Gythion, Greece

March 30, 2023

Today, we were headed out into the countryside to see the UNESCO Heritage Site of the city of Mystras, near the town of Sparta. Mystras was a fortified city that was developed during the time of the Byzantine Empire. It is perched on the side of a steep hill and our hike through it was, luckily, downhill.

Wearing our earpieces so we could hear our guide’s explanations, we began our downhill climb. There were fortresses above us, churches and buildings below. The path was steep and made of uneven stones, so the going was slow. However, the sights were beautiful.

There was also a well-preserved church which had been restored.

Hot and tired, we headed down to a small village for lunch. This was the first disappointing meal we’ve had on a tour. As we walked into the restaurant, we were handed a plastic wrapped sandwich on a roll containing a half a piece of cheese and a half a piece of ham, along with a soft drink. However, the village was charming, we were able to find ice cream, and it was wonderful to sit on a bench and bask in the sun.