Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki
4.5
Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki
By Ammon Express
About
Access the World Heritage Site of Meteora without the stress of train tables or bus transfers on this day trip from Thessaloniki. Starting at your choice of central meeting points, you’ll go straight to the remote monasteries in an air-conditioned coach or minivan, enjoying views of the mountains and plains along the way. Tour two of the most impressive sites with a guide for a more in-depth experience than you might get on your own.
from per adult
$63.85
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 49 per group
Duration: 11h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Highlights
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Meteora monasteries with a guide
- Transport from Thessaloniki takes the hassle out of getting to the remote site
- Learn about the history and construction of the amazing clifftop retreats
- Well-paced itinerary allows time for lunch in nearby Kalambaka
- Transport to and from Meteora
- English speaking excursion attendant
- Basic travel insurance (during transport)
What's not included- Entrance fees (€3 per monastery – cash only)
- Guided tour inside the monasteries and museums
- The cost of the lunch at the restaurant
- Entry/Admission - Meteora
- Departure details
- Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos, Egnatia 78, Thessaloniki 546 24, Greece Aristotelous square and Egnatia square in front of Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos at 08:00
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 63073P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Our trip attendant shall wear a clothing with the AMMON Express marking so that he will be recognisable easily.
- You should be at the departure points 10' before the time indicated in the schedule. The bus cannot remain at designated stops, except for boarding.
- The monasteries have strict dress rules prohibiting entry to male visitors wearing shorts and women visitors with sleeveless sweatshirts. Women need a long skirt/ dress to enter the monasteries.
- The approach to the monasteries is achieved through stairs and requires comfortable footwear.
- Please be consistent with the exact appointment times specified by the Ammon Express escort, so that the excursion to Meteora will remain unforgettable to all participants.
- Please bring cαsh with you for entrance fees (€3 per monastery)
- Most travelers can participate
- 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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- Which attractions will I visit with Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki?
- During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki on Tripadvisor
- How much is Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki?
- Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki price starts from $65.30. Discover and book Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki on Tripadvisor
- What is the Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki cancellation policy?
- Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki?
- Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki is hosted by Ammon Express. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Ammon Express on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki on Tripadvisor
- 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: 63073P2
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Similar experiences
Itinerary
- You'll start atStatue of Eleftherios VenizelosEgnatia 78, Thessaloniki 546 24, GreeceAristotelous square and Egnatia square in front of Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos at 08:00See address & details
- 1MeteoraStop: 5 hours - Admission excludedWe reach Meteora at around 12:30p.m; this fascinating complex of huge steep rocks of pennant, arising close to the first elevations of the longest sierra in Greece, Pindos (the “spine” of Greece). We visit two of the six operating Holy Monasteries depending on the schedule of each one. During our visits to the monasteries we make a short stop to admire the stunning panoramic view of the Holy Monasteries from up high and capture the mystique of the landscape. The wild unapproachable area with the sandstones of more than 65 millions years old is majestic and at the same time unearthly and divine as until today their origin cannot be explained. Next, we enjoy our greek traditional lunch break in Kastraki, at Kalampaka area, against the view of the astonishing Meteora. We depart to Thessaloniki at around 15:30p.m and we have a last stop for 20΄ for coffee and rest. We are back at about 19:00p.m, making the same stops where we started from.Read more
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
- sokolovec00Good adventureThat was very nice experience! Great way to introduce yourself to the region. Thanks to Nathaly, our guide, she was super helpful and tell us a lot about mythology and common life.
- 137jericak00Nice one day tripEverything was great. We went on a trip in a second part of September, so it essentially crowded. The boat trip is nice way to see Athos.
