Which came first? The place or the race? Find out on this educational tour where you will embark on a journey to discover the origins and the history of the Marathon race. Since its 1896 revival, the 42km race has become a worldwide phenomenon and the word ‘marathon’ itself has gained its place in our everyday vocabulary. You’re invited to indulge your curiosity on this unique experience with us!
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Private transportation
✔ On-board WiFi
✔ Bottled water
✔ Hotel pick up/ Drop off
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✔ Professional English speaking Tour Driver with in-depth knowledge of History
✖ Entrance Fees to archeological sites and museums
✖ Licensed Guide to accompany you into archeological sites
✖ Airport pick up is optional and comes with additional cost
Pickup Locations
1. Foivos Hotel Athens
2. Alter Athens Hotel
3. Ruby Rooms Athens
4. Zenith Hotel
5. Athens City Plaza
6. Wyndham Athens Residence
7. Apollo Hotel
8. Titania Hotel
9. Athens Zafolia Hotel
10. Philippos Hotel
11. The Editor Athens Hotel
12. Vision Omonia
13. Anixis
14. Crowne Plaza Athens - City Centre, an IHG hotel
15. Novotel Athenes
16. Hotel Tier Collection
17. Hotel Bryon
18. Bob W. Eolou Athens
19. Ambrosia Suites
20. Exarchion Hotel
Additional Info: In case of hotel/apartment pick up, driver will wait for you outside.
In case of port pick up, driver will wait for you at the arrival area holding a signboard with your name.
Pick up from airport comes with additional cost.
Itinerary
1
Marathon Lake
The Marathon Lake is an artificial lake, about 45 km from the center of Athens, which is used as a water reservoir to supply the city of Athens with drinking water. The dam was constructed from 1926 to 1929 to cover the capital growing irrigation needs after the huge immigration wave that followed the Asia Minor War (1919-1922). This was the sole water supplier for Athens until 1959 when water was pulled from Yliki Lake, close to the town of Thebes.
Duration: 30 minutes
2
Marathon Tomb
The Tomb of Marathon is a significant historical site that offers visitors a chance to learn about one of the most important battles in ancient Greek history. The tomb serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the Athenian soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of Marathon.
The tomb’s large size and impressive architecture are a testament to the importance of the battle and the soldiers who fought in it.
The statue of Miltiades, located next to the tomb, is a fitting tribute to the general who led the Greek forces to victory.
The small park around the tomb offers visitors a peaceful and reflective space to contemplate the significance of the battle and the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in it. The marble column erected as a reminder of the battle is a poignant symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of the Athenian soldiers.
Duration: 30 minutes
3
The complex was founded by Herodes Atticus, around 160 AD. The great orator, sophist and benefactor hailed from Marathon and resided here, and the complex was possibly established within his estate. The sanctuary can be identified as “the sanctuary of Canopus” referred to by Herodes’ biographer Philostratos (2nd-3rd cent. AD). In founding it, Herodes imitated the Emperor Hadrian, who had built a Serapeion on an artificial islet at Tivoli, close to Rome, modeled on the Serapeion of the town of Canopus on the Nile Delta.
Duration: 20 minutes
4
Archaeological Museum of Marathon
The permanent exhibition of the Archaeological Museum of Marathon presents the history of the area from the Prehistoric era until the Roman period through a display of finds that were discovered in the Prehistoric cemeteries of Vrana and Tsepi, the tombs of the Athenians and the Plataians who fought at the Battle of Marathon (490 BC). Finds from the Roman sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods in Brexiza are also displayed here.
Duration: 45 minutes
5
Marathon Run Museum
The Marathon Run Museum is located in the town of Marathon, in the north eastern region of Attica, the place where the marathon race was born. This museum is small but includes more than 3,100 rare exhibits that present the modern history of the Marathon Race from 1896 until this day. The vast collection includes valuable exhibits such as the medal and other personal items owned by the first Olympic Marathon Road Race winner, Spyros Louis, cups and bric-a-brac of Kyriakides, the winner of the International Marathon Race of Boston 1946 and many more.
Duration: 45 minutes
6
Panathenaic Stadium
The spectacular Panathenaic Stadium remains one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and is a shining beacon of modern Athens. Following several transformations over its long history, it eventually became the home of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and remains the only stadium in the world built entirely out of marble.
Duration: 30 minutes
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Travel time is included in the Total Tour Duration
