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- Athens to Meteora day trips
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- Meteora day trips
- Meteora monasteries
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Meteora tours
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Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION10 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minibus
- Enjoy a full-day, all-encompassing Meteora tour with train tickets, pickup service, and a guided minibus experience.
- Discover the world of Greek Christian monks as you explore 2of the 6 awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries.
- Unwind and experience the charm of Kalabaka with free time for a meal, coffee, or souvenir shopping.
- Treat your taste buds to authentic Greek grape spirit, offering a unique insight into the local traditions by upgrading your tickets.
- Enjoy a full-day, all-encompassing Meteora tour with train tickets, pickup service, and a guided minibus experience.
- Discover the world of Greek Christian monks as you explore 2of the 6 awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries.
- Unwind and experience the charm of Kalabaka with free time for a meal, coffee, or souvenir shopping.
- Treat your taste buds to authentic Greek grape spirit, offering a unique insight into the local traditions by upgrading your tickets.
Inclusions
- Round-trip transfers with air-conditioned limo minibus
- English/Spanish-speaking tour guide (as per option selected)
- English-speaking local guide in the minibus
- Audio guide in English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese & Russian (as per option selected)
- Greek lunch
- Photostops in Meteora
- Visit inside 2 of the 6 monasteries
- Visit to the Monk Caves
- Free time in Kalabaka
Exclusions
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Guided tour inside the monasteries
- Entrance tickets to the monasteries (approx.€3 per monastery)
- Tip: Don't miss the chance to purchase some locally-made honey or grape spirit as a unique souvenir from your Meteora adventure.
- The audio guide is available in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and English.
- Delays in the train trip will influence the duration of the tour.
- Photography is allowed, although flash photography and tripods are restricted.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION10 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
Platia Aristotelous
Your designated meeting point is at Platia Aristotelous, in front of the Venizelos Statue.
230 km
3 hours
1
Meteora
6 attractions
Free Admission
Visit Metepra’s six main monasteries: Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Saint Nicholas Anapausas, Rousanou, Saint Stephen, and Holy Trinity. You’ll be able to explore two of these 14th-century monasteries from the inside.
Things to do
1. The Great Meteoron Monastery
Tickets not included
Stepping into the Great Meteoron Monastery is like stepping back in time. Built in the 1300s, it’s filled with intricate frescoes, old relics, and a quiet sense of wonder—plus, the view from the top is nothing short of incredible.
2. Varlaam Monastery
Tickets not included
Tucked high among Meteora’s towering rock pillars, Varlaam Monastery, built by two monk brothers in the 16th century, feels like a hidden world. Monks once hoisted supplies up by rope, but today, you can walk its stone pathways, admire its stunning frescoes, and soak in the sweeping views.
3. Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
Tickets not included
St. Nicholas Anapausas may be the smallest monastery in Meteora, but it holds remarkable history. Built on a narrow rock pillar, it features breathtaking 16th-century frescoes by Theophanes Strelitzas, making it a hidden masterpiece waiting to be discovered.
4. Monastery of Rousanos
Tickets not included
Founded in the 16th century, Rousanos Monastery appears to grow out of the rock itself, blending seamlessly with Meteora’s dramatic cliffs. Today, it is a convent for nuns who take care of its beautiful frescoes, while its peaceful courtyards offer spectacular views of the valley below.
5. Monastery of St. Stephen
Tickets not included
With its welcoming atmosphere and dramatic views of the surrounding countryside, St. Stephen’s Monastery is one of Meteora’s most visited sites. Its chapel, filled with delicate frescoes, is taken care of by the nuns who live here, while its stone terraces provide a perfect spot to take in the scenery.
6. Monastery of the Holy Trinity
Tickets not included
Holy Trinity Monastery feels like it’s floating above the world. Built in the 15th century, its dramatic setting was the location where the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only was filmed. With its beautiful frescoes, a quiet chapel, and panoramic views, it is remote and peaceful, making the challenging hike up completely worth it.
2
Kalabaka
Free Admission
Set below Meteora’s giant rock pillars and cliffs, the town of Kalabaka is the perfect base for exploring the region. Here, you’ll find warm hospitality, traditional Greek tavernas, and a rich history that stretches back centuries. Relax here while savoring your lunch (not included in the tour price) before heading back to Thessaloniki.
