Athens and Corinth Biblical Tour|St Paul Tour Greece

Explore two historical cities that played huge role in ancient Greece and follow the footsteps of St. Paul with the Athens and Corinth biblical tour.

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Athens to Meteora Day Trip

Name: Athens to Meteora Day Trip| Meteora Day Trip from Athens
Brand: Greece Athens Tours
SKU: METEOR-TOUR
Price: 600 EUR
Availability: InStock

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Overview

Duration:14 hours 0 minutes
Travelers:1 - 3 guests
Tour Type:Daily tour, Private tour
Language:English

Athens to Meteora Day Trip

Starting the Athens to Meteora day trip in the morning, we will drive to central Greece, passing by cities such as Lamia (where Achilles' origins are), the agricultural cities of Karditsa, Trikala, and many villages. The Thessalian Campus is the biggest agricultural area in Greece, producing most of the agricultural products in the country. Products like Halvas Farsalon and Domokos cheese are a must to taste!

Amazing Experience - Meteora rocks

The operating monasteries is the Great Meteoron, which is the largest, it started being built in 1483 and finished in 1522. Today, it serves as the main museum for visitors. The katholikon (main church) is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Jesus.

The monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest in the Meteora complex. It was built in 1541, but it was first occupied during the first half of the 14th century by a contemporary of St. Athanasius the Meteorite. The monastery is perched on a unique spot, and the view from the rock is astonishing.

Other monasteries in the Meteora complex are Rousanou/St. Barbara, St. Nicholas, and St. Stephen are adorned with amazing wall paintings made by the teacher of El Greco and the monastery of Holy Trinity, where a scene from the James Bond movie "For Your Eyes Only" was filmed.

Continuing the private Meteora day trip from Athens, we will visit the picturesque village of Kastaki for lunch and Kalambaka city for shopping. Later on, we will return to Athens.

Athens to Meteora Day Trip

On our way to Meteora, we will visit Thermopylae, where the most epic battle in world history took place. In that area, 300 Spartans and a few thousand other Hoplites faced the vast Persian army in 480 BC. You will have the opportunity to see the battlefield and the statue of the mighty King Leonidas.

You can also see all the details of the battle in a short video provided by the local Museum. This story became famous worldwide after the Hollywood film "The 300".

Arriving at the Meteora Rocks, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will have time to visit 2-3 monasteries. The origins of the ascetic community are lost in time. It seems that the first hermits and monks climbed on these rocks in the 11th century in search of refuge and peace. From 24 monasteries of Meteora, today only 6 are operating, in turn, every day. These rocks were created 60 million years ago in the Tertiary period.

The Historical Significance of Meteora

Meteora has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. The first monks arrived in the area in the 9th century, seeking solitude and spiritual enlightenment. They found solace in the towering cliffs and established monasteries, creating a unique religious community. These monasteries served as a sanctuary for the monks during times of political unrest and provided a place for them to devote themselves to prayer and contemplation.

Over the years, the monasteries of Meteora have faced numerous challenges, including invasions and natural disasters. Yet, they have managed to stand the test of time, offering a glimpse into the past and preserving the traditions and heritage of the region. Today, visitors can explore these monasteries and learn about the lives of the monks who once inhabited them, gaining a deeper understanding of Meteora's historical significance.

The Natural Beauty of Meteora

While the monasteries are undoubtedly the main attraction in Meteora, the natural beauty of the area is equally breathtaking. The imposing rock formations, known as "Meteora" in Greek, rise dramatically from the earth, creating a surreal landscape that seems almost otherworldly. The rugged cliffs are adorned with lush vegetation, adding a touch of vibrancy to the scene.

Exploring the natural wonders of Meteora is a treat for the senses. Hiking trails wind their way through the landscape, offering panoramic views of the monasteries and the surrounding valleys. As you walk along these paths, you'll be surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, creating a sense of tranquility and serenity. The natural beauty of Meteora is truly awe-inspiring and will leave you with a profound appreciation for the wonders of the earth.

Why Taking a Tour is the Best Way to Experience Meteora

Visiting Meteora independently can be a wonderful experience, but taking a guided tour elevates the experience to a whole new level. A tour allows you to fully immerse yourself in the history and beauty of the region, providing valuable insights and insider knowledge that you may not discover on your own.

A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the monasteries, sharing stories and legends that bring the history of Meteora to life. They will explain the significance of each monastery and provide context for the religious and cultural practices of the monks. With a guide by your side, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual importance of Meteora and the impact it has had on the lives of those who have called it home.

Additionally, a tour will take care of all the logistics, ensuring a stress-free experience. Transportation to and from the monasteries will be provided, along with a carefully planned itinerary that maximizes your time in Meteora. You won't have to worry about navigating the winding roads or finding parking spaces, everything will be taken care of for you. This allows you to focus on fully immersing yourself in the beauty and history of the region, without any distractions.

Scenic drive
Stop at Thermopylae to see the battlefield where 300 Spartans
See the amazing landscape of Meteora
Visit 2-3 monasteries
Have lunch in a traditional restaurant

Includes/Excludes

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
Driver guide with deep knoweledge of history
Water
Free WI-Fi

Food and extra drinks
Licensed guide
Gratuities

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 48 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Itinerary

Expand all

Starting/pickup location

Pick up from the hotel, port, or apartment

Scenic drive

We drive for aproximately 3,5 hours.

Thermopylae

We stop at Thermopylae to see the battlefield where 300 Spartans fought the Persians in 480 BC.

Meteora rocks

We arrive at the Meteora rocks to visit some monasteries. Usually, we go to the Megalo Meteoro and Varlaam. If we have time, we can visit more.

Lunch

We can stop for lunch in a traditional restaurant (optional), and you will have time to stroll in Kalambaka.

Drop off

We drive back to Athens to drop you off at your location.

Tour maps

Open in Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

What to bring

Summer: Comfortable athletic clothing, hat, athletic shoes and sunscreen.
Winter: Comfortable warm clothing, jacket and winter shoes.

Know before you go

There is a dress code in the monasteries, they provide some clothes for women to cover parts of body.
The area of Kalambaka is colder than Athens, it is better to have jackets with you.
The entrance fee per monastery is 5 euros.
Your driver can't escort you inside the monasteries. If you wish, we can arrrane a licensed guide for you.