TRIP To DELPHI And METEORA From ATHENS

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)

Next day, early morning visit to Neolithic Era monasteries since 9^th  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 17^th 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.

For Mykonos. 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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