230 km
3 hours
3
END POINT
Platia Aristotelous
- Admire the Holy Monasteries of Meteora, perched on top of massive natural rocks.
- Enjoy the chance to visit two of these monasteries, and explore the interesting attractions within!
- With an archaeologist guide by your side, learn a great deal about the history and significance of the monasteries.
- Transfers to and from Meteora are included, ensuring you have a hassle-free experience.
- Admire the Holy Monasteries of Meteora, perched on top of massive natural rocks.
- Enjoy the chance to visit two of these monasteries, and explore the interesting attractions within!
- With an archaeologist guide by your side, learn a great deal about the history and significance of the monasteries.
- Transfers to and from Meteora are included, ensuring you have a hassle-free experience.
Inclusions
- Round-trip bus transfers
- Expert English-speaking tour guide
- Travel insurance
Exclusions
- The visit ticket to each monastery costs € 3 for all visitors (cash only), except those with Greek citizenship who are entitled to free admission
- Meteora monasteries tour
- Lunch
- Tip: Explore St. Nicholas Anapafsas Monastery atop a small rock, boasting a rare vertical structure.
- Men wearing shorts, and women wearing sleeveless tops are not allowed to enter the monastery.
- Please wear comfortable shoes, since there will be a fair amount of walking.
- Every Monday we visit the monasteries of Varlaam and Rousanou, every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday the monasteries of Saint Stefanos and Varlaam and every Friday the monasteries of Rousanou and Saint Stefanos. In exceptional cases, visits to the monasteries may be varied.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Enjoy a personalized, private day tour from Athens to Greece’s largest archaeological site, Meteora aboard luxury Mercedes Benz vehicles with an English-speaking driver.
- Pay a visit to the monument of Leonidas in Thermopylae and listen to a multilingual audio guide, unraveling the tale of the legendary battle between 300 Spartans and the Persian forces.
- Marvel at the stunning landscape and giant rock formations reaching heights of 400m in the sky at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora.
- Admire the largest of the Byzantine monasteries, the Great Meteoron, and get a chance to visit inside 3 of the 6 operating monasteries.
- Enjoy a personalized, private day tour from Athens to Greece’s largest archaeological site, Meteora aboard luxury Mercedes Benz vehicles with an English-speaking driver.
- Pay a visit to the monument of Leonidas in Thermopylae and listen to a multilingual audio guide, unraveling the tale of the legendary battle between 300 Spartans and the Persian forces.
- Marvel at the stunning landscape and giant rock formations reaching heights of 400m in the sky at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora.
- Admire the largest of the Byzantine monasteries, the Great Meteoron, and get a chance to visit inside 3 of the 6 operating monasteries.
Inclusions
- Full-day private tour to Meteora from Athens
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Private transportation by Mercedes Benz vehicles
- Professional English-Speaking driver
- Multilingual audio guide on your smartphone
- Visit inside active monasteries
- Bottled water and snacks
Exclusions
- Entrance fees to monasteries (3€ per person at each monastery)
- Professional guide
- Meals (lunch or dinner)
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Athens: Start with an early morning departure from Athens for a 4-hour journey to Meteora.
- Battlefield of Thermopylae: Visit the battlefield where King Leonidas and his warriors fought gallantly.
- The Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas: The first monastery you'll see as you reach Meteora.
- Monastery of Rousanos: The women’s monastery which covers the whole width of a small, steep cliff.
- Varlaam Monastery: The second largest monastery, adorned with great frescoes.
- Great Meteoron Monastery: The largest of all the monasteries on Meteora.
- Monastery of the Holy Trinity: The most inaccessible and the third oldest monastery in Meteora.
- Monastery of St. Stephan: The most easily accessible of the entire monastic complex of the Holy Meteora.
- Panagia Church, Agios Nikolaos of Badovas: One of Athen's oldest churches and a monastery in Badova, stretching between two large rock formations.
- Meteora: Home to stunning rock pinnacles and gorgeous scenery.
- Athens: Enjoy a scenic journey back to Athens.
Need to Know
- Tip: Look for religious artifacts displayed within the monasteries, such as ornate icons, intricately carved woodwork, and precious relics.
- The audio guide is available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Chinese.
