Exploring the awe-inspiring monasteries of Meteora has long been a bucket-list item for many travelers. This 2-day trip from Athens promises a seamless experience, complete with roundtrip transportation, centrally-located accommodations, and guided tours of the iconic sites. Whether you’re seeking a culture or simply want to bask in the region’s breathtaking scenery, this excursion offers a convenient and cost-effective way to discover one of Greece’s most captivating destinations. With free cancellation and a local expert to lead the way, the stage is set for an unforgettable adventure.
Key Points
- 2-day excursion from Athens to the Meteora region priced at €199.99 per person, with roundtrip train transportation included.
- Accommodation in Kalabaka, with guided tours of all six monasteries and an opportunity to witness the stunning sunset.
- Local transportation within Kalabaka provided, with hotel pickup and drop-off included in the service.
- Meals not included, allowing for exploration of local cuisine, with typical meal costs ranging from €5-20.
- Entrance fees of €3 per person per monastery to be paid in cash, and gratuities for the tour leader are optional but appreciated.
Trip Overview and Pricing
The Meteora Trip from Athens is a 2-day excursion priced from €199.99 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot and pay nothing today, with the option to cancel for a full refund.
The trip includes roundtrip train transportation from Athens to the Meteora region, as well as a local tour leader to provide guidance throughout the journey. Accommodation in Kalabaka and visits to all six monasteries, with tours of four of them, are also part of the experience.
Visitors will witness the stunning sunset over Meteora and explore the area’s rich history, including the Byzantine church and Hermit Caves.
Itinerary and Experience
The 2-day Meteora trip from Athens kicks off with a departure from the central railway station in Athens, embarking on a scenic ride through the Greek countryside en route to the destination of Kalabaka.
Upon arrival, visitors will be accommodated in a 3-star hotel.
The itinerary includes a sunset tour to witness the breathtaking Meteora formations, as well as a morning tour to explore the historic monasteries and the Byzantine church in Kalabaka.
In total, the tour will visit all 6 monasteries, with the opportunity to tour 4 of them.
Highlights also include the Hermit Caves, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich history and spiritual significance.
Transportation Details
Roundtrip train tickets from Athens to Meteora (currently by train and bus) are included in the package, with a local tour leader on hand to provide guidance throughout the journey.
The transportation arrangements include:
- Travel by mini-bus within Kalambaka to explore the monasteries and visit the highlights.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kalambaka, ensuring a seamless start and end to the trip.
- Bottled water and Wi-Fi provided on board the transportation, keeping you refreshed and connected during the scenic ride through Greece’s countryside.
These transportation details ensure a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the awe-inspiring Meteora landscape and monasteries.
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation for the Meteora trip is provided in a 3-star hotel in Kalabaka, ensuring a comfortable stay during the excursion. The hotel amenities include free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, and basic facilities to make your stay pleasant. Meals are not included in the package, allowing you to explore the local cuisine at your own pace. Here’s a breakdown of the typical meal options:
| Meal | Cost (EUR) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 5-10 | Continental or Greek-style |
| Lunch | 10-15 | Traditional Greek dishes |
| Dinner | 15-20 | Local taverna specialties |
Participants are responsible for covering the cost of meals, snacks, and any additional expenses during the trip.
Entrance Fees and Gratuities
Along With the transportation and accommodation costs, visitors to the Meteora monasteries will need to cover the entrance fees for each site they wish to explore.
Specifically, there’s a fee of €3 per person per monastery, payable in cash only. While meals, snacks, and soft drinks aren’t included in the tour package, visitors can easily purchase these locally.
Plus, gratuities for the local tour leader aren’t mandatory but appreciated for their guidance throughout the experience.
To summarize the key details:
- Entrance fees of €3 per person per monastery, cash only
- Meals, snacks, and soft drinks not included
- Gratuities for the tour leader are optional but welcome
Meeting Point and Logistics
Travelers will meet at the Stathmos Larissis in Athens, where they’ll board the train to Kalabaka, the town nestled at the base of the Meteora rock formations.
From there, the group will embark on their 2-day adventure. Participants should bring their passport or ID, as well as sunscreen and cash for the monastery entrance fees.
Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited on the vehicle.
It’s important to note that due to recent floods, train services have been temporarily affected, so alternative transportation will be provided.
With these logistics in place, travelers can look forward to an unforgettable journey exploring the stunning Meteora monasteries.
Packing and Prohibited Items
When packing for the Meteora trip, visitors should bring their passport or ID, sunscreen, and cash for the monastery entrance fees. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited on the vehicle.
Here are 3 essential items to pack:
- Comfortable walking shoes to explore the monasteries
- A light jacket or sweater as the weather can be cool
- A camera to capture the stunning views
Adhering to these packing guidelines and rules will ensure a smooth and enjoyable Meteora experience. The trip leader is there to provide guidance throughout the journey, so travelers can focus on seeing the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this remarkable region.
Temporary Transportation Changes
Due to recent flooding, the usual train service to Meteora has been temporarily affected, requiring alternative transportation to be provided.
Passengers will now be transported by a combination of train and bus to reach Kalabaka, the town at the base of the Meteora rocks. The local tour leader will ensure a smooth transition between modes of transport.
While the transportation method has changed, the overall itinerary and experience remain the same, allowing travelers to witness the stunning sunset over Meteora and explore the historic monasteries.
Clients are advised to bring their passport or ID as usual, and to be prepared for the modified transportation arrangements during their 2-day trip from Athens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Trip?
The maximum group size for this trip is not specified in the given information. The details provided focus on the itinerary, pricing, and inclusions, but do not mention the group size.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?
According to the details provided, passengers are allowed to bring bottled water on the bus, but other food and alcoholic drinks are not permitted. The tour includes complimentary bottled water and Wi-Fi on board.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. Travelers of all ages are welcome to participate. However, parental supervision is required for minors. Participants should be able to walk and climb stairs at the monasteries.
Can I Extend My Stay in Meteora Beyond the 2 Days?
Travelers can extend their stay in Meteora beyond the 2-day tour if desired. The tour provider can assist with booking additional nights at the 3-star accommodation. However, transportation and guided activities are only included for the 2-day itinerary.
Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Higher-Class Hotel?
Yes, there is an option to upgrade to a higher-class hotel. Customers can choose to pay an additional fee to stay at a 4-star or 5-star hotel instead of the standard 3-star accommodation provided with the package.
Recap
The 2-day Meteora trip from Athens offers an affordable and immersive experience.
Travelers can explore the stunning monasteries, enjoy a guided tour, and experience the breathtaking sunset.
With roundtrip transportation, 3-star hotel accommodation, and a local tour leader, this package provides a convenient and hassle-free way to discover the natural and historical wonders of Meteora.
