Day 1:
The 2-day tour of the Meteora Monasteries begins with a scenic 3.5-hour drive from Athens to Kalambaka, traversing the central highway through northern mainland Greece. Along the way, you’ll pass seaside villages and agricultural landscapes, with views of the island and gulf of Euboea, until reaching the town of Lamia. From Lamia, the journey continues over a high plateau, surrounded by mountains, passing Domokos and descending into the Thessaly valley.
As you approach Meteora, the towering 500-meter-tall sandstone pinnacles come into view. You’ll ascend to visit as many of the six monasteries as possible, depending on opening hours (all are open on weekends, while some may close for maintenance on weekdays). Each monastery requires between 30 to 60 minutes to explore, depending on accessibility. The monasteries include St. Nicholas, Varlaam, Grand Meteoron, St. Stephen, Rousanou, and Holy Trinity, each offering unique history and breathtaking views.
The day ends with a stay at a local hotel, where travelers can choose to return to the monasteries to witness a stunning Meteora sunset.
Day 2:
On the second day, the tour resumes early to visit any remaining monasteries before larger tourist groups arrive, providing a peaceful experience to fully appreciate the serenity of Meteora.
In the afternoon, the return drive to Athens begins, with a stop at the historic site of Thermopylae after about 2 hours. Here, you’ll spend 30 to 60 minutes exploring the interactive museum, equipped with 3D movie showrooms and touchscreens detailing the Greco-Persian wars of 496 and 486 B.C. You’ll also visit the monument of King Leonidas, the Thespian warriors’ monument, the battlefield, and the Hill of Kolonos, where the Spartans made their final stand.
The tour concludes with a relaxing drive back to Athens, with beautiful landscapes and a sunset to end the journey.
