meteora tours from athens

The Best Meteora Tours to Take From Athens

 Dimitrious Tilis/Getty Images

Taking a tour from Athens to Meteora is an astonishing journey through time. People have been occupying the peaks of this group of massive sandstone needles for at least 50,000 years. A 23,000-year-old stone wall across the mouth of a cave, built by humans during an ice age, is the oldest known man-made construction in the world.

From about the 11th century, Eastern Orthodox hermits occupied caves high up on the face of some of the cliffs. But it was in the 14th century when whole groups of monks and nuns, hoping to protect themselves and their Byzantine treasures from raiding Ottoman Turks, built elaborate and virtually inaccessible monasteries on Meteora's pinnacles. At one time, there were 24 monasteries, only accessible by elaborate arrangements of winches and nets. Today, there are six operating monasteries left, and you can reach them by climbing between 150 and 300 steps that were carved into the vertical rock faces in the 19th century. Meteora is an UNESCO listed World Heritage site

A number of tours make visiting these remarkable places a bit easier. Some include train or coach travel from Athens, but some of the best are organized by locals and require you to book your own transportation from Athens to Kalambaka, the nearest village to Meteora. Don't be surprised if a certain amount of typical Greek disorganization and confusion prevails at key points along the way; getting to Meteora can be something of an adventure in itself, but they always get you there in the end.

And by the way, don't be surprised to find the town spelled Kalabaka, Kalapaka or Kalampaka—or all versions, even in the same paragraph. It's just one of those peculiarities of transliterating the Greek alphabet into the Roman alphabet. To turn "p" into "b", Greeks will sometimes add an "m" in front of it. It causes havoc for English speakers trying to read train schedules or look up things on the internet. 

Whichever you tour you choose, wear good shoes, bring water, and dress modestly for the experience of a lifetime. Here are some of the best tours to Meteora we've found.

Visit Meteora Tours

George Papapostolou/Getty Images

Visit Meteora Tours is a relatively new, award-winning destination management organization of travel specialists in the region. They offer a wide variety of reasonably priced tour experiences, including visits to the monasteries, rock climbing, and hiking expeditions in and around Meteora. You need to organize your own train travel for many of their tours, but they'll advise you on schedules, prices, and how to book your trains (not always easy from outside Greece).

The prices for many of these tours are very reasonable:

• F ull day, private tour for up to four adults, including a customizable itinerary, costs only €180 - per car, not per person.
• Train to Train tours  - A local guide, driving a luxury mini van, collects you at Kalambaka station, takes you on a three-hour tour of all six monasteries - including visits inside two of them - and delivers you back to the station in time for the Athens or Thessaloniki train, all for €35 per person, with no minimum number of travelers. 
• Meteora Hiking Tour  - A four and a half-hour guided hike on hidden local paths through the forests at the base of the rock formations. The tour includes a visit to a restored and hidden monastery now open only to hikers as well as visits to one or two of the areas greatest monasteries on paths once used by the monks in the middle ages. Although this tour is open to children and families, the organizers suggest it requires a reasonable level of both physical fitness and, gulp, mental health. The cost is €35 for between two and 12 hikers.

This tour company also organizes multi-day visits, taking in several of the different local tours on offer—food and wine tours, truffle hunting, cave hiking, mountain biking tours.

If you have deep pockets, and are short on time, they'll even organize a private helicopter tour from Athens.

Chauffer-Driven Tours of Meteora

 Paul Birit/Getty Images

Prestige Greece provide private, luxury limos to celebrities, sports figures, and corporate executives. They can also organize private two-day limo or luxury mini-van jaunts to Delphi and Meteora. The itineraries are much like the itineraries described above—travel to Delphi, then stay overnight in either Delphi or Kalambaka, make a visit to the monasteries, and head back to Athens.

But the similarities end there. Where you stop for lunch, drinks, evening entertainment, and a spot of shopping is up to you. So are your accommodations and the particular vehicle that conveys you there. In addition to your English-speaking chauffeur, a professional guide can be organized to meet you at each location. And, if that is a bit restrictive, the company can put together a completely personalized, private tour to meet all your requirements.

Naturally, this kind of personal attention comes at a price. Everything Prestige-Greece does is bespoke - including the pricing. You can email them with your requirements or phone them on +30 210 3254 151 to talk about it. They'll come back to you with a quote and some well-informed suggestions of their own.

Two or Three-Day Excursions to Delphi and Meteora

Jean-Pierre Lescourret/Getty Images 

If you'd prefer to avoid the hassle and stress of organizing train travel, you can leave the driving to CHAT Tours, one of Greece's leading coach tour operators. They operate two- and three-day tours to Athens and Delphi with stops at other points of interest along the way.

Tours on luxury, air-conditioned coaches depart from the company's base in a central Athens hotel, The two-day tours run from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the second day. The three-day tours leave Athens at 8:45 a.m. on the first day and return at 7 p.m. on the third day.

The two-day tour (Trip 8A), which includes either "tourist class" or "first class" accommodation in Kalambaka, begins with a drive to Delphi and a visit to the archaeological site but not Delphi's wonderful museum. Then it's on to Kalambaka to explore the village and have dinner. The second day includes visits to the rock monasteries of Meteora and the drive back to Athens with a photo stop at Thermopylae, scene of the famous battle between the Spartans and Persians featured in the film 300.  In 2018, this tour, on a half-board basis, starts at €185 per person.

The three-day version of this trip (Trip 8), includes more time in Delphi, including a chance to visit the museum, an overnight stay in the town and a free morning there. Though Delphi is a magnet for tourists, it still has some good souvenir shopping, notably for Greek-made gold jewelry, pottery and reproductions of classic pieces. On the afternoon of day two, the coach travels to Kalambaka for a visit to the town and and overnight stay, and day three, as above, includes Meteora and a possible photo stop at Thermopylae on the way back to Athens. In 2018, this tour is offered on a half-board basis starting at €342 per person.

Both tours are accompanied by entertaining, well-informed, English-speaking, professional guides. These tours can be booked online on the CHAT Tours website or organized the old-fashioned way, through your own travel agent.

Trips by Rail

 Jeremy Villasis/Getty Images

The online tour and experience booker Viator organizes day trips coordinating train travel from Athens with local, Meteora drivers and suppliers. 

This tour, costing £80.44 per person in 2018, includes round-trip rail travel from Larissa Station, Athens's main station. It's a full-day tour, but keep in mind you will be spending about five hours on the train each way, to Kalambaka station and back. It's a very dramatic journey across central Greece, but you probably will want to bring something to read.

The tour includes a scenic drive to see (but not visit) all six monastic retreats, with photo stops and a chance to learn more about their histories from a local guide. You can also choose to climb up to one or two of the monasteries. In all, you spend about 3.5 hours in Meteora.

Local transportation is in a luxury, air-conditioned minivan with free Wi-Fi. Entrance fees to the monasteries (€3 each), meals, drinks and tips are not included.

How to Book:

• Booking is online through the Viator website .
• When you book, they send a confirmation email that includes a pdf document of your tickets that you should print out. 
• There are contact numbers for the actual travel supplier with the confirmation email.
• It's a good idea to check with the travel supplier to make sure you have an actual seat reservation for the train journey, which is different from simply having a ticket to board. Some travelers have complained about having to stand for long parts of the train trip.
• You are essentially on your own until you reach Kalambaka, so make sure to contact the trip organizer to make sure you know how to get from your hotel or the airport to Larissa Station and how you will be met at Kalambaka.

Viator also offer a two-day package that includes many of the same features but gives more time to explore the town of Kalambaka and includes a stay in a 3- or 4-star hotel, breakfast and dinner and a longer, 4-hour tour of the monasteries. The two-day package also includes Kalambaka hotel pick-up and drop-off for the morning monasteries tour. If you have the time, it's worth the overnight stay to have a stress-free tour the next morning. In 2018, the price is about £140.

How to Travel from Venice to Athens by Plane, Ferry, and Cruise

14 Mango Farms and Festivals to Enjoy Mangoes in India

The Best Tours of Athens, Greece

The Best Staycation in Every State

The Top 11 Day Trips From Athens

Kalimpong, West Bengal: The Complete Guide

7 Top Sundarban Tour Operators and Packages

Top 18 Things to Do in Athens, Greece

Don't Make These 8 Common Tourist Mistakes in Greece

Greece’s Corinth Canal: The Complete Guide

48 Hours in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary

Where to Go in 2021: 10 Future Trips You Can Start Planning Now

Traveling Safely in Greece

Mediterranean Cruise Maps

Planning a Honeymoon in Greece: The Complete Guide

The 14 Best Day Trips from Rome

The 7 Best Meteora Tours From Athens [2024 Reviews]

Sometimes you stumble across memorable images of beautiful buildings in unbelievable locations and wonder if they’re even real. Meteora is such a place.

Due to a series of unique geological processes, the area of Meteora features tall columns of sandstone and conglomerate that loom over lush green valleys.

And during the medieval period, monks built amazing monasteries upon those remote and difficult to reach peaks. Now you have the opportunity to visit these places that once would have taken several days of hiking and a dangerous climb to reach.

I’ve reviewed 7 of the top-rated Meteora tours from Athens. Some are combined with other activities. Some involve some challenging but fun hikes. Some are focused on visiting the most beautiful viewpoints. One of them will be perfect for you.

Be sure to see our reviews of Acropolis Tours , Delphi Day Trips and Athens Boat trips .

Best Tours of Meteora from Athens

Quick answer: the 7 best rated meteora tours from athens.