- Facilities: Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
- It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking.
- Bring along your sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat.
- You are required to dress modestly when visiting the monasteries. Women are required to wear long skirts (pants/trousers are not allowed) and cover their shoulders. Men should wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION14 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
340 km
4 hours 45 minutes
1
Kalabaka
Free Admission
Located at the foothills of the dramatic cliffs, Kalabaka is known as the gateway to Meteora. But it’s also a lively town with a deep past. From its ancient church of the Dormition to its welcoming Greek tavernas, it offers a perfect mix of history, local culture, and stunning scenery. Stop here for a spot of lunch (not included in the tour price) before beginning your Meteora exploration.
2
Meteora
6 attractions
Tickets not included
Visit the six monasteries of Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Saint Nicholas Anapausas, Rousanou, Saint Stephen, and Holy Trinity, all built in the 14th century. You’ll be able to explore three of them from the inside, and admire their architecture and their stunning locations on rocky pillars.
Things to do
1. The Great Meteoron Monastery
Tickets not included
Built in the early 1300s, the Great Meteoron Monastery is the largest and oldest of Meteora’s monasteries. It’s filled with stunning frescoes and has the largest collection of ancient manuscripts in Meteora. The sweeping views from its high cliffs make the climb absolutely worth it.
2. Varlaam Monastery
Tickets not included
While the site was first inhabited by a monk named Varlaam in the 14th century, the monastery was built by two monk brothers in the 16th century. Its chapel, covered in vivid frescoes, and its distinctive arched windows make it an unforgettable spot.
3. Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
Tickets not included
St. Nicholas Anapausas Monastery may be the smallest in Meteora, but it’s packed with history. Its compact structure fits perfectly onto a narrow rock pillar, and inside, you’ll find stunning 16th-century frescoes by renowned Cretan painter Theophanes Strelitzas.
4. Monastery of Rousanos
Tickets not included
The Monastery of Rousanos looks like it was carved out of the rocky cliff itself. It is at a lower elevation compared to the other Meteora monasteries, but this doesn't detract from its beauty or the views from its windows. Originally built in the 16th century, today, it’s run by a group of nuns.
5. Monastery of St. Stephen
Tickets not included
St. Stephen’s Monastery is a place of quiet beauty, perched on the edge of a rocky plateau. Its richly decorated church glows with candlelight, while its balconies offer dramatic views of the Valley of Thessaly, the Pinios river, and the rugged mountains beyond.
6. Monastery of the Holy Trinity
Tickets not included
Of all the Meteora monasteries, the Monastery of Holy Trinity is the most photographed, which is why it was featured in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. The hike up is challenging but the most dramatic views from its sheer rock pillar make the trek completely worth it.
3
Hermit Caves of Badovas
Tickets not included
Long before Meteora’s grand monasteries, hermits lived in the caves of Badovas, carving out tiny dwellings in the rock face. Today, you can still see the remains of wooden balconies clinging to the cliff walls.
4
Kalabaka
Free Admission
Return to Kalabaka to begin the return journey to Athens.
340 km
4 hours 45 minutes
5
END POINT
Larissa Station, Athens
- Explore Meteora's monasteries on a guided tour starting from Athens, led by an experienced guide fluent in English and Spanish.
- With comfortable transfers via a luxury coach bus, you can start this journey stress-free.
- Scenic views of the Greek countryside on the journey to Meteora await you. Enjoy photo stops and see secret places that only locals know about.
- View all of the 6 sky-high monasteries of the Meteora formations. Visit inside 3 of the monasteries and explore the Hermit Caves of Badovas.
- Explore Meteora's monasteries on a guided tour starting from Athens, led by an experienced guide fluent in English and Spanish.
- With comfortable transfers via a luxury coach bus, you can start this journey stress-free.
- Scenic views of the Greek countryside on the journey to Meteora await you. Enjoy photo stops and see secret places that only locals know about.
- View all of the 6 sky-high monasteries of the Meteora formations. Visit inside 3 of the monasteries and explore the Hermit Caves of Badovas.
