Thermopylae and Marathon battlefields

Early morning departure to the northeast of Athens to visit Marathon. Location of the battle that marked the first victory of the Greeks against the Persians and among other things inspired the long distance running event by the same name. Visit the tomb of the 192 Athenian casualties and the small but very interesting museum. We continue north to visit Thermopylae, the site of the legendary battle where Leonidas and the 300 Spartans made their stand against the enormous forces of the Persians. Optional hike to a part of the mountain path that Ephialtes, the infamous traitor to the Spartans, used to lead the Persians at the rear of the Greek forces. Return to Athens in the afternoon.

Salamis straits and Plataies

Our day begins with a drive along the coastline near Piraeus where we get to see the locations where the opposing armies were located as well as the actual place where the decisive naval battle took place. We leave the city via a route that passes from the area of mount Egaleo, where Xerxes, the Persian king, had set his throne to watch the battle and continue to Boeotia to visit Plataies, site of the last, victorious for the Greeks, battle in the Greek mainland. On our return we will visit the Corinth Canal. It was along this narrow passage of land that the southern Greeks intended to make their last stand if victory was not achieved before. Afternoon return to Athens