• Meteora Full-Day Trip From Athens By Train
• Athens: Meteora Independent Train Trip & Monastery Tour
• From Athens: Full-Day Meteora Trip By Train
• Two Days Rail Tour To Meteora From Athens
• Meteora: 4-Hour Highlights Tour
• Meteora: Full-Day Private Trip From Athens Or Piraeus
• From Athens: Delphi & Meteora 2-Day Tour With Hotel

Meteora Tours From Athens Reviews

1. meteora full-day trip from athens by train.

• Departure Point : Athens Railway Station
• Departure Time: 7:20 AM
• Duration : 14 hours
• Includes : English speaking guide, train tickets from Athens to Kalambaka Railway Station, air-conditioned transport to Meteora, visit 2 monasteries and the Badovas caves

Archaeological excavation of caves in the Meteora area revealed human occupation dating back 50,000 years and the oldest known wall in the world, dated to c. 21,000 BCE.

Your train from Athens takes a stunning scenic route through the Greek countryside and through breathtaking mountain passes. Once you’ve reached Kalambaka, you’ll transfer to an air-conditioned bus to explore the Meteora area and the Badovas caves.

Through the geological process of erosion, tall pillars of sandstone and conglomerate were carved out of the sedimentary rock. These natural formations made perfect locations for early Christian monks to establish remote hermitages in caves and atop precarious clifftops.

On your tour around the area, you’ll be amazed at the beauty of these once remote monasteries standing high above the lush green valley.

Your tour will take you inside 2 of the monasteries. In bygone days, visitors could only visit the monasteries by climbing up rickety ladders or ropes.

Thankfully, now stone steps have been built up the cliffs to enable an easier and safer approach. Inside the monasteries, you’ll discover how the monks live today and learn about the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. athens: meteora independent train trip & monastery tour.

• Departure Point : Kalambaka Train Station
• Departure Time: 7:00 AM
• Includes : English speaking guide, train tickets from Athens to Kalambaka, transfer to Meteora, bottled water, Wi-Fi, and visits to 3 monasteries

Your train journey from Athens to Kalambaka will provide you with scenic views of the Greek countryside. After collection from Kalambaka Railway Station, you’ll enjoy a bus drive into the Meteora area.

As you pass through the lush green valleys, you’ll be amazed at the high cliffs and pillars of sandstone and conglomerate that tower above you. Atop several of these cliffs and pillars stand ancient monuments built 700 years ago by Orthodox monks.

You’ll have numerous opportunities to take fantastic photographs of yourself and your loved ones atop high cliffs and overlooking stunning monasteries.

The scenery around the area is breathtaking, and your visits to 3 monasteries will introduce you to a unique way of life that has changed little over the past millennium.

3. From Athens: Full-Day Meteora Trip By Train

• Duration : 1 day
• Includes : English speaking guide, train tickets from Athens to Kalambaka, tour of Meteora, Wi-Fi, tourist map, and tour inside 2 monasteries

After your scenic train journey from Athens, your local guide will collect you from Kalambaka Railway Station and take you on a tour of the famous monastic sites around the Meteora area.

Mother Nature created stunning rock formations, including sheer cliffs, tall rock pillars, and natural caves. In ancient times, Christian hermits moved into those caves and eventually founded monasteries atop the pinnacles of the rock pillars.

These holy shrines and their beautiful natural setting are together now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During your tour, you’ll be taken inside at least 2 of these amazing monasteries that were founded 700 years ago. At its most active, this region hosted 24 monasteries. Today, only 6 survive.

But your local expert guide will be able to show you around inside 2 or more of these imposing religious structures and tell you all about their fascinating history.

4. Two Days Rail Tour To Meteora From Athens

• Departure Point : Kalampaka Train Station
• Departure Time: 7:15 AM
• Duration : 2 days
• Includes : English speaking guide, train tickets from Athens to Meteora, hotel stay, Wi-Fi, and map

The train from Athens to Kalambaka passes through some of the most stunning mountain scenery you’ll ever see. Upon arrival in Kalambaka, you’ll transfer to your hotel. That evening, you’ll experience a wonderful Meteora Sunset Tour.

This excursion shows you the most beautiful landmarks of the Meteora region and enables you to experience a sunset over this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the second day, you can choose between a morning tour or a hiking tour, if you have the stamina. On a hiking tour, you can better imagine what life was like for the hermits who chose to live in the Meteora area back before there were modern roads and steps built up the slopes.

But on the morning tour, you’ll see more of the area as you’re driven around from site to site. Whichever option you choose, your English-speaking guide will tell you all about the history of the area.

You’ll learn all about the early humans who lived in the Meteora caves 50,000 years ago, the hermits who came to live on the pillars of rock, and the building of the 24 monasteries that once stood in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Meteora: 5-Hour Highlights Tour

• Departure Point : Kalabaka Train Station
• Departure Time: 11:30 AM
• Duration : 4 hours
• Includes : English speaking guide, tour around Meteora, visit the monasteries, Wi-Fi, and tourist map

You’ll be collected from Kalabaka Railway Station by mini-bus and transported into the beautiful Meteora area. As you drive around the lush valleys, you’ll be amazed by the natural pillars of sandstone and conglomerate that loom overhead.

During the medieval period, Christian monks built remote monasteries atop many of these pillars and on surrounding plateaus.

Originally, visitors to these holy shrines would have faced great danger climbing up the near-vertical sides of the pillars. Many of the monasteries could only be reached by rickety ladders or ropes and nets.

Fortunately, when you visit today, you’ll be able to use steps built in modern times to make access to the ancient monasteries safer and more convenient. Your tour will take you around the picturesque landscape of the region and enable you to see all 6 surviving monasteries.

Your guide will also take you inside 2 or 3 of these monasteries so you can experience the spirituality and admire the architecture of these unique structures around this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6. Meteora: Full-Day Private Trip From Athens Or Piraeus

• Departure Point : Hotel pick-up
• Duration : 12 hours
• Includes : English speaking guide and air-conditioned transportation to Meteora

At some point in geological history, the sedimentary rocks in this region were crisscrossed with fault lines. Erosion over the millennia carved away the rocks around the fault lines leaving behind tall pillars of sandstone and conglomerate that now loom over the surrounding valleys.

As you tour the area in an air-conditioned bus, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of these natural towers and lush valleys.

These stunning geographical features have attracted much interest over the years. During the medieval period, Christian hermits came here to escape the temptation and problems of secular life.

They found caves and crevasses to hide away from the world. When the Turks invaded the area, more hermits came for refuge.

Over the years, these gatherings of holy people turned into monasteries. At one point, 24 monasteries were built atop the pillars and plateaus of this region. Today, only 6 remain active, and you have a unique opportunity to visit 2 of these monasteries during your visit to this area.

You’ll surely agree these surviving monasteries are stunning monuments to live outside of the mainstream.

More Information & Toiur Booking

7. from athens: delphi & meteora 2-day tour with hotel.

• Departure Point : Leoforos Vasilis Amalias and Souri Street
• Departure Time: 8:15 AM
• Includes : English speaking guide, air-conditioned transport to Meteora and Delphi, entry fees, hotel accommodation in a picturesque village, and meals

Much like many events in Ancient Greek history and mythology, your tour begins with a visit to Delphi. In ancient times, the Oracle of Delphi was the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo in Delphi and the most important religious figure in Ancient Greece.

Important political figures would visit the Oracle of Delphi to seek advice. It was believed that the god Apollo granted her wisdom and prophecies.

During your visit, you’ll tour the ruins of the sanctuary of Pythia, including the famous Temple of Apollo. Due to the importance of the site during antiquity, the ruins there are especially impressive. Your tour guide will take you around the site and explain its key role in Ancient Greek politics and mythology.

This role still has an impact on society today through classical literature, such as the famous play Oedipus Rex written by Sophocles.

After your overnight stay in the picturesque village of Kalabaka, you’ll travel to Meteora where the unique rock formations leave many visitors breathless. Geological processes have created tall pillars of rock that stand out across the landscape.

Christian hermits sought refuge atop these rock formations during the medieval period, especially during Turkish incursions into the region. Over time, these hermitages grew into isolated monasteries.

You’ll visit some of the surviving 6 monasteries to learn about the life of the nuns and monks who choose to live in this inaccessible location far away from the stresses and temptations of modern life. There is much to admire in the architecture and art found in these religious structures.

During your return to Athens, you’ll stop off at the site of the famous Battle of Thermopylae where 300 Spartans fought to hold off a much larger Persian invasion force. A famous memorial statue to King Leonidas I stands watch over the site.

Athens Travel Guide

Athens is the origin of much that we take for granted in everyday life. It’s the birthplace of democracy, classical architecture, philosophy, and the Olympic Games.More through good luck than planning, many stunning structures survive from Greece’s Golden Age, so visiting Athens becomes a journey to the very roots of Western Civilization.

There’s much more to see and do in Athens than I can squeeze into this brief travel guide, but I hope it will provide a good starting point as you plan your visit.

Airports & Entry

Athens International Airport is the busiest airport in Greece and the 27 th busiest in Europe. It handles around 24 million passengers a year. Since the airport was only opened in 2001 and expanded in 2018, you’ll find the 2 terminals and all the facilities modern. An underground moving sidewalk connects the original main terminal to the new satellite terminal.

What’s unusual about Athens Airport is the presence of an art gallery and 3 museums. If you get bored waiting for your flight, they provide lots for you to see. The Art & Culture Exhibition Area is found on the Arrivals level. They host regular photography and painting exhibitions, book signings, and cultural events.

