Athens Tours
Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Day Trip with optional lunch
5

Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Day Trip with optional lunch

By Visit Meteora Travel
Recommended by 95% of travelers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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About
from
$114.75
per adult (price varies by group size)
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 35 per group
Duration: 14h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Audio guide: German, English, French, Spanish
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Written guide
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
: German, English, French, Spanish
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  • Bottled water
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle with free WiFi & USB chargers
  • Local English speaking tour leader
  • Visit inside 3 monasteries and the hidden hermit caves
  • Lunch in a local restaurant (if option selected)
  • Smart audio guide with 19 points of interest in English, Spanish and German, French
What's not included
  • Entrance fees (3 euros per person at each monastery)
  • State Licensed guide, inside the monasteries
  • Entry/Admission - Meteora
  • Entry/Admission - Agios Stefanos
  • Entry/Admission - Varlaam Monastery


Start:
  • Athens Railway Station, Θεόδωρου Δηλιγιάννη, Domokou &, Athina 104 44, Greece
    The bus will depart from Larissis train station in Athens at 08:00am. We request you to be present at the exit of the Larissa metro/subway station on Deligianni str, directly opposite the Athens train station Everest cafe, by 07:45am. Here is the location: https://goo.gl/maps/16AcMUsyJNSoFF698
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Infant seats available
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6575P10

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travelers can participate
    • Dress Code for Monastery Visits: Please note that a modest dress code is enforced to enter the monasteries. For women, skirts below the knee or longer are required. Pants, shorts, or sleeveless shirts are not allowed. For men, sleeveless clothing and shorts above the knee are also prohibited.
    • Rain or Shine: This tour will take place regardless of the weather conditions. Please come prepared with appropriate clothing and accessories to ensure a comfortable experience.
    • 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.
    • Pick-up and Drop-off at Kalambaka Train Station: Your tour guide will be waiting for you at Kalambaka Train Station, regardless of any train delays. Please be aware that the activity provider is not responsible for any train delays that may affect the duration of the tour.
    • Please make sure you have cash for the monasteries 3 euro each entrance. There is no ATM machine in the area.
    • Supplier is not responsible if you miss the bus please be there on time (15 minutes before the departure)
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6575P10

    Reserve your spot

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • Θεόδωρου Δηλιγιάννη, Domokou &, Athina 104 44, Greece
      The bus will depart from Larissis train station in Athens at 08:00am. We request you to be present at the exit of the Larissa metro/subway station on Deligianni str, directly opposite the Athens train station Everest cafe, by 07:45am. Here is the location: https://goo.gl/maps/16AcMUsyJNSoFF698
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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Visit Meteora Travel
      3,856
      Greece
      Joined in May 2013
    • icjg
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Magnificent
      Magnificent awe-inspiring views. Outstanding knowledgeable tour guide the 1st day. We got to see even more wondrous views the 2nd day because it was raining and the mountain formations were more ethereal in the clouds. However, the talk by the guide the 2nd day was almost exactly the same as the first day.
      Written September 10, 2024
    • BeckyW1601
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      We felt as though we were on top of the world!
      Dimitris picked us up at the Story Teller hotel where we were staying promptly at 9:00 a.m. It was just my wife and I on the tour. Dimitris was professional and extremely knowledgable about the village of Kalabaka, the Thessaly region, Meteora and the monasteries. We were dropped off at the steps of the three monasteries we visited and were allowed to spend as much or as little time at each as we wished. At the end of our tour, Dimitris took us to a tavern where we shared a coffee and visited for well over half an hour. Our time spent with Dimitris one of the highlights of our trip to Greece. We highly recommend taking this tour and suggest you request Dimitris be your guide.
      Written September 8, 2024
    • Stefanie M
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Morning hiking
      We did this tour in the morning. Pick up was on the spot and after a short drive we started our hike. Pace of the hike is adjusted to the group and our guide gave a lot of information about the history of meteora, the monasteries and nature.
      Written September 8, 2024
    • Stefanie M
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Hike and then enjoy the sunset
      We did this tour in the afternoon (we did the hiking tour in the morning as well). We had a wonderful experience and our guide took time to explain the history of the area and gave us a lot of information about the region in general. The afternoon hike is a little bit more challenging than the one in the morning but definitely worth it.
      Written September 8, 2024
    • HDRhunting17
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      AMAZING
      This is the second time I have done this tour and it was as good as the first time. Guiding was excellent with great knowledge and explanations of the area. stopped at the best views for photos and plenty of time to see the areas of interest on the tour. LOVE IT and recommend to all my friends who come visit Greece.
      Written September 6, 2024
    • kostak881
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      AMAZING day trip!!!
      The day was well organized. We were advised way in advance that we would be on a bus instead of a train. Meeting point was easy to find. Even though it was a long day and a long drive, we had breaks . The views were stunning and our guide was great, had a great sense of humor and was very informative.
      Written September 2, 2024
    • christosk2
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      excellent Meteora private tour
      Very friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. We learnt so many new things and we had so much fun at the same time. It was a great experience over all!
      Written August 30, 2024
    • Raphaël G
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great guide, breathtaking views and a chill scramble: a great start to our honeymoon.
      Chris was such a nice person, a knowledgeable and fun (but very safe) guide. The views of the pillars are best enjoyed from the rocks themselves. Chris also had good advice about the surrounding areas, it was fun to share our love of climbing. For any experienced climbers looking for a challenge this is not it : this is a lovely scramble to really take in the views and learn about the area. Overall highly recommended.
      Written August 30, 2024
    • V5251RGlucab
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A "must do"
      Fantastic one-day tour from Athens. The guide was clear and well-informed. The trip was confortable. I definitely suggest this tour.
      Written August 27, 2024
    • Vistas28
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The greatest travel agency!!
      All the tours we did with visit Meteora were exceptional. George put together a multi-day..multi-city trip that many thought could not happen. His associates from our drivers(Vaggelis and Sotoris) to our tour guides (Dimitri the Great!) Were just extraordinary. Such a professional group of people who take such pride at their work. We couldn't be more grateful. Thank you!
      Written August 26, 2024
    • T5485MIminak
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing sunset tour
      Highly recommend this tour! Our tour guide was outstanding, knowledgeable and friendly. It lasted around 4 hours, so definitely worth it if you stay just for a day. We managed to see so many different places that we probably wouldn’t do alone.
      Written August 24, 2024
    • buster011
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Hiking around Meteora
      Brilliant hike in an absolutely wonderful area. Chris was an awesome tour guide - knowledgeable, fun, friendly and caring. We got to also explore 3 monasteries which were very interesting
      Written August 23, 2024
    • rosekW1239OY
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Full day private tour, sunset and hiking tour
      Awesome trip to Meteroa. Also, did the hiking and sunset tour. It wouldn't have been the same experience without a guide. Visit Meteora was amazing and easy to deal with. Thanks!
      Written August 19, 2024
    • Dreamtowander
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best Tours - Sunset Tour and Monastery Hike Tour - Both Great Experiences!
      We took 2 tours with this company and both were amazing. The first afternoon, we took the sunset tour and then then next morning, we took the half day hiking tour. On the sunset tour, we drove by all the monasteries, went into one, went into the Byzantine church of Virgin Mary and our guide explained all the history of this great historic site, saw the hermit caves, and then ended with the sunset. The hiking tour was a great adventure, our guide led up to the top of the monasteries, explaining the history of the area, we walked past Ypapanti monastery, saw Grand Meteoran, and then walked back down the monk's trail. A great day! Both of our guides were locals and very personable and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this company and doing these tours when in Meteora!
      Written August 14, 2024
    • natalina2412
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      An exclusive hiking tour
      An exclusive hiking tour of the breathtaking Meteora! Our group consisted only of four including the guide, Chris, who was an experienced and enthusiastic guide, full of information about the history, geology, and natural history of this fairy-tale place. The whole experience went flawlessly, from the booking, with due reminders, the pick-up from/drop-off at the hotel, which in my case was actually quite distant from Kalambaka, and of course the hike. It was ca 7 km long, but rather easy. We had free time to visit one monastery. Absolutely recommended!
      Written August 12, 2024
    See all 3,856 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles566 reviews
    Excellent
    474
    Very good
    64
    Average
    14
    Poor
    7
    Terrible
    7

