Marathon And Thermopylae Tour 9-H

Start: We’ll collect you from your hotel or cruise ship terminal and whisk you away on a captivating journey through history. Our drive will meander through Athens’ intriguing northern suburbs, bound for Marathon.

Duration: 60 Minutes

Marathon

After an hour’s scenic trip, we’ll arrive at the hallowed ground where the renowned Marathon race was born, a legendary sporting event spanning 42,195 kilometers. The race’s legacy stems from this locale and is indelibly linked to the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, a fierce clash between the Athenians and the Persians.

After the Athenians’ victory in the Battle of Marathon, a messenger named Pheidipides ran to Athens to deliver the news. Upon delivering the message, he collapsed and died from exhaustion. In honor of his heroic act, the Marathon race is held annually worldwide. At the site of the battle, you will find the burial mound of fallen Athenians.

To counter the superior numbers of the invading Persian army, Athenian general Miltiades strategically weakened his army’s center and strengthened the flanks. He believed his well-equipped infantrymen (hoplites) could hold their position in the middle while the more lightly armed Athenian flanks overwhelmed the Persian infantry. However, despite its initial collapse, the Athenian center resisted sufficiently long to allow the flanks to crush the Persian wings. This victory caused widespread confusion and retreat among the Persian forces. Read more…

Duration: 60 Minutes

Travel: After concluding our stop at Marathon, we will journey through the heart of Greece to arrive at the renowned Thermopylae, also known as the Hot Gates.

Thermopylae

Thermopylae, known for its hot sulfur springs, a source of its name “hot gates,” had mythological significance as an entry point to the underworld. Named Malis after its resident tribe, the Malians, this area has seen the Malian Gulf widen, creating a broader (over 8 km) coastal passage from its original narrowness (less than 100 meters). Thermopylae’s strategic location served as a critical battleground during the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE, as it provided the only land connection between Lokris and Thessaly.

This ancient battlefield witnessed numerous conflicts, most notably the Nazi-German invasion of Greece in 1941. It commemorates the valiant Greek troops who defended against the second Persian invasion under Great King Xerxes. A memorial honors the 700 Thespians who fought alongside the Spartans, and a monument stands in memory of King Leonidas. An information center provides insightful details for curious visitors.

On Kolonos Hill, across the way, the Spartans, true to their principles, fought valiantly until the end, defending the remains of their fallen king. Atop this humble hill, Simonides’ inscription stands as a solemn tribute and reminder: “Stranger passing by, tell the Spartans we lie here, honoring our sacred laws.” Read More …

Stop At King Leonidas Memorial

Next to the highway lies a monument honoring King Leonidas. The statue, perched on a memorial wall, features the inscription “Molon Lavei,” Greek for “Come and take them.” This phrase, attributed to Leonidas, symbolizes resistance and defiance. It’s believed he uttered these words in response to the Persian king’s demand to surrender. The subsequent battle, the Battle of Thermopylae, became legendary for its display of unwavering resistance.

Shortly after the battle, a small stone plaque was placed near the modern memorial. Written on the old plaque is the message: “Tell the Spartans that we died here, obeying their laws.” The ancient memorial, on a hill facing the national road from the modern memorial, is located in Kamena Vourla.

Apollonius of Cappadocia

In the early days of the Roman Empire, Apollonius, a wise man and teacher, visited Thermopylae. There, he was asked about the highest mountain. Instead of naming a physical mountain, he gave a symbolic response. He said that the true highest mountain was Kolonos, not because it was tallest, but because it represented the pinnacle of human virtue. He explained that at Kolonos, the idea of justice and the sacrifices made by good people had created a lasting symbol of human decency. This symbol, he believed, reached from the earth all the way to the stars.

Duration: 160 Minutes

Embark on a pilgrimage to Thermopylae’s hallowed battlefield. Marvel at the towering monument commemorating the valiant 300 Spartans, their courage eternally etched in stone. Gaze upon Leonidas’ imposing statue, its gaze fixed on Kolonos Hill, the site of their final, indomitable stand. Feel a profound sense of reverence and awe as you walk these hallowed grounds. Pay homage to the statue honoring the 700 valiant Thespian warriors. After this historical immersion, soothe your body and soul in the rejuvenating hot springs, where you can find peace and tranquility amidst the echoes of history.

Stop At: We’ll pause at the scenic seaside town of Kammena Vourla. While there, we’ll indulge in an authentic Greek lunch amidst the tranquil ambiance of the sparkling ocean waters.

Duration: 90 Minutes

Pass By: Upon our inevitable farewell, we will carry the extraordinary and unforgettable memories of  Marathon And Thermopylae Tour 8-H within our hearts.

