Marathon Greece

Remarkable Marathon 4-hour private tour from Athens

Deciphering the Enigmas of the Olden and New Marathon

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the modern-day marathon race? The ancient marathon holds a captivating history that dates back to ancient Greece and is shrouded in myths, legends, and feats of incredible endurance. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of the ancient marathon and explore how it has evolved over the centuries. Experience a visit to important sites outside the beaten path of the most popular tours in Athens. Marathon, is not only historically important areas but are also truly gorgeous places to see.

Marathon! The fight that has made world history!

Your day in Marathon includes visits to

  • Marathon: Experience the grandeur of Marathon.
  • Historic Marathon: See the museum of ancient Marathon or the museum of the Olympic games, witness the legends through the archaeological site of marathon.

Panoramic Sightseeing Highlights (from inside the vehicle)

  • Travel through east Athens following the same way of the classical Marathon till we reach the city of marathon.
  • Pass by Agia Paraskevi, Gerakas, Pallini, Rafina, Nea Makri, Marathon
  • Explore Marathon with a private vehicle for a day filled with historical discoveries and luxurious adventures!

  • Tumulus Of Athenians
  • The Marathon Archeological Museum
  • Marathon Battlefield with the Marathon Bay
  • Marathon race, the actual starting point of the famous race
  • Expertise: Experience the enlightening commentary of a skilled tour driver/guide who speaks fluent English, as they delve into the rich history and vibrant culture of the city through engaging storytelling.
  • Pickup and drop off: At your accommodation in Athens, cruise terminal at Piraeus cruise port

Historians believe that the victory in 490 BC played a crucial role in shaping Western civilization, as it paved the way for a renaissance in Athenian culture. This revival sparked significant progress in fields such as mathematics, drama, philosophy, and astronomy. Without this turning point, the world as we know it today might look very different, with Europe, Asia, and America potentially taking on entirely new forms.

The Significance of the Marathon: The marathon holds a special place in the hearts of runners and spectators alike, symbolizing endurance, perseverance, and the triumph of the human spirit. It is not just a physical test of strength and stamina but also a mental and emotional journey that pushes participants to their limits and beyond. The ancient roots of the marathon remind us of the rich history and traditions that continue to inspire and motivate us today.

Special Notes for Marathon

Marathon Tomb Archaeological Area

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 8 AM–3 PM

Opening Hours of The Archaeological Museum of Marathon

  • Winter: From 1-11-2019 to 31-3-2020: Daily 8:30 – 15:30, Tuesdays closed.
  • Summer: From 15-6-2020 to 31-10-2020: Daily 9:00 – 16:00, Tuesdays closed. **Last entry: 20 minutes before closing time

Marathon: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Ancient Marathon

Marathon General Miltiades
Marathon – General Miltiades

Marathon: A Journey Back in Time

The marathon is an ancient fixture from Greece. It is about endurance and strength. This tradition is carrying on till now. Do you ever wonder how the modern day marathon started? Answers can be found in the ancient city of Marathon that has been in existence for over two thousand five hundred years. This name comes from the renowned Battle of Marathon in 490 BC when Athenians defeated Persians here.

1896 was the year when the first modern Olympic Games took place in Athens. One of the events in those games was a marathon race named after a place where it had once taken place in ancient times, the path from Marathon to Athens, a city-state state situated in present-day Greece. As such, millions of people who participate and watch this event take it as an inspiration due to its resolve on earth.


The Marathon Race: A Modern Tradition

Classic Marathon Run Athens
Classic Marathon Run Athens

The Legendary Classic Marathon Run in Athens

Are you ready to embark on a journey back in time to the birthplace of the marathon? The Classic Marathon Run in Athens is not just a race; it’s a celebration of history, endurance, and the human spirit. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of this iconic event and discover why it continues to captivate runners and spectators alike.

The marathon has its origins in ancient Greece, where it was a key part of the Panhellenic Games. Legend has it that the first-ever marathon was run by Pheidippides, a Greek soldier who ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to deliver news of a military victory over the Persians. The distance he covered? A staggering 26.2 miles, which now serves as the standard length of a marathon.

The Modern-Day Classic Marathon Run: Fast forward to the present day, and the Classic Marathon Run in Athens pays homage to this historic event. Runners from all over the world gather in the city of Athens to test their limits and follow in the footsteps of ancient heroes. The route takes participants from the town of Marathon to the majestic Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, mirroring Pheidippides’ legendary journey.


An alternative tour is the full-day sightseeing tour in Athens with a visit to Marathon.

Explore the Wonders of Athens

  • Athens Tours, experience the best of Athens with our private tours, tailored for history enthusiasts, culinary adventurers, and photography lovers.
  • Athens shore excursions, designed for cruise passengers at the Piraeus Port of Call, blend historical sites and local experiences. Enjoy convenient pick-up and return to your ship.

Tour Type

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

Read our 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.
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Tour Details

Any bag or item with a single side longer than 50 inches (120 cm), including wheels, handles and packaging is an oversized item.

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