Sparta and Kalamata are located in the Peloponnese - once a playground for the ancient Greeks, and now a historical playground for those of us fascinated by their history, myths and monumental achievements. Are you looking to learn about ancient lore and the ghosts of a once-great civilization? Connect with a knowledgeable local guide for a private Sparta or Kalamata tour!

Before you even begin to tackle the historical side of things, your guide will want you to notice the natural beauty of your surroundings. The Laconia region, in the southern Peloponnese, is home to mountains, lush gorges, valleys of citrus and olive groves, vineyards, streams and sun-drenched beaches. With your guide, see the beautiful ruins at Mystras, near Sparta, and visit traditional villages to explore the regional cuisine, taste seasonal fruits and vegetables and drink the local wines and spirits.

Enjoy exploring the riches of the Peloponnese on your private Sparta tour!

Sparta

Explore the Southern Peloponnese with the help of an experienced local tour designer and leader.
You will be asked to state your expectations and interests, and your host plans every detail of the itinerary. A custom tour with limitless options.

Explore the Southern Peloponnese

Full Day Tour Starting from Kalamata

Why this tour?
I started doing this tour because it is a real Greek experience! The Mythical Peloponnese region is the most historic and beautiful in Greece. My wife and I have always wanted to share the wonders of the Peloponnese, which we have extensively explored.
We will leave touristy Athens behind and enjoy 5-days, touring privately the best of the Peloponnese sites the way locals do. It's all about experiencing the beauty of the Peloponnese, the food, the landscape, and the people.
These are the UNESCO sites &amp; unique, authentic locations we visit:
1] Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Nafplio town &amp; Epidaurus Ancient Theater (option: Ancient Corinth)
2] Monemvasia Castle Town
3] Mani peninsula and Diros Caves, Sparta, Mystras (optionally, a visit to the Olive Oil Museum)
4] Ancient Olympia (optional: Overlooked, amazing Ancient Messene)
5] Arcadia mountains, villages &amp; cliff-hanging monasteries.

Enjoy the Authenticity, the Myth, the Culture &amp; the Food

5-Day Tour of the Mythical Peloponnese from Athens

Monemvasia and the Highlights of Laconia Tour

Laconia is an unspoiled patchwork of staggering landscapes, soaring mountains and photogenic villages. Many call it the mythical heart of Greece.

There are certain attractions in Laconia that no visitor should miss: the villages of the Mani Peninsula, the Byzantine fortress of Mystras, the modern day town of Sparta with the several traces of its ancient glory, the impressive fortress town of Monemvasia, etc.

The tour visits some of the well known- and also several well hidden- attractions the region has to offer, and combines scenic drives and walks with cultural experiences, leisurely breaks, and memorable meals.

Two day tour starting from Kalamata

Join me for a three day tour of the Mani Peninsula, a region known for its rugged terrain, vast olive groves, Byzantine churches, castles, and stone hilltop villages. The tour has been carefully designed to offer a balance of cultural and historical sites, wonderful walks, free time on magnificent beaches, and great meals.

Originating and ending in my home-town of Kalamata, a town whose name travels quite a bit due to its eponymous olive, the tour takes us around the entire peninsula, with overnight stops in Areopoli and Gytheio, and visits some of the most fascinating sites the region has to offer. Great emphasis is given to accommodations and meals.

Together we will visit traditional villages and explore the regional cuisine, learn about the herbs and spices used, taste the seasonal fruits and vegetables and drink the local wines and spirits.

Exploring the the Mani Peninsula in three days

Multi-Day Tour from Kalamata

Historical Messenia Full Day Tour from Kalamata

Messenia is one of the oldest regions in Greece. In this tour you will see some of the greatest monuments of the region that attest to its glory. These include the palace of Nestor, the seat of the wise king Nestor, one of the most venerated figures of the Greek mythology. We will also visit the Venetian castle of Modon, one of the largest and most impressive in the Peloponnese. And of course Niokastro, the castle of Pylos, that overlooks the bay of Navarino, home to one of the most famous battles of modern history, the one that led to the liberation of Greece.

As a professional historian and a tour guide, born and raised in the region, I can help you travel to the glorious past of this beautiful corner of Southern Greece. Come with me and let's time travel together to the last 4000 years of Greek history! Mycenaean hoplites, medieval knights and Ottoman Sipahi are waiting for you!

Mycenaean bathtub in the Palace of Nestor

Explore one of the oldest provinces in Greece

Mystras' historical importance is tremendous.
In my primary school, every time we had a history lesson about Byzantium, the teachers organised a school trip to the neighbouring Mystras castle town, an hour's drive from the city where I grew up (Kalamata).