- annacarydakis00GreatMy family and I enjoyed this day trip We had a Great guide Kate or Katrina She was very helpful and informative. The views were beautiful
- Q5062NXlydiak00A lovely day in a unique locationOur tour to Lake Kerkini was wonderful. The drive was easy and comfortable in our small bus. We lucked out with beautiful weather and were able to take the boat on the lake to approach flocks of flamingos and pelicans, as well as observe cormorants, herons and egrets, gulls and terns, and even a grebe. It was also a treat to see some of the farm animals in the area - cows, buffalo, and goats. Our guide Giannis was friendly, enthusiastic, and knowledgable, and I enjoyed learning about the region from him. Note for birders considering this tour: this was not really a birding trip, and others in the group will probably not be birders. We stopped in several locations along the lake to observe the wildlife, but never for too long in any one place. No pausing for an hour to identify every peep on the shoreline! This is not a criticism of the tour, but just an observation in case it helps set expectations for anyone. I highly recommend this tour for anyone wishing to get out of the city to see some birds and wildlife in a gorgeous setting.
- _Z922AO00Great day tripWonderful day trip, enjoyed our lively guide Lazarus who was very informative. Baths and waterfall and restaurant were perfectly enjoyable
- DayTrip4727821934200Nice experience!Der Ausblick war sehr schön, super Wetter Every thing works well! I wish having more time to swimm!
- OnAir81536700Very impressing MuseumsWe visit 3 museum , all of them are very interesting, in new buildings and well orgenized the Guide was exlent and make the stories come to life
- neilg88100Secret spots to explore and experience like the locals doKonstantina was amazing. So knowledgeable about the city and great to find all the secret cafe’s, markets and stops to hang out as the locals do. Cannot recommend her more highly. Neil (Cotswolds)
- dermotb50700Good but….We enjoyed most of the tour. The guide was informative, comfortable bus, interesting content. Would have been good to give more information about the walk up the gorge. Folk who don’t like heights won’t enjoy it. Ok for me but not so much for my partner.
- Jacqueline C00Wonderful trip whole day was a bless thanks goes to our guide katerina and driver illias when we return for sure we find ammonJust returned from pozar and edessa Very well organised trip very well done to our guide katerina and driver illias thank you again love from malta august 23 ❤️
- AmandaB703300Thermal baths are lovely and Ammon Express goodPozar thermal baths are lovely and the Edessa waterfall spectacular and both are very hard to access by public transport making a day trip such as organised by Ammon Express essential unless you have a car. I also wanted to go from Ohrid in Macedonia on the way to Thessaloniki but that was not possible so had to go to Thessaloniki and backtrack. Lots of coach driving involved for a couple of hours in each place. However the guide from Ammon Express was very good and pointed out interesting historical features on the way.
- Pavel K00City. Food. Greece.Very easy going and interesting tour with A LOT of food to try and eat, so I would not recommend eating before the tour. If you are a foodie - it’s a mist. Even if you are not a foodie - I still recommend this tour.
- kathrynf81800Big disappointment so don't waste your time or money.Thus was a very disappointing tour given that we had a great tour to Meteora with the same company. The guide hardly explained anything, and the sites did not have any audio guides or much in English. In addition, non-EU residents had to pay much more in entry fees than others. This does not seem fair. Too much time was spent in Vergina and not enough time at the first Museum in Pella. In Vergina, we were told to have lunch from the canteen since there were not any good places in the town. The bus had to park some distance from the Museums, so we had to walk a kilometer or so. This was difficult for those who had mobility problems. This tour is not appropriate for children.
- Greetingsfromhungary00Not recommendThe guide was nice and kind, but the park and the museum was really boring. The waterfall was not extra. The road to the canyon was nice, but nothing else. You will pay for the bus trip. And it was a fast trip. You should hurry everywhere, except the museum and the park. It is really overpriced. Does not worth this money and time.
- vassilikip45200Rich history, small changes to logisticsEleni was very informative and great narrator Add 45 min at Pozar and 45 min in Edessa to end trip at 6.00 At Pozar we suggest to have in one office location the ticket, locker key and towel
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
167 reviews
Excellent
117
Very good
28
Average
6
Poor
8
Terrible
8
Rebecca
Hamburg, Germany2 contributions
The Meteora monasteries are stunningly beautiful and really worth a visit. However, we recommend to visit them on your own terms and not with this tour. The staff were very nice and helpful. Unfortunately each stop at Meteora was very short and the schedule felt very tight. We arrived back in Thessaloniki at 6:15 p.m. (45 mins earlier than scheduled), and had spent only about 3.5 hours at the actual site. Of that, less than two hours were free to visit the monasteries and enjoy the views. Of course, the approximate schedule was known when we booked, but for such a distance it would make sense to spend as much daylight as possible at the site and return later in the evening. Our guide's explanations throughout the drive to Meteora were interesting, but hard to understand since the audio quality of the speakers in the bus was poor and the speaker above our seats occasionally stopped working. The van was uncomfortable as the seats were unergonomic and there was very little space per passenger. It was crowded up to the last seat. What ruined the trip for us was the inconsiderate behaviour of other passengers concerning the COVID-rules. We sat in the back of the bus, where many people occasionally or even completely took off their masks, sometimes for hours, even though we kindly asked them to put it on. That made us feel very uncomfortable throughout the tour. Also, vaccination certificates were officially required but never checked.
