Meteora Monasteries Fully Private Day Tour with Great Lunch-Drinks Included

Athens , Greece

Meteora Monasteries Fully Private Day Tour with Great Lunch-Drinks Included

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(5 reviews)

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We visit the famous Meteora monasteries from Athens. A great long trip and a long day but worth the visit!
Meteora ("suspended in the air") was the hiding spot for the monks from the Romans. We explore two (or 3) amazing monasteries depending on your fitness and timing. We drive around the Meteora maze finding different spots to take photos and enjoy the amazing views.
Then, you head for a great (included) lunch & drinks under the guidance of your tour leader. No fixed menu! Authentic Greek food, location, and people; away from the tourist traps.
On the way back to Athens, we also stop to stretch at the battlefield of Thermopylae and the famous 300 of King Leonidas of Sparta.
A totally private tour! No strangers in the same car, so totally flexible to your needs!
It's a long long day starting from 7:30 am to be back at your hotel around 8:00 pm or even later. Any other way to visit Meteora, such as train or bus will simply mean a lot more traveling time and less amazing Meteora!

Available options

Meteora Monasteries Fully Private Day Tour with Great Lunch-Drinks Included

Pickup included

What's included

Non smoking vehicle and driver

Bottled water

In-car INFORMATION BOOKLET for all tour activities and sites.

Optional: Vegetarian lunch can be arranged in most cases. Please let us know in advance.

Great lunch & drinks

Totally private transportation

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meteora is one of the most impressive and peculiar geological formations in the whole world. A place of unsurpassed natural beauty, where divine creation met human intervention. We shall be visiting two (or three) of the monasteries that are open on a specific day.
The gigantic rocks of Meteora dominate imposingly over Kalampaka town. This masterpiece of nature reveals all its glory for centuries as a unique geological phenomenon in beauty and an important monument of Orthodoxy.

The Great Meteoron Monastery, built on an imposing rock, is the oldest, the biggest, and the most important among the monasteries of Meteora which are preserved today.

In 1350 a daring ascetic named Varlaam ascended to the rock. The monastery was named after him. He built three churches, a small cell and a water tank. After his death the rock remained abandoned for about 200 years until 1517 when the two priest-monks Theophanes and Nektarios Apsarades started to construct the first buildings from the beginning.

Probably the most photographed monastery. According to historical sources Holy Trinity must have been built between 1458 and 1476.

We take a break at the Thermopylae battlefield location with King Leonidas statue. The Battle of Thermopylae was fought between an alliance of Greek city-states, led by King Leonidas of Sparta, and the Persian Empire of Xerxes I over the course of three days, in 480 BC.

Stop 6

Back to Athens around 7:30 pm.

What's not included

Tickeks to the monasteries; at 3 EUR per monastery per person

Luggage that is more than a normal back pack; unless pre-arranged differently

"Touristy" stops at souvenir, etc shops unless you wish differently!

PROFESSIONAL/LICENSED GUIDE (optional)

Gratitudes (optional)

Monastery of the Holy Trinity at Meteora

Varlaam Monastery

Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoron - Transfiguration of the Saviour

Grand Meteora Monastery

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.8

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Important notes

Although this tour states "Sales are final" (non-refundable), you can request to cancel even 48 hours before the tour and we'll approve a partial refund of 45% to 75% depending on how early you cancel and the season of the year, in order to compensate for our reservation expenses

About Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city rich in history and culture, often considered the cradle of Western civilization. It is home to iconic ancient landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving modern scene.

Top Attractions

Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis is the most iconic landmark in Athens, featuring ancient ruins and temples, including the Parthenon.

Historical 2-3 hours €20 (combined ticket for multiple sites)

Ancient Agora of Athens

The heart of ancient Athens, featuring the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.

Historical 1-2 hours €8 (included in the combined ticket)

Plaka

A charming, historic neighborhood with narrow streets, neoclassical houses, and vibrant nightlife.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore

Acropolis Museum

A modern museum showcasing artifacts from the Acropolis and its surroundings.

Museum 1-2 hours €10

Temple of Olympian Zeus

An ancient temple dedicated to Zeus, once the largest temple in Greece.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour €6 (included in the combined ticket)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Moussaka

A baked dish with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.

Dinner Vegetarian versions available

Souvlaki

Grilled meat skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki.

Snack Can be made with chicken, pork, or vegetarian options

Tzatziki

A yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, and herbs.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Baklava

A sweet pastry made with layers of filo, nuts, and honey syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Rock climbing Scuba diving Beach visits Spa treatments Café hopping Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Athens is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.

18°C to 32°C 64°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Greek
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Athens is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid poorly lit areas at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious with ATMs and credit cards

Getting there

By air

Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport • 30 km from city center

By train

Athens Central Railway Station

By bus

KTEL Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned. Easy to navigate with clear signage in English.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Plaka Monastiraki Psiri Koukaki Kolonaki

Day trips

Cape Sounion

65 km from Athens • Half day to full day

A scenic coastal area featuring the Temple of Poseidon with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Delphi

180 km from Athens • Full day

An ancient archaeological site and home to the famous Oracle of Delphi.

Meteora

350 km from Athens • Overnight

A unique landscape featuring rock formations and medieval monasteries perched atop cliffs.

Festivals

Athens Festival • May to October Athens Epidaurus Festival • June to August Athens International Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat
Use the metro for easy and efficient travel around the city
Explore local neighborhoods for an authentic Greek experience
Try local street food for a quick and delicious meal
Learn a few basic Greek phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals