Greece · Battlefield Tours

Marathon & Thermopylae Battlefields Private Day Tour from Athens

9 Hours Pickup service provided in Athens. to Drop-off service provided in Athens. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Private full-day battlefield tour from Athens
  • 02 Explore the historic plain of Marathon
  • 03 Visit the Tumulus of the Athenians and Marathon Archaeological Museum
  • 04 See Marathon Beach, where the Persians camped
  • 05 Continue to Thermopylae, site of Leonidas and the 300 Spartans
  • 06 Watch an informative 3D movie at the Historical Information Center Thermopylon
  • 07 Visit the Leonidas Monument and walk around the Thermopylae Battlefield
  • 08 Travel with private transportation and hotel pickup/drop-off

Follow the story of two of ancient Greece’s most iconic battles on this private day tour from Athens to Marathon and Thermopylae. Designed for travellers with an interest in history, archaeology, and the Persian Wars, the experience combines battlefield landscapes, monuments, museum visits, and powerful historical context in a single full-day journey.

Travel first to the plain of Marathon, tracing the route of the original Marathon Race and visiting key sites including the Tumulus of the Athenians, the Archaeological Museum of Marathon, Marathon Beach, and Marathon Lake. Continue to Thermopylae, where the story of King Leonidas and the Spartans comes to life through the historical information center, the Leonidas Monument, the battlefield itself, and the nearby hot springs before returning to Athens.

Follow the story of two of ancient Greece’s most iconic battles on this private day tour from Athens to Marathon and Thermopylae.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Athens, Marathon
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Marathon Tomb

One of our favorite tours, this one is dedicated to those who fell in the name of freedom. This special tour was designed to accommodate those interested in ancient Greek battles, those who want to discover the major battlefield of the Persian wars, the plane of Marathon. Heading out from Athens to the sacred plain of Marathon driving through Attica Highway and Marathon Avenue. This is the course of the original Marathon Race, as you will see by the signs that count each kilometer. Later we will reach the Tumulus of the Athenians; the site portrays courage, bravery and finally the victory of the Athenians against the Persians in 490 BCE.  

Archaeological Museum of Marathon

Moving on we will also see the Marathon Battlefield, its Archaeological Museum with the tumulus of the 11 Plateans and a prehistoric cemetery that produces proof of the first civilized presence in this location. 

Marathon Beach

Marathon bay is the exact location where Persians camped. 

Marathon Lake

Driving by the present city of Marathon our last stop in this area will be Marathon Lake, on the slopes of Mt Penteli. It is an artificial lake operating as the main water reservoir for Athens in the past and its dam, a great mechanic construction of the starts of 20th century. 

Historical Information Center Thermopylon

Next, we will be back on board for a drive to Thermopylae. It was here that 10 years after the Battle of Marathon, King Leonidas and his 300 brave Spartans heroically faced the Persian army. In the historical center, an informative 3D movie will be shown.

Leonidas Monument Thermopyles

As if travelling through time you will feel the presence of heroes who stood their ground for their freedom against a foreign conqueror. To conclude you will visit the statue of Leonidas standing exactly opposite Kolonos Hill where the persistent Spartans left their last breath. 

Battlefield of Thermopylae

Walk around the Thermopylae Battlefield. 

Thermopylae Springs

Drive-by the hot springs.

Athens

Drive back to Athens after having lunch by the sea.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Pickup service provided in Athens. to Drop-off service provided in Athens. 2 cities · 9 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional Drivers with Deep knowledge of history. [Not licensed to accompany you in any site.]
  • Hotel/ AirBnb/ Port pickup and drop-off
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Fees [13€ for over 18 yo for Non EU & 25 yo for EU Citizens]
  • Airport Pick Up and drop-off (Additional cost)
  • Licensed Tour guide upon request depending on availability [Additional cost - 390 €]
  • Lunch

Know before you go

  • WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • The drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside any site or museum. If you require a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you need to hire one additionally.
  • The duration of the tours is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Don't hesitate to ask any more questions you may have.
  • Pick up time adjustable upon your request.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Athens.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Athens.
Tour end
Drop-off service provided in Athens.
End of the journey

Your 9 hours run from Pickup service provided in Athens. to Drop-off service provided in Athens..

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