ATHENS TO METHEORA

Try Matt Barrett's website. (Unfortunately, I alreay tossed all the info I printed off there, so can't tell you the link). It has a ton of useful info on train and bus travel from Athens to all over Greece. Yes, it'll be most of the day traveling to or from Kalambaka; we did it as part of a bus tour. We also brought skirts to put on at the monasteries, which weren't really necessary to take up room in our luggage, since at the 2 monasteries we visited, wraps were provided free for the visit. Men should wear long pants.

I don't have the details at hand, but I did the train from Kalambaka to Athens in 2005. This is one of the few trains in Greece, and I think the best way to get to the Meteora. As I recall, the cost is not great, comparable to the Bus. The journey does involve a change about half way, but the bus may be 2 or 3 changes. I think that it took 4 to 5 hours, so you would have some time either before you leave or when you arrive to at least have a meal or do some shopping or a walk, not quite the whole day, so your schedule is good. As for booking ahead, yes you can, not sure if you can from Mexico or the US, the official website is www.ose.gr; but it, like the bus website (ktel) is not of much use. We bought the day we travelled, but I recommend stopping by the station a day ahead or two and buying, maybe using a travel agent. The drawback to waiting is that the leg from Athens to where ever the change is, is the line from Athens to Thessoloniki and is very crowded, meaning you will get on the train but not have a seat, so pay extra to get a seat reservation.