Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option
Description
Join this tour departing daily from Kalambaka's train station to discover Meteora. Explore majestic monasteries, learn the region's history, enjoy panoramic views and taste an authentic Greek lunch.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Embark on an extraordinary Meteora mid-day tour departing daily from Kalambaka's Train Station at 12:30. If you have your own vehicle you will find a convenient free parking lot there. Alternatively, if you wish to travel from Athens we can also provide roundtrip bus transportation by selecting the specific option on checkout (the direct train route is currently unavailable due to maintenance work). Your journey starts by meeting our guide (holding a signboard with your name) and boarding our private, air-conditioned bus. First stop will be at a traditional local restaurant in the charming town of Kalambaka (exclusive to this tour), where you'll enjoy a delightful, traditional Greek lunch (if tour option is selected). Your meal includes a fresh salad, a choice of main dishes (with multiple options to cater to your preferences), freshly baked bread, and refreshing water. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
Then, 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. Immerse yourself in the rich history and intriguing myths of Meteora, as you hear detailed explanations and fascinating stories directly from our English-speaking local 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. And of course, don't forget to capture breathtaking moments with your camera for lasting memories. The tour concludes at approximately 18:00.
The Varlaam Monastery or Monastery of All the Saints is located on an imposing rock exactly opposite of the Great Meteoron and it is the second largest monastery.
The Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas is literally suspended in air on a small rock and is the first monastery that we meet on our way from Kastraki village to the stone forest of Holy Meteora.
The Monastery of Great Meteoron or Transfiguration of Christ, expresses the greatness and history of the Holy Meteora, as it is the oldest and most important monastery.
The Roussanou Monastery, also known as Arsani, stands on top of an impressive vertical and steep cliff of Meteora, between the Monasteries of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas and Varlaam.
The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is the third oldest monastery in Meteora and is the most difficult to reach, since the visitor has to cross a downhill path and then ascend 145 steps carved into the rock. It is said that at the time when the monks used a rope ladder and a net, they spent 70 years to carry the materials and build the monastery!
The Monastery of Saint Stephen’s is located just above the city of Kalampaka and is the most accessible monastery in Meteora, as there are no steps to reach the entrance and the access is easy through a small stone bridge.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This Meteora tour was initially tailored for travelers arriving via the convenient train route from Athens. However, at present, the direct train service to Meteora stands temporarily suspended for essential maintenance work. To accommodate those wishing to join us from Athens, we have introduced a convenient roundtrip bus transportation option. When booking your journey, simply select this alternative to embark on a seamless adventure to the captivating Meteora region.
- The monasteries of Meteora impose a dress code in order to enter inside. Men must wear long trousers and women must wear long skirts (below the knee) and cover their shoulders. Skirts are also available for purchase/rent at the entrance of the monasteries. A long scarf wrapped around the waist is also sufficient to enter the monasteries
- The monasteries of Meteora only accept cash for the entrance fees (€5 per person/monastery) which are not included in the price of this tour
- If you wish to use our free audio guides in Spanish, French or Italian, please be sure to bring your smartphone and earphones with you.
Reviews(84)
I had never heard of these monasteries before researching must see things to do in the Athens area. This excursion became one of the highlights of our trip. Neither my husband nor I are religious people but the artwork in the churches located in these monasteries filled us with awe. Our guide and driver (Maria and George) were delightful and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this day trip.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled that Meteora became one of the highlights of your trip and that the monastery artwork left such a strong impression. We’re also delighted that Maria and George made the experience even more enjoyable with their knowledge and warm approach. Thank you for the recommendation!
Had a really good time. Maria was full of knowledge and very friendly and we had a bit of a laugh too. Such a great tour guide. Really loved Meteora.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you had such a great time exploring Meteora and that Maria made the experience even more enjoyable with her knowledge, friendliness, and sense of humor. We’ll be happy to share your kind words with her. Thank you for traveling with us!
The transportation to get to Meteora and the three monasteries is good. The guide provided some useful information during the drive to the monasteries, but we did not get a guided tour in the monasteries (and other guides were inside and providing that). The lunch was a rushed, loud, mediocre meal. I recommend going and seeing the monasteries, but make sure you are on a tour where the guide goes into the monasteries with you and explains what you are seeing.
