TRIP TO DELPHI-
Archaeological Delphi, surrounded by Greek mountainous countryside is about 180km (Two and half hour drive) from Athens.
There are many UNESCO sites in Delphi. Delphi is famous for top Greek UNESCO world Heritage sites like Temple of Apollo, Oracle, Delphi Theatre, Treasury of Athenians, the Polygonal Wall, Monument of Platea and Delphi Museum.
First stop – Tholos of Delphi
Second stop at Delphi’s famous archaeological site of ancient settlement on Mount Parnassus overlooking beautiful hills, slopes, valleys and ruins. This is walking up activity down and up the hill on natural stairs and paths. It takes around 2 hours.
After visiting archaeological sites of Delphi, the trip passes through scenic village of Arachova at about 1000m altitude. Arachova is the best winter resort of Greece and famous for skiing.
Lunch at Arachova
Then proceed to Kalampaka for visiting monasteries of Meteora. Kalampaka is the nearest staying option for Meteora visit which is at a distance of about 221km. approximately from Arachova.
TRIP TO METEORA
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) There are many great staying options in Kalampaka for your reference.
Next day, early morning visit to Neolithic Era monasteries since 9th A.D. Group of monks move upto clifftop and built monasteries on top of rock towers.
From top of monasteries there are stunning views of farms & villages in the plains. There are total of 6 monasteries those are still functioning. These monasteries are accessed by road, rock-cut stairways and pathways. In actual 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.
- Monastery of Great Meteron
- Monastery of Varlaam
- Monastery of Rousanou
- Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
- Monastery of St. Stephen
- Monastery of Holy Trinity
Hiking upto all monasteries through manmade rockcut stairs and paths, then proceed to traditional Greek Lunch at Kalampaka(Kalambaka).
Hiking upto Monasteries along the forest and natural path
Going back to Kalampaka(kalambaka town)
There are many view points 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 small towns of Domokos, Kamena Vourlal(sea side 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.
Arrive Athens late evening.
These places can be covered by Rent a car or many tour services available from Athens.
Tips during Trip to Delphi and Meteora from Athens
These are high walking acitivity which requires lots of physical stamina.
Many places are not accessed by strollers and wheel chairs as there are natural cut rock stairs.
Lots of water consumed during visiting historic activites. Carry lots of water/juices.
Head should be covered in monastery and follow proper clothing like full pants and no skin show.
All monastery are closed on specific days of week like Monday, Tuesday, etc. but not all on same day. Check closing days before going.
Avoid during rains.
Try local Greek cuisine. Vegetarians can also relish here as lots of vegan varieties too.
Explore Greek countryside with locals. They are very friendly.
Lots of souveniers shops selling antique brass artefacts which are cost effective.
Start early from Athens as driving takes lots of time due to mountainous drive and also seeing places through foot takes lot of time.
What to do in Athens ? Click here
Planning to visit Greek islands like Santorini. Click here.
Plan Greece itinerary. Then Click here
Enjoy your Trip to Delphi and Meteora From Athens. Keep travelling …… Keep dicovering the world in more exciting ways
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Wow. This post totally gave me a different perspective about Greece. Here I am thinking all there is to see in Greece is the Parthenon and Santorini. I wish I could live in Greece for 6 months so I can explore every beautiful place.
The images are so pretty. I liked the one with the view of mountains where the red roofs are seen from far away. Also, surprised to see places like Delphi and Oracle are actually close together. Big names in the IT industry.
Yes IT industry has lots of ancient greek names
I heard a lot about Delphi and Meteora.i love to visit historical places and archaeological sites.For this reason, i want to visite Delphi and Meteora. I was collecting information about these places and at last found your article. thanks for sharing and nice pictures.
I know that I had read about all of those city states while I was growing up in school but now I think I am getting a better picture as to why they existed. Just the landscape for some of those places seems to call for little enclaves of people gathered together in tribes of sorts. I love the architecture there. I really am going to have to go there sometime in the near future.
I have heard so much about Delphi, temple of Apollo and other archaeological sites but I have never been there. After looking at the pics you have shared, I wish to visit these places soon. 🙂
I have heard but good things about Delphi. I really amaze in Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas. looks so awesome and breathtaking.
Oh wow! I would love to visit here someday. Looks so beautiful place. I will definitely put this on my list.
These are some great ancient architecture. I have no idea about all these but Yes I enjoyed all these pictures you shared here on this article. Specially the “Monastery of Varlaam”.
Greece is such a dream destination, thanks for the tips
How beautiful! Athens has been on my list for a really long time, do you have any more recommendations in Greece?
what kind of recommendations you want ? Plz. specify.
Looks so beautiful! Your pictures are amazing! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo,
Gabi
These are my bucket list. It looks so historical and super beautiful. Which one is your favorite place?
This post reminded me of the time we got to visit Greece, visiting Delphi and Meteora were the highlights of our trip.
I love Greece, such a beautiful country full of lovely people. I went to Delphi when I was 15 and loved it. I could almost feel its historic atmosphere..Reading your post, I just want to go back now 🙂
I can say I was pretty amazed when i read the title! I haven’t seen anyone posting about Delphi and Meteora when going to Greece. I’m from Greece and I’ve even never been in Delphi yet.. I’ve visited meteora with scool when i was in high school, and it’s trully majestic! I still remember the steak I ate in a small tavern in Kalampaka. I hope you liked it, and I’m pretty sure you enjoyed the food there too!
Wow. What coincidence. i just posted about Meteora on my blog. love your pictures. Helped me reminesce all over again! Did the trip pretty much the way you did. One of my favourite places ever!
Yes.. it is my favorite from Greece
Athens is so beautiful, I absolutely love Greek architecture! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
The Meteora looks like a magical place to visit! It must be even more beautiful in real life! I am kind of jelous because I love to travel and I havent been to Meteora yet! Thanks for reminding me that I need to get there!
Lovely post! I live in greece and I can confirm that indeed you can get so many vegan or vegetarian options here when it comes to greek cuisine!
Wow your pictures are amazing! Delphi looks great but Monastery of Rousanou looks out of the world! I didn’t know about these places when I went to Athens, should have definitely considered a day-trip here.
Hi Yukti – This is the second post today that I have come across about Meteora. And I can see the beauty of this place is really out-worldly! Love the details of your post and the incredible pictures! I am sure coming back to discover more of your travel pics since I love traveling myself!