    Jade Leow
    4 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sep 2022 • Couples
    We were brought to a restaurant for lunch after our 4hr train journey to kalambaka. We felt it was quite commercialised and quite rushed and there was inadequate sitting. The food was buffet style probably to cater to the large numbers in a short time. The food was tasty but on the expensive side.
    The air conditioning in the bus was severely inadequate. With the numerous stops and the hot weather, it was suffocating esp with a full bus load of tourists. In my opinion, there were too many monasteries visited. Fewer stops with more indepth explanation about the insides of the monasteries would have been more informative.
    The trip ended with only abt 35 min for us to grab dinner before the 4hr journey back and we had to rush to locate a place to get food as the supermarket we were
    dropped at was closed.
    The train carriage we were seated in had almost no air flow and we had to move to the cafeteria for the whole 4hr journey back
    Advise is buy the first class train tickets.
    All in all, not an enjoyable day despite the nice scenery
    Written September 16, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Nydia H
    Glendale, AZ72 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2022
    I had a great time on the trip and the monasteries were amazing. Our guide told us the history of the sites we visited, and she was friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable. Our bus driver was skilled and helpful, even assisting with photographs. It is a beautiful place that should not be missed. The train ride is very long, if I visit again, I may stay overnight.
    My tip for visiting: Please, please respect the requests to dress appropriately. It was disappointing to see my fellow tourmates in sports bras and shorts. The tour information stressed it multiple times and people just ignored. Bring cash, some areas had a 3 euro entrance fee. Also, I went in August - very hot, drink lots of water and wear clothing that can be removed when not on site.
    Overall, a breathtaking experience!!
    Written August 19, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Lorenzobrn81
    Milan, Italy140 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2020
    The trip for Meteora is quite long, we left Athens at 7:20 am and we arrived at Kalabaka at 11:40. Our tour guide and driver were there waiting for us. After a stop near Badovas caves, we had a fast lunch; the tour guide was great, with a big knowledge of all Meteora attractions and the driver was very kind always taking pictures of us. Meteora and all the monasteries are very beautiful and interesting and panorama is really unique.
    After visiting 3 monasteries and many photo stops, we went back to the train station around 16:45 and took the train at 17:15.
    Written September 13, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    cheyebar
    Seattle, WA5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2021
    This was a cool tour! The train ride from Athens to Meteora is beautiful but is 4 hours one way so be sure to factor that in to your plans. Definitely recommend getting the first class ticket so you can have a private cabin (unless you're with only 2 people then you may have to share). The tour and guide was knowledgable and we saw so many spectacular sights. There is a lot of steps and a lot of walking though which was fine for me but I saw many older people who had a tough time.
    Written November 28, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    mikelizzy
    Brampton, Canada15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2021
    Excellent blend of learning about the history of the area (the arrival of the monks and eventual building of the monasteries), visiting 3 of the monasteries and breath taking scenery.
    Our guide, Maria, is a local and was able to share a lot of stories - both factual and some fable - about the history of the area. Maria was very knowledgeable and added a good balance of humour to the narrative.
    The train ride is long - highly recommend taking advantage of the first class upgrade.
    Written October 13, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Ed C
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2020 • Solo
    *dudes cant wear shorts*
    (So I wore shorts and put on thin trousers over the top when I went into the monasteries)

    Started the day at 6.20, walked to the station (about a 40 minute walk from Athens Studios). I had emailed the tour providers asking about the train ticket so they told me what platform to get on and when. Very helpful! I would have found myself in Turkey for all I know. 4 hour train up.
    But when we got there there was only 3 of us and we all became very chatty as the day went on and made the experience very fun!