Written April 2, 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.
Ammon E
Thank very much for your detailed review.
We are happy that you liked our staff.
We have taking into consideration your comments about the duration of the trip and for the covid regulations.
We hope to see you again in the future.
Best regards,
Mary Polatidou
Written April 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James
1 contribution
Aug 2023
The tour guide and driver were very friendly and an interesting commentary was provided during the drive. The scenery was spectacular. The queues into the monasteries were a little large, however, this was not the fault of the organised tour - we still had enough time to experience the interiors.
Written August 14, 2023
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.
Alina C
Bucharest, Romania3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
My journey with Ammon Express to the Meteora Monasteries from Thessaloniki was a true highlight of my travels. The guide provided by Ammon Express was exceptional. Her deep knowledge of the monasteries' history and cultural significance added depth to the experience. The sight of the monasteries perched atop the majestic rock formations was awe-inspiring, and I appreciated the freedom to explore at my own pace. Ammon Express ensured a seamless trip, allowing ample time for photography, contemplation, and admiration of the breathtaking views. The guide's expertise and the impeccable organization of the trip made this expedition truly memorable. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a unique and enchanting journey.
Written July 9, 2023
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.
Lars Due Isling
Copenhagen, Denmark134 contributions
It's a long drive from Thessaloniki but you will not regret it. Our guide was the very dedicated Lazarus from the town of Thessaloniki. On the way to Meteora you will see mount Olympus from a distance. In Meteora you will see all the monestarys from the outside and visit 2 of them. The location on high narrow clifs is stunning and the buildings are also pretty cool, especialy inside with beauteful wall paintings. My highest recomendation and 5 big stars
Written October 15, 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.
Z5898YMinfo
Dear Lars thank you very much for your nice words! Such positive messages encourage us to continue offering high quality services based on the ancient roots of Greek hospitality and combined with the endless beauty of nature and its miraculous artworks! The human intervention on the gigantic rocks of Meteora is indeed a "must see" in North Greece! Lazaros is an absolute lover of Greek nature and a free spirit always happy to transmit his passion and interesting stories to every traveler!
We hope to see you again in the future!
Written October 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cypriotpal
Hampshire, UK1,074 contributions
Sep 2020
We were a group of 17 who went in a coach to Meteora from Thessaloniki. The coach was very comfortable with an excellent driver. We used one of the restaurants along the motorway for coffee and then went on to Meteora. We had time to wander around the first monastery which was one easy to enter. The area became more devotional as you entered further into the complex buildings. The Church was very beautiful with the painted walls and ceiling. We then drove on to another monastery which was up a very steep hill,. Down near the road there were several stalls selling food and souvenirs which some of us stayed at whilst others made the climb. When we left there we were taken to a restaurant with a buffet and spent 45 minutes there. There was a choice of about 5 meals.
Our guide was excellent and made the day something to remember from our stay in Thessaloniki.
Our guide was excellent and made the day something to remember from our stay in Thessaloniki.
Written November 3, 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.
Z5898YMinfo
Dear cypriotpal thank you very much for sharing your comments and describing your beautiful experience with us! We are really happy that our excursion to the breathtaking Meteora was the icing on the cake of your visit in Thessaloniki :) . The schedule is designed in every detail so that all our travelers get the most out of the visit up on the gigantic rocks, the Holy Monasteries and the gastronomic "treasures" of the area. We hope to see you again!
