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 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
Tour only (excluding lunch)
Pickup included
Reviews
699 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Memorable, so much history!
Jake D,
Aug 27, 2025
- Viator
4.00Had a fantastic time, enjoyed everything from the ride there, the scenic stops along the way, and especially the tour. We loved all three monasteries and the views from the highest points were breathtaking. The only criticism would be that - even for a five-hour tour - parts of it felt a bit rushed. It gave the sense that some elements were left out when they were in fact crammed together.
Magical
Jan M,
Aug 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00This excursion was amazing! The tour company was professional and everything ran smoothly. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and funny! He made the trip exceptional! If you’re thinking about taking this trip, stop thinking and book it! 👏👏👏 The scenery was incredible! ❤️ I thought I was in heaven!
an excellent experience...
Manuel E,
Jul 15, 2025
- Viator
4.00an excellent experience once on the bus. it was difficult to find your right bus; the pick up spot is across from the train station but the 4 buses that are already there are telling you to go across the street where there are no buses, but once more show up you are told to go back across the street since none of those are the right ones. it was a little stressful. once on the bus, everything went smoothly and the tour guide was very knowledgeable and fun. highly recommend doing the lunch option! it has vegetarian, gluten free, and normal foods to choose from with large portions.
Not a trustworthy tour company
Talya B,
Jul 11, 2025
- Viator
1.00The monasteries were lovely but the tour company can’t be trusted. Our tour cost 3x the price of another tour but they merged them so we had the exact same experience with zero difference. When we asked them to refund the difference, they simply rejected it with no rationale. The bus was hot and uncomfortable and we were not transferred to a small group experience once we arrived in the town. It was unpleasant and not what we signed up for. The communication with Key Tours was not great. I wouldn’t trust them with a tour again based on our experience with many, many tour companies around the world including in Greece where the companies honored their advertised tours.
It's a long day, but it's...
Donna G,
Jun 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00It's a long day, but it's worth it. Majestic and magical. It is truly inspiring. The tour guide Maria was knowledgeable and funny.
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