About this experience
Embark on an exciting overnight trip from Athens to the Unesco World Heritage Site of Meteora. Explore centuries-old monasteries, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and uncover the secrets of Meteora.
Highlights
- Explore all of Meteora's magnificent monasteries and discover secret gems
- Immerse in the rich history of Meteora accompanied by a local guide
- Travel by air-conditioned bus through the beautiful Greek countryside
- Participate in a captivating sunset tour and select your preferred morning tour
- Enjoy your stay at a handpicked 3 or 4 star hotel (depending upon availability)
What's included
- Round-trip transportation from Athens to Meteora
- Air-conditioned bus with onboard Wi-Fi and USB chargers
- 1-night accommodation at a 3 or 4-star hotel (depending upon availability and option selected)
- Breakfast at the hotel (depending on option selected)
- Pickup and drop-off service at your accommodation in Kalambaka or Kastraki
- Small-group Meteora tours with local English-speaking guide
- Free audio guides in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean
- Meteora Sunset Tour (1st day)
- Participation in one morning Meteora Tour or activity of your choice (2nd day)
- Panoramic photo stops
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
On day one, your journey starts as you board our private, air-conditioned bus at 07:45 AM, conveniently departing from the street across the Central Railway Station of Athens (Stathmos Larisis). Sit back and enjoy a scenic bus ride through the enchanting countryside, offering picturesque glimpses of mainland Greece.
Enjoy a relaxing 30-minute stop at a local store halfway along the route, perfect for refreshments and a restroom break.
At 12:45 arrive at Kalambaka, where your tour guide will be waiting for you, holding a signboard with your name and will transfer you to your hotel for some relaxation.
In the afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel for the 4h “Meteora: Afternoon Monasteries Sunset Tour”.
During this tour you will be able to discover some of Meteora’s most spectacular hidden gems, like the ancient hermitages of Bandovas, the hermit caves, the Byzantine Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary and the picturesque old district of Kalambaka. You will also step inside one of the Meteora’s majestic monasteries.
Last but not least, you will enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views, capture some amazing photos and witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets you will ever see.
Next morning, you will be able to participate in a 4h tour of your choice. You can either participate in our “Meteora: Morning Half Day Sightseeing and Monasteries Tour” or our “Meteora: Hiking Tour on Hidden Trails”.
Meteora: Morning Half Day Sightseeing and Monasteries Tour:
During this guided tour you will have the opportunity to see all six magnificent monasteries of Meteora and admire the interior of three of them. Additionally, view some of Meteora’s most spectacular hidden gems like the ancient Chapel of Doupiani and the magnificent St. George “Mandilas” cave.
You will also discover the “other side” of Meteora, like the truth about why the hermits settled in these imposing caves a thousand years ago and how the monks achieved the “impossible”.
Last but not least, take the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views and capture some amazing photos that you will cherish forever.
Meteora: Hiking Tour on Hidden Trails:
Enjoy a walking trail between 2 impressive rock formations. Take in the breathtaking scenery, including old monastery ruins and monks’ caves.
Venture to the unknown Monastery of Ypapanti and many other of Meteora’s secret treasures, all of which have been there for over a thousand years. Your guide, a local who was born and raised in the area, will be eager to share his wisdom and knowledge about the myths and legends of Meteora's rich history. Complete your hike with a visit to the Great Meteoron or Varlaam monastery.
After the tour, enjoy some free time in the town of Kalambaka before we pick you up from your hotel at 17:30 to transfer you to the bus returning to Athens. You will arrive in Athens at 22:15.
Terms & conditions
• The monasteries of Meteora impose a dress code for visitors. Men are required to wear long trousers and shirts with sleeves. Women must wear skirts that fall below the knee (trousers are not permitted) and cover their shoulders. Alternatively, women can use a long scarf wrapped around the waist to meet the dress code requirements.
• The monasteries of Meteora only accept cash for the entrance fees (€5 per person/monastery)
• To use our free audio guides, please be sure to bring your smartphone and earphones with you.