Athens Trip Overview
Mani that never enslaved to invaders or conquerors, it is home of 98 out of the 118 traditional settlements of Peloponnese. Wide number of archaeological sites such as Mystras (Unesco 1989), Byzantine churches, stone towers, mansions, bridges and watermills; Diros Cave, the most beautiful cave-lake in the world; Cape Tainaro, the southernmost point of Greece and Continental Europe, and the aromas emerging from virgin olive oil, pure honey, herbs and local cured meat are among the experiences you will never forget.
Additional Info
Duration: 3 days
Starts: Athens, Greece
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Athens Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Athens, Attica, Greece
Mani that never enslaved to invaders or conquerors, it is home of 98 out of the 118 traditional settlements of Peloponnese. Wide number of archaeological sites such as Mystras (Unesco 1989), Byzantine churches, stone towers, mansions, bridges and watermills; Diros Cave, the most beautiful cave-lake in the world; Cape Tainaro, the southernmost point of Greece and Continental Europe, and the aromas emerging from virgin olive oil, pure honey, herbs and local cured meat are among the experiences you will never forget.
Itinerary
Day 1: Athens – Mystras – Mani
Stop At: Archaeological site of Mystra, Lower Town 231 00, Greece
08h30 departure to Mystras, the second most important Byzantine town after Constantinople (Istanbul). Built amphitheatrically, around the fortress of William II Villardouin (1249), in 1832 the city was abandoned having left behind stunning medieval ruins of the Byzantine castle atop a beautiful landscape. Arrival in Mani in the afternoon, dinner and overnight.
Duration: 0
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 2: Kitta – Diros Caves – Areopolis – Vathia – Cape Tainaron
Stop At: Caves of Diros, Pyrgos Dirou 230 62, Greece
Morning visit to the church of St. Sergius & Bacchus (12th century) one of the most important churches in Mani. Next follows the most beautiful cave lake in the world, Diros Cave (15 klms long), where fossilized bones of panther, hyena, lion, ferret and the largest hippopotamus in Europe have been found. Later, in Areopoli you see the Church of the Taxiarches, enjoy the breathtaking view to the sea and try homemade food in local tavern. You then visit Vathia, being a well-preserved and of the most filmed traditional settlements in Greece. The day ends at Cape Tainaron with the necromancy of Neptune, which according to legend was the entrance to Hades and the underworld. Here you walk towards Cape Tainaro lighthouse (1hrs) to enjoy the southernmost spot of mainland Greece and Europe. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Duration: 0
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 3: Mani – Sparta – Athens
Stop At: Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, Othonos Amalias 129, Sparti 231 00, Greece
Day at leisure. 12h00 departure to Sparta. Visit the Olive Museum to become acquainted with the history and the technologies of olive oil production in the Mediterranean from prehistoric times to the early 20th century. Arrival in Athens in late evening
Duration: 0
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