Inclusions
- Spanish or English-speaking tour leader
- Roundtrip transfers from Athens by lux coach bus
- Visit all 6 Monasteries (go inside 3 of them)
- Enjoy the Meteora sunset (Nov 1st to Feb 22nd)
- Free map of Meteora
- Visit the Hermit Caves
- Free Wi-Fi on the bus
- All taxes
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers from Athens to the meeting point
- Entrance fees of Monasteries (€3 each in cash)
- Licenced tour guide inside the Holy Monasteries
- Meals and soft drinks
- The bus departs from Larissis Station in Athens at 8am. Please be at the Larissa metro/subway station exit on Deligianni Street 15 minutes before.
- No bus ticket is required. Just give your name to the driver for verification
- Get directions to the Meeting Point here
- French, Italian, or German-speaking guides are available upon request at an extra cost at the site.
- Please note that to go inside the monasteries you must be dressed modestly. Women must wear long skirts (no pants/trousers) and have their shoulders covered. Men must wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Athens
Find your best Meteor tour
Meteora tours from Athens
- Meteora tours from Athens offers round-trip transfers from central Athens. This tour includes an English or Spanish-speaking guide, visits to two monasteries, a chance to explore the Monk Caves, and ample free time in Kalabaka.
- There's also a Meteora private tour option for a more personalized experience. It includes private hotel pick-up and drop-off and a multilingual audio guide to help you explore Meteora.
Recommended tickets: From Athens Meteora Monasteries Full Day Guided Tour | Private Day Tour to Meteora from Athens with Transfers & Audio Guide
Athens to Meteora day trips
Meteora tours from Thessaloniki
- If you're in northern Greece, the Thessaloniki option offers a seamless way to explore Meteora. It includes round-trip bus transfers and is perfect for those who want to explore Meteora as a day trip from Thessaloniki.
- This tour includes a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, visits to two monasteries, and stops at a scenic viewpoint.
Recommended ticket: From Thessaloniki Meteora Monasteries Full Day Guided Tour
Thessaloniki to Meteora day trips
If you are already in Meteora
- This tour is ideal if you're already in the area. It includes a 5-hour sightseeing tour covering all six monasteries and a visit inside three.
- It also includes lunch at a local restaurant and stops at hidden gems like the Chapel of Doupiani and St. George Mandilas Cave.
Recommended ticket: From Meteora Guided Tour with Monasteries & Caves Visit
Meteora day tripsTop things to do in Meteora, Greece
Visit the Meteora monasteries
The six active Meteora monasteries are the crown jewels of the area. These religious sites, some of which date back to the 14th century, are perched atop towering rock pillars, offering panoramic views and a deep sense of serenity. Each monastery has its own unique charm, with intricate frescoes, chapels, and relics that narrate the rich history of Orthodox monasticism.
See the sky high rock formations
The rock formations at Meteora are truly a sight to behold. These colossal rock pillars, sculpted over millions of years, create a stunning backdrop for the monasteries perched atop them. Whether you choose to explore on foot or join a Meteora guided tour, you'll have the chance to marvel at the impressive scale and natural beauty of these geological wonders.
See the Chapel of Doupiani
This small yet significant chapel is a hidden gem in Meteora. Located at the base of the rock formations, the Chapel of Doupiani is one of the oldest religious sites in the area. It served as a place of worship for early Christian communities before the monasteries were established. The chapel's frescoes, though faded, still convey the deep spiritual history of Meteora.
Explore the hidden caves of Meteora
Hidden within the towering rocks of Meteora, you'll find a series of secluded caves that were once the refuge of hermits seeking peace and a deeper spiritual connection. The St. George Mandilas cave is especially noteworthy, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ascetic lifestyle that once prevailed here.
Visit the Kalabaka town
At the base of Meteora lies the charming town of Kalabaka. It serves as the gateway to Meteora and offers a chance to explore local culture, cuisine, and crafts. It is a great place to unwind after a day of exploring the monasteries, with several traditional tavernas offering delicious Greek food and wine.
See panoramic views from the Holy Spirit Rock
One of the lesser-known spots in Meteora, the Holy Spirit Rock, offers one of the best views of the entire valley. This viewpoint is ideal for those who want to escape the crowds and experience the tranquility of Meteora's natural beauty. It's a peaceful spot that allows you to reflect on the spiritual essence of this remarkable place.
