We can see it from the boat. A completely walled city built on a little island joined to the Greek mainland by a causeway. Cars are parked on the side of the road which links the bridge to the city. "Mono emvasis" literally means "one entrance". It was built in the 6th century and has a maze of little lanes to explore..... However we start a half hour's drive from Monemvasia at Mystras, a Byzantine city built on top of a very steep hill 6km from Sparta!! And it IS a very steep hill! It took at least half an hour of solid climbing just to get to the Pantanassa Monastery! I was glad our tour guide said we didn't have time to go to the castle right at the top! Originally a defensive castle was built on the top of the hill in the 13th century and progressively a town developed on the level below it with monasteries below the town. All very ordered. The Pantanassa Monastery still has nuns who live and work there and twice a week walk all the way down the bottom for supplies!! They make Greek Delight which is the Greek version of Turkish Delight (I don't like Turkish Delight). One of the nuns hands a tray around and I taste some! It's really nice but she doesn't sell it there. (Our tour guide tells me it's in all the supermarkets!! I'm hooked!) The Peribleptos Monasteries has beautifully preserved frescoes on the walls. My favourite buildings are the 13th century public toilets! An hour and a half later, we are back at the bottom and collapse on the bus. On Board Day 9 We get back in time for lunch on board today before we explore Monemvasia ourselves. It's easy today as the ship has docked. No tender boats. Of course it is high tea at 4pm and then I make the most of the spa. 10 minutes in the steam room, 10 minutes lying on one of the fabulous heated lounges - my muscles feel amazing - then 10 minutes in the sauna. Back to my favourite heated lounge and relax!!! I've also done a kinesis class and a stretch and relax class. This justifies the scone with jam and clotted cream!