In the main terminal, the Acropolis Museum features classical Greek exhibits from the Acropolis. On the Departures level, the Eleftherios Venizelos Exhibition displays relics from Greek aviation history in the. In the same area, you’ll find the Exhibition of Archaeological Findings.

Getting back to the modern world, you’ll find mobile charging points around the airport, and free Wi-Fi on the “ATH Free Wi-Fi” network. The free Wi-Fi only lasts 45 minutes, but you can log-in again as often as you like.

If you’re traveling with kids aged 18 months to 7-years-old, you’ll find a children’s play area in the main terminal landside on the 2 nd floor. It’s open from 9 am to 9 pm. There are baby rooms and diaper changing facilities throughout the airport on both landside and airside.

With 20 food outlets, you won’t have any problem finding something to eat. Many are open 24 hours. The airport also has a mini market on the Arrivals level, landside and duty-free shopping on the Departures level. Many of the stores in the airport operate 24 hours.

ATMs are located all around the airport on both Arrivals and Departures levels. There are also multiple currency exchange kiosks operated by ONExchange. You’ll find full banking services at the Alpha Bank on the Arrivals level landside, open from 8 am to 6 pm weekdays and 9 am to 4 pm on weekends and bank holidays.

If you have a medical problem, there’s a pharmacy on the Arrivals level, landside, open from 6 am to midnight. Urgent emergency care is available at the airport first aid station provided by qualified members of the National Center for Emergency Care.

The easiest way to get into Athens from the airport is on the Metro . The airport train station is connected to the city via Metro Line 3. The journey takes 40 minutes and there’s a service every ½ hour. There are also services to other cities and archaeological sites provided by the Athens Suburban Railway .

The city bus company, Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA ), provides even more frequent services into the city. 4 bus services (X93, X95, X96, and X97) operate from the Arrivals level between Exits 4 and 5. The buses run 24/7 and the X95 to Syntagma (Athens City Center) takes around 40 minutes and departs every 15 to 20 minutes.

Alternatively, the major vehicle rental companies (Hertz, National, Europcar, Budget, Avis, Sixt, and Alamo) have desks on the Arrivals level.

And there’s always the taxi stand, found on the Arrivals level, Exit 3. During the day, the fare into the city center is around €48 but increases to €54 after midnight until 5 am.

Planning Tips

Athens is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy your stay. Just to ensure you do, here are 5 tips to help you plan your visit.

Tip #1: Watch your purse and your pockets

Pickpockets and purse-snatchers love Athens. The crowds of oblivious tourists admiring stunning architecture provide great prospects for any unscrupulous thief to get rich quick. Watch out for thieves everywhere, especially in the Metro system, around all the tourist attractions, and Omonia Square.

Tip #2: Book tickets in advance, especially during summer

Athens is a popular destination, so tours frequently sell out. Consider booking in advance so that you are assured of the excursions you want to take. Most reputable tour operators offer full refunds for trips canceled with reasonable notice. Just check the refund policy when you book any tours.

Tip #3: Go during spring or fall

Many of the most important attractions in Athens are outdoor, so you’re exposed to the sun. Because Athens is the second hottest capital city in Europe, the summer heat can become unbearable. If you’re traveling with young kids or elderly relatives, you certainly shouldn’t take them during summer.

Personally, I would prefer not to visit Athens in the summer. Not only is it too hot to appreciate the beauty of the city in the middle of the day, but it’s also when the city and its many attractions are most crowded. If you want warm rather than hot weather, go in spring or fall.

Tip #4: Buy unique souvenirs

Pop over to the Plaka neighborhood for some unique souvenirs. Spoons and ladles carved from olivewood, unique Greek products, as well as the usual range of T-shirts and less cultural souvenirs are found in the many gift shops in its labyrinth of old-world alleyways.

There are also many specialist jewelry shops in the Plaka neighborhood, where you can purchase custom-designed and unique items. Many of these stores are owned by artists, like the popular jewelers, Byzantino .

Tip #5: Cash is king

Greece is not a cashless society. You may be used to sticking all your restaurant and transport bills on a credit card, but this probably won’t work so well in Athens. A surprising number of busy restaurants and large stores don’t accept electronic payment methods, so you must be prepared to carry cash.

Because of the pickpockets mentioned above, consider methods to protect your cash. A fanny pack may look unattractive, but it beats getting your restaurant bill and discovering your wallet isn’t where it should be.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Because Athens is a Mediterranean port city, the local food is typically Mediterranean, with frequent use of fish and olives. In fact, a founding myth about the city claims that when competing to become the patron god of the city, the god Poseidon gave them a saltwater spring and the goddess Athena gave them their first olive tree.

Breakfasts typically consist of pastries from one of the many bakeries and a cup of coffee. Common breakfast pastries include the savory feta or spinach pastry, a flaky phyllo pastry, or the sweet Bougatsa custard pastry. Although it is not a traditional Athenian breakfast food, some cafés also sell Greek yoghurt due to tourist demand.

Athens’ streets are riddled with tavernas and cafés. Lunches are long and leisurely. Like in Spain, dinner is typically eaten late. Restaurants usually get busy at around 10 pm. Food is ordered for the table (the group of people sitting together) rather than the individual. This means that portions are often large because they are designed to be shared rather than eaten by one.

The tavernas offer a variety of hors d’oeuvre called a mezedes, which is a small dish of hot or cold food with dips. Mezedes are often eaten while drinking ouzo, a strong anise liquor. My favorite mezedes is saganaki, which is great for any cheese lover. It’s a hard cheese fried to create a crunchy crust and sprinkled with lemon juice. Tomatokeftedes (tomato balls) are another popular appetizer, sweet, soft, and full of herbs and tomato. Mezedes are typically served with a yoghurt dip.

Alongside mezedes, Athenians eat salad. Horiatiki salata (Greek salad) is tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, spicy shallots, and olives, all splashed with virgin olive oil and topped with feta cheese. Because the salad portion is designed to be shared, one person can make a filling meal out of a single serving of salad and some crusty bread.

Perhaps the most famous main dish in Athens is moussaka. This is an oven-baked dish consisting of mincemeat layered with either potatoes or eggplant and topped with bechamel. It’s not an exclusively Greek dish, but the currently popular version originated in Greece. Moussaka tastes best when seasoned with nutmeg and cinnamon.

A common variant of moussaka is pastitsio. This is another oven-baked dish with mincemeat and topped with bechamel, but this time layered with pasta and tomato sauce.

Being next to the sea, fish soup is popular in Athens. Different kinds of fish appear in the soup depending upon the season. It’s usually a rich broth with lots of fish, vegetables, and flavored with lemon.

But my favorite main dish is pastitsiopanakopita. This spinach and cheese pie is baked in a filo pastry and heavily seasoned. Unfortunately for me, it’s a messy dish. The filo pastry is crumbly and goes everywhere!

When it comes to desserts, Athenians get messy. Their sweet dessert pastries are drenched in honey or syrup. But these sticky treats are delicious when freshly baked. The most popular variety is baklava, which is layers of filo dough stuffed with chopped nuts, usually almonds or pistachios. Another common variety is kataifi, which looks like Shredded Wheat but is fine strands of pastry wrapped around a chopped nut center, usually almonds or walnuts.

Nightlife & Entertainment

While Athens may not have the reputation for wild nightlife found in other parts of the Mediterranean, like the Balearic Islands, you can still find vibrant nightclubs and lively bars. The different areas of the city tend to attract different crowds, so let’s run through them.

If you’re into clubbing, Kerranmeikos is the place to go. This is where you’ll find the new super-club opened by Lindsay Lohan, simply called LOHAN . With Hollywood financing and Greek knowhow, this club features internationally renowned DJs using the highest quality sound and light equipment. It’s a club dedicated to dance parties. In the same area, you’ll find a selection of popular bars, such as The Blue Parrot and Bios .

The neighboring Gazi area is the place to go for live Rebetiko venues, which is a kind of Greek urban blues music. So, if you want to try something uniquely Greek, then you could skip the super-club and head straight for a Rebetiko bar and spend the night listening to Greek blues and drinking ouzo.

If you’re looking for lively bars, Exarchia is the area favored by young Athenians. There are many popular bars along Emmanouil Benaki Street. But Exarchia is also an area known for graffiti and anarchy. In 2008/9, riots brought conflict between youths and police on these narrow streets. However, that’s only a footnote in modern history. Sandwiched between the University of Athens and the polytechnic, the area is filled with trendy cafés and bars aimed at Bohemian youths.

But if you prefer more sophisticated cocktail bars and hipster hangouts, the two areas to go are Psyrri and Koukaki. Psyrri is a high-class area with lots of bars and a small but lively nightclub called Cantina Social. The most interesting bar to check out is Six d.o.g.s, which is a unique bar with DJs, live music, club nights, and art exhibitions! And if you’re into wine, Materia Prima Wine Bar in Psyrri has a fantastic reputation.

Getting Around

In central Athens, many of the attractions are close together, so walking is a viable option. However, to really see the city, public transport is the best option. You can use the Metro, buses, or trams. To use public transport , you’ll need an ATH.ENA Card .

The Metro is the easiest and quickest way to travel around Athens. The signs and maps can be confusing since some are only in Greek, but the network is simple. There are only 3 lines, and once you get a feel for the system, it becomes easy.

The main Metro station in the center of Athens is Syntagma. This is in the same area as the Greek parliament building and the main city square. Much like the airport, this station also holds a museum. In this case, the museum displays the archaeological treasures unearthed when the station was built.

The buses in Athens are not as comfortable or as quick as the Metro. Also, the bus times tend to be unpredictable and the routes confusing. Bus stops are often difficult to find, and you might need to ask a local for directions. Some of the buses are “trolleys”, which are the same as regular buses except that they run on electricity.

