Athens: 2-Day UNESCO Meteora Scenic Train Trip with Local Guide and Hotel
4.9
17 Ratings
Athens

When you’re in Athens, seize the chance to explore Meteora - an internationally acclaimed UNESCO site. Take part in this two-day journey to appreciate the breathtaking scenery of Meteora, observe its majestic monasteries, and acquire deep knowledge about the area’s history and legends straight from a native.

Duration: 2 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Day 1

Athens - On day one, make your way to the Central Railway Station of Athens (also known as Stathmos Larisis) and catch the 07:58 train to Kalambaka using the train e-tickets that you will receive via email. Embark on a scenic train ride through the Greek countryside and admire the beautiful landscapes.

At approximately 10:45, the train will make a stop at Paleofarsalos, where you should exit and catch the connecting bus that will continue the trip to Kalambaka.

Kalambaka - After the scenic train ride through the beautiful Greek countryside, you will arrive at 12:45 to Kalabaka’s train station, where our tour guide will be waiting for you holding a signboard with your name. You will then board in our comfortable VIP minibus in order to transfer you to your hotel for some relaxation before your afternoon tour.

Meteora - In the afternoon we will pick you up from your hotel for the “Amazing Meteora Sunset” tour. During this guided tour you will have the opportunity to see all six majestic monasteries and admire the interior of one of them. You will view some of Meteora’s most spectacular “hidden gems” like the ancient hermitages of Bandovas, the Byzantine church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary and the picturesque old district of Kalabaka.

You will also discover the “other side” of Meteora, like the truth about why the hermits settled in these imposing caves a thousand years ago and how the monks achieved the “impossible”.

Last but not least, you will enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views, capture some amazing photos and witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets you will ever see.

At the end of the tour we will transfer you back to your hotel where you can relax or take a walk to explore on your own the town of Kalabaka.

Day 2

Kalambaka - Next morning, you will be able to participate in a 4h tour of your choice. You can either participate in our 4h “Meteora: Morning Half Day Sightseeing and Monasteries Tour” to further explire the monasteries or our 4h “Meteora: Hiking Tour on Hidden Trails” to discover the hidden walking trails of Meteora.

Agios Stefanos - The Monastery of Saint Stephen’s is located just above the city of Kalampaka and is the most accessible monastery in Meteora, as there are no steps to reach the entrance and the access is easy through a small stone bridge.

Great Meteoron Monastery - The Monastery of Great Meteoron or Transfiguration of Christ, expresses the greatness and history of the Holy Meteora, as it is the oldest and most important monastery.

Roussanou Monastery - The Roussanou Monastery, also known as Arsani, stands on top of an impressive vertical and steep cliff of Meteora, between the Monasteries of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas and Varlaam.

Varlaam Monastery - The Varlaam Monastery or Monastery of All the Saints is located on an imposing rock exactly opposite of the Great Meteoron and it is the second largest monastery.

Kalambaka - After the tour, have some free time in the town of Kalambaka before the 14:15 bus departure from Kalambaka to Athens. At approximately 16:00, the bus will make a stop at Paleofarsalos, where you should exit and catch the connecting train departing at 16:08 that will continue the trip to Athens. You will arrive in Athens at 18:57.

