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A private van tour from Athens to Lake Marathon and the legendary battlefield that changed the course of Western history. Ancient drama, mountain scenery, and open skies, just for you and your group.
In 490 BC, on the plain of Marathon, a vastly outnumbered Athenian army defeated the Persian Empire and changed the course of Western civilization. Today that same plain lies quiet under the Attic sun, the burial mound of the fallen still standing exactly where they left it. Few places in Greece carry this kind of weight.
We drive you there in our private Mercedes Vito van, no tour buses, no strangers, no fixed schedule. Along the way, we stop at Lake Marathon, an extraordinary reservoir enclosed by one of the only marble-clad dams in the world. The views across the water toward Mount Pentelicus are genuinely breathtaking, a side of Attica that most visitors never see.
George and Tassos are the two people behind Athens Taxi Van. Co-founders, lead drivers, and locals who genuinely enjoy showing people around Attica.
Co-Founder & Lead Driver
Co-Founder & Lead Driver
One of them will be with you on the day.
~42 km from Athens through pine-forested mountains, a marble dam, and the plain where history was made.
Your hotel, Airbnb or any address in Athens
Pine-fringed beach & national park
The marble dam & mountain reservoir
The Tumulus & archaeological museum
Drop-off at your accommodation or anywhere you choose
Private Mercedes Vito van (up to 8 pax)
The entire van is yours - no strangers, no shared stops
Professional English-speaking driver
George or Tassos - local experts who know the history and the hidden viewpoints
Scenic drive through Attica's countryside
Pine forests, mountain views, and coastal stretches - the road is part of the experience
Stop at Lake Marathon
Walk along the marble dam, take in the reservoir views, and experience one of Attica's most underrated landscapes
Additional stops on request
Schinias beach, local tavernas, the Marathon Archaeological Museum - just ask when you book
Door-to-door pickup & drop-off
We collect you from your exact address
Fuel, tolls & all taxes
One flat rate - no surprises at the end
Not included
💡 Driver's tip
Most visitors walk up to the Tumulus and move on. We stop and tell you the full story of the battle - how the Athenians ran at the Persian lines, why it mattered, and who Pheidippides actually was. It takes ten minutes and completely changes what you're looking at.
- George & Tassos
The plain of Marathon lies roughly 42 km northeast of Athens, tucked between the mountains of Attica and the calm waters of the bay that carries its name. It is quiet now, a flat, green landscape where the only visible sign of what happened here in 490 BC is the Soros: a low burial mound in the middle of a field, marking the grave of the 192 Athenians who fell defending Greece against the Persian invasion.
The Battle of Marathon is one of those events that genuinely altered the direction of history. Athens was massively outnumbered. The Persian Empire had already subdued most of the known world. Yet the Athenians attacked, at a full run across the plain, and won. The legend of Pheidippides, the messenger who ran 40 km to Athens to announce the victory before collapsing, gave the modern marathon its name. Standing on the same ground where it happened is a strikingly powerful experience.
Before reaching the battlefield, we make a stop that surprises almost every visitor: Lake Marathon, a large reservoir enclosed by one of the only marble-clad dams in the world. Built in the 1920s and completed in 1931, the dam was faced with white Pentelic marble, the same stone used to build the Parthenon, to match the aesthetic of ancient Greece. The views across the still water toward the surrounding mountains are extraordinary, and the whole area has a serene, off-the-beaten-track quality that feels nothing like tourist Athens.
The lake supplied Athens with drinking water for decades and still plays a role in the city's water system. Walking along the dam road and looking out across the reservoir, with pine-forested slopes rising on all sides, is one of those moments that stays with you.
The route to Marathon passes through Schinias, a long stretch of coastline backed by one of Attica's most beautiful pine forests and designated as a national park. The beach itself is wide, clean, and far less crowded than anything you'd find closer to Athens. It's a natural stop for groups who want to combine history with a swim, or simply enjoy the coastal scenery before heading inland to the lake and battlefield.
The Marathon site is accessible by public bus, but the journey is slow and the experience once you arrive is entirely self-guided. A private van from Athens Taxi Van means you have someone with you who knows the story, who can point out details in the landscape, explain what you're looking at, and give you the time to absorb it properly. We also stop at the lake, which public tours rarely do, and we adapt the day to your group's pace and interests.
The Marathon Tumulus (Soros) has a small entrance fee of approximately €6 per adult. The Marathon Archaeological Museum, located nearby, holds finds from the battlefield and surrounding area and is well worth visiting if your group has an interest in the period, allow an additional 45–60 minutes. The lake and dam area are free to visit. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; the terrain is easy but uneven in places. There are tavernas in the village of Marathon for lunch if you'd like to extend the day.
To reserve your tour, message George or Tassos directly on WhatsApp with your preferred date, group size, and pickup address in Athens. We'll confirm availability and agree on departure time. Payment is made at the end of the tour in cash or by card. No online booking system, direct communication means we can shape the day around what your group actually wants to do.
About the tour
Approximately 4–5 hours total. It's a private tour so there's no fixed schedule - if you want to visit the museum, spend more time at the lake, or stop at Schinias beach, we adjust accordingly.
We recommend a morning departure (9–10 AM). The light on the lake is beautiful in the morning, the battlefield is cooler and quieter, and you'll be back in Athens in time for a relaxed afternoon or evening.
The archaeological site entrance is not included - it's paid directly on site (approximately €6 per adult). The lake and dam are free to visit. Museum entry (~€6) is also paid on site if you choose to go.
Practical info
Yes - Schinias is right on the route and it's a beautiful stop, especially in summer. You can swim, take a coffee at one of the beach cafés, or simply walk through the pine forest. No extra cost.
Yes - the open landscapes, the lake, and the beach at Schinias make it very enjoyable for families. We carry child seats at no extra charge. Just let us know ages and we'll plan accordingly.
Our Mercedes Vito van seats up to 8 passengers comfortably. The flat rate covers the entire vehicle - ideal for families and groups travelling together.
Message us with your date, group size, and pickup address. We'll confirm availability and plan your perfect day out of Athens.
Enhance your journey by exploring Attica's hidden gems with George & Tassos. Perfect for layovers or half-day escapes.
Experience the magic of the Athenian Riviera. Visit the Temple of Poseidon at the edge of the cliff during the golden hour.
Follow the steps of the first Marathon runner. Visit the historic ancient Tomb and the world's only marble dam.
Discover one of the most sacred sites of the ancient world. A journey to the Eleusinian Mysteries and the sanctuary of Demeter.