3 Days Delphi & Meteora Monasteries Tour
Panoramic view of the town of Kalambaka
The tholos of the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia in Delphi
Statue of the Spartan King Leonidas in Thermopylae
Traditional kitchen used by the monks in Meteora monasteries
View of the town of Kalambaka on the foothill of Meteora
Holy Monastery of Varlaam in Meteora
Magnificent view of the Meteora valley
The remains of the Temple of Apollo in Delphi
The Treasury of Athenians in the Delphi archaeological site
Delphi's Theater offers a stunning view of the valley below
Ancient Greek script in Delphi
Combine two important spiritual locations in a 3 day tour to the Delphi oracle and the ageless Meteora monasteries.
This 3-day tour of the Greek mainland is ideal for those looking to augment their vacation to Greece with a dose of ancient Greek history with a pinch of spirituality. Starting from Athens, the capital of Greece, we will take the scenic route through the plains of Beotia before arriving in Delphi, known around ancient Greece as 'the navel of the world'. A town with strong ties to antiquity due to the presence of the famous Oracle, whose ruins still stand proudly. A sacred place for ancient Greeks, as they consulted the great Oracle before every major war campaign. Afterwards, you will travel to Kalambaka, a cozy town in central Greece, sitting right next to Meteora, an incredible spectacle or massive rock pillars rising up from a valley to form a truly rare sight. On top of the pillars, Byzantine monasteries have stood for centuries, adding yet another layer to the sense of wonder that fills any visitor.
Sightseeing: Delphi, Meteora, Thermopylae
Starting point: 5, Georgiou Souri, Athens (G.O. Terminal) Starting time: 08:20Itinerary
- Day 1 - Athens to Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and Arachova
Starting from Athens early in the morning (departure at approx 8:45) we'll drive through the region of Beotia, crossing the towns of Thebes and Levadia to stop in Arachova, a charming village of Central Greece, preferred by locals for a weekend getaway, especially during the fall. After we've stretched our legs, we will reach Delphi, whose central role in the lives of ancient Greeks is exemplified by it being dubbed as the 'navel of the world'. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. This is where the famous Oracle would hand out prophecies on the fate of Kings and armies, shaping policy in the ancient world. We will visit the archaeological site, which includes the Treasury of the Athenians, the Stadium of the Pythian Games and the Ancient Theater. After we leave the site, we will proceed to the Delphi Archaeological Museum containing such masterpieces of Ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer. We will settle in the town of Delphi in the afternoon, where you will be free to explore the nightlife in cozy cafes and bars.
Overnight: Delphi
Meals: Dinner - Day 2 - Delphi to Kalambaka
After a fulfilling breakfast, you will have the morning at your disposal to explore the town of Delphi at your own pace! Stroll down Apollonos and Friderikis streets and browse the galleries, craft shops and jewelry stores filled with artifacts created by local artists. Have a beverage enjoying the stunning view of the chaotic valley below. Sample the multitude of culinary delights that stem from the region in the cafes, bakeries and taverns spread all through the town. After you've carved your own path of adventure in Delphi, you will meet back with your group and drive north to Kalambaka, a quaint town of Thessaly, resting on the foot of Meteora, where we will spend the night.
Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 3 - Visit Meteora and Return to Athens
Time to fully comprehend the meaning of the word awe by visiting Meteora. The word 'unique' gets thrown around a lot, but there is no better way to describe the geological marvel of vast, rock pillars rising up from the serene valley below to create a stunning spectacle. As if the powers of nature needed human augmentation, on top of the pillars, rest pious Byzantine Monasteries whose construction will surely evoke feelings of humility and admiration for the spirit of human perseverance. We will trek to two monasteries, observe how the ascetic monks and nuns live their daily lives, see works of religious and artistic significance and pick up mementos hand-crafted by the occupants of the monasteries themselves. On our way back to Athens, we will take a short stop at Thermopylae to see Leonidas' Monument across the road. Our arrival in the capital is expected early in the evening (approx. 19:00).
Overnight: -
Meals: Breakfast
Important notes
Important Notes:
- This tour includes a complimentary pick-up / drop-off service from your hotel or other predefined spots in Athens and surrounding areas. Maximum duration of this service to gather tour participants is approximately 1 hour. Thus, pick-up time may vary for each guest and will be provided during the booking process.
- Clients staying at the coast will depart for their hotels, from G.O. terminal around 19:30 hrs.
- Appropriate clothing is required to visit the Monasteries. Long skirts below the knees for the ladies and long trousers for the gentlemen. The monasteries, also, provide long skirts before every entrance. The ladies can choose and wear a long skirt over their clothing, during the tour, and return it, prior to their departure.
- The tour is usually bilingual, implemented in English and one additional language (French or Italian). For more information prior to booking, please contact us. Our agents will also inform you on the languages of the tour after booking.
- First Class includes 4-star hotels, whereas Tourist Class includes 3-star hotels.
