Daily Tour
Bike Tour Battle of Marathon
(9 Hours)
North Attica
Cycling amidst exceptional historical ruins
TRIP
Daily Tour
GROUP SIZE
2-8 per group
LOCATION
North Attica, Greece
PRICE
from €200,00 pp
TOUR OVERVIEW
The town of Marathon in eastern Attica region is famous for two historic events. The first, the Battle of Marathon, occurred in 490 BC when outmanned Athenian soldiers defeated the invading Persians, the super power of their day who had never been defeated in war. 6400 Perisans died and 192 Greeks. The second event occurred in 1896 when Europeans resurrected the Olympics Games and re-created the route Phidippides ran from the fields of Marathon to Athens to announce the victory over the Persians. The Europeans called this competitive race a “marathon.”
The tour starts off at the Marathon Dam which was built in 1931, the largest project in the Balkans at the time, and was the sole supplier of water to Athens until 1959. The dam makes an ideal spot for a photo shoot with its vast scenic stretch of nature and water. Next stop is the Marathon Runners Museum which has exhibits to fascinate even non-runners, such as, the posters from all past Olympic marathons and a document bearing Jesse Owens’ original signature.
At the Marathon Archaeology Museum you see the Ionic capital from the Nike trophy erected after the Battle of Marathon. The most cherished stop on the top is at the Marathon Tumulus where the 192 Greek soldiers who perished in the Battle of Marathon, are still buried. A stop at the actual battlefield is also on the bike route.
The Battle of Marathon tour is relatively easy because Marathon lies near at the coast and the roads are flat and rural. The only hill is downhill, a thrilling descent from the Marathon Dam to Marathon. If there is sufficient time, it is truly worthwhile to walk in the wetlands of nearby Schinias National Park. Schinias consists of six ecosystems with a pine forest, a lake, a bay and the ancient Makaria Spring.
On Monday the Runners Museum is closed. On Tuesdays the Archaeology Museum and Tumulus are closed.
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Battle of Marathon Bike Tour
The day starts with a vehicle transfer from central Athens to the Marathon Dam, 45 kilometers northeast of Athens (28 miles). You bike across the dam (935 feet, 285 meters) and then a thrilling 8.8 kilometer descent to the Marathon Runner’s Museum.
The Marathon Archaeology Museum is not in the town exactly but actually is located in the midst of agricultural fields, which means very rural cycling in farmland. From here bikers head for the sea coast to encounter the Tumulus where the 192 Spartans from the Battle of Marathon are buried. Get off the bike and walk in the sacred park area.
Lunch is at a seaside fish taverna. After lunch, bike to the site where the Battle of Marathon took place; here you will see the remnants of a lonely column. If there is sufficient time, there is hiking in Schinias National Park on a dirt path that features 115 bird species, foxes, turtles, frogs and freshwater fish.
The day ends with a vehicle transfer back to central Athens.
PRICES & INFORMATION
battle of marathon – 9 HOURS
From €200.00
2 riders 
260€ euros per person
3-8 riders 200€ euros per person
9 and more riders contact us for cost
Inclusions
Transfers to and from your central Athens hotel
Support vehicle: (“sag wagon”) with bilingual driver who is also a bike mechanic. Vehicle carries spare parts, spare fully pumped wheels, floor pump, ice cooler, water, nutritious snacks, bike tools, first aid kit, day packs, and gives you a lift if you get tired.
Tour Leader / Bike Guide: the Tour Leader handles all the tour logistics and cycles with the group. For 2-3 riders, no bike guide, just cue sheets and driver indicates the route.
Bikes: Specialized Allez road bike or hybrid bike. Triple chain ring, 27 gears. Road bike has carbon fiber fork. Hybrids have front suspension. E-bike available as an upgrade on request for 48 euros. Regular pedals or toe clips on request. You are welcome to bring your own clip-in pedals and shoes. See Our Bikes and Our Gear
Bike gear: water bottle, helmet, handlebar pouch, odometer
Lunch at seaside taverna
Entry fees to all sites and museums
Water
Map shows highlights of Battle of Marathon Bike Tour
CYCLE WITH OUR EXPERT GUIDES
