Athens to Meteora
 

Hello,

We'll be on our honeymoon in Athens in June 2015, and would like to take a day trip to Meteora on either Thursday 6/11 or Friday 6/12. Meteora looks breathtaking!! It's a bit of a long trip, and hiring a car by ourselves is expensive. We're looking for anyone that would be interested in sharing a hired car on one of those days! We're late 20s Americans, very friendly, and like meeting new people on vacations. Thank you!

Day trip to Meteora not very practical ... I think it's a drive of over 4 hours, and often the monasteries are open something like 9 - 2.

You do not necessarily have to go on a car.
You may research train schedules here:
https://tickets.trainose.gr/dromologia/ (key in Kalambaka as a destination, 10 minutes taxi/bus ride away from the monasteries)

and bus schedules (via Trikala) here:
http://ktel-trikala.gr/?module=defau..._id=16&lang=en

I agree with tj that it will be a killer of a day, at least an overnight makes more sense.

Official site for the monasteries is here, but only in Greek:
http://agiameteora.net/

Good unofficial site in English here:
http://www.kalampaka.com/en/meteora/index.asp

However you go, do it, it's fantsdtic. Definitely stay overnight though so you can make the most of your time.

It makes no sense to attempt Athens Meteora Athens in a day. Ten hours driving alone, then and a couple of hours there. Do it right or not at all. This means at least a night there and a minimum of two to get any decent appreciation of this marvellous place.

Have to add another vote for a night in Meteora, you really can't make it a worthwhile daytrip from Athens. It is well worth your time!

I have been searching for one day bus tours to Meteora but they all are two or more days and many combine with Delphi. In fact these are two great sites and if you spare two days it will be well worth it.

I did find one web site that confirms Mariah comment that you can do it by train. They seem to be offering a tour.
Here are the details

* 07.50 - Meet us at LARISSA Railway station.
* 08.27 - The train departs, from Athens to Kalampaka.
* 13.40 - Arrive in Kalampaka and meet our taxi driver.
* 13.45 - Drive to Meteora. Visit up to 3 monasteries, and see old hermitages and cloisters built in the caves.
* 16.45 - Return to Kalampaka, and find a restaurant for a light meal.
* 17.32 - train departs Kalampaka, arrives Athens at 22.40.


- 2 passengers: Train ticket (B class), 47.00 + 25.00 taxi hire = 72.00 euro, per person


INCLUDED:

Return B class, train ticket. Pay 12.00 euro, and upgrade the train ticket to A class (recommended).
Upon arrival and for 3 hours, visit up to 3 monasteries & places that a visitor does not usually visit.
Visit hidden beauties & explore the area with a local, English speaking driver.
Our assistance upon departure, our service fee, and taxes.
Minimum participation = 2 passengers.

This was with http://toursmeteora.com/

Here are our images of Delphi and Meteora
Olympia Delfi Meteora https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr...7645469717811/

I did the trip a couple of years ago and an overnight stay makes sense. By the time you pay for public transportation for two to get there from Athens and then transportation costs once there, it is well worth the cost of renting a car. I also like the freedom of stopping for pictures and I stopped at every road bend in Meteora! Amazing place!

I just booked my family of 6 on the direct trains Athens to and from Kalambaka for June 11, roughly 28 Euro for each adult (12 Euro for each child) in first class. About 5 hours each way and about 4 hours at Meteora. See you there!