Meteora Monasteries Full-Day Private Tour from Athens
Active
12h - 13h
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
Enjoy a private full-day tour from Athens to Meteora, one of Greece’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, combined with a visit to the historic Battlefield of Thermopylae.
Your day begins with pickup from your hotel, apartment, Athens Airport, or Piraeus Port. Travel comfortably through Central Greece in a luxury, air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle with a professional English-speaking tour driver.
At Meteora, admire the dramatic rock formations and visit selected monasteries, enjoying panoramic viewpoints and learning about the region’s unique monastic history. Continue to the traditional village of Kastraki, located at the foot of the Meteora rocks, where you’ll have free time for a traditional Greek lunch and a short village walk.
On the return journey to Athens, stop at Thermopylae to visit the battlefield and the Leonidas Monument, marking the legendary stand of the 300 Spartans.
Available options
Meteora & Thermopylae
Meteora & Thermopylae: Combine the exploration of the majestic Meteora monasteries with a visit at the historical Thermopylae battlefield.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Pickup and drop-off available at any location in Athens, Piraeus, Athens Airport, and Piraeus Port
Plenty of stops for amazing photos
Private transportation
WiFi on board
PDF guide for all sights & monasteries of the tour
View all 6 monasteries, with a focus on visiting 3 of the most accessible ones
Mercedes Premium A/C vehicle with cool bottled water and refreshments
Charge your devices with our USB quick chargers (Type C & Apple)
English-speaking tour driver with extensive knowledge of each location's history and significance
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pickup from your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens Airport, or Piraeus Port.
Begin your full-day private journey toward Central Greece in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle with a professional tour driver.
2
Short stop at the iconic statue of King Leonidas, honoring the Spartan resistance during the Battle of Thermopylae. Ideal for photos and a brief historical introduction.
3
Visit the historic battlefield where the legendary stand of the Spartans against the Persian army took place. Learn about the strategy, geography, and historical significance of the site with explanations from your tour driver.
4
Stop 4
Explore Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its towering rock formations and cliff-top monasteries.
During the visit you will:
1. Enter three monasteries:
-Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen
-Holy Monastery of Varlaam
-Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron
2. Admire from outside:
-Rousanou Monastery
-Holy Trinity Monastery
-St. Nicholas Anapausas
3. Visit the Badovas Hermit Caves, once inhabited by early ascetics.
Multiple scenic viewpoints allow for panoramic photos and uninterrupted views of the Meteora landscape.
Dress code:
Women must wear long skirts, men long pants. Sleeveless tops are not permitted.
5
Pass through Kalambaka, the main town of the Meteora region. This short stop provides orientation, views of daily local life, and a sense of the town located directly beneath the Meteora rock formations.
6
Visit Kastraki, a traditional village nestled at the base of the Meteora rocks and considered the best area for authentic local tavernas.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local taverna (meal not included) and free time to walk through the village, admire stone houses, and experience the quieter, more authentic side of Meteora with stunning close-up views of the rock formations.
7
Stop 7
Return to Athens and drop-off at your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens Airport, or Piraeus Port.
What's not included
3 Meteora Monasteries (5€/adult/monastery – Tickets sold only on site with cash payment – free entrance for children up to 12 y.o.)
Lunch's cost
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EL
EN
Written guide
EN
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Special Requests: If you have any special requests or needs, please let us know when booking, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Οur experienced tour drivers will provide insightful commentary in fluent English, sharing the history, cultural significance, and breathtaking natural beauty of Meteora. As you journey through this UNESCO-listed wonder, they will highlight key landmarks, panoramic viewpoints, and fascinating stories about the monastic heritage of the region. You will have the opportunity to explore the interiors of select monasteries at your own pace, immersing yourself in the spiritual and architectural grandeur of this unique destination.
We provide assistance to people with movement disability for boarding and alighting from the vehicle. However, it is advisable to inform us in advance if any special arrangements are required.
For families with younger children, we offer child safety seats upon request.
Mind the dress code when visiting Meteora monasteries: you must cover your shoulders and knees to enter monasteries. Ladies must wear a long skirt covering the knees (pants are not allowed for ladies and they are strict about it). All of the monasteries (except Varlaam) provide skirts free of charge at the entrances. Men are advised to wear long pants. Also please wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours & 45 minutes each way, included in the total tour duration.
Important notes
Efcharistó! (Thank you in Greek) for choosing Athenaos Travel & Tours. We look forward to making your experience in Greece truly memorable!
Meteora monasteries opening days and hours in summer (April 1st to October 31st):
Great Meteoron Monastery: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays;
Varlaam Monastery: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, closed on Fridays;
Roussanou Monastery: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM, closed on Wednesdays;
Holy Trinity Monastery: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, closed on Thursdays;
St. Stephens Nunnery: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM, closed on Mondays;
Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, open every day.
Meteora monasteries opening days and hours in winter (November 1st to March 31st):
Great Meteoron Monastery: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays;
Varlaam Monastery: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, closed on Thursdays and Fridays;
Roussanou Monastery: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, closed on Wednesdays;
Holy Trinity Monastery: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, closed on Thursdays;
St. Stephens Nunnery: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays;
Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, and 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM on Sundays, open every day.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
