Marathon, Thermopylae, Mount Parnassus: Overnight / Herodotus History Greek Persian Battles Tour (Day 1)

Marathon Tomb - Explore the historic Marathon battlefields and delve into the captivating history encapsulated by the site and the burial mound, imbuing the area with a unique significance. This 10-meter-high burial mound is located 1 kilometer west of Marathon beach.
Ticket: 6€ Reduced: 3€ and includes Marathon Museum.

Schinias - These battlefields have transformed into one of the most popular coastal resorts in Attica, situated 40 km northeast of Athens. Marathon Bay, or Schinias, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and excellent facilities.

Archaeological Museum of Marathon - Located 5 km from Marathon Bay, this outstanding museum showcases local artifacts from various eras, including Neolithic pottery from the Cave of Pan and items from the Tomb of the Athenians.

Marathon Lake - Lake Marathon is a water supply reservoir created by the construction of Marathon Dam at the confluence of Charadros and Varnavas Torrents near the town of Marathon, Greece. It served as the primary water source for Athens from 1931, when it became operational, until 1959, when water from Lake Yliki became available.

Battlefield of Thermopylae - Thermopylae is renowned worldwide for the battle that occurred there between Greek forces (notably the Spartans) and the invading Persian forces, immortalized by Simonides in the famous epitaph, “Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, That here obedient to their laws we lie.” This passage from north to south along the east coast of the Greek peninsula necessitates the use of the pass, making Thermopylae the site of several battles.

Thermopylae Museum - Adjacent to the monument of Leonidas, in historic Thermopylae, lies the innovative museum dedicated to the 480 BC battle that altered the course of Greek history. Ticket 3€.

Loutra Thermopilon - The baths of Thermopylae are known for the battle between the Greeks and Persians in 480 BC. The Hot Gates is “the place of hot springs” and in Greek mythology, it is the cavernous entrance to Hades.

Mount Parnassus - Travel via Mount Parnassus (duration: 1 hour / 30 min) in central Greece, towering above Delphi, north of the Gulf of Corinth, offering scenic views of the surrounding olive groves and countryside. According to Greek mythology, this mountain was sacred to Dionysus and the Dionysian mysteries. It was also sacred to Apollo and the Corycian nymphs, and it was the home of the Muses. Parnassus is one of the largest mountainous regions of Mainland Greece and one of the highest Greek mountains. Overnight on the slopes of this magnificent mountain, in a traditional village.

Accommodation can be arranged in selected Boutique Hotels A’class or 3/4* Hotels with breakfast (additional cost 90€ per double room / weekend-holidays 110€ per double room - if more than 2 rooms 10% less. Driver’s room complimentary). If you prefer to make your own hotel reservation, an extra room for your driver is required.

Delphi, Thebes, Plataea, Parama/Salamis: Herodotus History Greek Persian Battles Tour (Day 2)

Delphi Archaeological Museum - The Archaeological Museum of Delphi, one of the most significant in Greece, showcases the history of the Delphic sanctuary, the site of the most renowned ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections primarily consist of architectural sculptures, statues, and minor objects donated to the sanctuary. These reflect its religious, political, and artistic activities from its early years in the eighth century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity.

Delphi - Delphi is the ancient sanctuary that prospered as the seat of Pythia, the oracle consulted for important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. The ancient Greeks considered Delphi the center of the world, marked by the stone monument known as the omphalos (navel).

It occupies a site on the southwestern slope of Mount Parnassus, overlooking the coastal plain to the south and the valley of Phocis. It is now an extensive archaeological site with a small modern town of the same name nearby. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its significant influence in the ancient world, as evidenced by the various monuments built there by most of the important ancient Greek city-states, demonstrating their fundamental Hellenic unity.
Ticket (Site & Museum) Summer 12€ Reduced Winter 6€.