The trams are modern and environmentally friendly. There are only 3 tram services, and they all connect Syntagma Station with coastal resorts and beaches.

Taxis are always an option, but you’ll find them expensive compared to public transport and not as quick as the Metro.

Accommodations

Athens is an extremely popular destination for anybody interested in classical history, Greek language and culture, or simply sunny beaches. Because so many visitors crowd the city every year, you’ll find a broad range of hotels suitable for every budget and taste.

If you’re interested in history, the best areas to stay are around the city center near the Acropolis, like Makrianni, Monastiraki, Plaka, Syntagma, and Thission. The Plaka area is arguably the most desirable location because it’s nestled between the Acropolis and Syntagma Square (main square and central Metro station). Plaka is the quietest and most peaceful area of Athens.

Because of the problem of pick-pockets in Athens, you’ll want to make sure your hotel room has a safe. Whenever you go out, leave anything you won’t need in your safe. Any important documents, credit cards you won’t need that day, and spare cash should be left safely behind.

There are a few very seedy hotels in Athens that you’ll want to avoid. My advice is to check reviews on more than one hotel-reviewing site before booking. You’ll find some cheap hostels and basic hotels around Omonia Square, but the area is renowned for purse snatchers and seediness, as well as legal brothels.

A friend booked a night at the Athens House Hotel on booking.com because the reviews there looked positive, and she wanted to stay somewhere cheap and basic. When she arrived, the hotel’s hygiene standards were abysmal. When she later looked on TripAdvisor, she found the same hotel had a rating of 2 out of 5 stars and featured some extremely alarming reviews!

But, to be fair, the Athens House Hotel is great for economy backpackers. With last minute rooms at $10 or $20 a night, you can put up with bad service and a bit of grime!

If you’re made of money and want to sample the high life, check out the Hotel Grande Bretagne (GB) . A basic suite in the GB will cost around $300 a night, but you get what you pay for. This luxury hotel overlooks Syntagma Square, and you can even watch the changing of the guards in front of the Greek parliament building from your balcony.

The GB has one pool in the basement and another on the roof. There’s also a fully-equipped spa in the basement. The exclusive Alexander’s Bar inside the GB was voted Best Hotel Bar in the World by Forbes magazine, and the GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar provides the best views of the Acropolis you’ll find in the city.

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, check out the Hotel Attalos . It’s not quite so central as the GB, but it also has a roof garden café with fantastic views of the Acropolis for around $125 a night.

The Hotel Attalos is a 15-minute walk to the Acropolis and the same to central Syntagma Square. It’s only a short walk to the Monastiraki Metro Station, so it’s convenient for rapid public transport to all the main attractions. It gets fantastic reviews and ratings on both TripAdvisor and Booking.com.

But when I take my family to Athens, I avoid the crowds and pollution in the city center altogether. Not far from the city, there are dozens of clean and modern hotels along the coastline of the Athenian Riviera. With the great tram connections to Syntagma Square Station, they’re only a short ride away from all the main attractions.

Most coastal hotels are walking distance to the beach, and sometimes their buildings even segue into the sand. They typically offer more spacious and better-equipped rooms for a fraction of the price of city center hotels.

For example, consider Maison 66 in Alimos. This modern hotel is 6 miles from Syntagma Square, which means 25 minutes in a car or 45 minutes on a tram. That might sound like a lot of traveling, but Maison 66 offers a beautifully decorated room with a sea view, furnished balcony, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, en-suite bathrooms with shower cabins, and free Wi-FI for only $80 per night.

Maison 66 is rated 9.1/10 on Booking.com and 5/5 on TripAdvisor! If your family wants to split their time between the beach and the cultural attractions, this hotel or others like it in coastal beach resorts offer you spacious, clean and modern accommodation for a fraction of equivalent hotels in the center of Athens.

Athens is the second hottest capital city in Europe. It experiences mild winters and long, dry, and hot summers. July and August are extremely dry, and most rainfall occurs between October and April.

Because the weather is relatively fine all year long, you can visit Athens at any time. However, I’d recommend you visit Athens in spring (late March through early June) or fall (late September through early November) if possible.

Spring and fall are when the weather isn’t too hot but still warm enough to enjoy the sun. Winter can be chilly and wet, and summer is just too hot for me. Most tourists visit during summer, which means the streets, attractions, and public transport are all crowded.

In summer, it grows too hot in the middle of the day for comfortable sightseeing. If you plan to visit the Acropolis, the best time of day is the early morning before the midday heat bakes the ground. Alternatively, visit in the last two hours of the site’s opening times. In August, average temperatures range from 73 0 F to 89 0 F.

It’s still pleasant and sunny in the fall, so this is a great time to wander around the Panathenaic Stadium. However, there’s more rain than during summer, especially in November. In November, average temperatures range from 54 0 F to 66 0 F.

Athenian winters are mild, but December sees the most rain. Despite warm average temperatures, snow isn’t uncommon, and it can get chilly on occasions. January’s average temperatures range from 45 0 F to 57 0 F.

Rainfall rapidly decreases between April and June, and the days become warmer. The average temperatures in April range from 53 0 F to 67 0 F.

Attractions

99.9% of visitors to Athens have the Acropolis at the top of their “must-see” list, but there’s more to Athens than its citadel. It’s the capital of a modern nation and the center of Greek culture. But, I’m not going to swim against the crowd right now. The Acropolis is top of my list, too!

The Acropolis looms over Athens and is the most famous attraction in Greece. Archaeological evidence shows the hill has been settled since as early as 4,000 BCE, and the Acropolis as we know it began to take shape in the 13 th -century BCE when it was fortified with a wall that still forms part of today’s complex monument.

Most of the structures we see on the old citadel date from the 5 th -century BCE. That’s because a helpful group of Persian invaders leveled many of the pre-existing buildings in 480 BCE during the Greco-Persian Wars.

There are many ancient temples atop the hill, including the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Brauronion. But none is more famous or iconic than the Parthenon . Built in 438 BCE and dedicated to Athena Parthenos, this is the most awesome example of Ancient Greek architecture in existence.

Also inside the Acropolis is the Acropolis Museum . This incongruous, modern structure stands 3-stores-high, right beside the Parthenon. However, it does effectively display the artifacts recovered by archaeologists from excavations atop the hill. The highlight is the Parthenon Marbles exhibition on the top floor. To fully appreciate the Acropolis, take a guided tour .

Don’t miss the Theatre of Dionysus. Situated at the foot of the Acropolis and carved into the southern cliff, this is believed to be the oldest surviving theater in the world. The site has been a theater since the 6 th -century BCE, but the present structure is 4 th- century BCE. If you ever had to read Greek tragedies in school written by Euripides or Sophocles, this is where those famous plays premiered!

The last ancient monument in the city I’ll specifically recommend is the Panathenaic Stadium . Not only is this the only athletic stadium in the world constructed in marble, but it’s also the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games .

The stadium began life in antiquity as a racecourse and was transformed into a stadium in 330 BCE. The current marble structure dates to 144 CE and was designed to seat 50,000 spectators. The first modern Olympic Games were held here in 1896.

But Athens isn’t all about ancient antiquity. The heart of the modern city isn’t atop the Acropolis. It’s Syntagma Square. Not only is this where you’ll find the main Metro station, but it’s the central square and location of the Greek Parliament building.

The Parliament building is guarded by Evzones, who are parliamentary guards. Evzones wear special handmade shoes and uniforms and perform an hourly changing of the guards. There is an especially elaborate changing ceremony at 11 am every Sunday.

Pop over to the Plaka neighborhood to see charming houses decked with flower baskets and colorful cafés with outdoor seating. You’ll definitely need your camera as you explore this picturesque area.

The Plaka neighborhood is a great place to sample traditional Greek food and buy unique souvenirs. And if you’ve always wanted to try a traditional Turkish Bath, you can enjoy a steam bath and a relaxing massage at Al Hammam .

And if you want to see where the Athenians shop, check out the Varvakeios Central Food Market . This is where you can get a feeling for the heartbeat of Athens. This market is a great place to sample authentic Greek fresh foods and drinks. Why not try some strong Greek coffee made just how Athenians like it? But note that this market, like many grocery businesses in Greece, is closed on Sundays.

Getting out of the center, consider ascending Lycabettus Hill . This is the highest point in Athens. Sunset is a great time to visit for spectacular views across the city lit by the dying sun. At the top, you’ll find St. George’s Church and Orizontes Restaurant . The restaurant’s rooftop terrace provides stunning views.

You can spend a month in Athens and not see everything, but some people like to explore the wider context and travel to other parts of Greece. Also, in summer, getting out of the capital city helps you escape the relentless heat.

If you want to visit more of Greece, Athens makes a great base. Various Mediterranean islands, such as Aegina, Moni, Agistri, and Santorini, are popular destinations for longer day trips. Or you can enjoy a simple cruise along the Athenian Riviera and enjoy fantastic views of the Greek coast.

Tour Guides

The Full-Day Trip From Athens By Train is our Editors Choice for the best Meteora tour

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

• Meteora Attractions
• Acropolis Tickets
• Acropolis Museum Tickets
• National Archaeological Museum Tickets
• Delphi Tours
• Temple of Olympian Zeus
• Museum of Illusions Athens
• Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounio Tours
• Ancient Olympia Tickets
• Walking Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Travel Guide
• Things to do
• Festivals and Events

Book Meteora Day Trips

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Meteora Monasteries Full-Day Guided Tour from Athens

• You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• 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.
• Spanish or English-speaking tour leader
• Pick-up and drop-off from Kalabaka Train Station
• 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
• 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
• Gratuities (optional)
• 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
• Typically, this tour is conducted via train, but due to recent flooding in Greece, train services have been temporarily interrupted. Replacement buses have been arranged to maintain seamless travel until normal train operations resume. Rest assured, the tour's schedule and stops are unchanged, ensuring a delightful and uninterrupted experience.
• 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.

