Mystras

The next morning we traveled to the haunting ruins of the fortress town of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its remarkably preserved medieval remains and collection of Byzantine churches.

Mystras felt a bit like visiting Zion National Park. The experience pulls your gaze upward. We walked the lower stone pathway of this once-powerful Byzantine stronghold, craning our necks as walls, towers, and sweeping views rose above us, climbing up the hillside.

Ducking into two churches to learn more about the people who inhabited this area, we were stunned at the incredible condition of both the mosaics and preserved frescoes, even after all these centuries. And just when it couldn’t get more charming, we met the resident donkey, casually minding his business. Equal parts history lesson and delightful detour.

We all could have lingered much longer (it was stunning!!) but the road, and a wine tasting, were on the agenda.

Sparta

The group grabbed a quick lunch in nearby Sparta, then continued north for a wine tour and tasting at Skouras Winery (with impressive barrels and even more impressive underground storage!)

Nafplio

It was a big driving day as we continued on to one of our final destinations: the delightful, fortress-topped harbor town of Nafplio. There, we learned the origin story of our hotel. Once a family home, where the three Zotos brothers famously recruited guests straight from the bus stops, now lovingly run as Pension Marianna.

The hotel rewarded us with incredible views over the town and the marina from our rooms and the covered breakfast terrace. We met quite a few family members during our stay and they were so helpful, friendly and accommodating.

That evening we were beat. We foraged a seafood dinner by the marina (learning while they couldn’t make Negronis in-house, they could certainly run next door and have them make them for us!) and finished the evening with excellent Italian gelato.