Argolis-Sparta-Mystras-Diros caves

Leaving Athens early in the morning heading to the Corinth Canal via the coastal road of the Saronic Gulf making a quick stop to take pictures. We will then continue to Epidaurus where exists the amphitheater of Epidaurus, is a well preserved monument, still in use today during the “Summer Athens’ Festival”.

Next stop to Mycenae archaeological site and the tomb of Agamemnon (visit).

Proceed to Nafplio to explore the picturesque city.

Overnight in Nafplion.

We depart in the morning heading south of Peloponnese until we reach Sparta, situated on the banks of the Eurotas River in Laconia, in south-eastern Peloponnese.

We continue on to Mystras, the “Wonder of the Morea”, was built as an amphitheater around the fortress erected in 1249 by William of Villehardouin. Reconquered by the Byzantines, then occupied by the Turks and the Venetians, the city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape.

The beauty of the churches of Mystras, which during the Paleologus Renaissance had been covered with dramatic frescoes, the renown of the libraries of Mystras and the glory of its writers (including Georges Gemiste Plethon and Jean Bessarion who brought neo-Platonic humanism to Italy) gave substance thereafter for the legend of the “Wonder of Morea”.

After lunch we head to Gytheion where we will stay overnight.

After breakfast, we depart for the area of Mani where you will be able to admire the Caves of Diros. The Diros Caves are located approximately 12 miles south of Areopolis and they are part of an underground river. About 5,000 meters have been exposed and accessible by small boats and through narrow passageways.

One is surrounded by formations of stalagmites and stalactites. Archaeological research has shown that the caves have served as places of worship in Paleolithic and Neolithic times and their inhabitant believed that the caves were the entrance to the underworld.

After lunch, we start our way back to Athens.