Thermopylae and the 300 Spartans
Duration 8 hours
Private Tour & Shore Excursion
Price from €116
** Price is per person for a group of 3 passengers. Prices vary greatly depending on the number of people and type of vehicle. The final price will be calculated online using our booking engine.
Overview of Thermopylae and the 300 Spartans
Our Thermopylae and the 300 Spartans begins. Step back in time to visit Thermopylae, an iconic historical site that remains a symbol of valiant defeat. While history records the Greek army’s ultimate loss at Thermopylae, the enduring legacy lies in the virtues showcased during this legendary clash: selflessness, bravery, and unwavering patriotism. With astonishing bravery, a limited Greek force stood defiantly against a colossal Persian invasion, leaving an indelible mark on history that continues to inspire awe and admiration.
Stories of brave heroes facing overwhelming odds have always been captivating. The Battle of Thermopylae is a prime example. It shows how a smaller force can use tactics and strategy to inflict serious damage on a larger enemy. Beyond its strategic and tactical significance, the story is full of memorable characters and themes of pride, betrayal, and powerful declarations, making it an unforgettable narrative.
Thermopylae, a strategic mountain pass in ancient Greece, witnessed numerous battles, including the famous clash between the Persian army and a valiant group of Greeks led by King Leonidas of Sparta in August 480 BCE. Despite their smaller numbers, the Greeks held their ground against the overwhelming Persian forces for three days. Ultimately, the Persians won the battle, but the Greeks’ fierce resistance left a lasting impression on history.
The battle of Thermopylae has become the archetype for the courageous last stand. But what is known about the battle between the forces of Xerxes and the Spartan King Leonidas? What are the origins of the myth that just 300 Spartans fought against the vast Persian army? Let’s find out together through this private tour to Thermopylae!
Highlights of Thermopylae and the 300 Spartans
- Spartans King Leonidas Statue
- Thermopylae’s Battlefield
- The monument of King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans
- The monument of the 700 Thespians
- The Kolonos hill
- The hot Springs
- Thermopylae’s Innovative Centre of Historical Information
- Knowledgeable driver/guide to bring Greek gods & mythology to life
ITINERARY DETAILS
Start: Our tour start in the morning from Athens driving and admiring some of the famous memorials of the city. Driving through Attica, the regeonal aerea of Athens, you will have the chance to enjoy marvelous land scape of the coutrysite.
Duration: 180 Minutes
Thermopylae
Thermopylae, meaning “hot gates,” got its name from the nearby hot sulfur springs. In Greek mythology, this place was believed to have a deep entrance to the underworld. It was also known as Malis, named after the Malians, a Greek tribe living there. This region, now called the Malian Gulf, has shrunk over time, making the coastal passage wider, from less than 100 meters to over 8 km. This strategic setting played a crucial role in the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE, as it was the only land route connecting Lokris and Thessaly.
This historic site has seen many battles, including the famous Nazi-German invasion of Greece in April 1941. It’s a battlefield that honors the brave Greek soldiers who fought the second invasion of Persia, led by the Great King Xerxes. There’s a memorial for the 700 Thespians who fought bravely with the Spartans, as well as a monument to King Leonidas. There’s also an information center for visitors who want to know more.
Across the road, Kolonos Hill is where the Spartans, loyal to their rules, heroically made their last stand while safeguarding the body of their deceased King. Atop this unassuming hill stands Simonides’ epitaph, serving as a poignant reminder to everyone passing by: “Tell the Spartans, stranger traveling through, that we lie here, obedient to our laws.”
Stop At King Leonidas Memorial
On one side of the highway stands a modern memorial to King Leonidas. The statue depicts the Spartan King atop a memorial wall, with the words “Molon Lavei” inscribed beneath it. This phrase translates to “Come and get it” and is believed to be what Leonidas said to the Persian king Xerxes when ordered to surrender his weapons. “Molon Lavei” has become a symbol of defiance worldwide. The ensuing battle is renowned as one of history’s most remarkable last stands.
A small memorial plaque made of carved stone was placed near the modern memorial soon after the battle. The inscription on the ancient memorial reads: “Stranger, tell the Spartans that we died here in obedience to their laws.” This ancient memorial stands on a hill across the national road from the modern memorial and is in Kamena Vourla.
Apollonius of Cappadocia
In the first century AD, Apollonius, a philosopher, and spiritual leader, went to Thermopylae, a well-known historical site, to pay his respect. During his visit, he was asked which was the highest mountain, to which he replied with a metaphorical answer. He proclaimed that Kolonos was the highest mountain. He explained that this was because at Kolonos, the belief in law and the sacrifice of virtuous and noble individuals led to the establishment of a monument symbolizing human virtue, reaching from Earth to the stars. ” Kolonos holds that title, for on its slopes, a tribute to moral integrity and selflessness has been erected, its foundation on the ground but its pinnacle reaching the heavens.”
Duration: 90 Minutes
Your journey will take you to Thermopylae’s battlefield, including the inspiring monument dedicated to the 300 Spartans. You’ll also see Leonidas’ powerful statue facing Kolonos Hill, marking the heroic Spartans’ last stand. This historic site exudes a unique aura of sanctity. Don’t miss the statue honoring 700 Thespian warriors and take a moment to unwind in the restorative hot springs.
Stop At: We’ll take a short break at the picturesque coastal town of Kammena Vourla. There, we’ll savor a delicious traditional Greek lunch while enjoying the serene atmosphere of the shimmering seaside.
Duration: 60 Minutes
Pass By: Once we eventually depart, we will return to Athens harboring an incredible and unforgettable experience.
Duration: 150 Minutes
DEPARTURE | RETURN
- 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!
INCLUDED | EXCLUDED
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.
IMPORTANT NOTES
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
CANCELLATION POLICY
- 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