• Thermopylae - Thermopylae, Thermopylae, Phthiotis Region, Central Greece

Thermopylae is a historic site in Greece known for its narrow coastal passage in ancient times. The Battle of Thermopylae saw Greek city-states, led by King Leonidas of Sparta, face off against Xerxes’ Persian Empire.

The Gates of Fire: Named after the hot sulfur springs and, in Greek mythology, the entrances to Hades.

The monument of King Leonidas: Built in 1955 by sculptor Vasos Falireas, this brass statue of the Spartan King with his spear and shield is remarkable.

Hotsprings: Thermopylae’s baths are a haven of healing spas. High-end hydrotherapy facilities focus on balneotherapy for treating ailments and promoting well-being. Of the 60 pending springs, 34 have been officially recognized. The serene valley of Thermopylae offers a stunning view of Central Greece.

• Thermopylae Museum - Thermopylae Museum, Thermopylae Greece

Thermopylae Museum: This innovative museum is dedicated to the pivotal 480 BC battle that shaped Greek history and Western civilization.

Duration: 30 minutes

In ancient times, the pass at Thermopylae, between Mt Kallidromos and the Maliakos Gulf, was the only practical route for large armies to reach southern Greece, making it a frequent battleground. The most famous battle occurred in 480 BC, when 300 Spartans under King Leonidas, along with 700 Thespians, delayed Xerxes’ vast army in a legendary last stand, following the betrayal by Ephialtes, who showed the Persians how to outflank the Greek forces.

• Delphi - Delphi, also known as Pytho, is renowned for its ancient sanctuary, which became wealthy as the seat of Pythia, the oracle consulted for important decisions in the classical world. The Greeks considered Delphi the center of the world, symbolized by the Omphalos of Delphi.

Delphi archaeological site: A UNESCO World Heritage Center, Delphi is one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites. The oracle’s functions expanded over the centuries to include athletic games, cultural events, and the Pythian games. The Temple of Apollo, the Ancient Theater, the Stadium, the Athenian Treasury, the Gymnasium, and the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia are truly captivating.

• Battlefield of Thermopylae - The Battle of Thermopylae was fought between an alliance of Greek city-states, led by King Leonidas I of Sparta, and the Persian Empire of Xerxes I. It took place in 480 BC over three days during the second Persian invasion of Greece. The battle coincided with the naval battle at Artemisium. It occurred at the narrow coastal pass of Thermopylae (“The Hot Gates”) in August or September 480 BC. The Persian invasion was a delayed response to the defeat of the first Persian invasion of Greece, which ended with the Athenian victory at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. By 480 BC, Xerxes had amassed a massive army and navy to conquer all of Greece. The Athenian politician and general Themistocles proposed that the allied Greeks block the Persian army’s advance at Thermopylae while simultaneously blocking the Persian navy at the Straits of Artemisium.

• Temple of Apollo - The Temple of Apollo, dedicated to the god of music, harmony, light, healing, and oracles, held the most important position in the Delphic Panhellenic Sanctuary. The partially restored colonnade visible today dates to the 4th century BC; it is the third temple built on the same site. The famous oracle, the Pythia, operated inside the temple, chosen for its location due to a sacred chasm beneath the site emitting vapors, which the Pythia inhaled. Some ancient writers state that the Pythia entered a state of delirium, uttering inarticulate cries that priests then interpreted as oracles.

• Leonidas Monument - Leonidas was a king of Sparta and the 17th of the Agiad line, a dynasty claiming descent from the mythological demigod Heracles and Cadmus. He was the son of King Anaxandridas II and succeeded his half-brother King Cleomenes I around 489 BC. Leonidas played a significant role in the Second Persian War, leading the Greek forces in a last stand at the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC) to defend the pass from the Persian army. He died in the battle and became a legendary figure as the leader of the 300 Spartans. Although the Greeks lost this battle, they expelled the Persian invaders the following year.

• Thermopyles Hot Springs - Relax in the hot springs of Thermopylae

According to mythology, Hephaestus created Thermopylae’s hot springs at Athena’s request as a gift for Hercules. The modern spa was built in 1935, and the village of Thermopyles (meaning Hot Gates) has become a significant spa resort in Central Greece.

• Thermopylae Museum - Thermopylae

Honour be to those who choose to devote their lives to guarding Thermopylae; steadfast in their duty; just and measured in word and deed, but also merciful and kind; generous in times of wealth, and in times of hardship, come what may, giving of their best; always truthful themselves, yet without rancour for the deceitful. And even greater honour be to those who foresee (and many do) that Ephialtes will inevitably emerge and the Barbarians will in the end break through.

