visiting meteora from athens by trainvisiting meteora from athens by train

A number of tours make visiting these remarkable places a bit easier. After the scenic train ride through the beautiful Greek countryside, you will arrive at 12:03 to Kalabakas train station, where our tour guide will be waiting for you holding a signboard with your name. We only toured 2 monestaries rather than the 3 originally booked. Tour from Athens to Meteora by train included Hermit caves Appropriate clothing for everyone is required to enter the monasteries. While you might prefer to spend the night in Kalabakato have extra time, for those who truly only have one day heres how to do it. The train departs at 17:35 from Kalabaka and you will arrive in Athens at 21:57. This was a huge highlight of our 2 week trip in Greece. Day 1, Athens to Meteora and Sunset Tour. Its a wonderful way to experience one of Greeces most breathtaking and off-the-beaten-path cultural treasures. Not recommended for travelers with back problems, No heart problems or other serious medical conditions. You can get organized ahead of time with Uber Travel, available in more than 10,000 cities. Not included in the tour price: train tickets, lunch, entrance to the monasteries (one was three Euros and the other had no cost). Breathtaking views of unique geological areas, picturesque valleys and landscapes, beautiful architecture - and that was before we even got to the monasteries! If its canceled because the minimum isnt met, youll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. At our company, we prioritize guest satisfaction and take all feedback seriously. There should be a plan b for these types of circumstances. You need to organize your own train travel for many of their tours, but they'll advise you on schedules, prices, and how to book your trains (not always easy from outside Greece). Upon your arrival in Kalambaka, around 12:03, our English speaking driver will be waiting for you at the train station, holding a signboard . This place gives a heavenly feel and should be on a must visit list when coming to Athens. Friendly guide and driver. In all, you spend about 3.5 hours in Meteora. When you book, they send a confirmation email that includes a pdf document of your tickets that you should print out. Our standard practice is to allocate approximately 30 minutes for both the restroom stop and the meal. Well planned. We completely understand your perspective and agree that having a plan B in place for unforeseen weather conditions is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable tour experience. We are in another country with conflicting information and no help from Viator. The cost of the rental car will most likely cancel out any saving you have on the tour after factoring in the rental cost, gasoline, and tolls. Its just not an easy place to see on your own if youre short on time. Meteora Sunset tour it includes a visit to 1 or 2 monasteries and the sunset Monasteries tour - it includes a visit to 3 monasteries Pick-up and Drop-off at Kalambaka Train Station: Your tour guide will be waiting for you at Kalambaka Train Station, regardless of any train delays. During the tour we stopped at many places to take pictures. Maximum Quality , Service and Professionalism from the experts of the area. A breathtaking experience not to be missed! The monasteries and overall view of meteora was absolutely jaw dropping. I love doing day trips DIY and renting a car. I can tell you, now that I've done it I don't regret it at all. However, we will take your comments under serious consideration as we always try to improve our services and serve our customers in the best possible way. 5 days guided classical tour of Greece staying an extra day in Kalambaka. The guides were fun, informative and helpful!! Our guide Maria was fabulous, she was really good at adding a bit of humour to the tour and she clearly knew a lot about the area and its history. As a result, the duration of the tour will be approximately 4 hours and we will visit . You can buy your tickets online and check schedules atTrain OSE. This hotel is basically Instagram crack. Another thing to consider is that youll either be on a train for eleven hours or in a car for nine hours. He had studied history, was very knowledgeable and stroke the perfect balance between education and fun. To enter the monasteries, appropriate clothing is required. The train ride to kalambaka was also relaxing. Temple of Olympian Zeus (Nas tou Olympou Dis) Tours & Tickets, National Library of Greece (Ethnik Vivliothki tis Elldos) Tours & Tickets, Philopappos Hill (Filopappou) Tours & Tickets, Athens War Museum (Polemiko Mouseio) Tours & Tickets, Ghika Gallery (Pinakothiki Ghika) Tours & Tickets, Byzantine & Christian Museum Tours & Tickets, Academy of Athens (Akadima