Discover Meteora with this exclusive day trip from Athens. Explore majestic monasteries, view ancient hermit caves, learn the local history, enjoy panoramic views, and taste an authentic Greek lunch.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 14 hours: Check availability to see starting times
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide: English, French
Optional audio guide: Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese, Korean, Japanese
Private or small groups available

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Ken – United Kingdom

Amazing day trip out to Meteora to see the monasteries. Stopped for a break after a couple of hours, the proceeded for another two to the city of Kalabaka. There we had lunch then went into three different monasteries and saw a few more. Each one was small but nice, but the best part was the view of the sandstone mountains towering out from the landscape. These mountain formations are truly impressive and are a must see.

Marianne – Egypt

The trip was well organized for visiting 3 monasteries of 6 The view was breath taken , Our Guide Bill was decent and helpful , even he took some pictures for us I loved it , and it worth every penny

Itinerary

Starting location:
ΣΤ. ΛΑΡΙΣΗΣ
Bus/coach
(2 hours)
Local restaurant
Break time (15 minutes)
Bus/coach
(2 hours)
Kalabaka
Lunch (1 hour)
Meteora
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Bus tour, Scenic views on the way (4.5 hours)
Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsa
Sightseeing
Monastery of Rousanou
Sightseeing
Great Meteor Monastery
Sightseeing
Monastery of Varlaam
Sightseeing
Holy Trinity Monastery at Meteora
Sightseeing
Monastery of St. Stephen
Sightseeing
Bus/coach
(2 hours)
Local restaurant
Break time (30 minutes)
Bus/coach
(2 hours)
Arrive back at:
ΣΤ. ΛΑΡΙΣΗΣ

Main stop

Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

View all the monasteries of Meteora and admire the interior of three of them
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and capture extraordinary photos
Uncover Meteora's hidden gems like the ancient hermit caves
Taste a delicious Greek lunch at a local restaurant (optional)
Benefit from the expertise of our English-speaking guide, plus free audio guides

Full description

Embark on an extraordinary day trip from Athens to the Unesco World Heritage Site of Meteora. Explore centuries-old monasteries, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and uncover hidden gems of Meteora that most travelers won't know about.

Your journey starts as you board our privately owned, air-conditioned bus at 07:45 AM, conveniently departing from the street across the Central Railway Station of Athens (Stathmos Larisis). Sit back and enjoy a scenic bus ride through the enchanting countryside, offering picturesque glimpses of mainland Greece.

By noon, you'll arrive at Meteora, where your friendly local tour guide will await you to begin an unforgettable adventure through this natural wonder called Meteora. During this guided tour, you'll be able to see all the majestic monasteries of Meteora and even step inside three of them to explore their captivating interiors. Also, you'll discover the hidden treasures of Meteora, including the ancient hermit caves and the magnificent St. George Mandilas cave.

Moreover, uncover the 'secret' side of Meteora accompanied by your local, knowledgeable, English-speaking guide, learning about why hermits chose to settle in these imposing caves a thousand years ago and the remarkable achievements of the monks.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and intriguing myths of Meteora, as you hear detailed explanations and fascinating stories directly from your local, English-speaking guide. If English isn’t your primary language, don’t worry! We also offer free audio guides in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean.

Throughout our journey, also take advantage of our multiple panoramic stops to capture stunning moments with your camera, creating lasting memories of this breathtaking tour.

Additionally (exclusive to this tour), discover the charming small town of Kalambaka located in the foothills of Meteora. If you choose the option with lunch, enjoy a delightful, traditional Greek lunch at a local restaurant. Your meal will include a fresh salad, a choice of main dish (with multiple options to cater to your preferences), freshly baked bread, and refreshing water. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.

If you choose the option without lunch, enjoy some free time in the charming town of Kalambaka to explore its numerous restaurants, cafes, and local shops. Relax under the breathtaking Meteora formations or take a short walk to the heart of this small picturesque town.

Come evening, we'll set off on our journey back to Athens, and you can expect to arrive there at approximately 10:15 PM.

Includes

Round-trip transportation from Athens to Meteora
Air-conditioned bus with on board Wi-Fi and USB chargers
Rest stops at local shops along the way
View the picturesque town of Kalambaka and village of Kastraki
Guided Meteora tour
English-speaking, local guide
Free audio guides in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean
Stops to see all Meteora monasteries
Free time to visit the interior of 3 of monasteries
Panoramic photo stops
Bottle of water
Greek lunch at a local restaurant (if option selected)

Entrance fee to each monastery (€5 per person, cash only)
Guided tour inside the monasteries
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Athens

Not suitable for

People with mobility impairments

Meeting point

Begin your adventure by boarding our private, air-conditioned bus at 07:45 AM. The bus will be conveniently located on the street across the Central Railway Station of Athens (Stathmos Larisis). You'll easily identify it by the "Meteora Trip" sign displayed in the front window. There's no need for a printed ticket, simply provide your name or show your booking voucher on your phone when boarding the bus.

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Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Cash

Not allowed

Pets

Know before you go

The monasteries of Meteora impose a dress code for visitors. Men are required to wear long trousers and shirts with sleeves. Women must wear skirts that fall below the knee (trousers are not permitted) and cover their shoulders. Alternatively, women can use a long scarf wrapped around the waist to meet the dress code requirements.
The monasteries of Meteora only accept cash for the entrance fees (€5 per person/monastery)
To use our free audio guides, please be sure to bring your smartphone and earphones with you.
The private tour option does not include a private transfer from Athens. Instead, both the private and shared tour options include shared transportation from Athens.

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Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Local Guide and Lunch