Marathon & Thermopylae Battlefields Private Day Tour from Athens
Recommended by 92% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Athens, Greece
- 9 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
This is the ideal tour for history fans who are interested in ancient Greek battles. Start your day of Greek adventures with an Athens hotel pickup. You’ll be taken to multiple sites outside of Athens such as Marathon Archeological Museum, Marathon Battlefield, Marathon Lake, and Thermopylae’s Battlefield. Save hours researching Marathon and Themopylae attractions by having a comprehensive itinerary already planned out for you.
- The perfect tour for history fans
- Athens hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Travel in a comfortable vehicle between dispersed sites
- Save time and see many Marathon and Themopylae attractions in a day
What's Included
- Professional Drivers with Deep knowledge of history. [Not licensed to accompany you in any site.]
- Hotel/ AirBnb/ Port pick up & drop-off
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Licensed Tour guide upon request depending on availability [Additional cost - 380 €]
- Admission Fee - Marathon Tomb & Museum, Thermopylae’s Historical Center€13.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Pick up time adjustable upon your request.
Itinerary
Your private driver collects you from Piraeus Port or your Athens hotel or vacation rental. Follow the route of the original marathon race, where a legendary runner announced victory over the Persians.
Your first stop is the Marathon Tomb, an earthen mound where the Athenians buried their dead, and where the marathon race now starts. Explore this and the Marathon battlefield before heading to the Archaeological Museum of Marathon and a prehistoric cemetery.
After a stop to see the Marathon Lake reservoir, it’s time to discover Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and his army fought the Persians 10 years after Marathon. Watch a 3D movie at the information center, then head to the majestic Leonidas Monument and the Battlefield of Thermopylae.
There’s a stop for a traditional Greek lunch by the sea (own expense) before you return to your Athens address.
Your first stop is the Marathon Tomb, an earthen mound where the Athenians buried their dead, and where the marathon race now starts. Explore this and the Marathon battlefield before heading to the Archaeological Museum of Marathon and a prehistoric cemetery.
After a stop to see the Marathon Lake reservoir, it’s time to discover Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and his army fought the Persians 10 years after Marathon. Watch a 3D movie at the information center, then head to the majestic Leonidas Monument and the Battlefield of Thermopylae.
There’s a stop for a traditional Greek lunch by the sea (own expense) before you return to your Athens address.
1
Marathon Tomb
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Archaeological Museum of Marathon
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Marathon Lake
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Kainotomiko Kentro Istorikis Enimerosis Thermopylon
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Leonidas Monument
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Thermopyles Hot Springs (Pass By)
6
Battlefield of Thermopylae
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Athens (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- 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. If you have any questions you can contact us on the phone number provided by Viator.
- The duration of the tours is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Question (1)
Q:Will my driver accompany us inside the archaeological sites?
A:Your driver will have deep knowledge of history and mythology history, but they are not licensed to accompany you inside the archaeological sites & museum. We can reserve a licenced guide for you at an extra cost - depending on the availability
May 2022
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 63 reviews
Janette_M, Jul 2025
We had a fantastic day obsorbing the history. Panos was very helpful and knowledgeable which made the day. Great for history buffs.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear you had such an enjoyable day and that Panos contributed to making it memorable.
Ross_H, Sep 2024
A memorable day! Standing at the sites of two famous battles made them come alive. Beautiful scenery, lunch by the sea and riding in comfort with Alexander, our knowledgeable guide, made for a great day.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Dear Ross,
Thank you for sharing your memorable experience! We're thrilled that Alexander brought the history of these famous battle sites to life for you, making the day both enriching and enjoyable. It’s wonderful to hear that the beautiful scenery, seaside lunch, and comfortable ride added to the experience.
We’re honored to have been part of your day and look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments in Greece!
Best regards,
Dimitra Kapantai
boredironing, Sep 2024
An excellent day with a very personable and knowledgeable guide/ Giannis.
We thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
hank you for sharing your experience! We’re so pleased to hear that Giannis made your day enjoyable with his personable and knowledgeable approach. It’s wonderful to know that every moment was memorable.
We look forward to welcoming you back for more exceptional experiences in Greece!
Best regards,
Dimitra Kapantai
Joe_M, Sep 2024
If you are in to history, I would highly encourage this tour. Giannis was a great host and very friendly.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Dear Joe,
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that Giannis made your history-filled tour enjoyable with his friendly and welcoming approach.
We look forward to welcoming you back for more enriching experiences in Athens!
