Highlights of the Mainland: Delphi and Meteora, Spanish-speaking guide

Discover the famous historical monuments of mainland Greece! With this three-day sightseeing tour in Greece from Athens including Meteora and Delphi you will visit some of the most interesting sites in Greece. Visit the archaeological site of Delphi with Apollo temple and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-tower monasteries of Meteora. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS 

Delphi: At the foot of Mount Parnassos, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which was the most famous Oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi is the second-most important archaeological site in Greece (after the Acropolis in Athens) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meteora: In a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these 'columns of the sky' from the 11th century onwards. Twenty-four of these monasteries were built, despite incredible difficulties, at the time of the great revival of the eremitic ideal in the 15th century. 

Athens: Explore the Capital of Greece on your own, with plenty of time for shopping.

Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS

Arrival at Athens airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free at leisure for exploring this never-sleeping city. You may optionally visit Syntagma Square and get into the city’s vibe. Enjoy shopping in one of the most popular streets of the city in the Kolonaki area or Ermou, and have a nice, quiet walk at the beautiful alleys of Plaka (the old district) where you can also find a big number of small shops selling souvenirs and other local artefacts (own expense).

Overnight in Athens.

Day 2: ATHENS – DELPHI – METEORA (420 km – 5.5 hrs)

After breakfast, you will leave in a northwest direction towards the province of Boetia. You will arrive in Delphi around noon. Famous for its theatre, the Temple of Apollo, and ancient ruins, Delphi was considered the center of the universe and the earth, and played a central role in the classical Greek world. Visit the archaeological site and the Temple of Apollo famous for its oracle. In the afternoon after lunch departure to central Greece and to the cities of Lamía (short stop), Tríkala crossing the Thessaly plain, to Kalambaka, a small city built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks, and crowned by the monasteries of Meteora (short stop to buy souvenirs). 

Overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 3: KALAMBAKA - ATHENS (355 km–4.5 hrs)

Breakfast at your hotel. Morning departure to Meteora for a tour of the clifftop monasteries and visit two different monasteries built on top of rock towers, offering fantastic views of the plain. Meteora is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The monasteries are perched atop sandstone towers, which for centuries provided totally inaccessible retreats for monks. Meteora is considered one of the best areas of mainland Greece and its monasteries are one of the most unique attractions in the country. On your return you can optionally visit a factory of Byzantine-style icons. Return to Athens passing by the heroic monument of Leonidas of Sparta in Thermopyles (short stop for photos). After visit return to Athens in the evening (after 20:00 pm.). Transfer to the airport or choose to extend your stay at Athens. 

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay