Battlefields of Glory: Marathon, Thermopylae & Plataea Tour

Athens , Greece

Battlefields of Glory: Marathon, Thermopylae & Plataea Tour

Active

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Dear travellers welcome!
This day tour from Athens takes you to three key battlefields of the Greco-Persian Wars. First, visit Marathon, where the Athenians triumphed over Persia in 490 BCE, and see the Marathon Tomb. Next, head to Thermopylae, where Leonidas and his 300 Spartans made their heroic last stand in 480 BCE, commemorated by the Leonidas Monument. Finally, explore Plataea, where the Greeks secured victory in 479 BCE, ending the Persian invasion. After a day of history and legend, return to Athens with a deeper appreciation of these epic battles.
This tour is PRIVATE. We will make sure you will have the most amazing day!

Available options

Greco Persian Battlefields

Pickup included

What's included

Pick up from your Athens Hotel, Airbnb or Cruise ship.

Expert Athenian driver fluent in English, insightful commentary. CANNOT enter the sites with you.

Comfortable transportation. A/C, Bottled Water

Detailed itinerary

Visit the tomb where the 192 brave Athenians where buried after the battle.

The permanent exhibition of the Archaeological Museum of Marathon presents the history of the area from the Prehistoric era until the Roman period through a display of finds that were aggregated from the Prehistoric cemeteries of Vrana and Tsepi, the tombs of the Athenians and the Plataians who fought at the Battle of Marathon (490 BC)

The trophy of the battle

Now a panoramic view of the whole plane of Marathon and the marsh land. Enjoy this incredible view of Marathon bay and imagine the glorious battle taking place 2500 yeras ago

Marathon dam and the beatiful artificial lake. Made from pentelic marble like the Acropolis monuments, this is the water reservoir of the city of Athens

The Thermopylae battlefield, where the Spartans made their heroic stand in 480 BC, is a deeply moving experience. Here, visitors can see the imposing statue of King Leonidas, symbolizing the bravery and sacrifice of the 300 Spartans who fought valiantly against overwhelming Persian forces. Nearby, a monument honors the 700 Thespians who chose to stand alongside the Spartans, showcasing their shared courage in the face of certain death. The informative center offers valuable insights into the battle's historical context, strategy, and the profound legacy it left on Western civilization.

The tour pauses at the windswept plain of Plataea, where the decisive battle of 479 BCE unfolded. Here, Greek hoplites, outnumbered but resolute, crushed the Persian forces of Mardonius, securing Greece’s freedom. The guide gestures toward the remnants of the ancient city walls, recounting tales of heroism and strategy that shaped Western history. The silence of the field contrasts with the echoes of clashing bronze and battle cries that once filled the air.

What's not included

Licensed Tour guide upon request, depending on availability. Extra cost ~200 euros paid to the guide

Gratuities (At your discretion)

Lunch

Tickets to the sites

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travel time is already included to the total duration.

Tour start time can be customized to suit your schedule – contact us after booking.

About Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city rich in history and culture, often considered the cradle of Western civilization. It is home to iconic ancient landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving modern scene.

Top Attractions

Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis is the most iconic landmark in Athens, featuring ancient ruins and temples, including the Parthenon.

Historical 2-3 hours €20 (combined ticket for multiple sites)

Ancient Agora of Athens

The heart of ancient Athens, featuring the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.

Historical 1-2 hours €8 (included in the combined ticket)

Plaka

A charming, historic neighborhood with narrow streets, neoclassical houses, and vibrant nightlife.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore

Acropolis Museum

A modern museum showcasing artifacts from the Acropolis and its surroundings.

Museum 1-2 hours €10

Temple of Olympian Zeus

An ancient temple dedicated to Zeus, once the largest temple in Greece.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour €6 (included in the combined ticket)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Moussaka

A baked dish with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.

Dinner Vegetarian versions available

Souvlaki

Grilled meat skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki.

Snack Can be made with chicken, pork, or vegetarian options

Tzatziki

A yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, and herbs.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Baklava

A sweet pastry made with layers of filo, nuts, and honey syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Rock climbing Scuba diving Beach visits Spa treatments Café hopping Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Athens is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.

18°C to 32°C 64°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Greek
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Athens is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid poorly lit areas at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious with ATMs and credit cards

Getting there

By air

Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport • 30 km from city center

By train

Athens Central Railway Station

By bus

KTEL Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned. Easy to navigate with clear signage in English.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Plaka Monastiraki Psiri Koukaki Kolonaki

Day trips

Cape Sounion

65 km from Athens • Half day to full day

A scenic coastal area featuring the Temple of Poseidon with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Delphi

180 km from Athens • Full day

An ancient archaeological site and home to the famous Oracle of Delphi.

Meteora

350 km from Athens • Overnight

A unique landscape featuring rock formations and medieval monasteries perched atop cliffs.

Festivals

Athens Festival • May to October Athens Epidaurus Festival • June to August Athens International Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat
Use the metro for easy and efficient travel around the city
Explore local neighborhoods for an authentic Greek experience
Try local street food for a quick and delicious meal
Learn a few basic Greek phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals