Let’s explore some archaeological ancient Greek sites which are located 2 to 3 hours from Athens by road. These ancient sites are located in beautiful mountainous regions with many olive farms. I must say that no Greek trip is complete with some attractions from the mainland. My Greek trip included a couple of islands hopping with some interesting ancient cities from the mainlands. So in this post, I will take you around the Greek mainland by taking a trip to Delphi and Meteora tour from Athens.
Distance – Archaeological Delphi, surrounded by Greek mountainous countryside, is about 180km  (Two and half hours drive) from Athens.Â
DELPHI And METEORA Tour From ATHENSÂ
There are many UNESCO sites in Delphi. Â Delphi is famous for top Greek UNESCO world Heritage sites like the Temple of Apollo, Oracle, Delphi Theatre, Treasury of Athenians, the Polygonal Wall, Monument of Platea, and Delphi Museum. Click here to book your full day trip to Delphi from Athens with lunch at the beautiful village of Arachova
1st Day – DELPHI And METEORA Tour From ATHENSÂ
First stop –  Tholos of Delphi | Trip to Delphi And Meteora From Athens
Second stop – Mount Parnassus – Delphi and Meteora tour
Stop at Delphi’s famous archaeological site of an ancient settlement on Mount Parnassus overlooking beautiful hills, slopes, valleys, and ruins. This is walking up activity down the mountain on natural stairs and paths. It takes around 2 hours.Â
After visiting the archaeological sites of Delphi, the trip passes through the scenic village of Arachova at about 1000m altitude. Arachova is the best winter resort in Greece and famous for skiing.Â
Third Stop – Lunch at Arachova – 2 days trip to Delphi and MeteoraÂ
Night stay at Kalampaka
Then proceed to Kalampaka to visit the monasteries of Meteora. Kalampaka is the nearest staying option for Meteora visits at a distance of about 221km. Approximately from Arachova. If you are opting for a Meteora visit, consider a 2-day trip from Athens with a night stay at Kalampaka. Click here to book 2 days trip to Delphi – Meteora with a night stay.
2nd Day – METEORA TOURS FROM ATHENS | VISIT METEORA | DAY TRIPS FROM ATHENS | Delphi And Meteora Tour From Athens
Kalampaka is a small Greek town built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks and is crowded by the Meteora monasteries.
Night stay in Kalampaka(Kalambaka)Â There are many great staying options in Kalampaka for your reference.
Read about Tips to know before visiting Meteora. Next day, an early morning visit to Neolithic Era monasteries since 9th A.D. Group of monks move up to clifftop and built monasteries on top of rock towers.
From the top of monasteries, there are stunning views of farms & villages in the plains. There are a total of 6 monasteries that are still functioning. These monasteries are accessed by road, rock-cut stairways, and pathways. In actuality, there are 24 monasteries at Meteora, but now many of them are ruins and only 6 are still functioning. Till 17th-century monks get their supplies from basket rope-ways.
Things to do in Meteora – Meteora monasteries –Trip to Delphi And Meteora From Athens
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Monastery of Great Meteron
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Monastery of Varlaam
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Monastery of Rousanou
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Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
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Monastery of St. Stephen
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Monastery of Holy Trinity
Hiking to all monasteries through manmade rock-cut stairs and paths, then proceed to traditional Greek Lunch at Kalampaka(Kalambaka).
Hiking to Monasteries along the forest and natural path
 Going back to Kalampaka(Kalambaka town)
There are many viewpoints along the drives to get the beautiful views of all pillar rocks with the valley villages.
After having lunch in Kalampaka(Kalambaka), return back to Athens via the small towns of Domokos, Kamena Vourlal(seaside village), and Thermopyles. In between a small stop at Statue of Leonidas as a memorial of the battle of 300 Spartans against thousands of Persian soldiers.Â
Arrive in Athens late evening.
These places can be covered by renting a car or many tour services available from Athens. Also, you can reach here by train from Athens. Select your stay at Kalampaka(near Meteora) for your mainland tours from Athens from the below-given map.
If you are interested in classical Greece or ancient historical Greek sites, book for 4 days Classical tour to Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi & Meteora by clicking here.Â
Tips for Day trips from Athens | Tours from Athens To Delphi and Meteora
- These are high-walking activity that requires lots of physical stamina.
- Many places are not accessed by strollers and wheelchairs as there are naturally cut rock stairs.
- Lots of water is consumed while visiting historical activities. Carry lots of water/juices.
- The Head should be covered in a monastery and follow proper clothing like full pants and no skin show.
- All monasteries are closed on specific days of the week, like Monday, Tuesday, etc. but not all on the same day. Â Check closing days before going.
- Avoid during rains.
- Try local Greek cuisine. Vegetarians can also relish here as there are lots of vegan varieties too.
- Explore the Greek countryside with locals. They are very friendly.
- Lots of souvenir shops sell antique brass artifacts, which are cost-effective.
- Start early from Athens as driving takes lots of time due to the mountainous drive, and also, seeing places on foot takes a lot of time.
- On the way to Delphi is Hosios Loukas Monastery, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Greece, if you’re interested in historic mosaic art.Â
- Read to know more about before visiting Delphi and Meteora monasteries.
Booking.com
GREECE TRAVEL GUIDE – Planning a trip to Greece
- What to do in Athens ? Click here
- Planning to visit Greek islands like Santorini. Click here.
- For Mykonos. Click here
- Plan Greece itinerary. Then Click here
- Best Santorini Hotels – Perfect Accommodation in Santorini
Enjoy your 2 days Trip to Delphi and Meteora From Athens. I hope you loved reading about Trip to Delphi And Meteora From Athens and save this Greece travel guide for planning your trip to Greece.
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These monasteries are so awesome. We just get astonished how they build up such beautiful monasteries at the edge of the rocks. Moreover the color of the rocks are so beautiful.
I am such a huge fan of Greek mythology so to be able to visit these places would be a dream! We’re actually headed to the Greek islands in a couple of weeks, will check out your guide for Santorini and Mykonos next!
I’ve always wanted to visit Delphi but I thought that it would be difficult to get to, thanks for proving me wrong and describing the details about how to get there and what to expect!
I haven’t heard much about this part of Greece, but your pics and commentary make me want to visit
Ha! One more on Greece…. Here on I should stop checking your blog till I actually book my tickets to Greece.. Just joking, lolz! Ahhhh. This is really frustrating… I really have to go to Greece. Hopefully in 2018, I get to see these place myself… Those monasteries atop those rocky mountains are just too gorgeous! Good to know veggies too have a decent option.
As you are a history lover, you would truly love Greece.
Greece is on my list! I’ll have to add Delphi to it!
I have been contemplating about taking my kids to Greece next year and reading your post just solidified my decision. Thank you for all these gorgeous pictures!
I live in Greece but still haven’t gotten around to visiting Delphi or Meteora! They’re definitely on my list of places to see here! Great pictures!
Well, this post literally took me to a virtual trip to be honest! nicely written with awesome pictures!
I had heard of Delphi but couldn’t manage to search for it. Now that I get to see, i think I missed such a beautiful of archaeological sites and lovely landscapes. Thanks for making me aware of such remarkable places in world.
I went here as a child! The monostries are always so beautiful and lovely places to visit! Meteora is a beautiful place!
I live in Greece, I get super excited when people visit and write about our beautiful country. You should also consider visiting Nafplio and Messinia on the mainland, and Rhodes island. You’d love it!
Delphi! Looks like an amazing place. The pictures are so vibrant and colorful. Great view and great share. Greece is no doubt an amazing place.
I have always wanted to visit Greece, but I had no idea that their monasteries were so beautiful, on a cliff of all things. The scene is lie something out of a postcard! x
I can’t believe how cool the monastery on top of the cliff is! It looks like it’s balancing on top of the world. I bet there are many great stories to be had by those who built it! x
I come from Greece and I haven’t visited in a little bit. Your post just made me tear up, because Meteora is very close to where I was born! Thank you for sharing! Also, Meteora is truly breathtaking in person and in pictures! Delphi is stunning also and so rich in history!
Greece is on the top of my travel bucket list. And these photos are freaking amazing! I had never seen or known about those cliff-top monasteries. Breathtaking!
Oh wow what an amazing place to read about! I have never been to Dehli but would absolutely love to. Your photography made me feel as though I was there!
I think that’s a trip we would take as a family to once the children are older having read your tips. My little one still uses a buggy when he is tired and it seems like a lot of walking is involved. The views must have been amazing.
Wow! I am so amazed with the place. Honestly, this is my first time to hear about Delphi. You gave justice to the natural color of the place through your photography.
What a beautiful place! I’m seriously astounded by its beauty. I feel like if I go there I’ll feel like a tiny creature because of such huge structures and landscape. I’m in love!
What a great post! Greek is definitely heaven!
These pictures are so beautiful. I will have to add it to my bucket list.
We did this trip in November! and fair to say they are amazing. Especially Meteora is out of the world. great pictures. I have some only blog too!
Ever since I’ve visited my first UNESCO site (Angkor Wat, and also Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia), I’ve been hunting down UNESCO sites. These sites in Greece are truly spectacular! It is so impressive how they’ve managed to stay up after all these centuries!
I will visit Athens this winter, I didn’t know it was possible to take day tips to such beautiful nearby places. The monastery on the cliff is amazing, as a photographer this is what I dream of. You’ve influenced my trip to Greece with this post!
Looks like you guys had an amazing trip! I’ve wanted to go to Meteora for ages–it’s a must-see when we finally make it to Greece. Those monasteries perched on the cliffs are just beyond belief!
Delphi ought to be changed to town of monasteries. So much to see in Delphi. The ancient Greece isn’t ancient for nothing right? I’m intrigued by the monastery on the top hill. Everything about Delphi looks unique.
