Gythion- Tour to Dyros Caves & Mystra’s Byzantine City

Depart Gythion and drive southwest passing through barren landscape engulfed with rugged mountains which is typical of the Mani region, in southwestern Peloponnesus. The history of this part of Greece dates back to the Neolithic era (6,000-3,000 B.C.). During your relaxing drive, listen to your guide as he/she explains to you how the findings discovered in Alepotrypa Cave, located close to Dyros Caves, have revealed that prehistoric man inhabited this southernmost corner of Greece. The drive to Dyros Caves will take approximately one hour. Upon your arrival at the cavern, follow your guide as you embark a small boat, which will take you right inside the cavern allowing you to marvel at its unique lake and splendid stalactites and stalagmites. At the designated point, continue your excursion on foot, however, take care as the ground is quite slippery. At the end of this unforgettable experience, walk uphill in order to return to your motorcoach.

Drive to Mystras , by our air-conditioned coaches. At your arrival, enjoy a delicious typical Greek lunch in local restaurant offering incredible view.

After lunch walk to the nearby ancient city of Mystras which was once divided into three sectors: The castle built by Villehardouin (Kastro), the Upper Town, for the aristocracy and Lower Town, for the local citizens. Listen carefully to your guide as she/he points out some of the most important monuments, such as the Cathedral of Saint Demetrios, with it’s two-headed eagle engraved in the floor, symbolizing the Byzantium, Greek Orthodoxy and Paleologos Dynasty, which ruled the Byzantine empire in its last years. Continue further along the street, heading west, to see the Mortuary Chapel of the Evangelista (Annunciation) before making your way to the northern corner of the enclosure, where stands, the impressive Vrondocheon Monestary, with its two churches: the church St Theodore and the church of the Virgin Mary Hodegetreia, also known as Afendiko, who’s wall paintings will hold you spellbound. Before your walking tour comes to a close, marvel of the ruined houses and the palaces which are closed due to restorations, before walking down hill to rejoin your motorcoach. You will then return directly to Gythion and the ship.