Graeco-Persian War Battlefields near Athens: Plataea and Marathon plus Aegosthena
This exciting same-day programme focusses on two battles of the Graeco-Persian Wars of the 5th century BC, where arguably Europe itself was saved when the hordes of the invading Persian...
Introduction
We specialise and excel in creating new tours which reveal new horizons, take you to less-known yet fabulous places, add fresh activities – and all this being presented with the communicative and vibrant approach that only people impassioned with what they do can deliver.
Our well-researched, perfectly-delivered and inspiring programmes offer fresh perspectives of the wonder that is Greece, are conducted round-the-year and are all supported and escorted by our hand-picked specialist, licensed guides.
Greece has been a strategic crossroads since time immemorial and the legacy of its rich history is visible in the monuments, archaeological sites and castles which adorn every corner of this magnificent country of heroes and legends. Αt the same time, all corners of Greece are strewn with battlefields, another silent testimony to the country’s tumultuous history over the millenia.
This exciting same-day programme focusses on two battles of the Graeco-Persian Wars of the 5th century BC, where arguably Europe itself was saved when the hordes of the invading Persian armies were defeated by a far smaller number of Greek warriors united by their common roots as Hellenes despite their originating from rival city-states, in a sequence of tremendous land and sea battles (such as Plataea, Marathon, Cape Artemision and Salamis).
We also visit – and enjoy a sea view lunch at – the charming small town of Porto Germeno on the coast of the Gulf of Corinth, which is the location of ancient Aegosthena, a fortified port city whose refurbished 4th-century BC towers are the tallest surviving such edifices of ancient Greece. We will also visit Aegosthena’s two diminutive Palaeochristian country churches of the 11th/12th century.
The target audience of this programme would typically include avid admirers and discerning connoisseurs of Classical Greek history, military history and of natural beauty, who would relish the experience of seeing the most evocative battlefields at first hand.
Transportation is by modern, air-conditioned coach whilst lunch is at a carefully-chosen seaside taverna, not least with the hungry explorer in mind – but also to respect and reflect the ancient Greek tradition where eating is central to social interaction and happy bonding.
Are you more independent-minded?
This programme is also available in a self-drive version!
Find out more on Self-Drive Tours
Points of Interest
Aegosthena | Archaeological Museum of Marathon | Marathon Tomb of the Fallen | Plataea
Itinerary
Off to any early-morning start by picking you up for your central Athens hotel or our meeting point, for our drive towards fabled Marathon, where the famous battle of 490 BC took place and where the Marathon run was born. We will visit the Museum and the Tomb of the Fallen as well as being introduced to the geography of the region and the battlefield.
We continue to Aegosthena to visit the ancient towers and the two lovely 11th/12th-century Byzantine country churches. Lunch at a seaside taverna and on to through the impressive mountain scenery of Mt Kithaeron to Plataea, where the decisive battle of 479 BC was fought. The Plataean fields are now eerily empty and peaceful, yet one can almost visualise and hear the fury of the battle.
Return to Athens.
Day’s approximate driving distance and duration : 240 km (149 mi), 4 hrs and 24 mins. Total duration of tour, from pickup to drop-off: Approximately 9 hours. These values are indicative only and can change without notice.
Included
- Expert tour leader accompanying the group throughout the duration of the tour
- Transportation by air-conditioned car, minibus or coach
- Lunch up to a value of EUR 18 per person
- Archaeological site and museum tickets
- Bottled mineral water during the tours
- Free use of power packs for recharging mobile phone and portable devices on the move
Not Included
- Air travel to and from Greece
- Personal travel insurance
- Beverages
- Coach driver and guide gratuities
- Visas and travel document and formality costs, if and where applicable
- Anything not explicitly mentioned under the Included section
Points to note
The tour is accompanied by an expert tour leader who is fluent in English. Transport is by air-conditioned car, minibus or coach and lunch will take place at a picturesque seaside location.
The programme does not include flights to and from Greece and personal travel insurance. An example of how to obtain travel insurance can be found here.
Good and comfortable walking gear is a must. As the tours take place nearly all the year, waterproofs in non-summer months are recommended, even though they may well prove unnecessary. As the safety and comfort of all our travellers are of paramount importance to us, we might need to adjust at our sole responsible discretion the routeing and/or the activities should weather or other conditions so dictate.
The final applicable price will depend on the number of participants of the tour.