Thank you for your detailed feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the transportation and found the information provided by our guide useful during the journey. We would like to clarify that our tour description clearly states that a guided tour inside the monasteries is not included in the base price, guests visit the monasteries independently at their own pace. We appreciate your comments regarding lunch and will take them into consideration. Thank you for traveling with us!
Wow! What a breathtaking, spiritual experience! Gorgeous structures and views! Maria did such a fantastic job with the monastery tour! Very friendly and welcoming. Fun personality. Sense of humor. She encouraged all questions and had answers to all of them. Quite knowledgeable! We enjoyed the lunch! Delicious! The young helper on the bus and bus drivers were great too! Very professional. Loved the bus stop at the restaurant. We purchased some yummy desserts! Thank you!!!
Thank you for your amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a breathtaking and memorable experience at Meteora. We’re especially happy that Maria’s knowledge, friendly personality, and sense of humor made the monastery visit so enjoyable. It’s wonderful to know you also enjoyed the lunch, restaurant stop, and the service from our bus team. We truly appreciate your kind words. Thank you for traveling with us!
The sights and the Monasteries were WELL worth the long drive to Meteora. The reason I am going for three stars is that the process of finding the bus and getting to Meteora was confusing and nobody really explained what was going on or how the day would flow or when we would arrive or anything like that. When we arrived, our actual tour guide was nice and he gave us the information we needed. However, throughout the day he gave no chance to ask questions about the sights and he was not very engaging with the group at all.
Thank you for your detailed feedback. We’re glad to hear that you found the sights and monasteries of Meteora well worth the journey. We apologize for the confusion during the initial bus arrangements and appreciate your comments about the need for clearer communication. We’re also sorry to hear that the guide’s interaction did not fully meet your expectations, and we will take your feedback into consideration to improve the experience. Thank you for traveling with us!
This is a must see! The guide Nick was very knowledgeable and approachable. The stairs and path for St.Nicholas were very steep and uneven. You need to follow a dress code and if not they provide skirts and pants to borrow, etc. The bus got a bit warm but had comfortable seats and plugs for chargers. Bathroom break was half way there and back so every 2 hours. there were opportunities to get drink and food during these quick breaks. Once we arrived we had some time in the town to shop or eat. I was along day but an amazing and beautiful place to visit!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed this amazing destination and that Nick’s knowledge and friendly approach enhanced your experience. We also appreciate your helpful tips regarding the stairs, dress code, and journey. We’re sorry the bus felt a bit warm at times, but we’re glad you found the ride comfortable overall. Thank you for your recommendation and for traveling with us!
It’s a long day if going from Athens but worth it. The town below, the stops along the way and of course the monasteries, amazing.
Thank you for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that, despite the long day from Athens, you found the experience worthwhile. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed the town, the stops along the way, and of course the amazing monasteries. We’re glad you enjoyed the experience!
Everything was great ! The only thing i had issue with was the lunch. It was a buffet and it was not good at all, wished it was specified that it was a buffet . If i had known, i would have just gotten my own lunch for the same price at a better restaurant. George and Maria were great and very informative . George drived safely.
Thank you for your feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and that George and Maria helped make the experience memorable with their professionalism and informative guidance. We’re sorry that the buffet lunch did not meet your expectations, and we appreciate your comments. Your feedback is valuable to us. Thank you for choosing our tour.
Nice excursion. Lots of information from Yannis about the area and monasteries
Thank you for your kind review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the excursion and the information shared by Yannis about the area and the monasteries. We truly appreciate your feedback!
Although it was a very long day, the bus was comfortable, the driver and guide were both friendly and knowledgeable, and the lunch was enjoyable. There were sufficient comfort stops allowing you to purchase additional items. The Meteora Monasteries were amazing and the scenery stunning. Adequate time was provided to enjoy each experience however you do need a good level of fitness as there are a lot of stairs!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the comfortable journey, the guidance, the lunch, and of course the stunning beauty of Meteora. We also appreciate you highlighting the physical aspect of the monastery visits, as this is very helpful for future travelers. We’re so glad you had such a memorable experience!
