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Thermopylae Battle Tour: Follow the Steps of the 300 Spartans in an 8h Journey
5.0
1 Rating
Attica
The conflict that reshaped our planet!
Highlights of the Thermopylae journey
• The site of Thermopylae’s Combat
• The tribute to King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans
• The memorial for the 700 Thespians
• The ascent of Kolonos Hill
- Tour personalization is possible within the planned route!
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Attica - Embark on a journey through Attica, a region with a 6,000-year history that has significantly contributed to the development of Western civilization through its ideas and arts. Today, visitors to Attica can experience this rich history firsthand by exploring its famous monuments and masterpieces from antiquity and the Middle Ages, as well as its 19th and 20th-century architectural heritage. Athens, the capital of Greece, is located here and is the country’s busiest city, home to the iconic Acropolis. Attica also boasts some of the world’s most important museums and archaeological sites, reflecting its prominent role in history. Throughout the year, various festivals featuring ancient Greek drama, performances, sports, and culinary events captivate audiences. Next, head towards the Peloponnese!
- REGION OF CENTRAL GREECE - REGIONAL UNIT OF VIOTIA - Known as the heart of Greece, Central Greece, or Roumeli, has been inhabited since ancient times. The region features forested mountains, rivers, lakes, diverse wildlife, and significant archaeological sites. Visit the archaeological site of Delphi and the Oracle of Apollo, the charming seaside towns of Galaxidi and Itea, and the historically significant town of Nafpaktos. The Messolonghi lagoon, Greece’s largest wetland, is a natural paradise with islets, dunes, forested banks, and rich flora and fauna, providing locals with salt and fish. The region’s most prized natural gift is bottarga (Greek avgotaracho), a delicacy made from the eggs of the female grey mullet, and one of the few seafood products with a PDO award. For thrill-seekers, Karpenisi offers a multitude of activities to get your adrenaline pumping.
- Thermopylae - Thermopylae is a historic site in Greece known for its narrow coastal passage and hot sulfur springs. In Greek mythology, it is one of the entrances to Hades.
- Leonidas Monument - The Battle of Thermopylae is renowned for its demonstration of selflessness, sacrifice, and adherence to the laws of the land. The Greek resistance in the narrow passage was due to rigorous military training, superior equipment, and strategic use of the terrain to enhance their defensive capabilities. The Thermopylae Memorial is located where the passage once existed, though it has since been altered by sediment deposition from the Spercheios River.
- Battlefield of Thermopylae - The Persian army, led by Xerxes, reached the Thermopylae passage, where the Greeks had strategically positioned themselves to counter the attack. When Xerxes demanded that Leonidas, the Greek leader, surrender his arms, Leonidas famously replied, ‘Come and get them.’ The Greeks fought valiantly for two days, but on the third day, a Greek traitor named Ephialtes showed the Persians a path to outflank the Greek forces. Surrounded, Leonidas and his 300 Spartans, along with 700 Thespians and 400 Thebans, remained loyal to their homeland’s laws and fought to the death. A memorial statue of King Leonidas and his soldiers stands on Kolonos Hill, inscribed with the words: “Stranger, tell the Spartans that we lie here, obedient to their laws.”
- Monument to the 700 Thespians - Adjacent to the larger statue of Leonidas at Thermopylae is a monument dedicated to the 700 Thespians who perished alongside the Spartans. Unveiled in 1997, it features Eros, the oldest of the gods, known to the Romans as Cupid. The Thespians revered Eros above all other gods, likely because he had no parents. Nearly 600 years after the battle, the Greek geographer Pausanias described the Thespians’ continued worship of Eros. The monument is striking for its broken wing and missing head, symbolizing the anonymous sacrifice of the Thespians, bravery, the spirit of freedom, and voluntary sacrifice.
- Historical Information Center Thermopylon - Located near the Leonidas Monument in Thermopylae, the Thermopylae Historical Information Centre of the Municipality of Lamia was inaugurated in 2010 during the “Thermopylae 2010” celebrations. Visitors can learn about the historical events through digital ‘tables’ and a 3D video about the Battle of Thermopylae. The tour begins with a three-minute introductory film, followed by interactive applications on eight digital tables providing historical context. In the Virtual Reality room, visitors can use 3D glasses to watch a digital movie about the military equipment of the Greeks and Persians. The tour concludes with a Virtual Reality experience that transports visitors to the battlefield, allowing them to participate in the soldiers’ preparations before the battle.
- Kamena Vourla - Kamena Vourla is a town and municipality in Phthiotis, Greece, known for its famous springs, which gained prominence around 1926 when chemist Michail Pertesis discovered their high radon concentration, believed to be beneficial for health. By the 1930s, the first hotels began to develop, and after World War II, Kamena Vourla became a tourist attraction. Eight kilometers away, uphill, is the Iera Moni Metamorfoseos tou Sotiros monastery, built around the 11th century. Nearby, a historic tomb commemorates the Battle of Thermopylae, featuring a seal of Leonidas, King of Sparta, near the mountain village of Karya. Here, you can also enjoy the local cuisine (optional).
- Attica - After visiting Kamena Vourla, we will return to Athens via the same route, concluding our service.
What's Included
- Private vehicle
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle appropriate for the size of your group
- A professional English speaking tour driver
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Athens
What's Not Included
- Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- English-speaking licensed tour guide (We can arrange for a tour guide for you with an extra cost)
Additional Information
- Dress code is formal
- Athens International Airport transfers can be arranged on request at an extra cost!
- Important note: - A professional English speaking tour driver will be with you and with good knowledge in history and culture of Greece, to guide you till you enter archaeological sites and museums according to the program. Tour drivers are not licensed to companion you inside the archaeological sites and museums. If you’d like to have one, we can arrange it for you with an additional cost. Licensed by the state tour guides are freelance and it is subject of availability on bookings day!
Location
Attica
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1 Rating)
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1 star
M4143vyandrewj
Jun 3, 2023
Extraordinary Delphi & Glorious Thermopylae 10-Hours Tour - We had a fantastic day with our driver, Alexander, who truly made the tour for our group. He was more like a tour guide than a driver as he educated our group about Delphi and Thermopylae before dropping us off. He was an excellent driver and took the extra steps to make our trip special. We had plenty of time at both sites. Delphi is undoubtedly worth the trip. The climb to the top can be a bit challenging, but the museum is excellent for those who don't want to make the trip. Thermopylae's new museum was also worth the visit for us. The site itself is very simple and has a monument for Leonidas, so it was nice to spend more time in the museum which can be completed in 30-45 minutes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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