Thermopylae

Our most recommended things to do in Thermopylae

• 

  1. Athens: Meteora Small-Group Day Trip & Visit to Thermopylae

  Admire the authentic mainland of Greece, first visiting the historic Thermopylae, the original location of the famous battle between ancient Greeks and Persians in 480 B.C. See the battlefield, the statue of King Leonidas and visit the museum. The journey continues with beautiful views of the mountains and fields until you reach Meteora.  Visit two of the six remaining Byzantine monasteries, built back in the 14th and 16th centuries. Take photos and videos of the marvellous landscape while your guide shares the local history. Afterward, your driver will take you to Kalambaka, a scenic town below the rocks with many options for a delicious traditional Greek lunch.  Visit the oldest church in the area, where you see a Greek inscription on the wall which testifies to the existence of an ancient Greek temple at the same location. During your free time in Kalambaka you may also visit the Na...

  Meteora is breathtaking and not to be missed. Our driver was good, but did not provide any commentary in the 4 hour drive from Athens and back. Also arrived about half hour late for pickup from hotel. Still a wonderful tour overall

  Reviewed by laurie, 08/09/2021
• 

  2. Private Delphi & Thermopylae Tour from Athens

  See the Gates of Fire, deriving from the hot sulphur springs and the cavernous entrance to Hades. Experience the monument of King Leonidas, erected in 1955 and created by the sculptor Vasos Falireas. At the Thermopylae Museum, learn about the 480 BC battle that changed the course of Greek history and western civilization before seeing the baths of Thermopylae. In Delphi, see the Temple of Apollo, the Ancient Theater, the Stadium, the Athenian Treasury, the Gymnasium, and the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. The Naxian Sphinx, which dates to 560 BC, is a fascinating stop before seeing the Metopes of the Athenian Treasury, Omphalos, Kleobis and Biton, Statue of Antinoos, and the famous Charioteer. Enjoy a traditional lunch on the Caldera at Delphi, overlooking fabulous Itea and Amfissa beforedriving back to a designated location in Athens.

• 

  3. 2-Days Delphi and Meteora Private Tour from Athens

  Journey starts early in the morning, driving north from Athens on the national highway past the cities of Halkida and Thiva, finally reaching Arachova, a popular winter destination and host to the largest ski center in Greece. Only two hours away from Athens is Delphi, the place ancient Greeks believed was the navel of the world. Visit fascinating archaeological sites and the museum there, and have lunch enjoying the views of Amfissa and Itea. Later, the drive continues through quaint traditional villages before reaching Kalabaka. Accommodation will be provided there. Visit the holy monasteries of Meteora, a site of significant religious and historical importance. On the way back to Athens, stop at Thermopyles, where Leonidas and his 300 men had a great battle against the Persians.

• 

  4. From Athens: Delphi and Thermopylae Full-Day Private Tour

  The day begins with a pickup from Athens in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Head to the UNESCO World Heritage listed site of Delphi where your sightseeing adventure awaits. At the site, enjoy the freedom to visit the landmarks that interest you most and customize the experience to suit your group. Highlights of Delphi include the 4th century B.C. Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia, the Statue of Leonidas, and the Delphi Archaeological Museum. There’s also ancient stadiums and theaters to marvel at, as well as the impressive Thermopylae where a famous battle took place. Later, enjoy a visit to the town of Delphi, or if you’d prefer, explore the charming village of Arachova. Stroll around and mingle with the locals, grab a coffee or lunch, and shop for souvenirs. At the end of an unforgettable day, sit back and relax on the return journey to Athens.

• 

  5. Private 2-Day Tour to Delphi, Meteora & Thermopylae

  Start your two-day tour at the Delphi archaeological site to see the Castalian Spring, ancient sanctuary of Apollo, the treasury of the Athenians, the ancient stadium, and the theater. See artifacts from as far back as the 15th century BC, including the Naxian Sphinx, the statue of Antinoos, and a bronze sculpture of a charioteer. Visit the UNESCO-listed Osios Loukas Monastery before heading to the Arachova mountain village for lunch. After overnighting in Meteora, start your second day ascending upwards to the monasteries built on a natural formation of sandstone rock pillars from the 14th century. Head south towards the site of Thermopylae. Explore the monument and enter the newly-built visitor’s center, which recreates the ancient battle where King Leonidas famously led 300 Spartans into battle in 480 B.C. After pausing for lunch or a break by the sea in one of the many local villag...

• 

  6. From Athens: Private Day Trip to the Monasteries of Meteora

  Begin your adventure with pickup from Piraeus port or your hotel in Athens at 8 AM am and embark on an incredible journey to the monasteries of Meteora, one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world.  Make your first stop at The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoro, the largest and oldest formation on the site, breathtakingly suspended in the air. Make a second stop at the Monastery of St. Stephen, a small church built in the 16th century. This fascinating structure rests on a plain rather than a cliff and was damaged during World War II before nuns took over the site and reconstructed it. Admire the treasures of Byzantine at the museum inside the monastery. Finish this mesmerizing day trip at the picturesque villages of Kalambaka, where you can treat yourself to a delicious traditional Greek lunch. On your way back to Athens, make a short stop at Thermopylae and the Statue of Kin...