The Thrilling Athens & Marathon 8-hour tour
The full-day tour in Athens and Marathon combines two of the most significant sites in Greece, with important historical monuments and events associated with them.
Itinerary of the The Thrilling Athens & Marathon 8-hour tour
Athens – Acropolis – Constitution Square – House of Parliament – Panathenaic Stadium – Arch of Emperor Hadrian – National Library – National Academy – University of Athens – Marathon
Highlights of The Thrilling Athens & Marathon 8-h private sightseeing tour
- A full day (8 hours) private tour at your own pace and comfort
- The Acropolis of Athens
- The archaeological site of Marathon and the actual site of the famous Battle of Marathon
The full-day tour in Athens and Marathon starts from your hotel in Athens or your cruise ship at the port of Piraeus.
The tour begins with a visit to the heart of the city, the Constitution Square, where you can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the House of the Parliament, and the adjacent Royal Gardens, known today as the National Gardens.
Athens: The capital of Greece
The tour begins with a visit to the heart of the city, the Constitution Square, where you can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the House of the Parliament, and the adjacent Royal Gardens, known today as the National Gardens.
The tour will also take you to the Panathenaic Stadium where you can see the site of the modern Olympic Games in 1896. Then the tour will drive you towards the Temple of Zeus and the Arch of Emperor Hadrian, with a direction to the Panepistimiou Street, where you will see the impressive National Library, National Academy, and the University of Athens.
The best is yet to come: a visit to the imposing Holy Rock of Athens, the Acropolis with the crowning monument of the Parthenon. In Acropolis, you will understand why Classical Athens is considered the cradle of Western Civilization. The highlights of the Acropolis are the Erectheion with the Caryatids, the Propylaea, and of course, the temple of the Parthenon, the exemplary monument of the 5th century BC. A look at the Ancient Agora will complete the tour in Athens, and then you will have a chance to taste some mouthwatering Greek flavors during lunch.
Athens: The Panathenaic Stadium
Unveiling the Magnificence of Athens Panathenaic Stadium
The tour will also take you to the Panathenaic Stadium where you can see the site of the modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Welcome to the ancient marvel of Athens Panathenaic Stadium, a true gem that stands as a testament to the rich history and grandeur of Greece. This iconic stadium is not just a sports venue but a symbol of the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games and the spirit of athletic competition.
The History Behind the Glory: Built entirely of white marble, the Athens Panathenaic Stadium holds the distinction of being the only stadium in the world made entirely of this precious material. Originally constructed in the 4th century BC for the Panathenaic Games, it was rebuilt in marble by the Roman Emperor Herodes Atticus in 144 AD. This architectural wonder has witnessed countless historic events and athletic competitions over the centuries, making it a symbol of endurance and resilience.
The Olympic Connection: The Athens Panathenaic Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of sports enthusiasts as it hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Since then, it has been a venue for various Olympic events, including archery and the finish line for the marathon. The stadium’s significance in the history of the Olympics cannot be overstated, as it continues to inspire athletes from around the world.
Then the tour will drive you towards the Temple of Zeus and the Arch of Emperor Hadrian, with a direction to the Panepistimiou Street, where you will see the impressive National Library, National Academy, and the University of Athens.
Marathon: The Birthplace of the Marathon Run
After lunch, your private tour will head towards Marathon, the original site of the homonym race.
The original race was calculated from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium (42,195km), and takes place all over the world today. The history of the site of Marathon is also associated with the race itself since the latter is dedicated to the Greek soldier Pheidippides, who ran the actual distance to announce to the Athenians that the battle of Marathon against the Persians was victorious. The Battle of Marathon was a battle that took place in 490 BC between Greeks and Persians on the plain of Marathon in Attica.
It ended with the victory of the Greeks and marked the end of the first attempt of the Persian empire (under Darius I) to subdue the cities of mainland Greece. The victory at Marathon was not perceived as a local Athenian victory, but as a victory won by Athens for Greece.
The tomb dedicated to the fallen of the battle of Marathon is located just a couple of kilometers away from the actual battlefield.
After the visit to the Marathon site, you will return to Athens and you will visit the hill of Lycabettus, which is the higher hill in Athens, to capture some last images of the city of Athens in your heart.
Tour Type
- Shore Excursion – Private tour
- Activity level: Moderate
Included in the tour
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
- Your tour will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver or escort possessing in-depth knowledge of Greece’s history and culture. They will provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, guiding you until the entrance of archaeological sites and museums. However, please note that drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside these venues.
