Is it too far to try to do a day trip from Athens to Meteora to see the monasteries? We were thinking of hiring a driver for the day. Everything I have looked at so far for a trip from Athens is showing a two day trip going to Delphi and Meterora. We don't have to see all the monasteries, just a couple of them.

I was hoping someone with specific knowlege would answer your question. All I can offer you is this: we went from Delphi to Meteora and spent the night there before returning to Athens. My guess is that you would have to leave Athens very early in the morning and you would return late.

Even if it is a 12 hour trip, I still think that is better than packing up and changing hotels again. We did that in Auckland, and it was great.

If you think you can handle it, by all means do it. Meteora is unique.
Re your Auckland trip, are you talking about the Bay of Islands? Gorgeous country, isn't it?

It's too far for a day trip, it would take 4-5 hours in each direction to get there. There can be alot of traffic leaving Athens.

Thanks Odin,
That is what I was trying to find out. If it takes 4-5 hours each way, it would not make sense to do it. We will have to rethink our plans.
Waggis,
In answer to your question. We wanted to see Rotorua. I found a day trip that took 12 hours, but it was great. The bus had a restroom on it and drop down trays like on an airplane. We were served a morning snack, a nice lunch and an afternoon snack on board as we traveled. We went to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, The Maori Arts & Crafts Institute where the geysers are, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and an Agrodome Farm. It was a long day, but very well worth it.

I hope you can somehow adjust your schedule, loves to travel. So much to see, isn't there? Let us know how you made out.
We went to Rotorua,too, and I'm glad we saw it all. You certainly had a full schedule!