Athinn) Tours & Tickets, Mt. She was so informative and had so many stories about each place but was also a bundle of fun with a fantastic sense of humour! English or Spanish, Enjoy a Private tour from Volos by Mini Bus,With the best local Tour Guide, English or Spanish in all 6 Monasteriesand havethe chance to visitinside3 of them. We understand your frustration with the time spent at lunch before the tour began. The train ride lasts a total of 8 hours round trip and the sightseeing portion is only 3 hours. Tour was wonderful. Very good driver and guide. Visiting Meteora by Bus (from Athens and Thessaloniki) Visiting Meteora by tour How to get around Meteora Map of Meteora The best time to visit Meteora How many days in Meteora? You can reach the Athens Railway Station by metro. So why go on a guided tour if I had to deal with my own public transportation? Chris, our tour guide, was a funny big man who has extensive knowledge when read more it comes to Meteora and Kalabaka/Kalambaka. You will arrive in Athens at around 22:26. If I was in Athens and wanted to go back to Meteora, I would still want a guided tour or to stay overnight. We have communicated with our staff and emphasized the importance of adhering to the designated time for lunch breaks to ensure that our guests have the maximum time available for sightseeing. It is a long day of train travel but completely worth it for the breathtaking views! Of course nobody can reach Viator. The tour includes a scenic drive to see (but not visit) all six monastic retreats, with photo stops and a chance to learn more about their histories from a local guide. Here are my 9 suggestions: 1. Our tour guide Maria did a great job and explained all with a passion and also some humor. Are you travelling from Athens or Thessaloniki by train to Kalabaka with your own tickets ?This is the best tour for you ! Travel by train from Athens to Meteora. Because of the location of the Acropolis, it really matters which neighborhood you choose to stay in, especially if youre looking for Acropolis views, easy access to the metro, and a good value for your money. There was some confusion on the train schedule and I believe this impacted the tour schedule. A humbling demonstration of faith, and a great opportunity to step back in time and see a much simpler life amid the bustle of the world today. At one time, there were 24 monasteries, only accessible by elaborate arrangements of winches and nets. Such an amazing experience and worth the trip from Athens. George Kourelis. The travel time is 1 hour and a half by car from Athens. From Athens: Meteora Full-Day Tour with Return Train Tickets Some include train or coach travel from Athens, but some of the best are organized by locals and require you to book your own transportation from Athens to Kalambaka, the nearest village to Meteora. I contacted Viator and sent a message back to the tour company and let them know I wanted my money back in full and if they didn't have the class ticket I wanted they shouldn't have taken my money in the 1st place. It was really nice not to look out for parking place for our car. Guide Clement and driver Elias made the tour visits in good timing and enjoyable. Yes, it is a long day and we were tired by the time we got back to our apartment. However the guide did not know the PW so we were unable to use it. Sincerely, Beautiful scenery We started with a tour of one of the monasteries before breaking off from the main group for the hike /> Chris was a great guide! Also, the little restaurant and tiny market definitely do not seem like a good choice to have tour busses come through. I went on the Meteora Full-Day Trip from Athens by Train. By Meteora Thrones - Travel & Tourism Center 180 reviews Recommended by 93% of travelers Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay later Free cancellation Ages 0-99, max of 20 per group Duration: 13h 30m Start time: Check availability Mobile ticket English, Spanish What's included What to expect Departure and return Accessibility Some travelers have complained about having to stand for long parts of the train trip. Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts, and we hope to welcome you back in the future for a more enjoyable visit with better weather. Be closer to the to top of the world with an unforgetable Meteora climbing, Enjoy a Private Meteora tour by Train from Athens or Thessaloniki Felt slightly rushed but thats understandable given the circumstances (rail disaster slowing down the journey there and back). To turn "p" into "b", Greeks will sometimes add an "m" in front of it. Unexpectedly beautiful area. We enjoyed visiting the monasteries, the hermit cave, and all the viewpoints . And by the way, don't be surprised to find the town spelled Kalabaka, Kalapaka or Kalampakaor all versions, even in the same paragraph. Its also why the tours in Greece are a bit pricier than elsewhere: the guides have to know their stuff. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Meteora is an UNESCO listed World Heritage site A number of tours make visiting these remarkable places a bit easier. Margarita Karavasileiadi, This is a must do! Full-Day Meteora Tour from Athens by Train 2023 - Viator 3 Ways to Visit Meteora from Athens In order from easiest to most difficult Taking a Guided Meteora Tour from Athens Awkward monastery selfie! Additionally, you will view some of Meteoras most spectacular hidden gems like the ancient Chapel of Doupiani and the magnificent St. George Mandilas cave. I paid for this trip a couple of weeks ago for "A" class train tickets. The two-day package also includes Kalambaka hotel pick-up and drop-off for the morning monasteries tour. Fare . Includes a stop at St. Stevens, and a drive by of several other monasteries and one Byzantine church. Our experienced staff and the State of the Art VIP Limo Mini bus we own guarantee an unforgettable, high quality, way to discover our unique place. The tour operator is very responsive and everything was organized well. Full-day train tour to Meteora from Athens includes round-trip fare, Visit the spectacular UNESCO-listed clifftop monasteries, Travel from Kalambaka to Meteora in a luxury 19-seater minibus with onboard Wi-Fi, Tour three monasteries and see the others from the outside, Transport by air-conditioned vehicle with wifi, Visit inside 3 monasteries and the hidden hermit caves, Entrance fees (3 euros per person at each monastery), State Licensed guide, inside the monasteries, Confirmation will be received at time of booking, The train company only issues 26 first-class tickets daily. " This is the best tour for people that want to visit Meteora from Athens ". How far is Meteora from Athens? Youre responsible for following their instructions and getting on the train. The tour was interesting although felt quite rushed as its built around the train times. Guide was good to share stories and history of the area. In the end will be transferred back to Kalabaka with drop off to the train station. Sheer rocks rise up out of the landscape above the lovely town of Kalambaka. Check out our completeAthens Neighborhood and Hotel Guide. Your valuable input helps us improve our services and ensures that we meet the expectations of our customers. The guide, and the driver were excellent and kept everything moving. The first [], We are a passionate team with the vision of delivering the best & most exciting Meteora experience, Meteora Thrones - Travel Center 2022 All rights reserved. Allison and I have both been paying customers ofWorld Nomadsfor the last three years. You cant put a price on your time so spend the extra $ and book the private tour!! The tour guide seemed knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The drive is four hours each way before you account for traffic leaving and returning to Athens. We always try to serve our customers in the best possible way and we are pleased that you experienced this effort. Amiable , Knowledgeable Guides-The driver and guide were friendly, knowledgeable and genuine during our small, private tour. Check out reviews, pictures, prices, and availability here. Thank you for sharing your feedback regarding your recent experience with us. This tour is also available on a private basis. Viator also offer a two-day package that includes many of the same features but gives more time to explore the town of Kalambaka and includes a stay in a 3- or 4-star hotel, breakfast and dinner and a longer, 4-hour tour of the monasteries. She grew up in the area, and had a ton of local knowledge. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused. Unfortunately, we did not receive a response from you regarding this offer. We were picked up from our accommodation by a modern van. However, the views from Meteora and the panoramic images remain breathtaking regardless of weather. Exercise Hiking is great for [], We are happy to announce you that the first hatchling of the Egyptian_vulture (Neophron percnopterus) at Meteora is a fact! Essentially youll do what I did, except once you get to Kalabaka youll need to figure out how to get to the monasteries. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about where we were. At 24 hr prior to trip time I received an email with details but still no tickets for the train. He did give us a much needed historical significance of the area from where the name arrived along with the circa dates and the legends and stories associated with the rocks. Short stop for a snack and refresh youself, See all 6 monasteries and visit inside 3 of them. Not too difficult. If you want to do this round trip, youll leave on the direct train that leaves around 8:30 am and go back on the train that leaves around 5:30 pm. Small Groups.English or Spanish. Manager at Visit Meteora. Tambin disponible en espaol todos los das - Haga clic aqu, Meteora Thrones - Travel Center 2022 All rights reserved, Departure from Athens Train Station to Kalabaka, Departure from Kalabaka Train Station to Athens, The BEST 4 hrs panoramic Meteora tour in the area, Expert , local , English or Spanish speaking Tour Leader, See all 6 monasteries , visit 3 of them and the Hermit Caves, ( *First class upon availability , extra cost ), Pick up / Drop off from Kalabaka Train Station, Highly educated , English or Spanish speaking Tour Leader, Full comprehensive , about 4 hrs , Meteora Tour, Mini Bus (small groups up to 30 people) during the tour, Visit all 6 Monasteries (3 of them inside ), Pick up / Drop off from Hotel in Athens to the Train Station, Entrance fees of Monasteries (3 euro each) - ONLY BY CASH, Licenced Tour Guide Guidance inside the Holy Monasteries. We will first try to book a 1st class seat for you and if so you will pay the difference upon arrival. They seamlessly adjusted our tour to fit our specific interests. And, if that is a bit restrictive, the company can put together a completely personalized, private tour to meet all your requirements. Our guide Maria was also very nice friendly n filled with humour which makes our trip more interesting. Of course once I asked for a full refund I heard nothing further from the tour company, Viator also made a request for full refund on my behalf. For ladies skirts by the knee or longer are required. Last but not least, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views and capture some amazing photos that you will cherish forever. We were met at Meteora by a guide and coach for the tour. Arriving in Kalabaka at 12:49 our Mini Bus will be waiting for you at the Kalabaka Train Station with our local , highly educated , Tour Leader which will hold a signboard with your name in order to find us and begin your customized Special Panoramic Midday Meteora Tour. This is the face of a girl who didnt have to worry about driving on the crazy steep Meteora roads. It was a little tiring traveling from 7:00 am to 12:30 pm from Athens to Kalampaka and 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm back to Athens. We value open and constructive communication, and we always strive to address our customers' concerns in a fair and timely manner. The driver was funny and loved to take our pictures. Meteora is just beautiful! The tour company said they had the right to just change the class and give me economy instead with no full refund. You can email them with your requirements or phone them on+30 210 3254 151 to talk about it. It's easy to reach Meteora by train. Then it's on to Kalambaka to explore the village and have dinner. I am usually all up for a Balkan road trip, but I would personally only drive there from Athens as part of a larger road trip or at least an overnight. Its about five hours there and six hours back, so this is a long day! This is not true. First, you book the tour, and the tour company gives you the information about which train you need to take. When you arrive, an English-speaking driver awaits you in a Mercedes Sprinter minivan equipped with air conditioning and onboard Wi-Fi. The train station, with language barriers is trying to assist. It is a long ride but worth it. You can visit Meteora year-round. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your tours and that you had such a great day. The distance by road between Athens and Meteora is 359.7 km. We were given 3 different times for departure. 1 day Meteora Tour from Athens by Train Best Rated Tour on TripAdvisor Date Every Day Tour Language English , Spanish Starting Time 08:28 am Duration 1 Day Departure Point Athens Train Station (Larissis Station) Pick up / Meeting Point Kalabaka Train Station Highlights The BEST 4 hrs panoramic Meteora tour in the area The prices for many of these tours are very reasonable: This tour company also organizes multi-day visits, taking in several of the different local tours on offerfood and wine tours, truffle hunting, cave hiking, mountain biking tours. We wrote about how we love driving in Serbia because we got to see things that are not on the traditional tourist circuit. Explore ancient monasteries, enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views and discover natures unexplained miracles. We would like to address your concerns regarding your recent experience with our tour. Enjoy with us the best panoramic and majestic views of your life. Meteora Thrones - Travel Center +30 24320 78455 It was a great hike! Not too difficult. Take an amazing, about 4 hours Meteora tour, see all 6 monasteries and visit inside 3 of them. The train company changed the schedule