- If you desire a licensed state tour guide to escort you within the archaeological sites and museums, providing comprehensive insights and explanations, we can gladly arrange one for an additional cost. These licensed guides are freelance professionals, and their availability is subject to your tour date.
- When a licensed tour guide or English-speaking tour escort accompanies a group, the professional driver may not necessarily speak English fluently. Their role is focused on providing safe transportation.
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Athens. Extra charge for hotels outside Athens.
- Pick up and drop off at Piraeus Port or Athens Airport.
- Pick up and drop off at our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athens, Greece.
- Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
- Road tolls and all local taxes
Excluded from the tour
- Wine tasting fee (for wine tours)
- Olive oil tasting fee (for olive oil tasting tours)
- Optional Gratuities
- Food and beverage
- Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the Differences between a Tour Guide and a Tour Driver
Cancellation Policy
Additional info
- Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered out of respect for the cultural norms.
- Please review our Terms & Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions
- Upon booking, an electronic voucher will be emailed to you containing our contact information, tour details, and all necessary instructions. This voucher serves as your ticket and proof of purchase. Please present a printed or digital copy of the voucher on the day of your tour to redeem your activity.
- City Tax for Hotel Stays: Effective from January 1st, 2018, a City Tax for hotel overnights is applicable and not included in our excursion rates. Clients will need to pay this tax directly at their hotel upon check-out. The amount per room is as follows: 5-star hotel: €4/overnight || 4-star hotel: €3/overnight || 3-star hotel: €1.50/overnight
- Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Archaeological Sites and Museums in Greece
- Entrance Fees for Children from Non-EU Countries: Starting November 1st, 2019, children aged 6 and above from non-European Union (non-EU) countries will be required to pay the full entrance fee for Museums and Archaeological sites. For children from EU countries, the existing rates remain in effect. However, it is crucial to have their passports readily available to prove their nationality.
Persons with Disabilities
- Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
- In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
*** για vacation packages κράτησε το παρακάτω και σβήσε το προηγούμενο που είναι για private tours. Ολα τα elements με snippets θα τα βρεις στο Appearance –> Kadence –> Elements και έχουν το πρόθεμα SNIP-
Tour Type
- Shore Excursion – Private tour
- Activity level: Moderate
Included in the tour
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
- Your tour will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver or escort possessing in-depth knowledge of Greece’s history and culture. They will provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, guiding you until the entrance of archaeological sites and museums. However, please note that drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside these venues.
- If you desire a licensed state tour guide to escort you within the archaeological sites and museums, providing comprehensive insights and explanations, we can gladly arrange one for an additional cost. These licensed guides are freelance professionals, and their availability is subject to your tour date.
- When a licensed tour guide or English-speaking tour escort accompanies a group, the professional driver may not necessarily speak English fluently. Their role is focused on providing safe transportation.
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Athens. Extra charge for hotels outside Athens.
- Pick up and drop off at Piraeus Port or Athens Airport.
- Pick up and drop off at our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athens, Greece.
- Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
- Road tolls and all local taxes
Excluded from the tour
- Wine tasting fee (for wine tours)
- Olive oil tasting fee (for olive oil tasting tours)
- Optional Gratuities
- Food and beverage
- Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the Differences between a Tour Guide and a Tour Driver
Cancellation Policy
Additional info
- Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered out of respect for the cultural norms.
- Please review our Terms & Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions
- Upon booking, an electronic voucher will be emailed to you containing our contact information, tour details, and all necessary instructions. This voucher serves as your ticket and proof of purchase. Please present a printed or digital copy of the voucher on the day of your tour to redeem your activity.
- City Tax for Hotel Stays: Effective from January 1st, 2018, a City Tax for hotel overnights is applicable and not included in our excursion rates. Clients will need to pay this tax directly at their hotel upon check-out. The amount per room is as follows: 5-star hotel: €4/overnight || 4-star hotel: €3/overnight || 3-star hotel: €1.50/overnight
- Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Archaeological Sites and Museums in Greece
- Entrance Fees for Children from Non-EU Countries: Starting November 1st, 2019, children aged 6 and above from non-European Union (non-EU) countries will be required to pay the full entrance fee for Museums and Archaeological sites. For children from EU countries, the existing rates remain in effect. However, it is crucial to have their passports readily available to prove their nationality.
Persons with Disabilities
- Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
- In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
