Herodotus History Tour: Journey through Greek-Persian Wars Battlefields
4.7
18 Ratings
Marathon
Embark on a thrilling journey through the battlefields of the Greek-Persian Wars with our Herodotus History Tour. Immerse yourself in history, explore museums, and enjoy breathtaking scenery.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Marathon Tomb - Visit Marathon battle fields and read the amazing history that is captured by the location and the burial mound, fill the area with a unique meaning. This 10m-high burial mound, sits 1km west of Marathon beach.
    Ticket: 6€ Reduced: 3€
  • Schinias - These battle fields become, one of the most popular coastal resorts in Attica located 40 km north east of Athens. Marathon bay or Schinias has a great reputation for its crystalline waters and the comfortable facilities.
  • Archaeological Museum of Marathon - 5 km from Marathon bay, this excellent museum displays local discoveries from various periods, including Neolithic pottery from the Cave of Pan and finds from the Tomb of the Athenians.

Every Tuesday Museum is closed

  • Starting point of Marathon Route - The Athens Marathon is like no other on Earth. Staring line is in Marathon modern town and the finish line is in Athens’ magnificent Olympic Stadium, the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games.
  • Marathon Lake - Lake Marathon is a water supply reservoir formed from the construction of Marathon Dam at the junction of Charadros and Varnavas Torrents near the town of Marathon. It was the primary water supply for Athens from 1931, when it became operational, until 1959. In 1959 water from Lake Yliki became available.
  • Battlefield of Thermopylae - Thermopylae is world-famous for the battle that took place there between the Greek forces (notably the Spartans) and the invading Persian forces, commemorated 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 Greek peninsula requires use of the pass and for this reason Thermopylae has been the site of several battles.
  • Thermopylae Museum - Next to the monument of Leonidas, in the historic Thermopylae, lies the innovative museum, dedicated to the 480 BC battle that changed the course of Greek history. Ticket 3€ /Next to the monument of Leonidas, in the historic Thermopylae, lies the interactive museum, dedicated to the 480 BC battle that changed the course of Greek history. Ticket 3€ / Discount 1€
  • Loutra Thermopilon - The baths of Thermopylae is known for the battle of Thermopylae between the Greeks and Persians in 480 b.C.The Hot Gates is “the place of hot springs” and in Greek mythology it is the cavernous entrances to Hades.
  • Archaeological Museum of Thebes - Drive via Thebes and visit the Archaeological Museum. One of the most important museums of Greece since some of its collections are rare or unique. The exhibits originate from excavations all around Boeotia and cover a long chronological period spanning from the Palaeolithic to the Post Byzantine periods.

Every Tuesday Museum is closed
General/summer admission: 6 € Reduced/ winter admission: 3 €

  • Plataea - We visit the battle fields in Plataea and we travel back in time 479 BC. We see Gargathia spring, which was the place of the beginning of this Battle.
  • Kithairon - Drive via Mount Cithaeron, Eleutherai, on the old Athens-Thebes National Road, north of the Villia junction, encompasses 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 homonym city and was thus called Dionysus Eleuthereus. Originally a Boeotian city, Eleutherai went over to 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 homonym 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 we pass by Elefsina (seaside) and follow the coastal road to Athens
  • Athens - Return to Athens
What's Included
  • Private Transportation (with fuel, tolls, and parking fees covered)
  • Informative audio documentary with historical details provided by driver
  • Convenient pick-up/drop-off at your Athens or Piraeus hotel/apartment or a requested location
  • Professional, English-speaking tour driver leader for the day
  • Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles (choice of Sedan/Minivan/Minibus) with a high standard of cleanliness
What's Not Included
  • Entrance Fees to all sites & museums. Marathon - Thermopylae - Thebes: Winter 9€ / Summer 15€
  • Licensed Archaeological / Historian tour guide up request (Additional charge )
  • Additional charge is applicable from *15€ per way from pickup/drop off, more than 7 km from Athens .
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

As passionate travelers, we explore historic battlefields rather than being mere tourists. Our enthusiasm for travel matches yours, with a keen interest in immersing ourselves in the history and landscapes.

If Herodotus’ chronicles of the Greek Persian Wars interest you, then a full-day tour encompassing all the battlefields is a must.

Our journey begins with a handy pickup, moving onwards to the Marathon plains, grave, and museum. We then traverse the Marathon lake to reach Thermopylae. Here, explore the battlegrounds, Leonidas Memorial, Kolonos hill, hot springs, and museum. Our next stop is Thebes to visit a unique museum. We then move to nearby Plataea’s Acropolis, battlegrounds, and Kargathia Spring. We’ll drive through Mount Kithaeron, pass by Elefsina port, and take the coastal route back to Athens.

Keep in mind that this tour centers on visiting battlefields, museums, and scenic drives through mountainous terrain, with only a handful of ancient ruins to see.

You can choose to pay the entire amount during booking or opt for a reservation with a deposit of only 50% at a discounted rate (compared to Full Pay option). For more details, refer to the additional info.

