Meteora Tour: Monasteries, Lunch & Optional Athens Transfer
Active
5h
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
If you only have a short time to visit Meteora, don't miss this 5-hour afternoon tour of the Meteora Monasteries. Take in the panoramic views and learn about the history and myths of the area from local insiders.
On this tour, you will:
Visit the interior of 3 monasteries
Explore the hidden hermit caves
Enjoy many photo stops to capture all the monasteries and breathtaking vistas
Make a lunch stop at the charming Kastraki village
Our knowledgeable local guide will conduct the tour in English, and we also offer a smart audio guide in French, Spanish, and German.
The tour starts and finishes at the free parking area of the train station in Kalambaka town, a very convenient location.
Book your experience today for an unforgettable visit to Meteora! Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the wonders of Meteora with local experts.
Available options
Meteora bus tour with Lunch
Duration: 5 hours<br/>Greek Lunch at Kastraki : Enjoy a delicious Greek lunch in the charming village of Kastraki, featuring a curated selection of 10 traditional dishes.<br/>Meteora Mid Day Tour : Select this option to experience an extraordinary Meteora Tour with lunch starting from Kalambaka's train station.
Tour with Bus from Athens
Duration: 14 hours<br/>Lunch: Enjoy a delicious Greek lunch in the charming village of Kastraki, featuring a curated selection of 10 traditional dishes.<br/>Athens - Meteora - Athens : Select this option to experience an extraordinary Meteora Tour and also enjoy roundtrip bus transfer from Athens.
<br/>Bus transfer : Travel in comfort and style aboard our modern air-conditioned coach, equipped with free Wi-Fi and convenient USB chargers. <br/>Tour with Athens Bus Transfer: Select this option to experience an extraordinary Meteora Tour with lunch and also enjoy roundtrip bus transfer from Athens.
What's included
Local English speaking tour leader
WiFi on board
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Visit inside 3 monasteries and the hidden hermit caves
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Serene, spiritual, magical, mystical, extraordinary, breathtaking, immense, inspiring, impressive. These are only some of the words people very often use in an effort to describe the Meteora phenomenon. Visit Meteora, even if your interests are not deeply religious. It is the only way to enrich your feelings of spirituality that this area already exudes, no matter how long or brief your sojourn in our beautiful land.
2
The Great Meteoron Monastery is the biggest and oldest one of all. It was called the monastery that was “suspended in the air” (meteoro), because of the formation of the gigantic rock on top of which it was built.
The Great Meteoro Monastery was founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite who was the first founder of the monastery and the organizer of the systematic koenovion. For this reason, the foundation of this monastery is considered to be a turning point, or even better, the beginning of the organized monastisicm in Holy Meteora. Hosios Athanasios was born around 1302 in the medieval town of New Patras, today’s Hypati and his lay name was Andronikos.
3
The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery. It is located opposite of the Great Meteoro Monastery and it was founded in the mid 14th century by the exercitant Hosios Varlaam.
The elegant monastery Catholicon was built in the honour of Agioi Pantes in 1541-42, by two brothers from Ioannina, the priest-monks Hosioi Theophanes and Nectarios the Apsarades. The main church was decorated in 1548. Based on stylistic criteria, this magnificent wall-painting is attributed to the famous hagiographer from Thebes, Frago Catelano.
4
The Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) is the most difficult to reach, but once you get to the very top the panoramic view of the surroundings is simply captivating!
This Monastery is very close to the Saint Stephen’s Nunnery and it is perched on a steep and magnificent rock. It had already been organized Monastery since the year 1362 as indicated in a document by Symeon Uressis Palaeologos. Visitors have to follow a pathway that directs them initially to the foot of the rock, before they start walking up about 140 steps.
5
he Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas is the first Monastery that we encounter on our way to the Holy Meteora and was founded at the end of the 14th century.
For the name Anapafsas there are numerous interpretations two of which are the most popular. The first one is that the name Anapafsas was attributed by one of the monastery’s benefactors, while the second explanation has to do with the monastery’s position being the first to be encountered on the way up and probably served to the pilgrims and other visitors as a resting place before continuing on.
What's not included
Train tickets
Food and drinks, unless specified
Great Meteoron Monastery
Varlaam Monastery
Agios Stefanos
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
RU
KO
PT
JA
EN
ZH-CN
IT
PL
FR
ES
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
6 reviews
5★
5
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1
Tripadvisor
4.9
96 reviews
5★
83
4★
12
3★
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A small amount of walking is involved, but there are stairs to climb in the monasteries
To enter the monasteries, appropriate clothing is required; Ladies should not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves; Men are not allowed to wear shorts
Meeting point
The tour will start and finish at Kalampaka train station.
Important notes
• A small amount of walking is involved, but there are stairs to climb in the monasteries
• To enter the monasteries, appropriate clothing is required; Ladies should not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves; Men are not allowed to wear shorts
About Meteora
Meteora is a unique geological and historical site in Greece, famous for its stunning rock formations and historic monasteries perched atop towering pillars. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking views and a rich cultural heritage that attracts visitors from around the world.
Top Attractions
Meteora Monasteries
A complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries built on top of natural sandstone pillars, dating back to the 14th century.
Historical/Religious
Half to full day
€3-€5 per monastery
Meteora Hiking Trails
Scenic trails offering stunning views of the rock formations and monasteries.
Nature/Adventure
2-4 hours
Free
Kalambaka
A charming town at the foot of the Meteora rocks, known for its traditional architecture and local cuisine.
Cultural
Half day
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pita
A savory pie filled with various ingredients like spinach, cheese, or meat.
Dinner
Vegetarian options available
Souvlaki
Grilled meat skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.
Snack
Contains meat
Dolmades
Grappe leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.
Appetizer
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking
Rock climbing
Caving
Wine tasting
Dining at local tavernas
Strolling through Kalambaka Old Town
Visiting monasteries
Exploring historic towns
Best Time to Visit
April to October
This is the best time to visit Meteora, with pleasant weather and clear skies ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Greek
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
EET (GMT+2), EEST (GMT+3) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Meteora is a safe destination with low crime rates. Standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious when hiking alone
- • Use reputable tour operators
Getting there
By air
- Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport • 220 km from Meteora
By train
Kalambaka Station
By bus
Kalambaka Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are infrequent and may not cover all areas. Taxis are a better option for convenience.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Beat
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Kalambaka
Kastraki
Day trips
Trikala
30 km from Meteora • Half day
A historic town with a mix of Ottoman and Greek architecture, known for its traditional markets and local cuisine.
Larissa
60 km from Meteora • Full day
A major city with a rich history, offering a variety of museums, parks, and dining options.
Festivals
Meteora Festival • July
Easter Celebrations • March/April (dates vary)
Pro tips
- Visit the monasteries early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
- Hike the Meteora trails for stunning views and a unique perspective of the rock formations.
- Try local dishes like 'pita' and 'souvlaki' at traditional tavernas in Kalambaka.
- Pack comfortable hiking shoes and a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
- Stay in Kastraki for a quieter experience and easy access to hiking trails.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