Written November 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jules
1 contribution
Jun 2021
What a fabulous day! Our amazing Tour Leader, Mr Lazaros, guided us throughout the day and covered not only history of Meteora, but a fantastic history lesson of Thessaloniki on-route.
Nothing was too much trouble and you could feel that he loved his job. Such passion and a great appetite for everything Greek.
I would recommend this tour as a top priority for everyone fortunate enough to visit Thessaloniki.
Comfortable transportation with air conditioning. Views of Mount Olympus en-route.
The explanations for the 2 monasteries was given before entering, so you had complete free time to view at your own pace and take as many photos as you desire, without being tied to the rest of the group.
I would have loved to have taken another tour with them, but unfortunately I didnt have enough days left.
Fantastic value for money and I have wonderful memories.
I went as a solo traveller but I met some really nice people.
Nothing was too much trouble and you could feel that he loved his job. Such passion and a great appetite for everything Greek.
I would recommend this tour as a top priority for everyone fortunate enough to visit Thessaloniki.
Comfortable transportation with air conditioning. Views of Mount Olympus en-route.
The explanations for the 2 monasteries was given before entering, so you had complete free time to view at your own pace and take as many photos as you desire, without being tied to the rest of the group.
I would have loved to have taken another tour with them, but unfortunately I didnt have enough days left.
Fantastic value for money and I have wonderful memories.
I went as a solo traveller but I met some really nice people.
Written June 14, 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.
yialia57
Polis, Cyprus31 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Today’s excursion has to rank amongst one of the best scenic tours we have ever done. Our guide Lazaros who we have had the pleasure to guide us before was excellent and very informative. He was very attentive and ensured that everyone was fully kept in the picture with information and timings. The day was topped off with lovely weather for this time of year and the suggested lunch venue was excellent. Meteora is a spectacular venue and the visits to the monasteries were very interesting. We highly recommend this trip with Ammon Express.
Written March 8, 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.
vashti
Trinidad112 contributions
Yanni and the driver were excellent. From the time we got on the bus Yanni explained the route, schedule, bathroom breaks etc to us so we knew what to expect.
At each stop Yanni was there for us. We were well taken care of even when we had to climb the hills and stairs to get up to the monasteries. He was always checking on us.
The restaurant we stopped at for lunch was ok. There were other restaurants around and Yanni did say that eating at that restaurant was optional.
The restaurant we stopped at for breaks was also ok. A lot of busses also stopped there so the bathrooms can get crowded and dirty. If the tour operators can find a better place that would be nice.
The hike up to the monasteries required quite a bit of effort and I was actually relieved that the 3rd monastery was closed that day. We still got to see the views from the outside of that monastery and that was good enough for me.
At each stop Yanni was there for us. We were well taken care of even when we had to climb the hills and stairs to get up to the monasteries. He was always checking on us.
The restaurant we stopped at for lunch was ok. There were other restaurants around and Yanni did say that eating at that restaurant was optional.
The restaurant we stopped at for breaks was also ok. A lot of busses also stopped there so the bathrooms can get crowded and dirty. If the tour operators can find a better place that would be nice.
The hike up to the monasteries required quite a bit of effort and I was actually relieved that the 3rd monastery was closed that day. We still got to see the views from the outside of that monastery and that was good enough for me.
Written October 2, 2023
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.
Cyril Wood
Coffs Harbour, Australia29 contributions
Jan 2020
The Ammon tour picked up on time. The tour guide was friendly, polite and knew about the history and culture of the area. She was a local guide. The bus was clean and tidy. There was a rest stop on the way, good and clean. It took 4 hours to reach the first monastery we visited. The bus left Thessaloniki on time at 8.15 am and arrived at approx 12.15 pm at the monastery. After a 40 min stop there we visited second monastery and had 40min there. Between the two places we stopped for photos.
The guide was happy to answer questions and give advice.
After the two monastery visits we drove to a traditional Greek tavern for a typical Greek lunch. This was the only part I felt was not upto scratch. The food while typical was overpriced. I could buy at other locations and I had at lower prices.
Greeks also offer you a dessert or sweet at the end of a meal with a little raki. This did not occur. So I think this needs improvement.