Best regards,
Dimitra Kapantai
Henry_W, May 2024
Alexander was great. He explained the sites and was very friendly very nice vehicle and cold water was available
John_F, May 2024
Spending the day with our driver was the highlight. We learned so much about Greece, not just the places we visited.
Jennifer_M, Nov 2023
It was awesome the battle of marathon was very interesting with the tombs of the soldiers, the mounds, and the museum. The Thermopylae was amazing as well especially since my 13 year old son was able to put on authentic spartan military gear and I took a picture. The 3D movie was really neat too. The driver was great and very informative
Blake_M, Sep 2023
Our guide, Nasos, made this trip worth while. He has a tremendous knowledge of the Greek history and culture. With a guide like Nasos, this trip can be enjoyable for all, not just history buffs.
MiltonG_F, Aug 2023
This trip is one of those that is just not worth it. George was an excellent and very knowledgeable guide, but there was just too little to see at each battlefield to justify the time and cost. I think Greece could do a better job "beefing up" the offerings at each site, given their importance to western civilization. Thermopylae (which could be incorporated in other tours) was more impressive that Marathon (which could be skipped altogether).
Jo_C, May 2023
Excellent trip with Nasos. Highly recommend. Included some views/perspectives on the battles that were unique and intriguing.
Response from Host, Dec 2023
All we in Olive Sea Travel thank you for the kind review!
Nasos, as all our drivers, always tries to make your holidays a unique experience customized on your needs.
We will gladly provide you with our personalized services again.
Kind regards,
Alexander Petronikolos
Stephen_C, Aug 2022
Our family took a private tour to Marathon and Thermopylae and had a wonderful time! Our tour guide, Lysandros, was kind and knowledgeable. He was patient and allowed us to take as much time at each site as we would like. He truly brought history to life while recounting events at such remarkable battles. It was inspiring! The trip was comfortable and child friendly. He also went out of his way to show us interesting sites based on what he learned about us throughout the day. It truly felt like a tailored experience. We would highly recommend him to anyone using this service.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you for sharing your feedback for your private tour with Olive Sea Travel.
Lyssandros, as the rest of our team, works his best to provide you with services of high quality. He is willing to share with you his deep knowledge of Greek history and mythology.
We try to offer you a cultural and relaxing private tour. Safety and comfort are two of the major considerations of our drivers.
We hope to see you again!
Kind regards,
Ioanna Gryllaki
Kyriakos_I, Jun 2022
Our guide, Lyssandros, was very good and courteous. He was a very responsible driver. We saw everything we wanted to see and made it back with enough time left to do other things. I would definitely recommend Viator for booking a trip such as this.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you for taking the time to write this review which all we in Olive Sea Travel appreciate.
Lyssandros is a great professional and it’s very nice when his work is recognized.
We will gladly provide you with our services in the future.
Kind regards,
Ioanna Gryllaki
Corey_N, Apr 2022
Walking the battlefield of Thermopylae and Marathon was a dream come true for myself and my oldest daughter (7 yo). Christos was awesome and both my daughters really liked him. He is very knowledgeable in the history and made the learning fun, even for my 4 yo. Highly recommend this trip and even higher recommendations if it’s with Christos.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you for sharing your feedback for your private tour with Olive Sea Travel.
Christos, as the rest of our team, works his best to provide you with services of high quality.
He always tries to offer a cultural, relaxing and leisure private tour to you. It is so nice when kids appreciate it and show such interest about Greek history and culture.
We hope to see you again in Greece!
Kind regards,
Ioanna Gryllaki
Raymond_N, Sep 2021
What a great trip. The historical aspect is amazing and worth every bit. I happened to go the Thermopylae over the anniversary weekend in SEP when the battle occurred. Get in touch with your inner Spartan and book it as you will not be disappointed. Ten star tour guide knew all the history and was passionate to tell it. His English was great and helped me with some Greek among other topics and historical video on the drive. Even modified my private trip based on my requested timeline. Don’t wait until it is booked!
Response from Host, Sep 2021
On behalf of Olive Sea travel thank you for the kind feedback.
Our aim is to provide you with services of high quality and to meet your expectations.
Our tours are private, which means customized on your needs, so you can relax and enjoy them on your own pace.
We will gladly provide you with our services in the future.
Kind regards,
Ioanna Gryllaki
Alan_M, Aug 2021
For booking the night before and going solo they were very accommodating and the driver/guide was very knowledgeable. He was able to answer historical questions, give advice on places to see and was very friendly.
Response from Host, Sep 2021
Thank you for the kind feedback about Olive Sea Travel and our driver.
We always try to meet your expectation and provide you with unforgettable experiences.
We will gladly provide you with our services in the future.
Kind regards,
Ioanna Gryllaki
Arturo_G, Jun 2021
Excellent customer service, nice and comfortable ride, the guide was very professional and knowledgeable of Ancient Greek history .we enjoyed the tour, thanks Dem !
Response from Host, Jun 2021
Thank you for your kind review.
We always try to provide our clients with nice memories to keep. Our drivers are professional and have a great passion in their job.
We hope to guide you in Greece again.
Kind regards,
Ioanna Gryllaki
Peter_R, Sep 2020
What an excellent trip! Our guide - "Dem" was so knowledgeable, he keep us engaged throughout! very interesting and highly recommend.
Response from Host, Sep 2020
Thank you for sharing this kind feedback.
Dem, as all our drivers, has great knowledge in Greek history and tries to provide you with unique experiences.
We, in Olive Sea Travel, hope to guide you again.
Until then stay safe.
Kind regards,
Ioanna Gryllaki
downhomers, Nov 2019
The tour was good but not much to see, just areas where battles took place. Guide was good but would recommend the group tour vice private tour.
Response from Host, Nov 2019
Thank you for sharing your feedback for your private tour, Marathon & Thermopylae.
The driver as the rest of our team of Olive Sea Travel works hard to provide you with high quality of services.
The tour was thematic, historical and cultural as you visited Marathon &Thermopylae. It is totaly different from a city tour that you have more options!
We hope to see you again!
Best regards,
Nikoloudaki Eleftheria
Ken K, Oct 2019
What a wonderful day! Our driver Mike was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, patient, and professional. As a Michigan State University Spartan I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Thermopylae and experiencing the actual ground the Spartans died defending. Mike suggested s wonderful seaside restaurant for lunch which capped off a perfect day.
Response from Host, Oct 2019
We are truly pleased with your awesome review!
Mike is one of our best drivers, who loves driving and sharing his deep knowledge with you of Greek history and mythology.
Marathon & Thermopylae is a historical, education and family tour which you can learn so many things about Ancient Greece and Persian Wars.
You inform about the ethics of Ancient Greek people.
We hope to see you again!
Kind regards,
Eleftheria Nikoloudaki
Robert T, Aug 2019
We wanted to see Thermopylae because our teenage grandson watched 300 Spartans and is interested in military battles. It was a long ride from Athens and not much there except the site and a short film. However, we were not expecting much from Marathon and surprisingly we really enjoyed this part of the tour. The museum is special and the grounds reveal burial mounds and great architectural digs. Friendly and informative docent. Our driver was excellent.
Response from Host, Aug 2019
Thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback.
We try to give you all our historical and mythical knowledge of the monument before the arrival.
This is more comfortable as visiting the sights and you have already the knowledge. Finally, you are prepared for what you are going to see.
We are looking forward to welcoming you again in the future.
Best regards,
Nikoloudaki Eleftheria
msargis, Sep 2018
So this was my first trip to the beautiful country of Greece and it was fantastic. Beautiful Countryside views and historical landmarks. The tour provided by Olive Sea Travels was amazing. Our tour guide, Dem, was very knowledgeable and courteous. Having seen the Marathon and Thermopylae sights, where the heroic Spartans made their last stand, where the Athenians defeated the Persians at Marathon Bay, and just being in that area was amazing. I highly recommend this tour to everyone because it is a very beautiful experience, but it would be a much more fantastic experience if you brush up on the history as well. 5 STARS
Response from Host, Sep 2019
Thank you for sharing your feedback for your private tour in Marathon & Thermopylae.
The team of Olive Sea Travel works hard to provide you with high quality of services even if the weather is not so good.
Οur suggestion for authentic Greek cuisine is rewarding in the best way.
We hope to see you again!
Best regards,
Nikoloudaki Eleftheria
Michael_O, Mar 2018
Great tour! Especially Thermopylae even though the landscape has significantly changed in 2500 years.
After reviewing some history and using some imagination, this is a worthwhile addition. The visitor center offers a helpful 3D movie to help underatand the high points of the site/battle. Kids can enjoy it too. Marathon was also interesting, but even less to see.
Best to combine these on part of a multiday tour to cut down on commute time from Athens
Response from Host, Sep 2019
Thank you for sharing your feedback for your private tour in Marathon & Thermopylae.
The team of Olive Sea Travel works hard to provide you with high quality of services even if the weather is not so good.
Οur suggestion for authentic Greek cuisine is rewarding in the best way.
We hope to see you again!
Best regards,
Nikoloudaki Eleftheria
From $286.51
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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