Hidden Trails of Meteora Hiking Tour

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Go on a hike to discover the “hidden trails” of Meteora and visit ancient ruins and monasteries on the way.
• A worry-free transportation experience awaits as you get hotel transfers in a luxury VIP minibus included in the ticket. All you need to do is look forward to the day of!
• A local mountain guide will be present during the tour to help you make the most of this hike.
• The hike begins on the foothills of Meteora and the trail itself has historic significance since it has been used for 15 centuries by the earliest monks who took this path.
• Visit the ruins of St. Dimitrios and the monastery of Great Meteoron or Varlaam with your guide who will tell you about the history and legends of these landmarks.
• On this tour, you will also visit the Ypapanti Monastery which is set in a cave further back as you go into the hills.
• Don’t forget to take pictures while you visit the most spectacular Eastern Orthodox monasteries on your hike, in addition to the flora and fauna that contribute to breathtaking views on Meteora.
• Hotel transfer (in a luxury VIP minibus)
• English speaking local mountain guide
• Wifi (on the bus)
• Entrance fees to each monastery
• Guided tour inside the monasteries
• Strict dress code: Men must wear long trousers and women must cover their shoulders and wear long skirts in the monasteries.
• Skirts are provided at the entrance of each monastery.

Meteora Tour from Kalabaka Train Station with Greek Lunch

• Discover exactly why the Meteora monasteries are one of Greece’s most visited destinations and a popular UNESCO site. -An expert local guide will be ready and waiting to board a comfortable air-conditioned bus with you.
• Be awed by the beauty of the centuries-old rock formations and the monasteries, and feel the solemn spirituality of the place coursing through you.
• Visit all the magnificent monasteries, and step inside 3 of them to discover the intriguing history, myths, and secrets of the place.
• Sate yourself with a delicious, traditional Greek lunch that includes a salad, mains, freshly baked bread, and vegetarian options.
• Be awed by the hidden gems of Meteora, like the Chapel of Doupiani, and listen to the stories about the hermits who settled here.
• 5-hour Meteora sightseeing tour
• Local tour guide
• Transfer by air-conditioned bus
• Pickup and drop off at Kalambaka’s train station
• Seeing all 6 monasteries, and entering 3
• Lunch at a local restaurant (salad, main dish, bread, and water)
• Strict dress code - There is a strict dress code to enter the Meteora monasteries. Men must wear trousers, while women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders.
• Long skirts are available at the entrance of each monastery.

Full-Day Bus Tour to Meteora from Thessaloniki

• 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.
• Round-trip bus transfers
• Expert English-speaking tour guide
• Travel insurance
• 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
• 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.

Top things to do in Meteora

Experience Meteora Day Trips in Greece| Book Meteora Greece Tours

There is one location in Greece that you must see when you are in the country: the Meteora Monasteries. With the rocks that rise into the sky in the background of majestic mountains sprinkled with red-roofed monasteries, the place, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is different from any other place on Earth. People are drawn to Meteora for a variety of reasons, including its extraordinary geological structures, which make the tour of this place unforgettable. There are currently six functioning monasteries in Meteora, each housing a limited number of monks or nuns.

Take a trip to Meteora to experience the beauty of nature and the religious vibe of the monasteries. Read on to know more about the attraction, timings, highlights, ticket options and more.

Why Go On Meteora Day Trips?

• Meteora is a location that offers exceptional sights of the combination of geological wonder and a historic monastic community.
• The day trips provide you a chance to hike the mountain, starting from the slopes of Meteora, and listen to the mythical tales and history of these hills from a guide. 
• Meteora day trips are the best option to explore three of the existing six monasteries by getting inside them. Visit the Varlaam or Great Meteoron monasteries, as well as the "hidden" Ypapanti monastery too.
• Get an opportunity to discover the ruins of St. Dimitrios apart from the beautiful picturesque views along the trail.

All Your Meteora Tour Ticket Options Explained

Meteora Hiking Tour Tickets

• Leave the city hustle behind as you embark on a hiking tour, discovering the trails of Meteora, that is both refreshing and informative.
• With your Hiking Tour tickets, you can go on a walking tour on the trails of historic significance of Meteora, as earliest monks used these paths for the past 15 centuries. 
• Discover the “hidden trails” of the rock formations of Meteora, as an expert local mountain guide takes you through the foothills, following with an exploration of the ancient ruins and monasteries on the way.
• Soak in the breathtaking views of the attraction, as you take Instagram-worthy photos for the #traveller vibes!
• Visit the ruins of St. Dimitrios to learn about the legends or the Ypapanti Monastery of the Eastern Orthodox belief and get to know about the ancient religious beginnings. 

Meteora Road Trip Tour Tickets

• Get swept off your feet by the picturesque views atop the Meteora boulders and rounded hill formations on your road trip to the monastery complex.
• With your road trip tour tickets, you can admire the Holy Monasteries of Meteroa which have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, through a comfortable train ride and then boarding a VIP luxury bus to the destinations. 
• You can choose to take a trip by train from Athens, Thessaloniki or Kalabaka, depending on your itinerary, but be rest assured that you will enjoy the scenic views of the countryside during any of the tours!
• Revel in the quaint lifestyle of the Greek country towns and visit six monasteries of the Eastern Church, as you look inside three of them.
• Enjoy convenient pick-ups and drop-offs on this guided tour.

Sights Covered On Meteora Day Trips

The Great Meteoron Monastery

The Great Meteoron Holy Monastery in Meteora, Greece is the largest and oldest monastery located there. Because of the cliff structure of a huge rock on top of which it was constructed, it was given the name Meteora, which means "monastery that remains hanging in the air". Also known as the "Megalo Meteoron," it was built in the fourteenth century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite.

Hidden Monastery of Ypapanti

A true jewel of Meteora is its secret monastery, Ypapanti. Mostly accessible on foot, the old, deserted monastery, built in the 14th century is situated in Meteora's northern region. It has undergone extensive renovations over the years from when it was built.

Varlaam Monastery

The Holy Monastery of Varlaam, which was established in the middle of the fourteenth century by a monk named Varlaam is the second-largest monastery in Meteora. It is situated very close to the Great Meteoro Monastery and it has breathtaking views as well as a stunning new museum that houses many of the monastery's priceless artifacts.

The Ruins Of St. Dimitrios

On Dimitrios Rock, where the Ypapanti Monastery is situated, you will see the monastery ruins of St. Dimitrios. St. Dimitrios, which was formerly an Eastern Orthodox monastery, and was once destroyed in 1809, is now a part of the Meteora Monasteries.

Plan Your Visit To Meteora in Greece

Meteora hiking tours provide you the chance to experience a one-of-a-kind terrain surrounded by local flora and species with the company of a professional guide.

The hiking tour starts daily at 8:30 am. The total duration of the tour is around 4 hours.

The hiking tour to Meteora offers a guided hike to Meteora and a visit to the hidden monastery of Ypapanti and the Great Meteoron or Varlaam monasteries.

With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you'll first hike the secret trails of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, like a real local before heading to see the monasteries. On the trip, you will also learn about the legends and history of these hills.

The tour transports you there in a minibus and allows you to explore nature's unsolved secrets and unexpected marvels and takes you to the monasteries in Meteora, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Meteora bus tour starts daily at 12.03 pm from Kalampaka's Train Station. The total duration of the tour is around 4 hours.

According to the type of tickets you purchased, your Meteora bus tours will take you to awe at the magnificence of each of the six monasteries in Meteora in a VIP minibus.

On the day of the tour, you will join the daily trip leaving from the train station in Kalambaka, travel through the stunning Greek countryside in a luxurious VIP minibus while learning about the monasteries' and then explore the sights at Meteora.

Meteora day trips by train offer you to relish the views of the Greek countryside and visit 6 cliff-top monasteries in Meteora while learning about the history and splendour of the Meteora.

The Meteora train trip starts daily at 7:57 am and the total duration of this tour is 14 hours.

The Meteora day trip by train includes a visit to the Meteora monasteries, a train journey through the beautiful countryside, and a visit to explore what is inside 3 of the 6 monasteries.

With this tour, you will travel by train from Athens to Kalambaka railway station where you get a chance to take in the varied scenery. The local tour guide will be waiting for you at the station and take you to the UNESCO-protected Meteora sites, and inside three monasteries.

Visitor Tips

• Please be aware that you have to dress modestly to enter the monasteries. Women must cover their shoulders and wear long skirts—no slacks or trousers. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended for men.
• Wheelchairs are not allowed on the tour; only strollers or prams are permitted.
• Outside food and beverages are permitted
• Pets, guide dogs, and luggage are permitted.

All Your Questions About Meteora Day Trips Answered

A. The Meteora day trip tickets can be purchased online in advance.

A. Yes. The Meteora day trip tickets are available online.

A. Tickets for Meteora day trip tours start at €25. However, depending on the tickets you decide to buy, the price of Meteora tour Tickets may vary.

A. No. Most of the Meteora day trips don't have audio guides.

A. Yes. You can avail of discounts on tickets by booking them online.

A. You can explore nature's unexplainable wonders and unsolved mysteries on day trips to Meteora, where you can also see the monasteries that are situated on breathtaking cliff formations.