The famous Greek poet Constantine Cavafy wrote these words in honour of the heroes of Thermopylae.

• Parnassos - Parnasos mountain

• Arachova - Visit Arachova, one of the most magnificent villages in the mainland, enjoy lunch and shopping.

• Delphi Archaeological Museum - Many important ancient Greek artifacts from the excavations at Delphi are housed here.

Frieze of the Treasury of Sifnias

Naxian Sphinx: Dated to 560 BC, it is one of the earliest representations of the demonic creature with a lion’s body, bird’s wings, and a woman’s head.

Metopes of the Athenian Treasury: From the early 5th century BCE, these depict scenes such as Theseus and Antiope, Theseus and the Minotaur, Theseus and the Marathonian bull, Heracles and the cattle of Geryon, Heracles battling the three-bodied giant Geryon, Heracles subduing a Centaur, Heracles and Cycnus, Heracles and the Nemean lion, and an Amazonomachy scene, among others.

Omphalos: Signifying the center of the earth, it was kept in Apollo’s temple.

Kleobis and Biton: Two brothers from Argos. These statues are of the typical kouros type, attributed to a Peloponnesian workshop, and date to the end of the 7th century BC.

Statue of Antinoos: This statue portrays Antinoos, celebrated for his beauty and youth, and Emperor Hadrian’s favorite, as a god.

• The Tholos of Delphi - The tholos at the sanctuary of Athena Pronoia is a circular building constructed between 380 and 360 BC. It consisted of 20 Doric columns with an exterior diameter of 14.76 meters and 10 Corinthian columns inside. The Tholos is located about half a mile (800 meters) from the main ruins at Delphi. Three of the Doric columns have been restored, making it a popular site for tourists to photograph.

The gymnasium, located half a mile from the main sanctuary, was a series of buildings used by the youth of Delphi. It consisted of two levels: a stoa on the upper level providing open space, and a palaestra, pool, and baths on the lower floor. These pools and baths were said to have magical powers, allowing communication with Apollo.

• Delphi - The ancient theater at Delphi was built further up the hill from the Temple of Apollo, giving spectators a view of the entire sanctuary and the valley below. Originally built in the 4th century BC, the koilon (cavea) leans against the natural slope of the mountain, while its eastern part overrides a creek that led water from the Cassotis fountain right underneath the temple of Apollo.

The orchestra was initially a full circle, with a diameter of 7 meters (23 feet). The rectangular scene building ended in two arched openings, with the foundations preserved today. The theater could accommodate about 4,500 spectators.

Its façade was decorated with scenes from Hercules’ life in relief. Further repairs and transformations took place in the 2nd century AD, under the auspices of Herod Atticus, according to Pausanias. In antiquity, the theater was used for vocal and musical contests that were part of the Pythian games.

• Temple of Apollo - The Temple of Apollo, dedicated to the god of music, harmony, light, healing, and oracles, held the most important position in the Delphic Panhellenic Sanctuary. The partially restored colonnade visible today dates to the 4th century BC; it is the third temple built on the same site. The famous oracle, the Pythia, operated inside the temple, chosen for its location due to a sacred chasm beneath the site emitting vapors, which the Pythia inhaled. Some ancient writers state that the Pythia entered a state of delirium, uttering inarticulate cries that priests then interpreted as oracles. This interpretation is controversial and has been challenged by scholars such as Joseph Fontenrose and Lisa Maurizio, who argue that ancient sources uniformly represent the Pythia speaking intelligibly and giving prophecies in her own voice.

• Delphi - Enjoy a delicious lunch on the Caldera of Mt Parnassus at Delphi, overlooking the Corinthian Sea, the ancient port of Itea, Amfissa, and the picturesque town of Galaxidi.

• Athens - Pickup from your hotel, Airbnb, or apartment in Athens. Drive to Thermopylae.

• Hotel pickup and dropoff
• Private air-conditioned transportation
• Complimentary bottled water
• On-board free WiFi access
• Professional driver with historical knowledge
• Luxury Limo Mercedes Taxi or Skoda with English-speaking driver
• All taxes, fees, and handling charges included

• Lunch, other beverages and meals.
• Entrance fees for all the attractions
• Licensed tour guide (upon request and depending on availability& Extra cost
• Tips and gratuities
• Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off (additional cost depending on vehicle type)