Meteora Monasteries & Caves DayTrip from Athens with Greek Lunch
Overview
Visit Meteora from Athens for an amazing experience on this full-day tour. Travel by our air-conditioned coach-bus from Athens and see all 6 Monasteries on this Panoramic tour with a Live Local, expert in the area, Tour Leader.
Relax in comfort aboard your Bus with WIFI as you take in the spectacular views. You'll have plenty of time to stop for wonderful pictures and enter 3 of the most popular monasteries before your return to Athens. See also the Hermit Caves and many secrets points that only locals know. You can also choose to include a traditional lunch in a Local restaurant with a beautiful view of Meteora.
Free Smart audio guide available in the following languages: English | Spanish | French | Italian | Deutsch | Portuguese | Polish | Russian | Japanese | Korean | Chinese
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Lunch in a local restaurant (if option selected)
- Panoramic views of all six monasteries for great photos
- Roundtrip Transfer from Athens by air-conditioned coach-bus with Free WiFi & USB chargers
- Smart Audio guide in Dutch, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese
- Local , expert in the area , Tour Leader
- Smart Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese
- See the Hermit Caves & many secret places that only locals know
- Comprehensive 5-hour tour of Meteora
- Visit inside the 3 most popular monasteries - ONLY BY US
- Free Panoramic Meteora Map
✗ Not Included
- Pickup and drop-off at Athens' Larissa train station
- Guide inside the Holy Monasteries (free multilingual smart guide available)
- Tips (optional)
- Lunch ( if you do not select this option)
- Each Meteora Monastery
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
Depart from Athens at 8:00am to Kalabaka with our coach-bus and admire the beautiful Greek landscapes during your trip. Shortstop midway to Meteora. Arriving in Kalabaka around 12:30 , our highly educated Tour Leader will be waiting for you. MARIA or CLEMENT , who are the top rated guides in Greece (read reviews) , will give you full attention and care. We will do a shortstop for food for 30 min to relax from the trip. Choose one dish and a Greek salad from our 10 flavors (vegetarian plate also available). We've reserved the best local restaurant , fully air-conditioned. You can choose to include lunch in the package during your booking. Continue with an amazing 4 hours Meteora tour, see all 6 monasteries and visit inside the 3 most popular of them. Plenty of photo opportunity stops and secret places that only locals know will make your tour a lifetime experience. Finally, will be transferred back to Kalabaka to travel back for Athens. You will arrive in Athens around 22:30.
2
Stop 2
During your journey from Athens to Meteora, you will enjoy the stunning Greek landscape, with views of the central Greek coastline visible to your right. Midway through your trip from Athens to Meteora , you will have a short stop to refresh at an exclusive , top-rated bus-stop restaurant by the beautiful seashore , by the water called “Kamena Vourla. Just across you will see the island of Evia on a clear look.
3
Stop 3
See the picturesque village of Kastraki under the rocks of Meteora. Kastraki is a charming village nestled between the dramatic rocks of Meteora, just a short distance from Kalampaka. With its traditional stone houses and quiet atmosphere, it offers an authentic Greek mountain village experience. It's an ideal starting point for hiking trails leading to the monasteries. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Kastraki feels both peaceful and timeless.
4
Stop 4
Visit Great Meteoron , the biggest and oldest monastery of Meteora. The Great Meteoron Monastery founded in the 14th century by Saint Athanasios. Inside, visitors can explore historic chapels, impressive frescoes, and a small museum. Its hilltop location also offers stunning views of the surrounding rock formations and valleys.
5
Stop 5
Admire the monastery of Varlaam , the second largest in Meteora, known for its rich history and beautiful setting. Built in the 16th century, it features striking frescoes, a remarkable wooden barrel, and a peaceful courtyard. The climb is rewarded with sweeping views and a deep sense of serenity.
6
Stop 6
See the hermitage of Badovas and the secret hermit caves. The Hermit Caves of Meteora offer a glimpse into the earliest monastic life, where ascetics lived in solitude high up in the cliffs. Carved into the rock, these simple shelters reflect a deep devotion and spiritual discipline. Nearby, the Monastery of Saint Nicholas Badovas is built into the side of a cliff and blends naturally with its surroundings. It’s a peaceful and lesser-known spot that tells the story of Meteora’s humble beginnings.
