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.

Snack Contains meat

Dolmades

Grappe leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Caving Wine tasting Dining at local tavernas Strolling through Kalambaka Old Town Visiting monasteries Exploring historic towns

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This is the best time to visit Meteora, with pleasant weather and clear skies ideal for hiking and sightseeing.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Greek
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

EET (GMT+2), EEST (GMT+3) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Meteora is a safe destination with low crime rates. Standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when hiking alone
• Use reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport • 220 km from Meteora

By train

Kalambaka Station

By bus

Kalambaka Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are infrequent and may not cover all areas. Taxis are a better option for convenience.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kalambaka Kastraki

Day trips

Trikala

30 km from Meteora • Half day

A historic town with a mix of Ottoman and Greek architecture, known for its traditional markets and local cuisine.

Larissa

60 km from Meteora • Full day

A major city with a rich history, offering a variety of museums, parks, and dining options.

Festivals

Meteora Festival • July Easter Celebrations • March/April (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the monasteries early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Hike the Meteora trails for stunning views and a unique perspective of the rock formations.
Try local dishes like 'pita' and 'souvlaki' at traditional tavernas in Kalambaka.
Pack comfortable hiking shoes and a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
Stay in Kastraki for a quieter experience and easy access to hiking trails.