Day trip

From Thessaloniki: Train Trip to Meteora & Monastery Tour

4.7 / 5

18 reviews

Activity provider: Meteora Rocks
Day trip

From Thessaloniki: Train Trip to Meteora & Monastery Tour

Activity provider: Meteora Rocks
Likely to sell out

From US$ 96.49 per person

Likely to sell out
Certified

Catch a morning train from Thessaloniki railway station and enjoy the ride which passes beneath mythical Mt Olympus, home to the 12 ancient olympian gods, through the homeland of legendary warrior Achileus and ending in lovely Meteora.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 14 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Small group
Limited to 15 participants

Experience

Highlights
  • See all six monasteries
  • Head into 3 of the monasteries to explore them
  • Admire the Greek countryside
  • See the mythical Mount Olympus
Full description

Departing at 8:00AM, pass by the unique landscape as it alternates between mountains and sea. The route crosses by the foot of the mythical Mt Olympus, where in ancient times it was believed to be the residence of the 12 Gods.

Next, it leads you to Palaeofarsalos train station. There you have to change trains and wait for 1 hour until you board the train that leads to Kalampaka. Here in the greater surrounding area, lies the home of the ancient tribe of Mirmidones, a group of legendary ancient warriors who had the mythical Achilles as their leader, who played an important role in the outcome of the Trojan War. In Kalambaka, arrive at approximately 12:05 PM. A guide will be there holding a signboard to welcome you and start the tour. After which, you will on-board on a luxury mini-bus drive, sit, relax and enjoy the unique landscape.

Begin your tour of the Meteora monasteries. Admire the amazing Christian architecture, and discover how monasteries have been influenced over time, having existed for over 700 years. Ask the specialized guide plenty of questions and take photos at fantastic viewpoints.

After the tour ends you will be transferred to Kalabaka's city center where you will have over an hour to spend under the shadow of giant rocks either having lunch or a coffee. You will get all the necessary information on how to get to the train station, which is around 5 minutes walk from the city center. You must be at the train station no later than 6:20 PM in order to catch the train back to Thessaloniki.

Includes
  • Roundtrip ticket Thessaloniki - Kalambaka
  • Local English-speaking tour leader
  • Wi-Fi on board
  • Photo stop in Meteora
  • Luxury mini-bus transportation
  • Bottle of water
  • Pickup and drop-off service from and to Kalambaka's train station
  • Monastery entry fees (€3 per person)
  • Guided tour inside the monasteries
  • Tips (optional)
Not suitable for
  • People with back problems
  • People with heart problems
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Kalambaka's Train Station. At the main entrance.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

  • Shorts
  • Short skirts
  • Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

  • You will travel by train on your own and will meet the group at Kalabaka train station
  • Due to the monasteries' strict dress code, men must wear trousers and t-shirt or shirt with sleeves and women must wear a long skirt
  • Please wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces; for some monasteries walking up stairs is needed
  • Please bring cash for the entry fees for each monastery (3€ per person) and the Byzantine church (2€ per person)
  • The tour is conducted in a small group of maximum 15 persons. Babies up to 3 years old join for free if they can share the seat with their parent
  • This tour is semi-independent, so your tour leader will provide you with all necessary information about monasteries during the drive, but will not accompany you into the sites
  • As this tour lasts for 13 hours please be prepared and take some snacks with you
  • Credit cards are not accepted for paying the monastery entrance fees
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 18 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    5/5
  • Service
    5/5
  • Organization
    5/5

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We had an amazing trip with Chris and Dinos. They were extremely knowledgeabble, helpful and made sure we were able yo see all of the monasteries. I also liked being able to go by train from Thessaloniki so we could relax and have space to move around rather than being cooped up in a bus for hours straight.

April 1, 2023

An amusing and knowledgable courier who guided us smoothly throught the major sights. The order of the visits was sensible, with the most strenuous first. Each of the abbeys was special in its own way: whether it was the remarkable frescoes of the Great Meteora, the more intimate Varlaam abbey or the lovely formal gardens of St. Stephens. Varlaam paid somewhat more attention to the visitor experience with, for instance, appropriate music playing in the antechurch and clear walkways to help visitors move around smoothly. Our courier was careful to make sure that the group were briefed on eating and drinking needs. The supply of water bottles were very welcome.

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April 1, 2023

This tour totally deserves 1 day! It has been the best organised tour we have been. Chris is not only kind and well prepared but a friend to share a trip with. Perfect organisation and time schedule. He has been also flexible to make the tour our tour, responding to (all) our requests and never being tired for a pic stop or an explanation. Go with meteora rocks, it will be your best ever close to heaven.

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April 1, 2023

Product ID: 193955