Also it would have been good to go to a restaurant and have a view of the mountains we had just visited. This would not have been difficult there were plenty in the area, we drove past quite a few.
The guide was happy to answer questions and give advice.
After the two monastery visits we drove to a traditional Greek tavern for a typical Greek lunch. This was the only part I felt was not upto scratch. The food while typical was overpriced. I could buy at other locations and I had at lower prices.
Greeks also offer you a dessert or sweet at the end of a meal with a little raki. This did not occur. So I think this needs improvement.
Also it would have been good to go to a restaurant and have a view of the mountains we had just visited. This would not have been difficult there were plenty in the area, we drove past quite a few.
Written January 20, 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.
Dear Cyril W,
We deeply appreciate your kind words describing your trip with us to Meteora and we will certainly take all your observations into serious consideration.
It will be our pleasure to welcome you again in the future.
Best regards,
Ammon express team
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MM
4 contributions
Nov 2022
Terrific day trip from Thessaloniki. Despite going in the off season with the mist and rain, this was an incredible place to see. If you can make it on a clear day, I would recommend that, though we made the most of it without the dramatic views. The bus driver is very safe and the guide had a lot to offer with the history. I would recommend reading up on the sites ahead of time, as everything is in Greek when you get there, and the guide does not come into the monasteries with you.
Written December 3, 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.
Jane H
Tel Aviv, Israel
Is there a rest stop on the way?
Which of the monasteries is visited on Thursdays? Are there railings to help going up the steps?
Cheryl B
Manchester, NH8 contributions
Hello, I would like to ask what is the transportation vehicle? A bus? And do you require that all passengers show their vaccine card for immunization for Covid? That would be very important in our decision. We are both 68 years old and are quite healthy and active and we want to take the best care of ourselves. Thank you, Εθχαριστώ πολύ,
Cheryl Pappademas-Berman
Rebecca
Hamburg, Germany2 contributions
Hi Cheryl, my boyfriend and me took the trip two weeks ago. Our vehicle was a van/minibus for approximately 15-20 people. Concerning COVID safety, unfortunately I really can't recommend taking the trip. We were never asked to show our vaccination certificates, and neither was anyone else as far as I know. Also we felt quite uncomfortable throughout the bus drives because several passengers around us refused to wear their masks properly (or even at all). Our tour guide didn't really try to enforce the COVID rules either. I'm sorry I can't give you a more positive recommendation for this tour. Meteora itself is really worth a visit. Have a nice holiday!
LHS19
New York City, NY12 contributions
Are driver and tour guide vaccinated? Do customers in bus and tour need to show vaccination card or negative covid test?
ZoiaAshdod
Ashdod163 contributions
No we were not requested to show our vaccination credentials. Neither did we ask for theirs.
dees12345
zoetermeer10 contributions
During Covid-19 times is this tour operating fully and does it leave on the planned days or are there a lot of cancellations?
Joe W
Poole, UK7 contributions
Hi, can you tell me how long the trip is - what time we would arrive back at Thessaloniki? Thanks
nanaAmman
Madaba, Jordan19 contributions
Hits a long trip ... we left at 8:00 in the morning and went back at 7:30 in the evening - 3 hours drive in each
Make sure that if the weather is not that good not to go ...
but we enjoyed it
Marisa Gauci
1 contribution
Hi, would this tour bi available on Sunday 15th December 2019 pick up from statue of Eleftherios Venizelos please?
Mark K
2 contributions
You have to contact the tour operator.
I merely wrote a review about it.
tesdeb
Island of Gozo, Malta56 contributions
Hi we are a couple.If we book 2 tours,two to meteora and 2 to the Thermal Baths in September,will we have a discount,please?
Mark K
2 contributions
You should book the first tour.
On the tour, they will give you a discount code which you can use to then book the second one.
Patrice Valadez
Ansbach, Germany5 contributions
Hola, are you able to pick up from Anatolia Hotel Thessaloniki, on the 24 Feb 2019
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Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki provided by Ammon Express
Product Overview: Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki
Prices From | $69 |
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Number of Reviews | 166 |
Number of Photos | 302 |
Duration | 660 minutes |