Athens Trip Overview
Our first stop is at historical Thermopylae! Paying tribute to King Leonidas of Sparta and his 300 Spartan warriors we will visit the amazing monument of his statue which is captivating!
Next stop breathtaking Meteora! Meteora is considered one of the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece and its hanging monasteries are one of the country’s most unique attractions.
The monasteries are perched on top of towers of sandstone, which for centuries provided totally inaccessible retreats for the monks. They are built on top of rock towers and they provide fantastic views over the plain.
The Meteora Monasteries themselves, besides providing incredible views are full of religious treasures, wall paintings, icons and libraries rich in old manuscripts. Everyday, innumerable visitors gather here from all four corners of the world to meditate and pray. The fascinating landscape was used when filming the Bond film “For Your Eyes Only” (Holy Trinity Monastery).
Additional Info
Duration: 2 days
Starts: Athens, Greece
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Athens Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Athens, Attica, Greece
Our first stop is at historical Thermopylae! Paying tribute to King Leonidas of Sparta and his 300 Spartan warriors we will visit the amazing monument of his statue which is captivating!
Next stop breathtaking Meteora! Meteora is considered one of the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece and its hanging monasteries are one of the country’s most unique attractions.
The monasteries are perched on top of towers of sandstone, which for centuries provided totally inaccessible retreats for the monks. They are built on top of rock towers and they provide fantastic views over the plain.
The Meteora Monasteries themselves, besides providing incredible views are full of religious treasures, wall paintings, icons and libraries rich in old manuscripts. Everyday, innumerable visitors gather here from all four corners of the world to meditate and pray. The fascinating landscape was used when filming the Bond film “For Your Eyes Only” (Holy Trinity Monastery).
Itinerary
Day 1: Thermopylae & Meteora
Stop At: Thermopylae, Thermopylae, Phthiotis Region, Central Greece
We pick you up from your hotel in Athens
Drive to Thermopylae
Thermopylae is a place in Greece where a narrow coastal passage existed in antiquity. The Battle of Thermopylae was fought between an alliance of Greek city states led by King Leonidas of Sparta and the Persian Empire of Xerxes.
The Gates of Fire: Deriving from the Hot sulphur Springs and in Greek mythology the cavernous entrances to Hades.
The monument of King Leonidas: Erected in 1955 and created by the sculptor Vasos Falireas. The brass sculpture of the Spartan King with his spear and shield is truly amazing.
Thermopylae museum: The innovative museum is dedicated to the 480 BC battle that changed the course of Greek history and western civilization as we know it today.
Hotsprings: The baths of Thermopylae could be described as a paradise of healing spas. High end hydrotherapy facilities focusing on balneotherapy not only as a treatment for specific ailments, illnesses and injuries but also to promote general well-being. Of the 60 pending, 34 springs have officially been recognized so far.
Drive to Meteora
Check in at your chosen hotel
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Meteora, Kalabaka 422 00, Greece
Visit the “Hanging Monasteries” (1 to 2 monasteries).
The town of Kalambaka.
The village of Kastraki.
Experience the breathtaking Meteora sunset.
Late lunch – early dinner at a traditional taverna.
Stroll amongst the village shops where you can treat yourself and buy handmade souvenirs for your family and friends.
Overnight at Kalambaka or Kastraki.
Duration: 4 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 2: Meteora
Stop At: Meteora, Kalabaka 422 00, Greece
Breakfast at Meteora
Visit the remaining “Hanging Monasteries”
The monasteries that will be visited are:
St Nicolaos
Rousanou
Varlaam
Metamorphosis Sotiros (Grand Monastery)
St Trinity
St Stefanos
Lunch at a traditional Greek taverna at Kalambaka or Kastraki
Coffees
Drive back to Athens
Duration: 5 hours
Stop At: Athens, Athens, Attica
Return to your chosen Hotel, Airbnb or apartment in Athens
Duration: 10 minutes
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
