How to Plan Your Full-Day Rail Tour to Meteora w/ Hermit Caves from Athens

If you’re looking for a unique and breathtaking day trip from Athens, a visit to the Meteora monasteries and Hermit caves should definitely be on your list. Located in the central mainland of Greece, the rock formations of Meteora offer a panoramic view that has to be seen to be believed. This guided tour takes you on a first-class train ride through the countryside between Athens and Meteora, followed by a scenic drive from Kalambaka to visit monasteries atop their rock pinnacles, as well as the caves of Badovas with an experienced guide. Here’s how you can plan your unforgettable Greek adventure.

Experience

This full-day tour takes between 6 and 16 hours, depending on your option choice. You’ll get to admire panoramic breathtaking views of a unique landscape, see all six monasteries, and visit inside three of the active monasteries. You can enjoy the tour with a first-class train ticket option and luxury bus. You’ll also discover the hidden hermit cave and avoid the crowds, and skip the line at the train station with your ticket sent directly to your e-mail.

Itinerary

Meeting point

Start your day at the Athens train station, where you’ll board your train for a scenic ride to Kalambaka.

Main stop

After arriving at the Kalambaka station, a Mercedes luxury bus will pick you up and take you on a tour of the Meteora monasteries.

Other stops

Along the way, you’ll visit the Badovas caves and the Byzantine church of Assumption of Virgin Mary in Kalambaka.

Highlights

-Admire panoramic breathtaking views of a unique landscape
-See all 6 monasteries and visit inside 3 active monasteries
-Enjoy the tour with a first-class train ticket option and luxury bus
-Discover the hidden hermit cave and avoid crowds
-Skip the line at the train station with your ticket sent directly to your e-mail

Full Description

The tour begins at the Athens train station, where you’ll board a train to Kalambaka. You can choose from a standard or first-class ticket option, with the first-class ticket providing more comfort and luxury. Once you arrive in Kalambaka, you’ll be greeted by your guide and a Mercedes luxury bus that will take you on a scenic tour of the Meteora monasteries.

Your first stop will be the nefeli.travel office in Kalambaka, where you’ll have the opportunity to rest for a bit and enjoy a cup of coffee. You’ll also receive an informative booklet that will provide you with more information about the history and architecture of Meteora.

From there, you’ll visit three of the active monasteries atop the Meteora rocks. During this guided tour, you’ll learn about the history and way of life of the monks who reside in these monasteries. You’ll also get to visit the hidden hermit cave, which is not open to the public and not accessible without a guide.

After the monastery tour, you’ll take a break for lunch and then head to the Badovas caves. These lesser-known but still impressive caves offer a glimpse into the ancient history of Greece. You’ll have the chance to explore the caves and take photos before heading back to your transport.

Finally, your guide will take you to the Byzantine church of Assumption of Virgin Mary in Kalambaka, a church with a rich history and stunning architecture. Then, you’ll be returned to the Kalambaka station for your train ride back to Athens.

Includes

-Round-trip train tickets from Athens to Kalambaka
-Pick up and drop-off at Kalambaka train station
-5-hour tour of Meteora
-Local tour guide
-Tour of Meteora by Mercedes luxury bus
-Visit 3 monasteries and the Badovas caves

Booking Your Tour

Booking your tour is easy, simply head over to GetYourGuide to find pricing, schedules, and more. You can choose from a variety of first-class and standard ticket options to tailor your experience to your needs. Don’t forget to book in advance to secure your spot!

Insider’s Guide to Athens

As Greece’s historic capital, Athens is a vast and bustling metropolis filled with ancient ruins, museums, and landmarks. But beyond the famous tourist spots, there are also lesser-known destinations that provide a unique perspective of the city. Here is an insider’s guide to Athens, filled with hidden gems, traditional eats, and cultural experiences.

Local Attractions

The Acropolis and the Parthenon are undoubtedly must-visit spots while in Athens. However, for an off-the-beaten-path experience, take a stroll through the hipster square of Exarchia, considered the city’s anarchist quarter. Here you will find restaurants serving locally-sourced organic foods, quirky cafes, vintage shops, and thrilling street art.

Another unique attraction is the Monasteraki Flea Market, where you can shop for vintage clothes, antiques, and souvenirs. While there, sneak down into the Pantanassa Monastery, located next to the market, for a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Dining Spots

Athens is a food lover’s paradise, with traditional Greek cuisine taking centre stage. You can find the popular gyro, souvlaki, and moussaka everywhere across the city. However, if you’re looking for a unique food experience, head to the Michelin-starred Varoulko Seaside, which serves traditional Greek seafood with a modern twist.

Visit Street Food Athina for fantastic gyros or sandwiches with pork, chicken, or grilled halloumi. To experience traditional Greek coffee culture, visit Kafekopteio in Pagrati for a strong cup of coffee and a sweet treat.

Cultural Experiences

Experience Athens’ lively culture by attending a festival or live performance. The city’s National Garden hosts an open-air cinema during summer, where you can watch classic movies while enjoying an evening breeze and a glass of cold ouzo.

The Athens and Epidaurus Festival is held every summer, featuring performances by national and international artists who grace the ancient theatre. For contemporary art lovers head to the Benaki Museum, which showcases both modern and ancient Greek culture.

Local History

Athens is undoubtedly a city rich in culture and history, with ancient temples and ruins excavated around every corner. However, there are lesser-known areas with equally intriguing stories, such as the district of Plaka. This region was home to famous Greek and regional revolutionaries, and you get to learn more about the area from one of the tours offered here.

Also, visit the Prison of Socrates, located in Goudi, to learn about Socrates’ living conditions, his trial, and his eventual execution.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Visit the Hellenic Motor Museum to get a glimpse into Greece’s automotive history, with about 110 exhibits showcasing cars dating back to the late 19th century. If you have some time, take a day trip to Cape Sounion, a stunningly picturesque site with the world-renowned temple of Poseidon and a panoramic view of the Aegean sea.

Finally, visit Filopappos Hill, a place of history which the locals refer to as the place of the muses. Referred to as a calm oasis in the bustling city, this little hill provides arguably the best views of the Acropolis and is perfect for a sunset picnic.

Athens is a city of contrasts, with a mix of ancient and modern, traditional and trendy. This insider’s guide provides a unique perspective of the city that extends beyond the typical tourist attractions, giving you unforgettable experiences that you’ll cherish forever.