The Tholos of Delphi - The sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, and the Tholos. The tholos is a circular building constructed between 380 and 360 BC at the center of the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. It features 20 Doric columns on its exterior diameter, which measures 14.76 meters. The building stands 13.5 meters tall at the center of the Athena Pronaia sanctuary, and its interior columns were of the Corinthian order.

Archaeological Museum of Thebes - The Archaeological Museum of Thebes is one of Greece’s most important museums, as some of its collections are rare or unique. The exhibits originate from excavations throughout Boeotia and cover a long chronological period from the Paleolithic to the Post Byzantine periods. General/summer admission: 6 € Reduced/winter admission: 3 €.

Plataea - Visit the battlefields in Plataea and journey back to 479 BC. See Gargathia spring, the site where this battle began. Next, drive via Mount Kithaeron to Elefsina (seaside) and follow the coastal road to Piraeus.

Kithairon - Drive via Mount Kithaeron, Eleutherai, on the old Athens-Thebes National Road, north of the Villia junction, encompassing part of the lowland and rocky hill, where the ancient fortress, known as Gyftokastro, stands. Eleutherai was allegedly the birthplace of Dionysus, who founded the homonymous city and was thus called Dionysus Eleuthereus. Originally a Boeotian city, Eleutherai joined Athens in the sixth century BC. The cult statue of Dionysus Eleuthereus was reportedly moved from Eleutherai to Athens on Peisistratus’ orders, leading to the establishment of the homonymous sanctuary on the south slope of the Acropolis. Strategically located on the borderline of the Athenian territory, with control over the narrow passage between Athens and Thebes and overlooking the plain of Oinoe, Eleutherai was part of the Athenian defense network in the fourth century BC. Next, pass by Elefsina (seaside) and follow the coastal road to Piraeus & Perama.

• Professional English-speaking tour driver for 2 days
• Informative audio documentary with historical details during travel
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel/apartment in Athens, Piraeus, or requested location
• Air-conditioned vehicles with included fuels, toll roads, and parking fees
• Accommodation for driver (complimentary)

• Entrance Fees to all sites & museums (Marathon, Thermopylae, Delphi, Thebes: Winter 15€/ Summer 27€)
• Accommodation: We corporate with some of the finest hotels. We need to know the number of the rooms.
• Gratuities

For the admirers of Herodotus History Greek Persian Wars this tour will give you the opportunity to visit the battlefields of 4 major battles.

Schedule is flexible, but most importantly our drivers are seasoned travelers and are dedicated to helping you live the tour of your life, that is suited to your needs and lifestyle, allowing all passengers to enjoy the scenic drive, stopping wherever you desire, take photos, have a break.

Like all vacations in Greece local food is high in our list of things to do, we will taste local gastronomy and wines.

We can arrange accommodation for you in selected Boutique Hotels A’class or 4* Hotels with breakfast at additional cost from 120€ per double room/ weekend-holidays 150€ per double room - if more than 2 rooms 10% less. (Driver’s room complimentary). See additional info

• Please book this tour, at least 2 weeks prior, as we need time to reserve rooms for you and your driver. Parnassus mount & Delphi are very popular. We can arrange accommodation for you in selected Boutique Hotels A’class or 4 Hotels with breakfast (additional from 125€ per double room / weekend-holidays from 150€ per double room / if more than 3 rooms 10% discount. Driver’s room complimentary). If you wish to do do your own hotel reservation, you need to reserve an extra room for your driver.
• You Have the options of 3 different Vehicles types: Sedan/ Suv up to 3 adults or family of 4 (2 adults + 2 kids - up to 11 years old free) - Minivan ( from 1 to 7 persons - 2 kids/ up to 11 years old free ) - Minibus ( from 1 to 14 persons - 2 kids/ up to 11 years old free). Price varies by Group Size or Vehicle type.
• The driver is not a licensed tourist guide to accompany you on your walk to Delphi or inside any other archaeological site or museum. If you require an archaeologist tourist guide to tour the sites with you, you need to hire one additionally (in prior time). If you have any questions you can contact us on the phone number provided by Viator.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.