Plan your Meteora tour in Greece
Timings
Getting there
Rules
Tips
Dine
Stay
- From Athens: Meteora Monasteries Full-Day Guided Tour: 7am or 8am
- From Meteora: Guided Tour with Monasteries & Caves Visit: 1pm
- Private Day Tour to Meteora from Athens with Transfers & Audio Guide: 7am or 7:30am
- From Thessaloniki: Meteora Monasteries Full-Day Guided Tour: 8am
Best time to visit:
- Spring (April to June)
- Fall (September to October)
All the Greece Meteora tour tickets include round-trip transfers, so you can enjoy the scenic ride without the hassle of arranging travel yourself.
These transfers ensure you’ll be comfortably transported to and from your starting point, whether you’re coming from Athens, Thessaloniki, or directly from Meteora itself.
- A fee of €3 per person is typically required for each monastery. This is usually not included in the tour price.
- Meteora monasteries have a strict dress code. Men must wear trousers, and women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders.
- Outside food and beverages are allowed, and pets, including guide dogs, are welcome.
- The tour guides do not enter the monasteries with you, meaning you can explore the interiors of the monasteries at your own pace.
- Ensure you adhere to the dress code to avoid any inconvenience. If you forget to bring appropriate clothing, you can rent long skirts at the monastery entrances.
- There is a small entrance fee for each monastery, usually around €3 per person. The fees help maintain the monasteries and support the monastic community. It's advisable to bring cash as credit cards may not be accepted.
- Don't miss the chance to buy locally-made honey or grape spirits as a unique memento for your visit.
- The DINER & Cocktail Bar by Rapsodia: For a modern twist, The DINER & Cocktail Bar by Rapsodia offers a chic ambiance and a delicious menu. The Beefsquare Burger is a standout—large, filling, and great value. The cocktails are beautifully crafted, making this a great spot for both a meal and a night out.
- Tavern The Dipylon: Located in Kalambaka, Tavern The Dipylon offers a cozy atmosphere and a delightful range of traditional Greek dishes. The friendly service and authentic flavors make it a great spot for enjoying local specialties. From fresh salads to hearty mains, this tavern provides a satisfying meal to complement your Meteora experience.
- Taverna To Chani: Taverna To Chani is known for its lamb chops, which many consider the best they've ever had. This taverna delivers on quality and flavor, providing a great dining experience in a beautiful setting.
Budget: Bloutsos Rooms, Guesthouse Patavalis, Boufidis Rooms,
Mid-range: Guesthouse Papastathis, Guesthouse Vavitsas, Spartacus House
Luxury: Hotel Doupiani House, Boutique Plakias Guesthouse, Kastelia
Frequently asked questions about Meteora tours
What is the cost of a Meteora tour ticket?
Meteora tours start from . This typically includes round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle from your chosen starting point to Meteora and a guided tour of Meteora's landscapes and monasteries.
Do I need a tour guide to explore Meteora?
You don't necessarily need a tour guide to explore Meteora, but having one can really elevate your visit. A guide can share fascinating insights into the history, culture, and significance of the monasteries and rock formations, and they'll make sure you don't miss out on any hidden gems.
How many monasteries are there in Meteora?
There are 24 monasteries in Meteora, but only six are active and open to visitors. These include the Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, and the Monastery of Rousanou, among others. Each monastery offers a unique perspective on the religious and architectural history of the area.
What should I wear when visiting the monasteries?
When you're planning to visit the Meteora monasteries, wearing modest clothing is important. Men should wear long pants, and women should opt for skirts that cover the knees and tops that cover the shoulders. If you're not dressed accordingly, don't worry—some monasteries offer skirts and shawls at the entrance.
Is Meteora a good destination for hiking?
Absolutely, Meteora is a wonderful spot for hiking. The area has a variety of trails that lead you through breathtaking views of the rock formations and the monasteries perched atop them. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned hiker, you'll find trails that suit your experience level.
What is the significance of Meteora in Greek Orthodox Christianity?
Meteora is one of the most important monastic communities in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. The monasteries have been centers of religious, cultural, and artistic life for centuries, preserving Byzantine traditions and artifacts.
Is Meteora suitable for children?
Meteora can be an exciting destination for children, especially those interested in history and nature. However, the steep steps and long walks may be challenging for young children. Plan their visit accordingly and choose activities that suit their children's age and interests.