Athens to Meteora: Monasteries, Caves & Seaside Stopovers

Top rated
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
2344 reviews
Activity provider:
Visit Meteora
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Athens to Meteora: Monasteries, Caves & Seaside Stopovers
Top rated
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
2344 reviews

Visit Meteora’s monasteries and hidden hermit caves with a local guide. Enjoy optional lunch in Kastraki, plus seaside brunch and sunset dinner with stunning views just steps from the sea.

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
Optional audio guide
Spanish, German, French, English, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean
Small group available

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
S
Scott – Canada

Had a really lovely time. Guide was excellent and took photos for everyone. You could tell she really enjoyed educating us on the importance of Meteora and the Monasteries. Fantastic views!

5
5 out of 5 stars
A
Adira – United States

This was such a fun experience, even the long drive there was enjoyable in the comfort of a cool bus. Our local guide, Maria, was personable, full of information and very well prepared. She takes great pride in her work and is a fun person. The monasteries themselves were worth the visit (and in some cases workout to access). You can't miss this experience if you come to Greece.

Select participants and date

Itinerary

  • Starting location:

    St. Larissis

  • Bus/coach

    (2 hours)

    Kamena Vourla

    Brunch (30 minutes)

    Optional, Extra fee

  • Bus/coach

    (2 hours)

  • View point

    Photo stop, Guided tour, Walk, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (10 minutes)

  • Local restaurant

    Break time, Lunch, Food market visit, Regional food (30 minutes)

  • Kastraki

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Free time, Shopping, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (10 minutes)

  • Hidden gem

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (30 minutes)

  • Secret stop

    Photo stop, Free time, Sightseeing, Walk, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (10 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (10 minutes)

  • Monastery

    Photo stop, Visit, Free time, Sightseeing, Walk, Self-guided tour, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (1 hour)

  • View point

    Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (10 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (5 minutes)

  • Monastery

    Photo stop, Visit, Free time, Sightseeing, Walk, Bus tour, Sunset, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (45 minutes)

  • View point

    Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (10 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (10 minutes)

  • Monastery

    Photo stop, Sightseeing, Walk, Pass by, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (30 minutes)

  • View point

    Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (10 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (5 minutes)

  • Meteora

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Free time, Sightseeing, Walk, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (20 minutes)

  • Kalambaka

    Break time, Photo stop, Sightseeing, Bus tour, Pass by, Scenic drive (15 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (2 hours)

    Kamena Vourla

    Dinner (45 minutes)

    Optional, Extra fee

  • Bus/coach

    (2 hours)

  • Arrive back at:

    St. Larissis

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Enjoy authentic local flavors with an optional lunch from 10 menu selections!
  • Discover ancient hermit caves, Meteora's hidden treasures.
  • Capture Meteora's stunning panoramas and enjoy the most breathtaking views.
  • Explore all Meteora monasteries, tour 3 interiors for a cultural experience.
  • Coastal stop for brunch and dinner at a beachfront seaside restaurant

Full description

Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Athens to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora. This tour combines sacred history with scenic comfort, offering you the chance to explore centuries-old monasteries, hidden hermit caves, and enjoy a taste of the Greek coastline—all in one amazing day.
Departing from Athens at 08:00 AM by modern, air-conditioned coach, you’ll enjoy a smooth ride through the countryside. The usual train service is temporarily replaced by our comfortable bus for your convenience.
Scenic Coastal Brunch Stop
Instead of stopping at busy highway stops, we take you to the seaside for a refreshing brunch break. Sit just steps from the sea and enjoy your meal or coffee with the breeze, the scent of the sea, and beautiful coastal views. Meals are optional and can be pre-ordered through an app on the bus—no waiting, no stress.
Explore Meteora with a Local Guide
At around 12:30 PM, you’ll arrive in Kalabaka and board our local VIP minibus to begin your Meteora adventure. Your expert local guide will take you to three of the most famous monasteries, with short photo stops at all six. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views and hear fascinating stories about the history and spiritual life of Meteora.
You’ll also explore the hermit caves of Badovas, carved into the cliffs by the first monks who came here seeking peace and isolation. After the cave visit, you’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch in the nearby village of Kastraki, choosing from a variety of home-cooked Greek dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options. Meals are not included but can be paid directly at the restaurant.
Sunset Dinner by the Sea
On the way back to Athens, we’ll make a final stop in Kamena Vourla around 20:00 for an optional sunset seaside dinner. It’s a quiet, peaceful setting by the water—perfect for enjoying your favorite Greek meal, dessert, or drink while watching the sun set into the sea. After dinner, the return trip continues with arrival in Athens around 22:30.