  • You Have the options of 3 different Vehicles types: Sedan 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.
  • Your private tour is available from Athens city center. Additional charge is aplicable 15€ per way from longer pickup/drop off locations, more than 7 km from Athens city center. Piraeus Port (distance 12km), Piraeus Cruise Terminal (Distance 13km) This charge does not Include: Airport (distance 36km) or Lavrio Port (distance75 km) *This is under prior agreement with the agent’s office
  • Booking hours: Tour is private & flexible (up to 10 hours). However we only request to have in mind the agreement hours. But if you like to extend it, please make a fair arrangement with your tour driver/ leader. Additional charge per hour is 30€ (Sedan) - 45€ (Minivan) - 60€ (Minibus).
  • This is a tour strictly to see the battlefields and the scenery (drive via mountains), there are few ancient ruins to see. Your tour driver provides informative audio documentary & historical details as you travel.
Location
Marathon Tomb
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(18 Ratings)
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Scott_s
Mar 27, 2024
Great day, so much... - Great day, so much history packed into one day! Recommend you read up a bit on the history of these sights, which will help you understand what you're seeing.
Review provided by Viator
Curtis
Oct 31, 2023
Greco-Persian War Blitz! - If you are a fan of ancient Greek history then this is a tour to take. Our tour guide Nikalaos was awesome. Clearly knows a lot of details about what he is showing you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James
Oct 19, 2023
Ares dance floor - Christos was excellent guide , he was very knowledgeable about battlefields. He provided good insights into battlefield lore and layout , also gained admission to dig at marathon Car was clean and comfortable I would recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annie_s
Oct 3, 2023
Great Battlefield tour - As a history lover, this was a great chance to see the battlefields I have read about for years. It is easier to understand a battle once you walk the ground it happened on. But know this is a very fast paced tour through history. If I had one area of constructive criticism, it would be that there is no way but to walk across a busy highway at Thermopylae; it might be safer to drive your guests over...
Review provided by Viator
Victoria_h
Jul 24, 2023
Great way to see Greek history - We had Nikolaus for this tour and he was a fantastic guide who shared many historical facts about each location and the history of early Greece. We were able to visit many of the battlefields that took place in Thermopylae, Marathon and Thebes. It was really fascinating being able to see these sights and imagine what it was like while viewing what was left of the ancient ruins. Nikolaus was a safe, friendly driver and would highly recommend him for this tour. He took the time to help us squeeze in a quick visit to Delphi which was not on our original itinerary and he treated us to ice coffees through the day.
Review provided by Viator
Christopher_n
Jul 1, 2023
My wife and I, along with... - My wife and I, along with a friend, did this tour on June 23rd, 2023. We were picked up promptly from our hotel and had a long but very pleasant tour. Our driver, Christos Exarchopoulos, drove very safely in an immaculately clean and comfortable Mercedes sedan. He is extremely knowledgable and provided much information about the sites we visited. He also had videos about the sites and the history associated with them that we could see while travelling, and maps we could consult. We thoroughly recommend this tour for those with an interest in the geopolitical significance, at the time, of these battles.
Review provided by Viator
Johntheodore_k
Jun 29, 2023
A truly wonderful day. - As a Greek American seeing the battle sights of the Greek/Persian war that changed the course of history has been very important to me. This tour allowed me to do that. Our guide Nikos greatly enhanced the experience. He took us to the sights and through passing on his extensive knowledge of the history of the sights added substantial information that greatly enhanced my understanding of the events leading up to the battles and the factors that decided them. I highly recommend this tour and highly recommend our outstanding guide, Nikos.
Review provided by Viator
Pepito506
Mar 11, 2023
Great Tour for History Lovers - What a fantastic Tour!! This Battle History tour is worth the long drive (yes, it's a long day!). After the museum of Thebes were taken to the town of Plataea for one of the best meals we had in Greece. If you are reading this review, it means you are considering booking it. Do it now! You won't regret it, but again, this is for history lovers. Highly Recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oscar_s
Jan 20, 2023
Thoroughly Recommend - A brilliant tour for any Classical History/Persian Wars buffs. It's a long day but if you're on a time crunch and want to see all of the important sites then this is for you. You get to see Marathon, Thermopylae(The place from 300), Salamis and Platae. You make stops to several museums as well on the journey. Christos was our guide and he was fantastic. He had lots of additional information about each site and lots of interesting materials to read/watch. He was very friendly too. Seeing the battlefields of the Persian Wars is a powerful experience not soon forgotten.
Review provided by Viator
Daleen
Feb 9, 2024
Don’t go - Not as advertised - This is a taxi company trying to cash in on the guided tour business without having the necessary knowledge or resources. We very specifically chose this option as it was advertised as a ‘private tour with a historian’, the ‘with a historian’ being the more important part for us. Well, it was just a really really long taxi drive from place to place with hardly any knowledge being shared by the driver/‘guide’. He was a perfectly good driver and a very pleasant person, albeit very quiet and not super fluent in English, just not what we paid more than $600 for. Two people in our group are historians with degrees in classical studies (ie Ancient Greece) and they knew way more about what we were seeing. Youtube videos on a phone were shown in the car as the main source of information. Not that you can really see anything on a small phone screen in a car driving in bright sunlight. We could have done that on our own. We have done some really wonderful guided tours in Greece but this is not one of them. This is a total rip-off and is pretending to be something it is certainly not. The most expensive taxi drive we ever took - should have just taken an uber.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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June 2024
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