We are confirmed for the 4 April 2022 RS Greece tour and plan to allow sufficient time to go to Meteora and the monasteries before hand. (Any recommendations for Meteora tours?) . If we were to add time for Greek islands do you recommend Aegina for ease from Athens or going to Santorini or similar such island.
Posted by
11569 posts
I would go to a “similar such island” as you describe. Among those I would look at are Paros and Naxos.
Posted by
Germany
1117 posts
Depends on what you want. If you want "spectacular", go to Santorini. If you want a more "Greek" experience, go to one of the other Cyclades islands. (I don't know Aegina, can't speak to that.)
Posted by
Athens
37 posts
Better to visit Milos, (or/and) Paros, Santorini, Naxos, etc, in general one of the Cyclades islands. Aegina is not bad, but nothing special.
Posted by
Moncton NB
1117 posts
Recommendation for Meteora tours? YES! We absolutely loved https://www.visitmeteora.travel/. They have all kinds of options, great guides and comfortable buses. And they will pick you up at your hotel.
Posted by
OP
Richmond, VA
127 posts
The responses to my question have been helpful; especially the resounding YES + helpful link to Meteora excursion company. Thank you darrenblois. We will definitely go to Meteora and need to work out details.
Dimitris’s comment about considering one of the Cyclades Islands resonates w: me and considering Milos.
Posted by
Southport, NC
378 posts
We were lucky enough to visit Greece this summer and spent 2 nights in Kalambaka, visiting the Monasteries. We took the train from Athens to Kalambaka, then a cab to our hotel. We did the half-day sightseeing AND the sunset tours from Visit Meteora (see link below). The tours are designed to do in the same day and do not go to the same monasteries. The tour guides were wonderful-knowledgable and friendly. There were only 12 people on the bus (social distancing) and the driver stopped at all the scenic photo stops. Heed the directions and wear a long skirt with shoulders covered for women; men wear long pants and also have shoulders covered (t shirt or button up shirt). This was one of the best experiences of my life! Most people visit Athens and never get out of the city, or they are on a cruise ship and only see the Acropolis. You will not regret taking the time to wander into this corner of the world!
Posted by
OP
Richmond, VA
127 posts
THANK YOU JS from Sacramento. Your write up is exactly what I needed to hear from someone; “best experience of a lifetime and worth two nights”.
Question; did you take the 7am train Athens to Kalamaria or is there one later in the day? I ask because you mention spending two nights and doing half day tour. What did you do day two? Thank you. Really helpful.
Posted by
OP
Richmond, VA
127 posts
In rereading JS’s response I see you went to Kalabaka not Kalamaria. Is this correct; Kalabaka? Thank you for setting me straight.
Posted by
CA
2141 posts
I took the 7 AM train as well. It’s a slow but scenic ride. It took about four hours. Apparently there is a 9 AM train with a train change that takes a little over 3 hours.
Take a look at the Rome2rio app for some ideas of how to get there and back.
Posted by
9 posts
I truly recommend Volos taxis! They charge not by the person but by the cab. They can take a car for up to 4 or up to 8. The guides explain the route and really go above and beyond!!! Stergios drove us up from Volos and we got to see up to 3 of the monasteries. I didn't do any research before going but loved his suggestions! Afterward, he took us to some great viewpoints where we captured some of the best views and photos!!! His recommendation for lunch was also on par! We enjoyed local wine, the famous black pig sausage, and the restaurant owner gave us some yummy cakes with tart cherry sauce and ice cream. Huge hit!!! :) The drive was also quite easy. My husband has car sickness issues and he didn't have any the whole time!