The legend of Marathon and Thermopylae 8h tour
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The legend of Marathon and Thermopylae 8h tour
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The legend of Marathon and Thermopylae 8h tour

1 day
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About this activity
The historians argue that this victory back in 490 BC was pivotal in the development of Western civilization because it preceded a flowering of Athenian culture that led to great advances in mathematics, drama, philosophy and astronomy. Other ways, we may have not known the world as it is today. Maybe Europe, Asia or America would not exist as we know them today!The legend has it that after the battle ended, Phidipides, a daily runner, was immediately dispatched to deliver the good news to Athens, roughly 26,219 miles away or 42,195 Km: the world’s first marathon. Upon arrival the heroic messenger exclaimed,“Rejoice, we won!” Admire the impressive starting line of the classic Marathon run! Visit the Tumulus of the Athenians bravely ling there and portrays the victory against the Persians in 480 BC. Next, we’ll see the Marathon Battlefield, the Marathon archeological Museum, the prehistoric cemetery that proves the first civilized presence in this location and the museum of the Marathon run. Stop at the Marathon lake and the Marathon dam famous for the unique structure made with the Pentelic marble same as the Acropolis marble. The Marathon dam is operating as the water reservoir for Athens.

It’s time now to take the way to Thermopylae (Hot gates). The time is August 480 B.C.; the place; Thermopylae, Greece, the occasion; the aftermath of a great battle. 10 years after the defeat at Marathon, the Persian invasion of Greece was resumed by King Xerxes in 480 BC. A vast army of Persians was on the march to conquer Greece. A small force of Greeks had been all that stood in their way. And yet, in a pass that narrows to a space smaller than a ball field, the impossible almost happened. For three days, just over a 100 to a 150 Greeks, spearheaded by an elite unit of three hundred Spartans, gave a savage beating to the Persian army that outnumbered them by perhaps 30-to-1. About 200,000 men willing to die for the glory of Xerxes, the Persian Great King, came up against the most efficient killing machine in history.

The

Spartans; The best soldiers the world has ever known! The strategic decision to fight the Greeks at Thermopylae had finally punished the Persians. Xerxes had learned how high the price of the victory would be if he could pay it at all. How hard to think that so few men could devastate so many. Leonidas didn’t want any songs or any tributes. His wish was simple; Remember us! Remember why we died! And the brave 300 Spartans died but their legend stands and echos through the centuries. To conclude, you will visit the battlefield in Thermopylae, the monument of the 300 Spartans and the statue of Leonidas standing exactly opposite

Kolonos Hill (visit) where the persistent Spartans left their last breath. A place too sacred for words. The statue of the 700 Thespian and the hot springs. Lunch at Kammena Vourla, a little town on the water to enjoy an authentic Greek lunch by the sea.
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Included
  • Free return transfer for Cruise ship passengers
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Local taxes
  • A professional English speaking driver with good knowledge in history and culture of Greece, to guide you till you enter archaeological sites and museums. Tour drivers are not licensed to companion you inside the archaeological sites and museums. If you'd like to have a licensed by the state tour guide to escort you inside the sites and museums, we can arrange it for you with an additional cost. Licenced by the state tour guides are freelance and it is subject of availability on bookings day!
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle appropriate for the size of your group
  • Pick-up from the cruise ship pier at Port of Piraeus Road tolls and local taxes
  • Driver/guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Athens
  • Piraeus Port pickup and drop-off
  • Private tour
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Transport by private vehicle
Not included
  • Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
  • Gratuities
  • Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities following the program mentioned above.
  • Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost to escort you inside the archaeological sites and museum according to the program.
  • Food and drinks
  • Athens International Airport transfers can be arranged on request
Additional
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Dress code is formal
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
75%
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