Kalamata Shore Excursion: Ancient Messene or Mystras

About this Tour

Kalamata, at the foot of the Taygetos mountains, is the gateway to two remarkable sites. Ancient Messene, about 30 km from the port, is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Greece, with its theatre, stadium and city walls in a green valley below Mount Ithome. Mystras, the Byzantine city of churches and palaces on a hill near Sparta, is about an hour and a quarter away over the mountains.

Option A – Ancient Messene
Your driver meets you at the port and drives through the olive groves to Ancient Messene. Walk the theatre, the agora, the Asclepieion and the stadium, and visit the museum. On the way back, a short stop at Kalamata castle or the old town.

Option B – Mystras
Cross the Taygetos mountains to Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its churches, monasteries and the Palace of the Despots before returning to the ship.

Good to know
We plan the timings around your ship’s schedule and keep a safe margin for all-aboard. A licensed guide can be arranged on request. Tell us your ship, date and group size and we will reply within 24 hours.

Read before you go: Greek cruise ports: what to see from Katakolo, Nafplio, Kalamata and Itea

Frequently asked questions

Ancient Messene or Mystras – which should we choose?
Ancient Messene is closer, about 30 km, and one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Greece. Mystras is a Byzantine UNESCO site about an hour and a quarter away over the mountains.

How long does the excursion take?
About 5–6 hours port to port.

What if our ship is late?
We follow your ship’s schedule and adjust the pick-up time. Tell us the name of your ship when you book.

Included/Excluded

Durations

Languages

Tour's Location

RouteKalamata port → Ancient Messene (or Mystras) → Kalamata port
See the route on Google Maps

Why book with 4 Colours Travel

Licensed travel agency

Registered with the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO licence 1246Ε60000008700).

Fully insured

Liability insurance provided by Interlife Insurance Company.

Local team in Arcadia

Based in Lagkadia, in the heart of the Peloponnese.

Personal reply in 24h

Every request gets a personal answer from our team within 24 hours.

Ask for a Quote and we will reply to you within 24 hours!