I so want to visit the monasteries of Meteora now. They look so magical sitting on top of those hilltops. I wonder what stories the monks could tell you from the operating monasteries. Do you think they have seen any miracles in their days?
Meteors looks amazing. So many old monasteries built on top of rocks…
Oh my gosh…Delphi and Meteora are just absolutely gorgeous! I can’t believe the monasteries and wonder how they were built all the way up such steep cliffs. The landscape is simply stunning and you have taken such wonderful photos. Would love to visit here and experience the history and the beautiful views.
Delphi looks like the place to be ! With picturesque Monasteries on top of Cliffs to the Archaeological marvels, I am surely going to run out of memory cards, as I won’t leave a chance to leave anything un captured through my camera.
sure… my camera’s battery was off after that visit and I too have to change memory card in between. Could not stop clicking…
I had no clue about places like Delphi and Meteora and that one could visit them if in Athen. They look so amazing. The monasteries got me with the pictures. Such lovely colors. I am in love with your pictures. Thanks for talking about these gem places.
Manjulika Pramod
I’ve always wanted to go to Meteora since I saw pictures of the monasteries on top of the rock formations. The landscapes are unique and the presence of monasteries which look like part of the natural formations are amazing. Your photos also make me go there even more.
I have always wanted to go to Greece. I studied Greek History at university, and have since always wanted to go. My Sister went the other day for a month and I am so jealous. She stayed with a family and she said the food was great. I love Greek food too. Like Greek salads. I love olives. I bet you had great tasting olives here. I want to go here and your post makes me want to go here.
Yes you will truly like Greek food
I really wish I would’ve had time to visit Delphi and Meteora when I was in Greece in July. Although seeing how much hiking there is I probably would want to go back in a cooler season. And that burger looks like just the thing I would want after hiking up to all the monasteries at Meteora!
Sp many monasteries!!! I already know I am gonna love Meteora! I can’t wait to plan a trip to Greece sometime soon. A friend of mine is planning a month long Eurotrip next year and Greece is one of the places he is planning to visit. How many days would you suggest spending in Greece to at least cover everything worth seeing?
To cover islands n mainlands in Greece you require atleast 10 to 12 days
Those monasteries on top of those rocks look so scary. But the view from there must have been worth it and the climb was justified. Good tips for people considering a trip to Meteora.
It is no scary as they are very peaceful and relaxing. Here monks luve and do meditation
That first picture of Meteora is so beautiful, and I would love to visit all of these sites! The thought of walking uphill all day already makes my legs hurt, though. haha Cool facts about the monks; and amazing greek architecture in those pics, too. Thanks for the post!
When we were planning a trip to Athens and Santorini we wanted to make a day trip to explore some other historical Greek sites which we zeroed on Corinth and Argolis but Delphi and Meteora were high on the list. Meteora needed hiking which wasn’t possible with Chhavi (Year old then) hence we had skip to it. But we really want to return some day and explore these amazing monasteries.
I think a trip like this is a great idea; Athens is amazing but can be crowded; here you get the magical heritage and beautiful old buildings but without the crowds! The hilltop monastery is spectacular, it almost doesn’t look real! And those photos of the Greek food… always makes me hungry!
These places are not in Athens but are at 3 hours drive in a different Greek town.
I’m a sucker for Monasteries, and these are absolutely stunning! I actually didn’t know that Greece had so many monasteries, I thought I was looking at something you would find in Bhutan or something. Really a great post, I’m actually going to have to investigate into this location now.
There are many monasteries in Georgia(ex USSR now country in Eurasia) too over the stunning hilltop. Greece has many monasteries. All follow orthodox Christianity.
I love little hidden gems like this- really like your site btw
Thanks dear
I’ve read and heard so much about the Delphi Oracle, it would be a dream come true to see it with my own eyes. Thanks for the useful information, I’ve saved it for later!
wow, these pictures are stunning and they serve justice to your awesome trip. those monasteries on the cliffs are beautiful. I had no idea Greece even had a ski lodge!
This looks great. Sounds like you had such a good time. Really made me want to go here too now!
So many monasteries! I love them all and would love to have a trip where I just toured all of them. There is just so much to look at and explore in Greece! I need to go there soon!
I’m completely in love with Greece, so love everything you’ve mentioned here. Meterora is so special, and those monasteries are amazing. Very true about taking plenty of water, there’s a lot of walking to do there!
Wow, I’ve never heard about Delphi before and today I discovered a place which attracted my attention immensely. Love all of the pictures and especially the monasteries on the rock hills – gosh that’s truly amazing. Amazing post, not sure when I’m going to visit Greece, but pinning it for future 🙂
The monasteries perched on the hill tops remind me of Tiger’s nest monastery in Bhutan. My interest in Greek architecture grew after visiting ancient sites in Petra. Delhi and Meteora make for such an enriching experience. I want to explore Greece for at least a month to appreciate it truly. Lovely pictures and blog.
I’d somehow never heard of Delphi before but now I absolutely need to go! It just jumped to the top of my bucket list. I LOVE mountains and historical sites and this just combines both.