Duration: 170 Minutes

• Transfer offerd; Travelers pickup/drop off is offered.
• Pick up from; We will pick you up from any hotel or apartment in Athens center and Piraeus cruise port at the cruise ship pier!
• Info needed When booking make sure to include the address of your accommodation, or the name of the cruise line and the cruise ship!
• Pick up time; We propose to pick you up at 8 am in order to avoid traffic and crowed at the Acropolis.
• Drop off; We will drop you off at the same place we have picked you up or at any hotel in Athens center or cruise ship pier!

What is Included

• Professional driver with good knowledge of history and culture in Greece
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle appropriate for the size of your group
• Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple day tours only)
• Flexible pick up time on request (proposed 08:00AM)
• Free Pick-up from and return to your hotel
• Free Pick-up & drop off from Piraeus cruise port
• Athens Airport transfers or pickup locations outside Athens: arranged on request with surcharge
• First class transport: By Mercedes E-Class or similar; Mercedes minivan or Mercedes minibus according to the size of your party. All new models come with full leather and A/C.
• Road tolls and local taxes
• Our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athina, Greece.
• Official licensed tour guide for guiding in archeological sites. Available on request with surcharge
• The private tour is 100% exclusive for your party

What is Excluded

• Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
• Wine tasting fee (wine tours)
• Athens Airport transfer: arranged on request with a surcharge
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and beverage
• Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost.

Tour Type

• Private tour - Shore Excursion
• Activity level: Moderate
• Departures: Daily

Restrictions

• Due to the high complexity and uncertainty of contemporary transportation, as well as unexpected situations, the planned itinerary can change at any moment and our choices may be affected by any social, economic or environmental phenomena!

Guaranteed Departures

• Best Greece Tours is proud to be the first in the industry to offer Guaranteed Departures . A guaranteed departure means; There is no minimum number of bookings required on a trip to run and that the tour will definitely operate on the day it is scheduled and will not be cancelled. All guaranteed departures will run except in the event of a natural disaster or other similarly disruptive event that is beyond our control. Our current collection of tours can take you to exciting places in Athens and around the world.

How will we use the information you wll give us about you!

• Passenger Detail; We need basic contact details so we can send appropriate booking information to you as well as make sure the supplier can contact you should they need to.
• Flight Details; We will need to know your exact travel details so they can track flight time as well as make sure they get you to and from your destination with no delay.
• Accommodation Details; We need to know your pick-up and drop-off address to ensure the right price and that we know exactly where to meet you or take you.
• Payment Details; We will pass your payment details to our secure payment provider, but we do not see or store any of these details on our website payment details.

Importantant information!

• Dress: religious and memorial sites: shoulders and knee must be covered.
• Terms & Conditions, F.A.Q , Privacy policy & Cookies
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• A voucher will be emailed to you with our contact numbers and all necessary information for your tour.
• This is your ticket and proof of purchase. On the day of tour please present a paper voucher in order to redeem your tour/activity.
• Itinerary (break-down)Due to the high complexity and uncertainty of contemporary transportation, as well as unexpected situations, the planned itinerary can change at any moment and our choices may be affected by any social, economic or environmental phenomena!

Persons with Disabilities

• Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora.
• In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• For guests who are full-time wheelchair users a ramp vehicle will be needed. Guests may remain in their wheelchair or scooter for the duration of the excursion. Wheelchair or scooter dimensions are required in order to confirm the correct vehicle!
• Wheelchair or small scooter folding type only. (Please note that disabled passengers must be able to board the vehicle independently or with the assistance of those in their party.)

Opening hours & Admission fees

• Opening Hours: Summer April 1st to October 31st from 08:00 AM to 07:30 PM
• Winter: November 1st to March 31st from 08:30 AM to 03:00 PM
• Free admission fees: Children under 18 & Students from E.U.
• Reduced admission fees: Citizens of the E.U. aged over 65 & Students from countries outside the E.U.

Free admission days

• March 6: In memory of deceased Minister of Tourism & visionary Melina Mercouri
• June 5: Environment international day
• April 18 : International monuments day
• May 18: International museums day
• September 27: International tourism day
• The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
• National Holidays
• Sundays in the period between 1 November and 31 March
• The first Sunday of every month, except for July, August and September
• NOTE: If the first Sunday is a holiday then the second is the free admission day

Holidays in Greece

• January 1: closed
• January 6: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• Shrove Monday: 08:30AM - 03:00 PM
• March 25: closed
• Good Friday: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
• Holy Saturday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• Easter Sunday: closed
• Easter Monday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• May 1: closed
• Holy Spirit Day: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• 15 August 15: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• October 28: 08:30 AM- 03:00 PM
• December 25 & 26: closed

• Sedans; Within 24 hrs of travel 100% fee will apply. Outside of 24 hrs a €2 per person cancellation charge will apply.
• Minivan; Within 36 hrs of travel 100% fee will apply. Outside of 36 hrs a €2 per person cancellation charge will apply.
• Minibus 10-20 seats; Within 96 hrs of travel 100% fee will apply. Outside of 96 hrs a €2 per person cancellation charge will apply.
• For all vehicles; No show mean, no refund