For non-English speakers, a free smart audio guide is available in 10 languages. A private tour option is also available with a live guide in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, or Romanian.

Includes

  • Round-trip transportation from Athens in an air-conditioned coach
  • Seaside stop for optional brunch and sunset dinner by the waves
  • Live local English-speaking tour leader
  • Smart audio guide available in the following languages: English | Spanish | French | German | Italian | Portuguese | Russian | Polish | Korean | Chinese | Japanese
  • Lunch (if option selected) at a local restaurant: Bread, water, and a choice of 10 traditional Greek dishes, including meat, vegetarian, and vegan options.
  • Entry to 3 most popular monasteries
  • Panoramic photo stops to see all 8 monasteries
  • Visit to the hidden hermit caves
  • Stops on the way to buy lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks
  • Wi-Fi and USB chargers onboard
  • Bottled water
  • Entrance fees to the monasteries (€5 per person for each monastery)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Athens
  • Guide inside the monasteries (multilingual audio guide available for free)
  • Tips (optional)

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments

Meeting point

Embark on your exciting journey by joining our private, air-conditioned bus at 07:45 AM. Departure time 08.00am. The bus will be conveniently stationed on the street directly across from the Central Railway Station of Athens (Stathmos Larisis), adjacent to Everest cafe. Look out for the unmistakable "Visit Meteora" sign displayed in the front window, making it easy for you to spot. No printed ticket is required; just share your name or display your booking voucher on your phone as you board the bus. Seats are not assigned, so you are free to choose your seat. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure to Meteora! • Boarding procedure: No bus ticket is required. Just give your name to the driver for verification • Seats are not assigned, so you are free to choose your seat

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Cash
  • Charged Smartphone

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

  • Tour is guided in English only. Additional languages (Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean) are available on a free smart audioguide.
  • A modest dress code is enforced to enter the monasteries. For women, skirts below the knee are required. Pants, shorts, or sleeveless shirts are not allowed. For men, sleeveless clothing and shorts above the knee are also prohibited.
  • There will be stops to buy breakfast, lunch, and dinne
  • Meat & Poultry Options:
  • Chicken baked in the oven with potatoes
  • Meatballs in red sauce (Soutzoukakia)
  • Pastitsio (Greek-style lasagna)
  • Moussaka
  • Vegetarian Choices:
  • Greek salad
  • Spinach and feta cheese pie
  • Cheese pie
  • Vegan Options:
  • Stuffed peppers & tomatoes with risotto (Gemista)
  • Briam (Greek-style roasted vegetables)
  • Giant beans baked in the oven (Gigantes)
  • ✅ Bread and water are included with your meal.
  • Please bring earpads and a smartphone to use the audio guide.
Save up to 35%

From $74 $48 per person

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5
4.8 out of 5 stars

based on 2344 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

Customer photos

+610
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By star rating
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5
5 out of 5 stars
S
Scott – CanadaJuly 8, 2025 – Verified booking
Had a really lovely time. Guide was excellent and took photos for everyone. You could tell she really enjoyed educating us on the importance of Meteora and the Monasteries. Fantastic views!
5
5 out of 5 stars
A
Adira – United StatesJuly 2, 2025 – Verified booking
This was such a fun experience, even the long drive there was enjoyable in the comfort of a cool bus. Our local guide, Maria, was personable, full of information and very well prepared. She takes great pride in her work and is a fun person. The monasteries themselves were worth the visit (and in some cases workout to access). You can't miss this experience if you come to Greece.

Response from provider

July 3, 2025

Thank you, Adira! We're so glad you enjoyed the journey and Maria’s guiding—she truly loves what she does! The monasteries are indeed a treasure, and we’re thrilled you found the experience so rewarding. Hope to welcome you again on another adventure!

5
5 out of 5 stars
A
Adam – United KingdomJune 24, 2025 – Verified booking
This was a big trip, don't let the big drive-time put you off though, the time passes soon enough and as soon as you see Meteora rise over the horizon you'll forget all about it. we really enjoyed our trip, the first stop is at the coast, a bustling Cafe on the beach which was nicer than the motorway services other tours stopped at. Once in meteora the first stop is a local taverna, we didn't pay for the lunch option, but the food was local favourites but served cafeteria-style. we didn't think we missed much but it was good if you hadn't brought food with you. The monasteries were amazing feats of engineering in some of the most spectacular landscape I've seen, incredibly beautiful and worth every moment. I don't think we actually saw any caves as the description says, but honestly the tour felt packed enough. We did order some dinner at the same seaside Cafe we stopped at first, a nice way to bookend the day before heading back to Athens.

Product ID: 87635

Activity provider:
Visit Meteora

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