During the excursion, as I was running along the stone paths, hiding in the ruins of Byzantine houses or following "The Hunt for the Lost Treasure" organized by one of my teachers, I imagined ladies in long dresses and triangular hats with veils walking alongside me. I imagined knights with Byzantine weapons and swords standing on the battlements next to my classmates, smiling condescendingly.

I've been giving this tour since 2014, and each time I feel like I'm traveling back in time. Follow me on an adventure to Mystras, to feel like the knights and damsels of our childhood.

This trip is ideal for travelers coming by cruise ships for few hours.

Join me in a private tour starting from Kalamata or the port of Gythion.

Mystras Castle Town full day tour.

Kalamata is the capital of the Greek province of Messenia and the southernmost city of Greece. It was founded in the early 13th century by a group of Crusaders, who were led by Geoffrey of Villehardouin, a Frenchman from the region of Champagne. During the Greek war of independence of 1821, Kalamata was the first town in Greece that was liberated, as it was entered by three groups of revolutionaries, on the 23rd March of 1821. The city is more famous for its dark juicy Kalamata olives, which are cultivated in the region for thousands of years and are sold all over the world. It's also well known for its olive oil, silk scarf and Kalamatianos dance, which comes directly from Ancient Greece. The modern city of Kalamata is a picturesque town, squeezed between the Mediterranean Sea and the Taygetus mountain range, which dominates its skyline.

The land of the olives

Kalamata Half Day Walking Tour

Monemvasia Highlights Day Tour from Kalamata.

Walking around the cobbled streets you will get acquainted to the history of this city that was founded by the Byzantine emperor, and all its consequent rulers: The Pope, the Franks, the Venetians and the Ottomans. You will learn everything about its significant port that made Monemvasia one of the richest and most cosmopolitan towns of the Mediterranean and the wine produced there, that made it famous all over Europe. You will not miss the chance to visit
some of the castle's 46 churches.
After your walk around the Lower town, you can make your way up to the archaeological site
of the Upper town on top of the rock. There, you will have the opportunity to stroll in between the
ruined houses on your way to Haghia Sophia, an 11th century church perched on the edge of the
cliff and enjoy the panoramic views towards the mainland and the magnificent blue of the Aegean Sea.

Tour can start also from the port of Monemvasia or the port of Gythion.

Ancient Messene Half Day Tour from Kalamata

Ancient Messene is the largest archaeological site in Greece. It's located in a beautiful valley with olive trees, on the slopes of Ithome, the sacred mountain of Zeus. The city was founded in the year 368 b. c. by the Theban general Epaminondas, after liberating the region from the yoke of the Spartans. It was meant to become the capital of Messenia, the inhabitants of which had been slaves of the Spartans for hundreds of years. The city flourished in the 3rd century b. c. , when it had more than 12. 000 inhabitants and it was surrounded by an impressive wall, parts of which are still visible today. This era saw many conflicts, a democratic revolution and the construction of many great buildings like the theater and the magnificent stadium. The roman period that followed was also glorious, as many powerful aristocratic families moved permanently to the city. Let's walk together the streets of Ancient Messene and feel the pulse of its ancient inhabitants!

Visit Ancient Messene, the jewel of southern Greece!

Sparta offers a 'laconic' journey throughout Greek history. Let me travel back in time with you! I really enjoy sharing my passion for the history of our ancient cities!

The Acropolis of Ancient Sparta and its monuments, are still standing there from the sixth century BC, in defiance of all the centuries that gone by. We will see the Ancient Theater, the Temple of Chalkioikos Athena, the circular building, the remains of the stores of ancient agora, a Persian Gallery and so many more.

You will have the information for each monument that we will see, and for all the events of everyday's life of Ancient Spartans and their kings.

Finally we will not miss a visit at the Olive oil Museum that will make us reflect on the importance of this tree to the survival of local people over the centuries. We will learn how our ancestors collected the Olive fruits and the technological evolution acquired over the years.

Private tour starting from Kalamata or the port of Gythion.

Iconic Sparta Half Day Tour

Ancient Messene and Olive Oil Tasting Half Day Tour from Kalamata

Ancient Messene is the largest archaeological site in Greece. It's located in a beautiful valley with olive trees, on the slopes of Ithome, the sacred mountain of Zeus. The city was founded in the year 368 b. c. by the Theban general Epaminondas, after liberating the region from the yoke of the Spartans. It was meant to become the capital of Messenia, the inhabitants of which had been slaves of the Spartans for hundreds of years. Some of the highlights include the best-preserved stadium of Ancient Greece, the magnificent theater and the walls of the ancient city, widely considered to be among the strongest of the ancient world.

The archaeological site is located near Kalamata, famous for its dark juicy olives and the finest olive oil in Greece. This tour also includes a visit to the Olive World estate that's located in the village of Eva to the west of Kalamata. Here you will be able to taste two different varieties of olive oil, accompanied by fresh bread, tomatoes, feta cheese and orange juice.

The minimum number of participants is 4 people

Visit Ancient Messene and try the finest olive oil in Greece!

If you're tired of the tours that are just history lessons, you've found the solution.
This trip will "open" for you a window into the past, but you will also have fun and see the modern lifestyle of the locals.
I thoroughly enjoy sharing with you the stories of the people who lived and built the palaces and tombs of their glorious kings in Mycenae, but at the same time I seek to convey to you the present day lifestyle of the locals of Nafplio.

Walking between the walls of the ancient city of Mycenae, still standing proudly after so many centuries, you will be able to feel the agony and the struggle for survival of the ancient Greeks.

But later on, as we walk through the narrow and traditional alleys of Nafplio, you will understand how the Modern Greeks live and have fun today.
Join me on this private day trip to Mycenae & Nafplio in a luxurious air-conditioned vehicle, with free WiFi on board.
The tour starts from Kalamata but it can be started also from the port of Nafplio or any port in the Peloponnese.

Private Tour from Kalamata or from the port of Nafplio.

Mycenae & Nafplio Walking Full Day Tour.

Natural beauties of Messenia Full Day Tour from Kalamata

Do you like hiking? Do you enjoy natural beauty? Then this is the tour for you! Together we will explore the most beautiful areas of Messenia, like the springs of Pamisos, the longest river of the region. It's a place of unique natural beauty, with ducks and frogs, located in the village of Agios Floros. Near the springs lie a sanctuary dedicated to Pamisos himself, since in antiquity he was worshipped as a river god. The next stop is Polilimnio, a magnificent collection of lakes and waterfalls that are covered in deep vegetation. The area is also home to many heels and crabs. The tour also includes Stenosia, where you will be able to see the most impressive waterfall of the region! If you like swimming then don't forget to bring your swimsuit with you, since the waters are perfect for a quick dive! As a professional photographer I can also help you to take some amazing shots of the splendid landscape!

Let's explore together the beautiful nature of Messenia!

Welcome to the beautiful city of Kalamata, the city of sea, sun and history.

The area of Kalamata's castle and Monastery is the neighbor where I grew up.
As children, we used to play inside the monastery and the nuns who found us hiding would give us treats and advise us to go home before dark.
We would steal oranges from the trees and they would smile patiently and rejoice that their space was filled with children's voices and joy.
We could understand even then the historicity and antiquity that weighed on the buildings around us and our respect was great for these women who were the guardians of the traditions and customs of the place where we were growing up.

The perfect introduction to the city in 3 hours!

Kalamata Historic Center Walking Tour

Pylos & Methoni Full Day Tour from Kalamata

Join me on a private day trip to Pylos and Methoni in a luxurious air-conditioned vehicle, with free WiFi on board.
I started doing this tour because I give my travelers the chance to admire two of the most beautiful coastal towns of Messenia together with their historical castles.

These two enchanting and atmospheric castles will make you connect with their long history instantly.
The first time (2014) that I visited these cities with my travelers, and we confront the bay of Navarino, combined with the castles and the green colors of Pylos, I could see instantly in their eyes the awe and admiration they felt for the people who built them, despite the adversity of the period.
It is imposible not to feel a little jealous for their romantic and simple lives and of course understand their difficulties and effort of surviving.

This trip is ideal for travelers coming by cruise ships for few hours.

Discover the highlights of these two amazing castles of Pylos & Methoni in a Private Tour.

Pylos & Nestor Palace - Full Day Tour from Kalamata

Pylos is one of the most beautiful and popular coastal towns in the Peloponnese.

Because it is located just an hour away from the town I grew up in (Kalamata), it was our most frequent Sunday family outing when I was a kid.

The walk through the castle combined with the stories of the people who built it, used to excite our childhood imagination.

The battlements, the cannons scattered around, the shattered walls from bombing, combined with the magnificent sea views through the castle, make visitors even today feel awe at the difficult living conditions of the people who inhabited it over the centuries.

The tour can be started from any port of Peloponnese area.

Kalamata tours

Explore with 17 tours and 4 guides.

Yorgos P.

$ 425 (USD)

Niko G.

$ 5,992 (USD)

Yorgos P.

$ 820 (USD)

Yorgos P.

$ 1,180 (USD)

Ioannis M.

$ 682 (USD)

Aristoteleia N.

$ 465 (USD)

Ioannis M.

$ 201 (USD)

Aristoteleia N.

$ 871 (USD)

Ioannis M.

$ 482 (USD)

Aristoteleia N.

$ 465 (USD)

Ioannis M.

$ 801 (USD)

Aristoteleia N.

$ 604 (USD)

Ioannis M.

$ 727 (USD)

Aristoteleia N.

$ 348 (USD)

Aristoteleia N.

$ 465 (USD)

Aristoteleia N.

$ 465 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Kalamata

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