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Monastery of St. Stephen

Monastery of St. Stephen: Our most recommended tours and activities

Athens:Meteora DayTrip in English or Spanish by Local Agency

1. Athens:Meteora DayTrip in English or Spanish by Local Agency

Do you want to escape the Greek capital for the day and discover an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site? Look no further than the one-day Meteora tour including transfer from Athens, the tour in Meteora and Greek Lunch. This once-in-a-lifetime journey takes you to see all 8 monasteries and enter 3 of the most popular monasteries - with an expert local guide leading you to breathtaking viewpoints and sharing fascinating stories along the way. Discover also the Hermit Caves and many secret places that only locals know. Awe at the gorgeous landscapes that unfold before your eyes and prepare yourself for the wonders of Meteora to come. At the end of the tour you will see the Majestic sunset (until February 22nd) Departing in the morning at 08:00 from Larissa Station in Athens, you will arrive at Kalabaka at approximately 13:00. The guide will meet and greet you in Kalabaka Bus Stop to start the Meteora Tour. The Meteora tour takes you to see all the monasteries and visit 3 of them. The enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide accompanies you to the most awe-inspiring vistas and explains the geological phenomenon and rich history of Meteora in remarkable detail. In addition, you will stop at the best points for memorable photos and views and you will see the ancient Hermit Caves. Short stops for lunch / dinner / snacks / drinks before and after the tour : Ensure an unforgettable Meteora tour with an authentic taste of traditional Greek cuisine. Choose one dish and a Greek salad from our delightful 10 flavors if you wish also a vegetarian plate it is there for you. Enjoy your meal at our cozy table or on-the-go. We've reserved the best bus stop under giant trees, overlooking the majestic landscape. Have the opportunity to explore hidden gems of the area like the Hermit Caves and get the unbridled attention of the guide for the full duration - enabling you to learn the secrets of Meteora missed by most tourists without missing any part of the area. At the end of the experience, the guide bids you farewell at the Kalambaka as you make the early evening departure for Athens at 6 pm in order to arrive at Athens at approximately 22:30 at night. No other Meteora tour from Athens by bus gives you this level of immersion, meticulously organized into an all-inclusive package. Reserve your place today from a local company with 1000+ reviews on Get Your Guide and gain exclusive access to uncover mysterious treasures, and snap up Instagram-worthy photos at secret spots only known by a select few. Make sure you bring your camera because the photo-opportunities are endless.

From Athens: Full-Day Meteora Tour with Greek Lunch

2. From Athens: Full-Day Meteora Tour with Greek Lunch

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 private, air-conditioned bus at 07:45 AM, conveniently departing from the area opposite 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. Board our comfortable and luxurious minibus and prepare for 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, discover the hidden treasures of Meteora, including the ancient hermit caves, the Chapel of Doupiani, and the magnificent St. George Mandilas cave. Uncover the 'secret' side of Meteora, learning about why hermits chose to settle in these imposing caves a thousand years ago and the remarkable achievements of the monks. And of course, during our multiple panoramic stops don't forget to capture breathtaking moments with your camera for lasting memories. Additionally (exclusive to this tour), discover the charming small town of Kalambaka located in the foothills of Meteora and 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. Come evening, we'll set off on our journey back to Athens, and you can expect to arrive there at approximately 11 PM.

Meteora: Morning Half Day Sightseeing and Monasteries Tour

3. Meteora: Morning Half Day Sightseeing and Monasteries Tour

Join this morning sightseeing tour to Meteora (designed and operated by true locals) and fully experience this true wonder accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable local guide. The tour starts with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraki. During this guided tour you will have the opportunity to see all six magnificent monasteries of Meteora and admire the interior of three of them. Additionally, view some of Meteora’s most spectacular hidden gems like the ancient Chapel of Doupiani and the magnificent St. George “Mandilas” cave. You will also discover the “other side” of Meteora, like the truth about why the hermits settled in these imposing caves a thousand years ago and how the monks achieved the “impossible”. Last but not least, take the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views and during our multiple sightseeing stops capture some amazing photos that you will cherish forever.

From Athens: Explore Meteora with a Guided Bus Tour

4. From Athens: Explore Meteora with a Guided Bus Tour

Since you are visiting Meteora for a few hours you have to spend your time in the best way and enjoy as much as you can this amazing phenomenon. This tour is specially designed for people that traveling from Athens or Thessaloniki to Meteora and departing the same day. You can also join if you are already in the area or if you are travelling by car or intercity bus. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora on a guided tour. Learn about the history, architecture, and spirituality of Meteora's monasteries from your guide. Hop aboard a comfortable vehicle and make a short stop before the tour starts for lunch (not included in the price). See the entire area , all the monasteries and take the best panoramic photos with our , expert in the area , local tour leader. After boarding our mini-bus you will begin your wonderful about 5 hrs tour to see all the area of Meteora, all 6 active Monasteries and visit inside 3 of them. Our Tour Leader will give you full attention and care as the group will be small. Plenty of photo opportunity stops and many secrets places that only locals know will make your tour a lifetime experience. See also the Hermit Caves of Badovas exclusively in this tour. In essence, you will be given the chance to fully experience the magnificence of Meteora, a place that is honored by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, learn about its history, the architecture and the spirituality of the Monasteries, and see for yourselves this unique creation of nature. Please note that your transfer from Athens ( if option is selected) is temporarily done by an airconditioned bus departing from the Athens Train station, instead of a train. The reason is that trains have stopped operations due to a devastating flood. You will still enjoy the experience in the most stress-free manner possible. Not only is the bus ride to Kalabaka efficient and a bit faster, but it also allows you to soak up the enchanting countryside of Greece. Awe at the gorgeous landscapes that unfold before your eyes and prepare yourself for the wonders of Meteora to come.

Meteora: Self-Guided App-Based Driving Tour

5. Meteora: Self-Guided App-Based Driving Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 7.89+ miles-long tour covers the essentials of Meteora in 3-4 hours. Once downloaded, make your way to the Municipal Square in Kalabaka to begin your tour. As you drive through town, you’ll hear about the geological history of Meteora and get acquainted with the hermit monks who settled there centuries ago. Then, you’ll see the hermit caves of Badovas, a great example of what those earliest dwellings looked like. After that, you’ll see the Doupiani Rock, where the very first hermit monks once lived. Then you’ll glimpse the cliff cave where climbers drape colorful scarves in honor of Saint George. Next, you’ll arrive at the Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas, the first of the major monasteries you’ll visit along your route. That’s quickly followed by a look at the so-called Prison of the Monks, where penitent monks once sequestered themselves. The Holy Monastery of St. Barbara Roussanou waits ahead, where you’ll learn about two brothers who revived it after it fell into disrepair. Then it’s on to the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, the second largest monastery in Meteora. The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron is your next stop. This sprawling complex is the largest of the monasteries, and an absolute can’t-miss destination! After that, you’ll pass a couple of incredible vistas boasting unbelievable views of Meteora’s rock formations. Just beyond those, you’ll find the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, today occupied by a single monk who manages the entire estate! Finally, you’ll arrive at the Monastery of St. Stephen, the most accessible of the monasteries as it requires no stone steps to reach. Your tour concludes here.

Meteora: Guided Sunset Tour with Monasteries and Caves Visit

6. Meteora: Guided Sunset Tour with Monasteries and Caves Visit

Join this extraordinary sunset tour to Meteora and fully experience this true marvel with it’s majestic monasteries and ancient rock formations. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide you will learn all about Meteora’s history and myths of the region. The tour starts with a convenient pick-up (with our luxurious minibus) from your hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraki. During this guided tour you will have the opportunity to see all six majestic monasteries and admire the interior of one of them. You will also view some of Meteora’s most spectacular “hidden gems” like the ancient hermitages of Bandovas, the Byzantine church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary and the picturesque old district of Kalabaka. Last but not least, you will enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views, capture some amazing photos and witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets you will ever see.

Kalabaka: Meteora Private Day Tour with a Local Guide

7. Kalabaka: Meteora Private Day Tour with a Local Guide

Experience the unique Unesco World Heritage site of Meteora. Take in the stunning views from the hill-like rounded boulders. Discover the 6 Holy monasteries with the chance to visit inside 2-3 of your choice. Visualize how the first monks established one of the biggest monastic communities in Greece on top of these unique rocks. Walk around the special site, which is still home to several monks in residence. Start your tour in the morning and be picked up from your hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraka. Travel towards the cliff-top monasteries comfortably and safely in a luxurious mini-bus or car. See the best viewpoints and make plenty of stops on your short walks. Learn about the geological phenomenon that occurred to form these impressive rocks.

From Athens: Private Day-Tour to Meteora and Thermopylae

8. From Athens: Private Day-Tour to Meteora and Thermopylae

Our day tour will start early in the morning and our first stop will be after 2hs and 15min., in Thermopylae. At this point Leonidas' 300 faced the Persian army in a battle that shaped the result of the war although it had been lost for the Greeks. After Thermopylae we will cross the plain of Thessaly region, seeing from our left the usually snowy mountain range of Pindos, as well as landscapes and picturesque villages that have not been affected by modern life and mass tourism. We’ll travel for about 2hs until we reach the area of Theopetra. Τhe Τheopetra cave is currently closed, but we will have the chance to visit the Museum and see footprints of people who lived from 130,000 to 4,000 years ago, in an area that seems to have had a continuous human presence. We’ll stay in the Museum for about 1/2hrs and then we’ll travel for about 15min until we reach Meteora. The imposing Meteora, the vertical rock formations up to 200m high, were created during the Oligocene and Miocene eras. About 30 monasteries were built since the 11th century on these rocks, while 6 of them operate nowadays. It is the second most important monastic complex in Greece after Mount Athos and is included in the Unesco World Heritage List. We will have the chance to approach and visit up to 3 Monasteries, while on our way we will make as many stops as you wish to take photos and admire the great view. After our visit to the stunning Meteora, we’ll make a stop at Kalampaka, where you can taste local tasty food in one of the traditional taverns. (Note: food/drink are at your own expenses and are not included in our price). After lunch, we will travel back to Athens for almost 4 ½ hrs.

Kalabaka or Kastraki: Meteora Sunset Tour

9. Kalabaka or Kastraki: Meteora Sunset Tour

The Meteora Sunset Tour starts with a visit to a monastery, either the Nunnery of St. Stephen or the Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas (depending on the day). Then we head to the old town of Kalampaka, where you get to visit the Byzantine Church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary. Afterwards, we go to the old hermitages of Bandovas and right before the sun starts setting behind the beautiful rocks, we stop around Meteora for photos. This tour is finished by a final stop at the Psaropetra rock, the most panoramic viewpoint in the area to enjoy the sunset.

Meteora: Private Day Trip from Thessaloniki

10. Meteora: Private Day Trip from Thessaloniki

In the morning, depart Thessaloniki and go to Meteora's spectacular monastic complex, where you will see three holy monasteries. The monasteries, which are built on massive natural pillars and rounded stones that dominate the landscape, originate from the 14th century, after monks first settled the area in the 11th century. Get access to holy monasteries like the Agios Stefanos Nunnery, which has an amazing wood-carved iconostasis. Visit the Monastery of Varlaam to see the old surviving net tower and the Monastery of Great Meteoron to see the largest of the monasteries, dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ. Get panoramic views of these incredible structures and the stunning landscape. Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in Kalabaka, before returning to Thessaloniki.

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What people are saying about Monastery of St. Stephen

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 329 reviews

The train ride is long but totally worth it ! The team is waiting at the train station when you arrive and you have the best tour . Very professional company. Top recommended

The best place to visit in Greece is Meteora ! Amazing views and the tour from the company Meteora Thrones was so informative and well organized! 1000% recommended

very convenient transportation. tour guide is so friendly and helpful. best trip in my life.

The tour is excellent. the tour guide is experience and knowledgeable.

100% the best daytrip from Athens ! Dont miss it during your stay