A. Some of the sights that are covered on the Meteora day trips include the great Meteoron monastery, Hidden Monastery of Ypapanti, Varlaam monastery, etc.

A. The Meteora monasteries are open from 9 AM to 01:30 PM and from 03:30 PM to 05:30 PM every day, except Mondays throughout the year. Depending on the kind of tour and transfers you book, your day trip timings may differ.

A. Depending on the experience type you have bought, you will benefit from amenities like free wifi, an English-speaking guide, etc. during your Meteora Greece Tour.

A. No. Though some tours allow prams and strollers, the tours are not wheelchair accessible.

A. Yes. Photography is allowed during the trips.

A. Yes. Meteora trips are worth going to. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed place is a must-see as it combines geological beauty with a historically important monastery.

Visiting Delphi and Meteora from Athens

The iconic Tholos at Delphi’s Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. Ancient Delphi is easy to visit from Athens by car (2 1/2 hours), bus (3 hours) or guided tour (so many options – the best are listed below).

See Also • Where to Stay in Athens • Where to Stay in Delphi • Where to Stay in the Meteora • Mainland Greece Travel Guide Mystical Delphi and the awe-inspiring Meteora Monasteries are two of Greece’s most incredible destinations. Both are located on the mainland, and if you’ve got a day or two to spare in your Athens itinerary, are easy to visit on a guided tour or on your own via public transportation or rental car. While Delphi can easily be done on a day trip (but is a delightful place to spend the night), we really recommend spending at least one night in Meteora if at all possible. Visiting Ancient Delphi from Athens

Located on the olive-studded slopes of Mount Parnassos, the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site of Delphi dates back to the 8th century BC and is one of Greece’s most significant archaeological destinations. Once viewed as the epicenter of the world, it is famous for the Temple of Apollo, where pilgrims sought insight from the gods through the Delphic Oracle, delivered by resident priestesses. The Apollo Temple complex also features an amphitheater, gymnasium, and Roman Agora, with an on-site museum offering essential context for the relics. Within walking distance of the main site you’ll also find the serene Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia and the remains of an ancient gymnasium. Traditional taverna in Delphi village. The adjacent village of Delphi is small and easily-walkable – essentially two narrow main streets (one up, one down) lined with Greek tavernas, shops, and boutique hotels that overlook the picturesque Amfissa Valley and cater to more modern Delphic pilgrims. During midday, Delphi village can be thick with tour bus crowds, but in the morning and evening hours it is a quiet and charming mountain perch that can make a welcome change from urban Athens. While you can visit Delphi on a day trip, spending a night in the quiet village is a lovely experience – and one that we recommend. Best Hotels in Delphi Best Restaurants in Delphi Best Things to Do in Delphi Best Day Tours from Athens Note that none of the tours below include site/museum entrance fees or guided tours within the archaeological sites themselves. Delphi & Arachova Day Trip : Small group, 10 hours. Visits the archaeological sites and museum at Delphi and the picturesque mountain village of Arachova. Includes round-trip bus transportation with historical narration en route. Delphi Day Trip : Small group, 10 hours. Similar to the above tour; visits Delphi with a shorter stop at Arachova, but with many more bus pick-up and drop-off options offered in Athens, so may be more convenient. Full-Day Private Tour : Private, 9 hours. Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, plus a more flexible itinerary and comfortable, personalized experience. Delphi & Thermopylae : Private, 10 hours. Visits Delphi and the storied site of the the Spartan king Leonidas’ 480 AD battle of Thermopylae. Includes optional stop in Arachova. Delphi, Corycian Cave, Thermopylae, Arachova : Private, 12 hours. The most you can do and see in a day from Athens. Great for ancient history, archaeology, and mythology buffs. Athens to Delphi by Bus or Train There is no train route between Athens and Delphi, but bus travel is frequent and convenient. KTEL buses from Athens to Delphi run 5-6 times daily and are generally reliable. Buses to Delphi leave Athens from KTEL Bus Station B, Liosion , located about a 10 to 15-minute cab ride from Monastiraki Square or a 10-minute walk from the Agios Nikolaos metro station (green M1 line). The entire trip takes about 3 hours, and includes a brief 10-minute stop for snacks, to use the restroom, or to stretch your legs. The Liosion Bus Station in north central Athens. Tickets are available online , at the station in Athens, or directly on the bus in Delphi. (Buying on the bus requires cash, preferably in coins or small bills.) It’s a good idea to buy in advance if you can, especially if you’re traveling during the busy summer months, as the buses can and do fill up. Tickets are generally released for purchase online a couple of weeks before departure. Tickets can be purchased at the station, but we recommend buying online in advance, especially for summer. The Delphi route has its own ticketing desk, seen here on the left. The desk on the right sells tickets to Trikala, which is the bus route you take to get to Meteora (explained below). Buses are air-conditioned and comfortable, with a large luggage storage compartment beneath the seating area. Especially during summer, this route gets busy, so we advise arriving early to the station. Even if you have bought a ticket in advance, seating is not guaranteed; if the bus is full when you arrive, you’ll need to wait for the next one and buy another ticket. The Delphi bus departs from Bay 7. It’s a good idea to plan to be at the station about 20-30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Luggage is stored underneath the bus, in the cargo hold. For a return bus trip from Delphi to Athens, we definitely recommend buying your ticket in advance online. It’s possible to buy tickets at the tiny bus station in Delphi (really just a ticket counter), but while it’s easy to find, located right at the entrance to town, it is often shuttered. The tiny bus station at Delphi is generally open only when a bus is due to arrive or depart. The alternative is to pay cash to the driver as you board, or if the station is closed you can sometimes purchase a bus ticket in advance at the restaurant “In Delphi,” which is located next to the bus stop, but can also keep odd hours. Whatever method you choose, be sure to arrive a bit early to the bus stop in order to get a seat. A bus loading for departure to Athens from Delphi. You can see the open bus station doorway in the background. The restaurant “In Delphi” (look for the bold signs advertising “Pita-Souvlaki Pizza” and “Cafe Pizza Restaurant”) often sells bus tickets when the bus station ticketing desk is closed.

Driving Yourself from Athens to Delphi Driving from Athens to Delphi takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, along well-paved and well-marked (in Greek and English) roads that are in good condition. Although most of the drive is along flat and level highways, Delphi is located in the mountains, where the terrain is winding and hilly; if you are not comfortable with driving in these conditions you might be better off taking the bus or a guided tour. Also note that the route to Delphi contains toll roads, so it’s a good idea to have some easily-accessible cash on hand before you set out. The entrance to Delphi village by car, with the road looking out to the south over the beautiful olive groves of the Amfissa Valley and out to the Gulf of Corinth. Aside from greater flexibility in your schedule, driving yourself offers an expanded ability to explore the countryside. The area surrounding Delphi contains some particularly delightful stops for a mainland Greece road trip, including the lovely mountain village of Arachova, the picturesque port town of Galaxidi, and the 11th-century Byzantine monastery of Hosios Loukas – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The charming mountain village of Arachova – just 12 km from Delphi – makes a picturesque stop to stretch your legs in the summer. In the colder months, it’s a stylish snowsports haven, sometimes referred to as “winter Mykonos.” If you’re renting a car in Athens, we recommending doing so at the Athens Airport, rather than in the city center, so you can jump right onto the main highways and avoid dealing with the city streets. It’s also a good idea to book your rental in advance , especially if you don’t drive a sick-shift and will require an automatic transmission. Visiting the Meteora from Athens

