Meteora and Thermopylae Private Tour from Athens
Overview
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Meteora, a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries on this private full-day excursion. Departing from Athens, pass through the scenic towns of Amphissa, Lamia and Trikala before arriving at Meteora, the name Meteora is used to define any rocky plateau or steep rock formation. The monasteries were built between the 14th and 19th centuries, their location was chosen carefully so that the monks could be as close as possible to God.
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What's Included
✓ Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- WiFi on board
- Air-conditioned vehicle
✗ Not Included
- Gratuities
- Licensed tour guide
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your driver will pick you up from your hotel or your apartment early in the morning. The travel time is about 4,5 hours.
2
Stop 2
We arrive at Meteora and visit three Monasteries. Breathtaking at first site, the Monasteries are of great cultural and natural importance. Split from earthquakes, weathered from the wind and the water over millions of millions of years, these immense rocks are an authentic masterpiece of mother nature. The Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries. The six (of an original 24) monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area. Meteora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the name means "lofty", "elevated", and is etymologically related to meteor. Please be modestly dressed. Women are suggested to wear long skirts & long sleeves. If you do not have, you will be given a skirt in your way in.
3
Stop 3
Free time for lunch at a traditional Greek tavern with your friends and family or shopping at Kastraki, a picturesque village near Meteora.
4
Stop 4
On our way back to Athens we will make a stop at the battlefield of Thermopylae to admire the statue of king Leonidas. Leonidas was a king of the Greek city-state of Sparta and had a notable participation in the Second Persian War, where he led the allied Greek forces to a last stand at the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC) while attempting to defend the pass from the invading Persian army; he died at the battle and entered myth as the leader of the 300 Spartans. While the Greeks lost this battle, they were able to expel the Persian invaders in the following year.
5
Stop 5
We will be back to Athens late in the afternoon. The travel time is about 4,5 hours.
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Good to Know
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Our drivers are not official tour guides, but they are knowledgeable and can provide fascinating commentary in fluent English. Although they will not enter the monasteries with you, they can answer all of your questions about the places you visit with this tour.
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