after we had booked the trip. Also, if you have a crippling fear of driving in the mountains, (like I do), then dont be the driver. There were only about four-five hours from when I arrived to when I had to leave. Please be aware that the activity provider is not responsible for any train delays that may affect the duration of the tour. In 2018, this tour is offered on a half-board basis starting at 342 per person. Tour guides in Greece have to be especially good because there are all these rules about who is allowed to be a guide. If you are into Greek orthodox church, then this is an excellent tour. About this activity Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund Reserve now & pay later The Greek rail system Two or Three-Day Excursions to Delphi and Meteora. Cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the tours starting time and be eligible for a full refund. Book your day trip today and save up to 20%. We enjoyed dinner in the sky and Meteora tour of the monasteries! Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we assure you that we are committed to delivering a seamless and enjoyable experience for all our guests. Bit the experience is well worth it! Learning about the history of area. 1 January 10, 2023 Planning Your Trip Top Reads Planning for a trip from Athens to Meteora by train? They waited for us because our train arrived 40 mins late from Athens, but still managed to cover the trip at a good pace giving us ample time to enjoy the views and stops. Don't be surprised if a certain amount of typical Greek disorganization and confusion prevails at key points along the way; getting to Meteora can be something of an adventure in itself, but they always get you there in the end. This is a very fast paced tour - it suited me as I was very keen to see Meteora but didnt have the time to stay overnight. Highly recommend this trip - very scenic and very different from all the other places we visited in Greece. Even personal stories of her family, and her experiences growing up and attending mass in one of the monasteries we visited. Double check the exact times when you buy your ticket. While it's not currently a part of our tour package, we will take your feedback into consideration as we evaluate our offerings and look for ways to enhance the overall experience for our guests. The guide and driver did a great job and we really appreciated the guides personal experiences. Thank you for an amazing experience! This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers. It is also accessible by air and bus. The itineraries are much like the itineraries described abovetravel to Delphi, then stay overnight in either Delphi or Kalambaka, make a visit to the monasteries, and head back to Athens. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. She made the day really fantastic and a standout from doing it yourself. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. I was a little hesitant for this tour at first, 4 hour train ride each direction? Plenty of photo opportunity stops and many secret places that only locals know will make your tour a lifetime experience. Breathtaking scenery. My tickets were sent to me at 6pm the evening before our very early AM departure. The three-day tours leave Athens at 8:45 a.m. on the first day and return at 7 p.m. on the third day. Well see how high these monasteries are off the ground: This is one of the most beautiful things Ive ever seen with my own two eyeballs. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. A few hours later I finally received the train tickets but they were economy seating with a note saying they had no more "A" and I would get a partial refund - no amount was given. The 4 and a half hour train ride there and then back from Athens was very long. Vaggelis was our tour guide Use Coupon Code: It was really worth the trip! Never before has a driver been this friendly and skilled while also providing a trip that I'll remember for a lifetime! The rooms are clean and comfortable, and each room has a private terrace. If you have any further concerns or suggestions, please feel free to contact us directly. Hidden among the mountains of Thessaly, Meteora is both naturally and historically fascinating, thanks to its unique rock formations and monasteries. It was an amazing experience.You get to see different monasteries and learned the history of Meteora. Please note that the schedule of the train has been changed by the Hellenic Train until June 30th, 2023. 17 Best Santorini Cave Hotels & Suites You'll Love. It's just one of those peculiarities of transliterating the Greek alphabet into the Roman alphabet. From here they drove us to the monasteries. We organize everyday tours with the goal to offer you the absolute and authentic Meteora experience with the best prices in the area.