Silversea Luxury Cruises A Gythion

Explore the last Byzantine stronghold during this scenic, half-day excursion to Mystras Medieval citadel.

Located between Malea and Tainaron at the head of the deep Laconian Gulf lies Gythion, the small port of Sparta. This town of 4,500 people is built along the waterfront and up the lower slopes of a rounded, 600-foot (about 183-metre) hill that is crowned by the ruins of a castle.

Mystras Medieval Citadel

Depart the pier for the approximately one-hour drive north towards Sparta, the capital of Laconia, to Mystras Castle. Upon arrival, enter the castle gate and take a guided walking tour through the narrow lanes of this once invincible fortress.

Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios

You will start your tour with a visit of the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios. On the floor of the church is a plaque with a carving of a two-headed eagle, the symbol of the Palaeologos Dynasty. According to tradition, this is where Constantine XII stepped when he was crowned emperor. Next to it stands the richly-carved, 17th-century walnut throne. As you wander around you will have the chance to visit two more characteristic churches of the time. For the more adventurous a fascinating climb will take them to the still inhabited monastery of Pantanassa which offers extraordinary view of the valley of Sparta.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximately one-hour return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking and inclines/declines over uneven terrain, and is not recommended for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship.

Take a walk in the footsteps of prehistoric man during this memorable, half-day excursion to the Diros Cave.

Depart the pier for the approximately one-hour drive north of Gythion en route to the Diros Cave. You will pass through Mani, which the wildest and most arrid part of the Peloponnese. On the way you will see village that are real strongholds with tower houses.

Diros Cave

Discovered in 1958, the cave was purportedly used as a dwelling by prehistoric man. Excavations here have unearthed weapons, stone and bone tools, Neolithic pottery, rock paintings, and complete human skeletons of cave inhabitants.

Upon arrival at the Diros Cave, which is located on rising ground a short distance away from the shore you will board a small boat and enjoy a ride through chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and a maze of corridors. At the end of your boat ride you will continue on foot and you will have the opportunity to see up close some more of the natures' wonders.

At the conclusion of your visit, some free time is made available for shopping and pictures before re-boarding your coach for the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking, and a slippery path inside the cave. This tour is not suitable for guests suffering from claustrophobia, guests with breathing difficulties, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. The boats used to access the cave are small. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a camera from the ship.

Explore Gythion at your leisure during your half-day (4-hours) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary. Licensed guides for private services must be re-located from Athens, as a result the service is at a premium.

Explore the gateway to the Mani Peninsula on-foot during this picturesque sightseeing excursion to Gythion.

Gythion, Mavromichali Plateia, Islet of Marathonisi, Tzanetbey Grigorakis Fortress

Depart the pier for your guided walking tour of Gythion, one of the most attractive coastal towns in the southern Peloponnese. The town's heart is Mavromichali Plateia (Square), with the quay extending to either side and lined by tiled, 19th-century houses. This east-facing town enjoys sunrises over Cape Maleas and the Lakonian Gulf, while snowy Mount Taygetos looms beyond a low ridge to the north. In the bay, and linked to the waterfront by a causeway, lies the islet of Marathonisi, thought to be Homer's Kranai islet. It was here that Paris of Troy and Helen spent their first night together. The islet is dominated by the Tzanetbey Grigorakis Tower, a walled, 18th-century fortress that now houses the Historical and Ethnological Museum of Mani.

Ancient Theatre

Your tour begins with a short walk to the Ancient Theatre, a vestige to the town's wealth during Roman times, when it served as the naval base of Ancient Sparta and exported murex, the purple molluscs used for colouring imperial togas. Until World War II, Gythion also exported acorns gathered by women and children from nearby valleys, and used in leather-tanning.

Tzanetakos Tower, Gythion Lighthouse, Gythion Town and Aegean Sea Views

Following your visit to the Roman Theatre, proceed for a photo stop at the Tzanetakos Tower, then continue on for an exterior photo stop at the octagonal Gythion Lighthouse, which offers splendid views of Gythion Town and the Aegean Sea. Afterward, you may opt to commence the approximately 30-minute walk back to the pier, or remain in town for shopping and further exploration at your leisure, and return to the pier on your own.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 2.5 miles (about four kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection is recommended. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Discover the ancient and modern glory of Sparta during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Gythion, Sparta Walking Tour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to the modern city of Sparta, which was once an ancient city-state that arose in Greece during the Classical Era. Sparta was originally comprised of a collection of small villages spread out over a large rural hinterland in the Eurotas Valley, some 31 miles (50 kilometres) from the Aegean Sea. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through contemporary Sparta Town.

Olive Oil Museum

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the nearby Olive Oil Museum. Housed on the premises of the old Electricity Company, the museum was opened to the public by the municipality of Sparta. The ground floor is devoted to the technological development of oil-pressing installations in Greece, from the post-Byzantine period to the mid-20th century. During your guided walking tour of the museum, see displays of rescued or restored mechanisms, and replicas and large-scale working models demonstrating the techniques and processes involved in olive oil production. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for the drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.5 miles-0.6 miles (about 0.8 kilometres-one kilometre), at times over uneven surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the museum. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection is recommended. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Explore Gythion at your leisure during your full-day (8-hours) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary. Licensed guides for private services must be re-located from Athens, as a result the service is at a premium.