TRIP To DELPHI And METEORA From ATHENS

TRIP To DELPHI And METEORA From ATHENS 

Let’s explore some archaeological ancient Greek sites which are located at 2 to 3 hours from Athens by road. These ancient sites are located in beautiful mountainous regions with lots of olive farms all around. I must say that no Greek trip is complete with some attractions from mainlands. My Greek trip included a couple of islands hopping with some interesting ancient cities from mainlands. So in this post, I will take you around the Greek mainland by taking a trip to Delphi and Meteora from Athens.

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’s Heritage sites like 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

First stop –  Tholos of Delphi | Trip to Delphi And Meteora From Athens

Second 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 and up the hill on natural stairs and paths. It takes around 2 hours. 

After visiting archaeological sites of Delphi, the trip passes through the 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.  If you are opting for Meteora visit then consider for 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.

METEORA TOURS FROM ATHENS | VISIT METEORA | DAY TRIPS FROM ATHENS | Trip to Delphi And Meteora 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)  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 9^th  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 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 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 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. 

Arrive in Athens late evening.

These places can be covered by rent 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 then book for 4 days Classical tour to Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi & Meteora by clicking here. 

Booking.com

Tips for Day trips from Athens | Tours from Athens

• These are a high walking activity which requires lots of physical stamina.
• Many places are not accessed by strollers and wheelchairs as there are natural cut rock stairs.
• Lots of water consumed during visiting historic activities. Carry lots of water/juices.
• 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.  Check closing days before going.
• Avoid during rains.
• Try local Greek cuisine. Vegetarians can also relish here as lots of vegan varieties too.
• Explore the Greek countryside with locals. They are very friendly.
• Lots of souvenirs shops selling antique brass artifacts 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 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. 
• Read to know more about before visiting Delphi and Meteora monasteries.
  
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  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 traveling…… Keep discovering the world in more exciting ways

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