2 Days Delphi - Meteora Monasteries Tour

Incredible view of the Meteora rock formations

The tholos of the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia at Delphi

Statue of the Spartan King Leonidas at Thermopylae

Interior view of the kitchen in a Meteora monastery

View of the town of Kalambaka, with Meteora on the background

Holy Monastery of Varlaam in Meteora

Stunning view of the Meteora monasteries

The Temple of Apollo in Delphi

Ancient ruins in Delphi

The Ancient Theater of Delphi

Ancient Greek script in Delphi

Combine two important spiritual locations in a 2 day tour to the Delphi oracle and the ageless Meteora monasteries.

This 2-day tour of the Greek mainland is ideal for those looking to augment their vacation to Greece with a quick dose of ancient history. 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, Thermopylae, Meteora.

Starting point: 5, Georgiou Souri, Athens (G.O. Terminal) Starting time: 08:20

Itinerary

Day 1 - Athens to Kalambaka via Delphi
After we pick you up from select spots in Athens (departure at approx 8:45) we will hit the road and drive through the plains of Beotia, crossing small towns that played a significant role in antiquity, like Thebes and Levadia. We will stretch our legs in the village of Arachova on the foot of Mount Parnassus, a spot beloved by locals for weekend getaways. Not long after we will reach Delphi, our main destination for the day. In the archaeological site, we will start making our way up the hill, encountering important sites along the way. Delphi was a place in which ancient city-states entrusted their treasuries, with Athens and Sifnos being the most prominent ones. The Ancient Theater of Delphi hosted plays with a view to the chaotic valley below. Further up we will find the Temple of Apollo, in the heart of which we will find the chamber of the Oracle. On the top of the site we will see the Stadium, which hosted the Pythian Games in honor of Delphi's greatest sage. We'll bid adieu to Delphi and head north for Kalambaka, a small town on the foot of Meteora, where we will spend the night.
Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Visit Meteora and Return to Athens
After a fulfilling breakfast, we will head to Meteora, a geological marvel of vast, rock pillars rising up from the valley below to create a unique spectacle that is a testament to wonders of nature. On top of the pillars, stand Byzantine Monasteries, of immeasurable historical and religious importance. We will marvel at the scenery and visit two of the monasteries where you can see how the ascetic occupants live and buy mementos, hand-crafted by the monks and nuns themselves. Afterwards we will hop back on the bus and make our way back via Thermopylae, where a short stop to see Leonidas' Monument across the road is in order. Early in the evening we will arrive back in Athens (approx. 19:00).
Overnight: -
Meals: Breakfast

What's Included

Visit the Delphi Archaeological site
Visit some Meteora Monasteries (2 Monasteries)
Thermopylae (visit the monument of Leonidas)
Transport by luxury air-conditioned motor coach
1 night hotel accommodation in Kalambaka
1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Professional guide
Pick up / drop off service from most of the hotels in Athens
VAT for all services

Not included:

- Visit to Delphi Museum
- Your international airfare
- Personal expenses, beverages at lunch and / or dinner
- Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts
- Stayover hotel tax, to be paid directly to the hotel

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.
At Delphi the tour company will usually move guests traveling to Meteora onto another bus. After the short Delphi visit guests will depart for Kalambaka/Meteora where they will spend the night (dinner and overnight). The following morning they will visit Meteora and the monasteries atop these spectacular monoliths.
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.