    The views were just something else. So unbelievable, such an amazing day. Our tour guide was very open and talkative, so the time we had together flew.

    (Not entirely my opinion but..) The Slovenian man who was part of our 3 said he would have preferred to have done it by himself. I understand, as some of the information given about the priests was uninteresting, to me at least. The other person in the group, a young aussie girl, came to athens especially for this trip so take that as you will.
    Highly recommend Meteora.

    Tour Guide 9/10
    Minibus 10/10
    Train journey (depends on you entirely)
    Views 9/10
    Written August 14, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Linda L
    Winnipeg, Canada31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2021 • Friends
    This was a fascinating tour of a really stunning area of Greece. The train ride was long--4 hours each way, so it was worth paying a little extra for a first class carriage. Our guide, Vasili, and our driver were locals and extremely knowledgeable of the area and the 3 monasteries we visited, as well as the history of the monastic movement there. For anyone interested in the history of Christianity, this is a must-see; it's also worthwhile for anyone interested in the history of the area in general.

    My major caveat is that this is super demanding physically. I damaged my Achilles tendon shortly before this trip and simply could not manage the stairs at the first two, and while I was able to visit the third, I wasn't able to manage the flight to the WC. That being said, Vasili and our driver were really amazing, giving me the time I needed without pressuring me to hurry up, letting me stay comfortably in the bus, and taking gorgeous photos for me. I can't say enough great things about them!
    Written November 17, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Emily B
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Katarina and our driver were both wonderful! They stopped at every view, offered to take our pictures, and directed us to good food after the tour. Katarina shared her personal stories since she grew up in the area which added so much to the experience! It was amazing seeing the monasteries and hearing about the lives of the monks & nuns.

    A few things to note:
    •The train ride is not guided- you have to get to the train station and ride the train alone
    •bring cash- the monasteries are €3 each, and the train only takes cash in the cafe car
    •there are bathrooms at the monasteries, but they’re basically holes in the ground, plan accordingly
    •women either wear a long skirt covering the knees and shirt covering the shoulders, or bring a long scarf that you can wrap around you to cover your knees. Our guide had some we could borrow, otherwise you had to buy one at the monasteries to cover yourself.

    Highly recommend this trip! Also we appreciated the upgrade to first class on the train, comfortable and clean, assigned seats, separate bathroom (if it works)
    Written November 12, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Artorias Wolf
    Elmhurst, NY13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took 4 hours to Meteora, tour guild will pick up us at station of Kalambaka. First they will take to the restaurant to lunch, this is optional (better to bring food by yourself coz it is little expensive).
    After that tour guild will take you the viewpiont to take pic, the view point is very beautiful. The monasteries admission is $3 euro. The instruction said lady wear long pant is OK, but it is not, if you don't have long skirts, the admission area will ask you to buy, $3.50 euro for scarf for skirt, and it not really petty (better wear long skirt). There have few hiking road, wear comfortable sneaker or hiking shoe.

    Meteora is very beautiful place, you must join this tour.
    Written October 28, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Korky62
    Gloucester, VA338 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My young adult daughter and I took this tour and were very pleasantly surprised. Our tour guide, Jimmy was very knowledgeable and so funny. We learned so much about the Meteora monasteries, it was very educational. We were greeted at the train station by Jimmy and escorted to our very comfortable bus. From there we drove just down the street where we had lunch. You had your choice of several dishes, beverages and desserts. The view of the mountains was breathtaking as we enjoyed our lunch. After lunch we started our tour to the monasteries.

    We visited three monasteries and stopped several times to exit the bus for photo opportunities.

    There is quite a bit of stair climbing, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. If you plan to go into the monasteries, women need to have a long dress or skirt and shoulders need to be covered. Men need to have long pants. They sell shalls/scarves for $3 if you don’t have a dress or skirt on.

    After the tour, we were dropped off about a block from the train station to grab a snack before boarding our train.

    I’m so glad we took this tour, and we are looking forward to doing it again with other family members.
    Written September 26, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Day Trip with optional lunch provided by Visit Meteora Travel

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