Meteora Day Trip: Athens to UNESCO Rock Monasteries

Embark on an exhilarating full-day tour from Athens to Meteora by train. Explore the enchanting rock formations and discover the UNESCO World Heritage site that defies imagination.

Duration: 14 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Athens - Embark on a nearly 5-hour journey through lush valleys from Athens to Kalabaka. Upon arrival, marvel at the towering rocks of Meteora and begin your exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Kalambaka - Take a brief tour of Kalabaka, one of Greece’s oldest regions.
  • Kastraki - Visit the village of Kastraki, nestled at the base of the massive rocks. Discover the village’s history and traditions.
  • Great Meteoron Monastery - The Monastery of the Transfiguration of Jesus is the first monastic community in the area. Before Blessed Athanasios of Mt. Athos established this community, monks lived in Meteora as hermits or ascetics. This monastery boasts a rich history spanning nearly 700 years.
  • Varlaam Monastery - Varlaam Monastery was the first to use a pulley system, allowing monks to transport materials to the top of the rock more easily and safely. The monastery features an impressive museum, the original pulley system, and frescoes by the renowned artist Frago Catellano.
  • Iera Moni Agiou Stefanou - Discover the area’s first convent, founded in the 14th century by Monk Antonios. The monastery was bombed during WWII and abandoned. It remained empty from 1941 until 1961, when nuns received permission to restore the damaged sections and establish the first convent in the area.
  • Σιδηροδρομικός Σταθμός Καλαμπάκας - Arrive at Kalabaka’s train station 15 minutes before departure. Board the train, relax, and enjoy the scenic 5-hour journey back to Athens.
What's Included
  • Round-trip train tickets (Athens-Kalampaka-Athens)
  • Local English speaking tour leader
  • Small group (up to 19 people)
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • On-board WiFi
  • Bottled water
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • Stops for photos at the most panoramic spots
What's Not Included
  • Monastery entrance fees (3€/person per monastery)
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • (Guided) Tour inside the monasteries
  • Meals/Snacks/Soft drinks
  • Pick-up from/Drop-off at your accommodation in Athens
Additional Information

Embark on an exhilarating one-day expedition from Athens to the stunning rock formations of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your adventure begins early at the Athens railway station, where you’ll board the train bound for Kalambaka.

[NOTE: Due to damage to the local railway system, you will have to disembark half-way through (at Paleofarsalos Train Station) and from there, you will continue by bus to Meteora (and vice versa), using the same tickets provided.]

Upon arrival in Kalabaka, an expert English-speaking local tour leader will be waiting to guide you through the ethereal landscape of Meteora. You’ll have ample time to see all 6 monasteries and explore 3 of them, each offering breathtaking views.

The tour concludes at Kalabaka’s railway station, where you’ll begin your return journey to Athens, reflecting on the day’s wonders.

Location
St. Larissis
Meeting point is the St. Larissis in Athens. Go to the main trainstaion in Athens 15 minutes before the train departure, get on board and enjoy the green valleys until your train arrive to Kalabaka which is the last station.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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Patrick_t
Jun 13, 2024
Well worth the all day trip - Absolutely amazing that anyone could build such a magnificent structure on the side of a mountain. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and informative about the entire area and I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone traveling to Greece. It is a really fascinating piece of history with plenty of artifacts, literature and clothing from the 11th-16th century on display.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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