Athens: Meteora Monasteries, Hermit Caves Tour with Pickup
Overview
Available languages
14 hours
Mobile ticket
Embarking on the Meteora Day Trip from Athens by bus offers a distinctive journey into one of Greece's most awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This tour provides the convenience of round-trip transportation from Athens in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the scenic Greek countryside en route to Meteora. Upon arrival, participants have the opportunity to join a small group and visit 3 of the 6 historic monasteries, each perched atop towering rock formations, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into centuries-old monastic life. An optional traditional Greek lunch in the nearby village of Kastraki enhances the cultural experience. The inclusion of an audio guide enriches the journey with historical insights and stories about the monasteries and the surrounding landscape. This combination of seamless transportation, guided exploration, and cultural immersion makes this tour a unique and enriching way to experience the wonders of Meteora.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Infants (ages 3 and under) are free
To enter the monasteries, appropriate clothing is required. Women should not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves. Men are not allowed to wear shorts.
Amendments are serviced based on the availability
The tour requires customers to climb stairs upon their approach to the monasteries. If someone finds climbing stairs challenging, it is possible to wait at the parking area where some benches are.
Customers do not need to buy the monasteries tickets ahead of time. They pay in cash on the spot.
The bus that will drive the customers to Kalambaka is only for the travel group.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Greek lunch with 10 dishes, including vegetarian options (if option is selected)
Local English speaking tour leader
Coastal stopovers for brunch and dinner at beachfront restaurant
Visit the interior of 3 most beautiful monasteries
Free map and bottle of water
Visit to the hermit caves
Pickup service from centrally located hotels in Athens
Roundtrip transfer from Athens to Meteora
Multilingual Monasteries audio tour
Drop-off service in Athens
Entrance fees of the Monasteries (each monastery admission costs €5 per person per monastery)
Guided tour inside the monasteries (audio guide available for free)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Athens
Discover one of Greece’s most awe-inspiring landscapes on a single, unforgettable day trip. Departing from Athens, you'll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, taking in the scenic beauty of the Greek countryside as you make your way to the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora. Catch the bus of 07:30 am to Kalambaka in the morning from opposite the Athens Railway Station and enjoy a trip that will give you the chance to admire the beauty of the countryside. Arrive around 12:30 pm in Kalambaka.
Kamena Vourla
Seaside Brunch Stop: Skip the busy highway rest areas—enjoy a peaceful brunch by the sea, just steps from the water. Sip your coffee or savor a light meal with ocean views and fresh coastal air. Meals are optional and can be pre-ordered via our onboard app for a hassle-free experience.
Options
Tour only (excluding lunch)
Pickup included
Tour with Greek lunch
Traditional Greek lunch: Book this option to join a group tour of Meteora and enjoy a traditional Greek lunch at a local restaurant.
Pickup included
Reviews
705 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible experience - excellent guide and driver
Vivek B,
Sep 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00The pick up was a bit confusing with many buses, we had to go around to check our name on each. It would be better if a Viator representative meets us at the pick up spot to make it easier. The experience of Meteora itself was amazing - both the guide and driver were excellent! The dinner on the way back was very rushed, though.
Amazing
Susan M,
Sep 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00A long day but worth it! The long bus ride was divided into stops every couple of hours for bathroom breaks and snacks or meals which gave you a break from the long trip. Amazing sights.
Long Day - But Worth the Drive
Kerry L,
Sep 10, 2025
- Viator
4.00Definitely a must see when in Greece. Key Tours was quick to respond to questions and gave us a heads up about the potential taxi strike. Meeting location was near a metro station, making it easy to get to, if you didn't want to walk. From past touring experience I knew to look for a coach bus | van. When I couldn't immediately find it. So, I ask other vendors if they knew where my tour might be located. Which was good, since the bus was across the street and nearly a block down from the meeting point. The coach bus was comfortable, had charging stations and wifi. The bus driver was amazingly talented. Bring a book or something to keep yourself entertained. It is a long bus ride to Meteora. Fortunately, we had a stop for breakfast | brunch at Camino, a seaside restaurant along the way. We stopped there for dinner on the way back. Highly recommend ordering the food ahead of time. Makes they stops more relaxing. Jim our tour guy, was great! He was funny and knowledgable at the same time. Bring euros in cash if you want to get into the monasteries! They don't take credit cards. It was a very long day, but very glad we make the trek. It was well worth it.
Everything was fine, we...
Manon G,
Sep 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Everything was very good, we end the day tired but worth it 🌞 The drivers and guides were tops, the scenery too Just make sure you’re in shape because you have to walk a lot, the paths can be pretty rough and the temperatures quite high
Breathtaking and Enlightening
Stacey A,
Sep 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Yes, it is a very very long bus ride. But I believe was worth it when you see the monastery. Kate was a wonderful guide and very informative, and was always willing to answer all of our questions As far as Key Tours they were easy to contact and communicate with, but there was a mishap, as there was not pick up and drop off at my hotel at indicated
Related Experiences
Operated by Keytours - Greece