What's Included
  • Accommodation at a 3 or 4-star hotel (1 night)
  • Transfer service from/to Kalabaka’s Train Station
  • English-speaking local guide
  • “Amazing Meteora Sunset Tour”
  • Breakfast included
  • Roundtrip train tickets from Athens to Kalabaka
  • Choice of a second tour (Sightseeing or Hiking)
What's Not Included
  • Transfers to/from the meeting point in Athens
  • Entrance fees of each monastery (3 euros per person)
  • Guided tour inside the monasteries (available upon request)
  • Meals and drinks
Location
ΣΤ. ΛΑΡΙΣΗΣ
Begin your adventure by boarding our private, air-conditioned bus at 07:45 AM. The bus will be located on the street (Theodore Diligiannis) across the Central Railway Station of Athens (Stathmos Larisis). You'll easily identify it by the "Meteora Trip" sign displayed in the front window.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(17 Ratings)
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Inês
Apr 3, 2024
Amazing experience - Amazing experience. The organization was great since the tickets send by email to the itinerary explanation. Tours and guides were great on the explanations given. The hotel was fine. A little old for a 4 stars but the room had great views of the mountains. I stayed at kalambak but i believe saying at kastraki would have been even better as it is smaller and more beautiful. I truly recommend this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wu_w
Mar 31, 2024
Amazing tour, absolutely recommended! - The tour was excellent! We viewed the monasteries afar and within with awe, observing the devout dedication with which the monks and nuns pursue their faith. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and willing to answer the many questions we had. His insight into the history of the monasteries and geographical phenomena that led to the formation of the rocks, coupled with the story about the Monastery of the Holy Trinity and its connection to an 80s James Bond film truly brought the experience to life. Absolutely recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Kirke1964
Dec 15, 2022
Excellent Meteora 2 day trip by rail from Athens - Really good 2 day overnight rail trip from Athens! On the first day, as we were the only people on the sunset tour that day, my wife and I had our own "private tour". Bill was our guide/driver and he spoke very knowledgeably about the monasteries and the history of the area. He was patient, considerate and spoke excellent English. He also recommended a restaurant in the town for our evening meal which was really good. The second day, the weather was not so great but again Bill made the tour really interesting and we visited the monasteries which we had not seen on the previous day. The trip ran very smoothly and I would definitely recommend Meteoratrip.com to anyone wishing to see the fabulous landscape and monasteries of Meteora.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
608hg
Sep 27, 2022
Excellent on all counts - Everything was on time and well organized. The Hotel Famissa Kosta we stayed at was excellent with a balcony view of the rocks. Staff was great. The mini vans were comfortable. The sunset tour was magnificent and the morning tour as well. The tour guides and drivers were considerate and full of knowledge and easy to understand. They stopped at many viewpoints for pictures as well as at the Monasteries. The village itself is charming with good places to eat. Overall, even better than expected and expectations were high. The walks into the Monasteries were reasonable for most people but difficult if your mobility is impaired. Lots of stairs, up and downhill. The pace set by the tour guides was perfect. Amazing place and highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
271susannag
Aug 15, 2022
Unforgettable Trip - It was amazing trip, very well organized, many thanks to our guide Vasilis and driver Costa. We saw a beautiful landscape, sunset, historical sites... We really enjoyed our trip. Highly recommended!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Slhong40
Jul 12, 2022
2D1N Meteora Tour (from Athens) - It was amazing seeing the magnificent Meteora! Tour was even better with Bill being a wonderful guide. (Not) born in Meteora but raised there, he is very knowledgeable about the history, explaining each site in details. He is definitely passionate about sharing the stories with us tourist. Oh, and he takes nice pictures too! That IS the type of guide you want! Thank you, Bill! :) From: Edy and Shi Ling (Singapore)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O5946pekristyc
Jul 1, 2022
Awesome! - We had an amazing experience on this tour! It far exceeded my expectations. We learned so much about the monasteries and how they came to be and the guides went out of their way to answer any questions we had and to make us feel very welcome.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Themikambouris
Jun 23, 2022
Perfect and Unforgettable - This was an amazing trip! We saw so many historical and breath taking land marks while riding in an air conditioned bus. Our tour guide Vassili and driver Kosta were friendly, spoke English, and very knowledgeable. I never typically write reviews. Although, this is something I will never forget and would love for others to experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mastertraveller7
Oct 17, 2021
Excellent service and tour - Fantastic tour and service!!! Since the first email, they took care about everything, information, continue updates, whatsapp line, really impressed. The tour was very good, the hotel for the night stay was amazing. I’d do it again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Denis_k
Nov 5, 2023
Excellent hike with Christos from Meteora Trip - Hike on the second day was excellent. Christos from Meteora Trip guided our small group. He was the best guide one can wish for: very nice, attentive, deeply knowledgeable about the history and geology of this place. He did a great job making the group feel at ease. I'd recommend this hike! The other half days was mainly.on the bus and visiting a monastery. It was good too, but the hike was definitely the highlight for me.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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