7
Stop 7
Admire St Stephen (Agios Stefanos) Nunnery the most accessible in Meteora, connected by a small bridge instead of stairs. Originally built in the 14th century, it is now home to a vibrant community of nuns. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes and a serene chapel. Its location offers stunning views over the valley and the town of Kalambaka.
8
Stop 8
Holy Trinity Monastery is one of the most iconic in Meteora, dramatically perched on a steep cliff. Dating back to the 15th century, it offers a unique blend of isolation and beauty. The journey up includes a scenic path and stairs carved into the rock. From the top, the panoramic views are truly unforgettable.tery of Holy Trinity
9
Stop 9
Rousanou Monastery is one of the most picturesque in Meteora, built on a narrow rock pillar in the 16th century. It stands out for its beautiful frescoes and well-preserved architecture. Now home to a community of nuns, it offers a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. The views from its balconies are simply stunning.
10
Stop 10
Admire St Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos) Monastery. Saint Nicholas Anapaphsas Monastery is the smallest in Meteora, uniquely built on a narrow rock with limited space. Founded in the 14th century, it features impressive frescoes by the renowned painter Theophanis Strelitzas. Despite its size, the monastery holds rich spiritual and artistic value. Its compact setting offers a peaceful and intimate experience.
11
Stop 11
See the city under the rocks and learn the amazing history. Kalambaka is the gateway town to Meteora, nestled at the foot of the towering rock formations. It blends traditional charm with modern comforts, offering cozy tavernas, shops, and local hospitality.
Meeting & End Point
📍
Meeting Point
--- Athens Railway Station (Larissis Station) at : 08:00 am --- There will be a sign “METEORA THRONES – TRAVEL CENTER” on the window and the side of the bus, waiting outside the train station on the road across the street from the train station , Diligianni Str (be there at least 15 min before )
🏁
End Point
--- Athens Railway Station (Larissis Station) at : 08:00 am --- There will be a sign “METEORA THRONES – TRAVEL CENTER” on the window and the side of the bus, waiting outside the train station on the road across the street from the train station , Diligianni Str (be there at least 15 min before )
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Good to Know
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Departure place: Athens Train Station (Larissis Station) be there at least 15 min before the departure of the bus at 08:00 am exactly
- There will be a sign “METEORA THRONES – TRAVEL CENTER” on the window and the side of the bus , waiting outside the train station on the road across the street from the train station.
- Supplier is not responsible if you miss the bus please be there on time
- Your guide will be waiting for you upon your arrival at Kalabaka Bus stop
- 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.
- Please make sure you have cash for the monasteries 5 euro each entrance. There is no ATM machine in the area.
- Lunch: The lunch includes a main dish, an atomic salad, bread & water. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
- Tour is guided in English or Spanish with Live Local Guide.
- Smart audio guide available in the following languages: English | French | Italian | Dutch | Spanish | Portuguese | Polish | Russian | Japanese | Korean | Chinese
- Climbing Steps to Monastery Tops: Please be aware that reaching the top of the monasteries involves climbing steps. There are no elevators available, so please consider this if you have any mobility concerns.
Known For:
Special Instructions
• Departure place: Athens Railway Station (Larissis Station) be there at least 15 min before the departure of the bus at 08:00 am exactly
• There will be a sign “METEORA THRONES – TRAVEL CENTER” on the window and the side of the bus, waiting outside the train station on the road across the street from the train station, Theodore Diligianni Street.
• Supplier is not responsible if you miss the bus please be there on time
• 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.
• Please make sure you have cash for the monasteries 5 euro each entrance. There is no ATM machine in the area.
• Download the Smart Audio Guide using this link https://linktr.ee/meteora_audioguide
• Please bring earpads and a smartphone to use the audio guide.
• Climbing Steps to Monastery Tops: Please be aware that reaching the top of the monasteries involves climbing steps. There are no elevators available, so please consider this if you have any mobility concerns.
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