Great day to Meteora. Wonderful guide Maria - humorous, knowledgeable, and kind. She also speaks multiple languages and chatted away to many people in the group in their native tongue. Really appreciated her down to earth style and the care she showed for the local animals during our tour. You can tell she really cares for the place and community.
After 2 days in Athens, we were a bit worried about all the stairs to the monasteries. However the guides are quite clever and take you to the most difficult one first, which is really not that bad a climb. Monasteries are stunning, views breathtaking of course. You have about 5 hours in Meteora which is enough time for the activities. For the ladies, I'd advise to bring a sarong or similar garment to wrap over your leggings/trousers so you don't need to borrow one and can just go straight in after paying. Entry is in cash, but souvenirs can be bought by card.
The optional meal is a must . Go for the Moussaka and Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers - they are good enough to make you want to do the journey again for your next meal!
Getting the bus from Athens was the most chaotic part as there's quite a few coaches outside the meeting point, however there is a sign on the bus saying 'Meteora', with driver and his assistant being very helpful if you are confused, even waiting for late comers. Something to note is that the bus from Athens is not the same as the tour bus. The first bus did not have chargers, AC, and was a typical older coach. When arriving in Meteora, everyone is split into small groups and that is where you are transported on much more modern tour buses. These buses are very clean and comfortable and great to be in while travelling up and down the mountains. This is where you get the water too, so definitely bring water/snacks for the first bus as the journey is 5 hours with a 30 mins stop halfway. The Athens to Meteora drivers were great, navigating some unexpected road issues with ease. Our tour driver was brilliant and also doubled as a photographer, taking some lovely pictures of us. I think he was also a local to Meteora and Maria shared some funny and interesting stories about them both that related to the history of the hermit caves.
Key Tips:
- There are 2 different buses. Don't think you've been deceived when the bus from Athens is not like the tour bus mentioned in the description - you board that in Meteora.
- The climbs are not that bad. Took us less than 10 minutes (including a small sit down) to get to the top of the first and hardest monastery. This was on top of my already exhausted legs as I'd spent the previous 2 days running around Athens so my legs were like jelly before I began! I'm not that fit and everyone in my group (of all ages and fitness) were able to get to all monasteries.
- Get the optional meal. It's delicious. Worth going back for that wonderful, authentic Greek food.
- Bring cash for the monasteries. €5 per person, per place. So for a couple, €30 for the day. Card can be used in the souvenir shops in the monasteries.
- I wore walking boots, and my boyfriend wore sturdy trainers. I'd recommend something secure to your feet because the paths can be uneven.
If you are still in doubt, just book this trip. It is seriously a bargain for what you get to do. Have fun!