From Athens:Meteora Caves & Monasteries History Day Trip by Train

Meteora , Greece

From Athens:Meteora Caves & Monasteries History Day Trip by Train

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(70 reviews)

14h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Begin from Stathmos Larissis, the central railway station of Athens, where you will get on the train that takes you to Kalambaka. The train departs at 06:58 AM.At approximately 09:45 AM, the train will make a stop at Paleofarsalos, where you should exit and catch the connecting bus that will continue the trip to Kalambaka. Throughout your journey, indulge in the unique scenic the Greek countryside provides.Upon arrival, meet your guide, who will be holding a signboard with your name on it.

~ will not meet any of our partners at the Station

~Full day rail trip from Athens

~See all six remaining monasteries

~Visit three of them

~Luxurious air conditioned Mercedes mini-bus for your transportation to Meteora

~Free Wifi

~Round-trip rail tickets inlcluded to the price

Small groups for a more personalized experience

~If you are in Athens this is propably the ideal way to explore one of the most

impressive monuments worldwide.

Available options

STANDARD PRICE

What's included

Visit the Hermit Caves

Bottled water

See all six the remainig monasteries and visit 3 of them and wander at their interior

Luxury mini-bus transportation by Mercedes

Local English-speaking tour leader

Wi-Fi and USB chargers on board

Round-trip ticket from Athens-Kalambaka-You will receive an e-mail with the train e-tickets

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Discover the beauty and history of Meteora on a day trip from Athens. Take in stunning views of the Greek countryside on the comfortable train ride to the town of Kalambaka. Travel with a guide on a van or a bus and stop to capture pictures at six historic monasteries.
Start from Larissis station, the main railway station in Athens where you will catch the train to Kalambaka. Throughout your train journey, indulge in the unique scenic routes that the Greek countryside provides.

Upon arrival, meet your guide who will be holding a signboard with your name on it. Walk with your guide to the Meteora Monasteries where you can admire the amazing Christian architecture. Discover the over 700 years of history and influence of the monasteries.
After the tour ends, you will be transferred to Kalabaka's city center where you will have about an hour to spend under the shadow of giant rocks either having lunch or a coffee. You will get all the needed information on how to get to the train St.

As soon as you arrive in Kalambaka, we will make a 20-minutes stop for Lunch, Break time, Food market visit, Coffee

Stop 3

See all the six monasteries from the outside and visit three of them depending on the arrival day: - Great Meteoron monastery: is the oldest and the biggest one. - Varlaam monastery: the second biggest monastery - Saint Stephens monastery: the most accessible monastery - Holy Trinity: the most difficult accessible monastery (known as a James Bond movie was filmed there) - Roussanou Monastery: an easy accessible monastery - Saint Nicholas monastery: important iconography and the first one we meet on our way to Meteora.

What's not included

Gratuities (optional)

Credit cards are not accepted for paying the monasteries entrance fees

Travel insurance

Pickup / Drop off from Accommodation in Athens to railway station

Licensed guide, inside the monasteries

Lunch

Monasteries

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

45 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

25 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

You will receive an e-mail with the train e-tickets a few days before the tour.

Please make sure you have cash for the monasteries 5 euro each entrance

If you have not received your train tickets please contact us. You will not be able to travel by train.

Meeting point

Head to Athens railway station by your own and you must be there at 06.40 am in order to complete the boarding procedure on time.The train departs at 06:58 AM.At approximately 09:45 AM, the train will make a stop at Paleofarsalos, where you should exit and catch the connecting bus. to Kalampaka.

About Meteora

Meteora is a unique geological and historical site in Greece, famous for its stunning rock formations and historic monasteries perched atop towering pillars. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking views and a rich cultural heritage that attracts visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

Meteora Monasteries

A complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries built on top of natural sandstone pillars, dating back to the 14th century.

Historical/Religious Half to full day €3-€5 per monastery

Meteora Hiking Trails

Scenic trails offering stunning views of the rock formations and monasteries.

Nature/Adventure 2-4 hours Free

Kalambaka

A charming town at the foot of the Meteora rocks, known for its traditional architecture and local cuisine.

Cultural Half day Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pita

A savory pie filled with various ingredients like spinach, cheese, or meat.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Souvlaki

Grilled meat skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.

Snack Contains meat

Dolmades

Grappe leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Caving Wine tasting Dining at local tavernas Strolling through Kalambaka Old Town Visiting monasteries Exploring historic towns

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This is the best time to visit Meteora, with pleasant weather and clear skies ideal for hiking and sightseeing.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Greek
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

EET (GMT+2), EEST (GMT+3) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Meteora is a safe destination with low crime rates. Standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when hiking alone
• Use reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport • 220 km from Meteora

By train

Kalambaka Station

By bus

Kalambaka Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are infrequent and may not cover all areas. Taxis are a better option for convenience.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kalambaka Kastraki

Day trips

Trikala

30 km from Meteora • Half day

A historic town with a mix of Ottoman and Greek architecture, known for its traditional markets and local cuisine.

Larissa

60 km from Meteora • Full day

A major city with a rich history, offering a variety of museums, parks, and dining options.

Festivals

Meteora Festival • July Easter Celebrations • March/April (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the monasteries early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Hike the Meteora trails for stunning views and a unique perspective of the rock formations.
Try local dishes like 'pita' and 'souvlaki' at traditional tavernas in Kalambaka.
Pack comfortable hiking shoes and a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
Stay in Kastraki for a quieter experience and easy access to hiking trails.