2-Day Trip to Delphi and Meteora From Athens

Discovering the captivating UNESCO sites of Delphi and Meteora is an enthralling journey through Greece’s storied past. Visitors will uncover the ancient ruins and archaeological treasures of Delphi before venturing to the remote Meteora region, where towering sandstone peaks serve as the backdrop for centuries-old monasteries. With comfortable accommodations, convenient transportation, and an expert guide, this 2-day tour offers an immersive experience that promises to captivate even the most discerning traveler. Yet, the true allure of this journey lies in the profound insights it may unlock, leaving one to wonder what hidden wonders await.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Athens.

Key Points

• Explore the UNESCO-listed sites of ancient Delphi and the rock monasteries of Meteora over a 2-day tour from Athens.
• Visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum to see the famous Charioteer of Delphi and learn about the site’s historical significance.
• Discover the Sanctuary of Apollo, the heart of ancient Delphi and home to the legendary Oracle.
• Experience the serene monasteries of Meteora, perched atop towering sandstone peaks with panoramic views.
• Stay in the charming town of Kalambaka, with convenient proximity to the Meteora monasteries and included breakfast and dinner.

Tour Highlights

This 2-day tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the UNESCO-listed wonders of Delphi and Meteora.

Travelers will explore the ancient ruins and archaeological site of Delphi, home to the legendary Oracle and the Sanctuary of Apollo.

They’ll then venture to the breathtaking Meteora region, where they’ll visit the impressive rock monasteries perched atop towering cliffs. These monasteries, dating back to the 14th century, offer a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history and spiritual heritage.

Throughout the tour, you will enjoy the convenience of an air-conditioned vehicle and the expertise of a professional guide, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

Exploring Ancient Delphi

The tour begins at the ancient archaeological site of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important religious centers of the classical Greek world.

Visitors can wander through the ruins, which include the Temple of Apollo, the site of the legendary Oracle, and the ancient theater that once hosted dramatic performances and musical competitions.

Highlights include the Delphi Archaeological Museum, home to treasures like the famous bronze statue of the Charioteer of Delphi.

Travelers will learn about the site’s rich history and significance in ancient Greek culture, all while taking in the stunning natural surroundings of the Parnassus mountain range.

Sanctuary of Apollo

Within the ancient ruins of Delphi lies the hallowed Sanctuary of Apollo, the centerpiece of this sacred site and the location of the legendary Oracle that drew pilgrims from across the Greek world.

The Sanctuary encompasses a series of temples, altars, and treasuries dedicated to the god Apollo. At the heart of the Sanctuary stood the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle of Delphi delivered her enigmatic prophecies.

Visitors can explore the remnants of this once-grand temple, with its impressive Doric columns and intricate carvings. The Sanctuary also features numerous other structures, including the Athena Pronaia temple and the Tholos, a circular building of great architectural significance.

Wandering through this storied site offers a glimpse into the pivotal role Delphi played in the ancient Greek world.

Visiting Meteora Monasteries

After exploring the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi, the tour moves on to the stunning rock monasteries of Meteora. Perched atop towering sandstone peaks, these Eastern Orthodox monasteries offer a breathtaking glimpse into centuries-old monastic life. Visitors can wander the serene grounds, admire the intricate Byzantine architecture, and learn about the monasteries’ rich history and cultural significance.

Monastery	Highlights
Great Meteoron	Largest and oldest of the Meteora monasteries
Varlaam Monastery	Impressive frescoes and historic artifacts
St. Stephen’s Monastery	Accessible by bridge, offers panoramic views
Rousanou Monastery	Known for its beautiful gardens and architecture

Exploring these awe-inspiring monasteries is a truly unforgettable experience.

Overnight Accommodation

Overnight accommodation is provided in the city of Kalambaka, nestled at the base of the dramatic Meteora rock formations.

This charming town serves as the perfect base for exploring the remarkable rock monasteries perched atop the towering cliffs.

The accommodation includes:

• Comfortable, modern hotel rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
• Complimentary breakfast to fuel your day of sightseeing.
• Convenient proximity to the Meteora monasteries, allowing for easy access.
• Opportunities to learn about the local culture and cuisine.

After a full day of discovering the UNESCO-listed wonders of Delphi and Meteora, you’ll appreciate the chance to rest and recharge in the welcoming town of Kalambaka before embarking on your next adventure.

Included in the Tour

The 2-day tour to Delphi and Meteora from Athens includes an array of essential elements to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for visitors. Travelers will enjoy air-conditioned transportation, a professional guide, and entrance tickets to the UNESCO-listed sites of Delphi and two Meteora monasteries. Breakfast and dinner are also provided, while WiFi is available on board the vehicle. To make the logistics as convenient as possible, hotel pickup and drop-off services are included for selected hotels in Athens. However, lunch meals, gratuities, and an environmental fee payable directly to the hotel are excluded from the package.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Air-conditioned vehicle	Lunch meals
Professional guide	Gratuities
Entrance tickets to Delphi and two Meteora Monasteries	Environmental fee (€7/room/night from 1/1/2024) paid directly to hotel
Breakfast, dinner	Pickup from Piraeus port, airport, Airbnb, and apartments

Exclusions and Fees

While the 2-day tour includes a range of essential elements, several key items aren’t covered by the package price. Travelers must pay for their own lunch meals and gratuities, as these aren’t included in the tour cost.

Plus, an environmental fee of €7 per room per night, effective from January 1, 2024, must be paid directly to the hotel.

The tour also doesn’t provide pickup services from the Piraeus port, airport, Airbnb, or apartments, requiring guests to arrange their own transportation to the designated meeting point.

The exclusions and fees include:

1. Lunch meals
2. Gratuities
3. Environmental fee of €7 per room per night
4. Pickup from Piraeus port, airport, Airbnb, and apartments

Important Information

Aside from the exclusions and fees, travelers should be aware of several important details regarding the 2-day tour.

Participants will be picked up from their Athens accommodations between 7:30-8:15 AM, with the tour departing at 8:30 AM. The tour has a maximum capacity of 45 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s located near public transportation.

Visitors to the Meteora monasteries must adhere to a specific dress code, covering their knees and shoulders. Plus, a French-speaking guide is only available on Wednesdays on certain dates.

Lastly, there’s a discounted price for children aged 5-12 with a valid passport or ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Bring My Own Snacks and Water?

No, you don’t need to bring your own snacks and water. The tour includes breakfast and dinner, and the air-conditioned vehicle has bottled water available. Lunch meals are the only items not included in the tour price.

Can I Extend My Stay in Meteora or Delphi?

Guests can extend their stay in Meteora or Delphi, but this would require booking additional accommodations and transportation separately. The provided tour covers only the 2-day itinerary described in the overview.

Is There an Option to Join a Smaller Group Tour?

This tour offers a standard group size of up to 45 travelers. While smaller private tours may be available for an additional fee, the provided information doesn’t mention an option to join a smaller group on this specific day trip.

Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?

Travelers can’t modify the standard tour itinerary, but they can request additional stops if there’s time and availability. The tour operator can accommodate specific site visits within the overall schedule, subject to guide and transportation capacity.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation and refund policy allows full refunds for cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the tour. Partial refunds may be available for later cancellations, subject to the tour provider’s discretion.

Recap

This 2-day tour from Athens provides a comprehensive exploration of Delphi and Meteora, two of Greece’s most captivating UNESCO-listed destinations.

Visitors will explore the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders of Delphi, then journey to the remote Meteora region to witness the impressive rock monasteries.

With comfortable accommodations, expert guidance, and convenient transportation, this tour offers an enriching experience of these remarkable Greek sites.