From Athens: Full-Day Meteora Tour By Train With Greek Lunch

Have you ever wanted to get a taste and experience of life in ancient Greece? A full-day train and Greek lunch tour from Athens to Meteora can be a fantastic way to travel to some of the most stunning Greek landscapes and see centuries-old monasteries in the air. These monumental complexes are nestled atop wordless cliffs and are rumored to have been built by monks in the 14th century.Get to explore Meteora, one of the UNESCO-listed wonders of Greece. From the moment you set off from Athens until your return, you will get to explore traditional Greek culture and scenic beauty that is highlighted only by stunningly preserved monasteries. You will also get to enjoy a delicious Greek lunch prepared with local ingredients.

Overview Of The Meteora Tour From Athens

This full-day tour from Athens to Meteora offers an unforgettable experience as you travel through some of Greece’s most spectacular and historic locations. Depending on your schedule, you can choose from a morning or afternoon departure.Your journey will begin at 8 am from the Olympic Stadium and will cover the distance from Athens to Meteora in approximately four hours. During the drive, you will pass traditional small Greek villages, such as Levadia and Tithorea, which exhibit the lifestyle of rural Greece.Once you arrive at Meteora, you’ll have some time to explore the unique rock formations and take in some of the surrounding views of Kalambaka town and the Pindos Mountains. Even if you’ve already seen the famous monasteries during previous visits to Meteora, you’re sure to experience something new and exciting, as each one has its own architectural beauty and is filled with fascinating history.Your tour also includes a Greek lunch in Kalambaka, a wonderful town located at the nearest point of Meteora and filled with all kinds of restaurants and commerce. You’ll have several minutes to get to know the area prior to enjoying a locally prepared meal.

Key Highlights Of This Tour

• Admire gorgeous landscapes on the way from Athens to Meteora• Experience old monasteries perched atop rock pillars• Enjoy a delicious Greek lunch of local specialties in Kalambaka town • Hear about Greece’s culture, customs, and cuisine from your knowledgeable guide • Stroll through traditional Greek villages such as Levadia and Tithorea.

Additional Details Of The Tour

Duration
This full-day Meteora tour from Athens takes around 8 hours (including travel time). What Will I See?
You will have several minutes in each monastery so that you can learn about its history, admire its architecture, and take some photographs. Some of the main highlights include Holy Trinity Monastery, Metamorfosi Monastery, Agios Stefanos Monastery, and Varlaam Monastery. Practical Info
Your tour package includes train tickets, postcards, refreshments, a knowledgeable guide, and a delicious Greek lunch. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes for walking and layers of clothes, as temperatures in Kalambaka can vary greatly as the day progresses.

Conclusion

A full-day train journey from Athens to Meteora allows visitors to experience the beauty of this region while learning about its fascinating history. There are various monasteries you can explore during a tour and there is also ample time to enjoy a delicious traditional Greek lunch in Kalambaka town. If you’re looking for an enjoyable way to explore one of Greece’s most iconic areas and discover more about its culture, this tour from Athens is perfect for you. To book this amazing experience for yourself, head over to Get Your Guide for more info.

Athens: An Insider’s Guide

Athens, the capital city of Greece, is known for its fascinating history, stunning architecture, and gastronomic delights. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a rich cultural heritage that dates back to approximately 3,400 years. With its many museums, ancient landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and great dining spots, Athens offers everything a traveler could want. Here is an insider’s guide to visiting Athens.

Top Attractions in Athens

There are many ancient landmarks and picturesque spots to explore in Athens. Here are some of its top attractions:

Acropolis

Acropolis, located on a hill overlooking the city, is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It is an ancient citadel that was once a political, religious, and cultural center of Athens. The most iconic building on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, a magnificent temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Plaka Neighborhood

Plaka neighborhood is a charming maze of narrow streets, neoclassical mansions, and outdoor cafes. It is the oldest neighborhood in Athens and one of the most picturesque. The neighborhood is home to many museums, including the Museum of Greek Folk Art, which showcases traditional Greek crafts, and the Museum of Popular Greek Instruments, which highlights traditional Greek music.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece. It houses a vast collection of ancient Greek art and artifacts, including sculptures, vases, and jewelry. The museum’s highlights include the Mask of Agamemnon, a bronze statue of Poseidon, and the Antikythera Mechanism, a 2,000-year-old device that was used to track astronomical positions.

Cultural Experiences in Athens

Athens is a city full of culture, both ancient and modern. Here are some cultural experiences to have in Athens:

Visit the Athens Festival

The Athens Festival is one of the largest cultural events in Greece, held annually from June to September. It showcases music, theater, and dance performances by local and international artists. The festival takes place in various venues around Athens, including the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an ancient Greek amphitheater.

Explore Street Art in Exarcheia

Exarcheia is a lively neighborhood in Athens, known for its vibrant street art scene. The neighborhood is home to many murals and graffiti pieces that depict political and social issues. Visitors can take a guided tour to discover the most famous artworks and learn about the history of street art in Athens.

Watch a Traditional Greek Dance Show

Greek dance has a long and rich history, and it is still an important part of Greek culture. Visitors can watch traditional Greek dance shows in many venues around Athens, including local taverns and restaurants. Some of the most popular dance styles are syrtos, kalamatianos, and hasapiko.

Dining in Athens

Athens has a vibrant food scene, with many traditional and modern dishes to try. Here are some must-visit dining spots:

Strofi

Strofi is a traditional Greek restaurant located in the Plaka neighborhood, with stunning views of the Acropolis. Their menu features classic Greek dishes, such as moussaka, saganaki, and grilled lamb chops.

Koukaki Taperia

Koukaki Taperia is a small and cozy tapas bar in the Koukaki neighborhood. Their menu focuses on creative and modern tapas dishes, made with local ingredients and paired with Greek wines.

To Kafeneio

To Kafeneio is a historic restaurant in the Psyrri neighborhood, known for its meze dishes and live bouzouki music. The restaurant is housed in a restored building from the 19th century and has a charming courtyard, perfect for a romantic dinner.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions in Athens

If you want to explore more in Athens and avoid the crowds, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus is a hill located in the center of Athens, offering stunning views of the city. Visitors can hike to the top or take a cable car, and enjoy panoramic views of Athens and the Aegean Sea.

Gazi Area

Gazi is a former industrial area in Athens that has been transformed into a cultural hub. The neighborhood is home to many art galleries, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants, with a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere.

Kifissia Neighborhood

Kifissia neighborhood is a wealthy and upscale area of Athens, located in the northern suburbs. The neighborhood is home to many elegant mansions, designer boutiques, and beautiful parks, offering a glimpse of the high life in Athens.

Conclusion

Athens is a city full of history, culture, and gastronomy, with something for everyone. Whether you want to explore ancient landmarks, museums or neighborhoods, enjoy cultural experiences, taste traditional Greek dishes, or discover off-the-beaten-path spots, Athens has it all. With this insider’s guide, you’re ready to have an unforgettable experience in Athens.