The Monastery of Varlaam

The Meteora is a spectacular giant rock formation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Greece. Though the towering limestone pillars of the Meteora landscape are stunning in themselves, the main draw for travelers to the area is the collection of jaw-dropping, centuries-old monasteries that top them. Of the 24 original monasteries, 6 are still active and open to the public to tour. In addition to the grand monasteries, there are also a smattering of smaller monasteries and fascinating hermitages built into the rocks, easily visited on guided hikes and tours. Because it takes between 3-6 hours to get between Athens and Meteora, we recommend spending at least one night there. There are two main areas to choose from: the town of Kalambaka (where the train station, bus station, and most shops and restaurants are) and the village of Kastraki (a charming small village with boutique guesthouses and small tavernas). Both areas are served by buses and taxis, and it takes only about 15 minutes to walk between the two, making it easy to stay in one location and visit the other. Best Hotels in the Meteora Best Restaurants in the Meteora Meteora Monastery Guide Best Day Tours from Athens Note that none of the tours below include monastery entrance fees or guided tours within the monasteries themselves. Meteora Bus Tour from Athens : Small group, 14 hours. Visits interiors of 3 monasteries, plus hidden hermit caves and lunch in charming Kastraki village. Departs from and returns to Athens Larissis railway station. Meteora Train Tour from Athens : Small group, 14 hours. Visits interiors of 3 monasteries, plus hermit caves with pre-booked train travel from Athens to Paleofarsalos and minibus transfer between Paleofarsalos and Kalambaka. Private Meteora Tour from Athens : Private, 12 hours. Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transport by private car, a stop at the site of the battlefield of Thermopylae, and a visit to 3 monasteries. Athens to Meteora by Train Travel between Meteora (Kalambaka) and Athens is pretty easy by train, with a few trips offered daily. Trains depart from central Athens’ Larissa Station, which is located about a 5-10 minute drive north of Monastiraki Square, or easily reached via Metro from Syntagma Square (red M2 line). The Athens Larissa train station. There is a metro station just below Larissa train station, making it very easy to access from Syntagma Square. Most train routes between Athens and Kalambaka involve a transfer at the town of Paleofarsalos. The transfer itself is easy, and even if there’s not much time between the two trains, the second train will usually wait if the first train is running late. (Many people riding the train will be making the same transfer.) The entire journey, including the transfer, takes 3-4 hours. The train station in Kalambaka. The Kalambaka station is very small, and has only one platform. Most train trips between Athens and Kalambaka require a transfer at the station of Paleofarsalos. The Paleofarsalos station is not large, but there are multiple platforms, and the train you transfer to may be scheduled at a platform across the tracks. To access the other platforms, enter the station and use the underground pedestrian tunnels. There is one daily direct route that travels between Kalambaka and Athens, but it’s usually slower than the Paleofarsalos transfer option, taking around 4 1/2 hours. Train tickets can be purchased online in advance of your trip (we recommend this), with schedules released about a month ahead of travel. Upon arrival in Kalambaka, the easiest way to visit the monasteries if you only plan to stay for a day is to book a train-to-train minibus tour . If you plan to stay overnight in Kalambaka or Kastraki, you can visit the monasteries by guided tour, public bus, or on foot. We outline these options in our Meteora Monastery Guide . Note that since the fall of 2023, train travel may be disrupted along these routes and supplemented in part by bus service, due to area flood damage. Athens to Meteora by Bus It takes about 6 hours to get from Athens to Kalambaka by bus. Buses to Trikala leave Athens from KTEL Bus Station B, Liosion , located about a 10 to 15-minute cab ride from Monastiraki Square or a 10-minute walk from the Agios Nikolaos metro station (green M1 line). Kalambaka’s small, street-corner bus station is a subsidiary to the larger and modern Trikala bus terminal, 23 km away. Most/all routes to and from Kalambaka will involve a change of bus at Trikala, which is well-linked to most prominent mainland Greece destinations. Bus schedules can be viewed tickets can be purchased in advance online . The Kalambaka bus station is located just a couple of blocks down from the village’s main square, near lots of hotels and eateries. Local buses run three times per day from the Kalambaka bus station to all 6 Meteora Monasteries (stopping at Kastraki village in between). A single ticket is 1.80€, a full-day ticket is 5.50€; tickets are issued on the bus or at the bus station. Departure times are 9am, noon, and 2:30pm; returning buses depart from St. Stephen monastery at 11am, 2pm, and 4:30pm. Alternatively, you can walk two blocks north of the bus station to Town Hall Square, where there is a taxi stand outside of Babistas Bakery. Taxis are available to hire for Monastery tours for €20 per hour. A one-way trip to the Meteora monasteries by taxi costs a maximum of €10. Taxi stand and Meteora Tour Taxi outside of Babitsas Bakery. If there are no cars waiting for passengers at the taxi stand, they can be dispatched using one of the numbers advertised on the board.

Driving Yourself from Athens to Meteora (and Delphi) It takes about 4 1/2 hours to drive from central Athens to Kalambaka along the most direct route, passing through Lamia and bypassing Karditsa on the way. Roads on this route are well-maintained and well-marked, and the terrain is not very challenging. There are some toll roads, so it’s a good idea to have some change handy before you set out. En route, make a stop at the Leonidas Memorial at the battle site of Thermopylae outside of Lamia. It serves as a poignant tribute to King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans, who made a legendary stand against the Persian Empire in 480 BC; now celebrated as one of history’s most iconic instances of courage and self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds. These days there’s not a lot to see, but it makes a great spot to stretch your legs and take a look around. Memorial to the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae Either instead of this easier route, or as an alternate return route, you can opt for a course that takes you a bit further west through Delphi. This route, which takes a total of about 6 hours from Athens to Meteora, travels through some winding mountainous terrain with hairpin turns. While the roads are paved and well-maintained, there are some drop-offs and hairpin turns, so proceed with caution. Between sightseeing at Delphi and Meteora, plus the longer drive, it’s too much to pack into one day. If you choose to go this route, we definitely recommend staying overnight in either Kalambaka/Kastraki or Delphi village. Whatever route you choose to take, we find that it’s easiest to rent a car at the Athens Airport, rather than in the city center, as that allows you to skirt the more confusing tangle of urban streets, and just stick to the main roads. It’s also a good idea to book your car ahead of time, especially if you require an automatic transmission. Getting between Delphi and Meteora on Public Transportation There is no train that runs between Delphi and the Meteora, and no direct bus route since the Covid-19 pandemic. While it is technically possible to get from Kalambaka to Delphi (or vice-versa) on the bus, it involves multiple time-consuming transfers and will end up taking most of a day. We do not recommend it. The best option for those who want to see both sights without a rental car is either to (a) take a guided tour that includes both or to (b) take public transportation between Athens and Delphi or Meteora, book a car service like Daytrip to get between Delphi and Meteora, and then take the bus or train back to Athens. Best Guided Tours of Delphi & Meteora from Athens Delphi & Meteora 2-Day Tour : Includes bus transport, 3 or 4-star hotel accommodation, dinner & breakfast, and admission to monasteries and Delphi site (but not museum). 4-Day Tour of Classical Greece : Visits Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi, and Meteora. Includes 4-star hotel accommodations in Olympia, Delphi, and Kalambaka; breakfasts and dinners, attraction entrance fees, and guided site tours. Read More Athens – Travel Guide Athens – Where to Stay Athens – Best Hotels Athens – Best Restaurants Athens – Best Things to Do Athens – Getting Around Delphi – Best Hotels Delphi – Best Restaurants Delphi – Best Things to Do Meteora – Best Hotels Meteora – Best Restaurants Meteora – Best Things to Do Mainland Greece Travel Guide All SD Where to Stay Guides

About Santorini Dave

Tours and Excursions in Meteora

Four Day Classical Greece Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora

Two Day Delphi & Meteora Tour from Athens

Meteora Full Day Private Tour from Thessaloniki

Half-Day Meteora Tour

Meteora Half-Day Sunset Tour

Meteora Day Trip from Athens

Two Days Rail Tour to Meteora from Athens

Full Day Meteora Trip from Thessaloniki

Day Trip to Meteora Monasteries from Chalkidiki

About meteora.

In a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these 'columns of the sky' from the 11th century onwards. Twenty-four of these monasteries were built, despite incredible difficulties, at the time of the great revival of the eremetic ideal in the 15th century. Their 16th-century frescoes mark a key stage in the development of post-Byzantine painting. The nearest town is Kalambaka. Metéora is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The most important monasteries of Meteora are:

• The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron. It is the biggest of the Meteora monasteries. The church 'Katholikon', honouring the 'Transfiguration' of Jesus, was erected in the middle of 14th century and decorated from 1483 to1552. The old monastery is used as a museum, nowadays.
• The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest in size monastery. The church, honours the three Bishops. It was built in 1541 and decorated in 1548. The old refectory is used as a museum while North of the Church we can see the parekklesion of the Three (Bishops) built in 1627 and decorated in 1637.
• The Holy Monastery of St. Stephen is one of the most attainable one as we don't have to cope with innumerable stairs to reach it. The small single-nave church of St. Stephen was built in the middle of 16th and decorated in 1545.

The entrance to the monasteries is requiring appropriate clothing with long trousers and skirts.

• Visit Meteora – Home
• Top Rated Meteora Tours
• Meteora Outdoor Activities
• Meteora Half-day Tours
• Train Tours to Meteora
• Meteora Private Tours
• Transfer Services
• The Monastery of Great Meteoron
• The Monastery of Varlaam
• The Monastery of Roussanou
• The Monastery of Agios Stefanos
• The Monastery of Holy Trinity
• The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos
• Kalabaka Town
• Kastraki Village
• Old Habitation of Kastraki Village
• The Hidden Monastery of Ypapanti
• The old Chapel of Doupiani
• St. George Madilas
• The Hermit Caves of Badovas
• The Rock of Holy Spirit
• The Rock of Great Saint
• Gavros Village
• The Prehistoric Cave of Theopetra
• The Byzantine Church of Kalabaka
• Meteora Natural History Museum and Mushroom Museum
• Hellenic Culture Museum
• Meteora History and Culture Digital Projection Centre
• Library of Kalampaka
• Aspropotamos Region
• Elati and Pertouli
• Lake Plastira
• Athens to Meteora
• Thessaloniki to Meteora
• Getting to Meteora by Train
• Getting to Meteora by Bus
• Getting to Meteora by Car

Full Day Private Tour to Meteora from Athens

Explore the best of Meteora!

Book this Full-Day Private Tour to Meteora From Athens and enjoy a personalized itinerary that will cover the main attractions and much more.

Discover the wonders of UNESCO World Heritage site Meteora on a full-day private tour from Athens with Visit Meteora. Our highly educated local tour leaders have first-hand knowledge of the area’s topography, history, and culture, ensuring you get the most out of your experience.

Share this tour with your friends

Full day private tour to meteora from athens.

Departure: from Athens

Up to 2 people: 755 EUR

Up to 6 people: 800 EUR

Up to 6 people – VIP: 900 EUR

Up to 19 people: 1300 EUR

Up to 50 people: 1500 EUR

Tour Highlights

• Local English speaking Drivers and modern luxury cars
• You will avoid the crowds and discover the hidden gems
• Enjoy spectacular panoramic views
• See all the 6 active monasteries visit inside 3
• Visit the hidden inactive monasteries and the hermit caves
• Visit the picturesque village Kastraki and Kalampaka town.

Useful Information

• Duration: 14 hours
• Max People: 6
• Availability: Daily Departures
• Dresscode applied

Why to book the Full Day Private Tour To Meteora From Athens with us

• Quality & value for your money
• You will experience Tailor-made itineraries according to your specific preferences and wishes.
• You will go to secret local spots that the vast majority of other travelers will never experience
• You'll travel in a private car, spacious and comfortable
• See all six monasteries, visit inside 2 or 3.
• Bottle of water provided on the tours
• Stop in spots with panoramic view for photo shooting
• Learn about the local traditions, myths and history
• English, French, Italian, Spanish, or speaking Russian local tour leader. .
• Optional add on a state licensed guide

Not inclusions

• Gratuities (optional)
• Entrance fees 3 euro per person at each monastery
• Personal travel insurance
• Breakfast or lunch
• Licensed guide for guiding inside the monasteries. Available on request

Book with confidence

• 100% refund if you cancel your reservation up to 24 hours prior to the start time of the tour
• Rearrange your dates once with no change fee
• COVID-19 safety measures apply

ATTRACTIONS

Just a few of the beautiful sights you’ll see during your tour

Meteora Monasteries

Badova Hermitages

Doupiani Old Chapel

Kastraki Old habitation

Tour details.

Our private tour package can be easily modified to cater to your specific interests and requirements. With a total duration of 12-13 hours, our tour offers the perfect balance of driving and private tour time. Avoid the crowds and discover hidden gems as you visit 2 or 3 of the 6 active monasteries, the hidden monasteries, and the Hermit Caves. Our staff will ensure you capture amazing photos and make unforgettable memories.

Our private tour is ideal for families with young children, couples, and seniors. For an enhanced experience, add on a state-licensed guide inside the monasteries for €130.00 and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to taste the local cuisine.

At Visit Meteora, we strive for customer satisfaction by understanding the unique needs and interests of each client. We offer a flexible tour package that can be customized to meet your preferences, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience.

Book your full-day private tour to Meteora from Athens now for a memorable and personalized adventure. Duration of the tour is approximately 12 to 13 hours.

With a driving duration of 4 hours each way and private tour duration of 4 hours, our tour provides ample time for you to explore the beautiful Meteora region at your own pace.

This is an ideal tour for Families with young children, Couples, and elder people.

• Add on a state licensed guide inside the Monasteries  for 130,00€.
• Add on your Lunch at a local restaurant and discover the local tastes and cuisine.
• Duration of the tour is approximately 12 to 13 hours

Cancellation Policy

• 100% refund if you cancel your reservation up to 24 hours prior to the start time of the tour​
• Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Tour

First of all, keep in mind that, since every monastery closes on some days of the week, we do not visit the same monasteries every day. The monasteries we usually visit though are the following: Meteora Half-day Tour: Great Meteoron, Varlamm and Rousssanou Sunset Sunset Tour: St. Stephen Meteora Hiking Tour: Great Meteoron, Ypapanti 

All our bus tours run regardless of weather. If we are forced to cancel an activity because of extreme weather conditions, you have the option to change date or switch activity or cancel and receive a refund.

Yes you can! In case there is no room in our bus, we will drop off your luggage on our offices and you will be able to pick them up after the end of the tour.

You can make a booking with us literally at the last minute! Just keep in mind that there may be no seats left on the tour if you do that! We recommend booking at least one week in advance, in order to have the best chances of finding availability.

We have split our tours tom morning and afternoon ones. Furthermore, all our tours visit different places at Meteora. This way, you can combine any morning tour with any afternoon tour you wish! All all-time-classic combination is the Meteora Hiking Tour in the morning and the Meteora Sunset Tour in the afternoon.

What other tourists are saying about us

2800+ Excellent reviews on TripAdvisor See the reviews

Similar Tours

2-day Private Tour from Athens to Delphi and Meteora

Private Meteora Day Trip from Athens by Train

Two Days Tour to Meteora from Athens by Train 5 of 5 bubbles 98 reviews

Further reading.

Tips and ideas for your visit to Meteora in 2022

10 reasons why a day-trip to Meteora is not enough!

5 Amazing Tours to book from Athens in 2022

Privacy Overview

Comfort plus hotels.

Hotel Doupiani House

Hotel Archontiko Mesochori

Hotel Kastraki

Hotel Dellas Boutique

Hotel Meteoritis

Hotel Kaikis

Alsos House

• USE DISCOUNT CODE "EarlyBird24" FOR A 10% DISCOUNT ON SELECTED TOURS!

Meteora Thrones – Travel Center

PRIVATE : Meteora Day Trip from Athens with Private Meteora Tour

Best rated tour on tripadvisor, tour language.

English , Spanish , French , German

Starting Time

Departure point.

Athens Train Station ( Larissis Station )

Pick up / Meeting Point

Across the road Theodore Diligianni Str

Highlights - Local Agency

• Convenient transportation from / to Athens - Runs 365 days
• Private 4 hrs panoramic Meteora tour
• Private - exclusive for you , Tour Leader
• See all 6 monasteries and many secret places
• Personalized itinerary , we follow your instructions

• UP TO 1 PERSON : 225 €
• UP TO 2 PEOPLE : 350 €
• UP TO 3 PEOPLE : 430 €
• UP TO 4 PEOPLE : 530 €
• UP TO 5 PEOPLE : 620 €
• UP TO 6 PEOPLE : 720 €
• UP TO 7 PEOPLE : 935 €

Spanish / other language

• UP TO 1 PERSON : 265 €
• UP TO 2 PEOPLE : 390 €
• UP TO 3 PEOPLE : 470 €
• UP TO 4 PEOPLE : 570 €
• UP TO 5 PEOPLE : 660 €
• UP TO 6 PEOPLE : 760 €
• UP TO 7 PEOPLE : 975 €

Tour Description

Discover the magic of Meteora , Greece’s most incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site . Book now for an enchanting, unforgettable experience and discover the secrets of the area in a way that only a true local can guide you.

Your trip begins from  Athens Train Station at 08:00  to Kalabaka with our  lux coach – bus . Our professional English speaking driver will wait for you in the meeting point to begin your safe and comfortable trip. During the journey , relax and admire the beautiful Greek landscapes and the scenic beauty of the Greek countryside.

Arriving in  Kalabaka at 13:00  our VIP Limo Mini Bus will be waiting for you with our highly educated Tour Leader, holding a signboard with your name, to begin your customized  Special Panoramic Private Meteora Tour.  Take an amazing about  4  hours Meteora tour,  see all 6 monasteries and  visit inside 3 of them . Your  private Tour Leader  will give you full attention and care, giving you all the historical background of the area. Plenty of photo opportunity stops and many secret places that only locals know will make your tour an once in a lifetime experience.

 In the end, you will be transferred back to Kalabaka for lunch and a nice walk to the picturesque city. The bus departs at  18:00 from Kalabaka  and you will arrive in  Athens at 22:45.

Depart in style on our lux bus - coach from Athens train station to Kalabaka and admire the beautiful Greek landscape during your trip

Our Local Tour Leader will await you at Kalabaka to meet you and start the private tour

See all 6 monasteries and visit inside 3 of them. Plenty of photo opportunity stops

Your guide will recommend you and take you to the best restaurant in the area for your lunch

The bus departs at 18:00 from Kalabaka and you will arrive in Athens at 22:45.

• Shared Roundtrip transportation from Athens by lux coach - bus
• Fully comprehensive, 4 hrs, PRIVATE Meteora Tour
• PRIVATE: VIP Limo Mini Bus during the tour
• PRIVATE: Highly educated, English speaking, Tour Leader
• Tour also available in Spanish , French , German language every day (extra cost)
• Option to add a Certified Tour Guide inside the monasteries (extra cost)
• Visit all 6 Monasteries (3 of them inside )
• See the Hermit Caves
• Stops for panoramic views and photos
• Free WI FI on the bus
• Mineral Water
• Pick up / Drop off from Hotel in Athens to the meeting point in Athens
• Entrance fees of Monasteries (3 euro each) - ONLY CASH
• Licenced Tour Guide – Guidance inside the Holy Monasteries
• Meals and soft drinks
• Gratuities (optional)

Useful info - Meeting Point

• The transportation from / to Athens is not Private but in a shared coach- bus. The 4 hours tour when you arrive in Meteora is fully private - exclusive for you.
• Departure time : 08:00 am (please be at the meeting point at least 15 min before the bus departure)
• Departure place : Athens Train Station (Larissis Station).
• Meeting point : The bus will be waiting for you outside the train station on the road across the street. (Theodore Diligianni Street)
• There will be a sign “METEORA THRONES – TRAVEL CENTER” on the window of the bus.
• It is not necessary to print the voucher you can just have it on your phone
• No bus ticket is required. Just give your name to the driver
• Short stops during the trip from / to Athens

Departure and return point

Appropriate clothing for everyone is required to enter the monasteries. For ladies skirts by the knee or longer are required. No pants for ladies, no shorts, no sleeveless shirt. For men sleeveless clothing and shorts over the knee are prohibited.

We highly advice you to read our F.A.Q. page for more information.

Cancellation Policy

• LAST MINUTE – Cancellation received more than 48 hrs before the tour will get a full refund
• Cancellation received within 48 hrs before the tour will incur a penalty of 100% per person (no refund)

YOU CAN ALSO ADD

• Certified Guide inside the monasteries
• Choose your language ( English , Spanish , French , German )
• First Class Train Tickets

LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE NO HIDDEN FEES

¿Hablas español?

También disponible en español todos los días

You Might Also Like...

PRIVATE : 1 day Meteora Tour from Thessaloniki by Train

PRIVATE : Train to Train Meteora Tour

1 day Meteora Tour from Athens with Local Guide