1 Day Tour from Athens to Meteora Monasteries

Meteora Day Trip from Athens by Bus

Discover Meteora and its historic monasteries on a full-day bus trip from Athens. Travel through mainland Greece to one of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes, explore Meteora with a local English-speaking tour leader, see all six monasteries along the panoramic route, and visit the interiors of three of them.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Athens by air-conditioned coach, free Wi-Fi and USB chargers on board, a 4+ hour Meteora sightseeing tour, panoramic photo stops, a visit to the Hermit Caves of Badovas, and a multilingual audio guide.

Meteora has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988 for both its cultural and natural importance. Orthodox hermits began settling among the remarkable rock formations from around the 11th century, while monasteries were systematically established on the rock pillars during the following centuries.

Departure from Athens

Meet across the road from Athens Railway Station (Larissa Station) on Theodore Diligianni Street.

Meeting time: 08:45
Departure: 09:00

The coach is air-conditioned and equipped with free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports. During the journey north, enjoy views of the Greek countryside and a short seaside refreshment stop at Kamena Vourla.

Arrival in Kalabaka

Arrive in Kalabaka, the town situated at the foot of the Meteora rock formations, at approximately 13:30.

Before beginning the Meteora tour, there is time for a short lunch break. A Greek lunch can be added to the booking as an optional extra.

4+ Hour Meteora Monasteries Tour

Continue with a local English-speaking tour leader for more than four hours of sightseeing through the extraordinary landscape of Meteora.

During the tour you will:

• See all six historic Meteora monasteries along the panoramic route
• Visit the interiors of three monasteries
• Learn about the history of Meteora and its monastic communities
• Discover the geological formation of the enormous rock pillars
• Visit the historic Hermit Caves of Badovas
• Stop at panoramic viewpoints for photographs

The monasteries of Meteora were established on towering sandstone rock formations that provided isolation for monks and hermits. By the end of the 15th century, twenty-four monasteries had been built in the wider Meteora area.

Multilingual Audio Guide

A free digital audio guide is available for use inside the monasteries and at selected points of interest.

The audio guide is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

Please bring your own smartphone and earphones to use the audio guide.

Monastery Entrance Fees

Entrance fees to the monasteries are €5 per monastery and must be paid in cash. These entrance fees are not included in the tour price.

A licensed guide inside the monasteries is not included. The local tour leader provides information during the Meteora sightseeing tour, while the multilingual audio guide can be used inside the monasteries.

Dress Code for the Meteora Monasteries

Appropriate clothing is required to enter the monasteries.

Women: Skirts covering the knees or longer are required. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted. Visitors wearing trousers may be asked to use a wrap, scarf, or pareo around the waist.

Men: Sleeveless tops and shorts above the knee are not permitted.

Return to Athens

After completing the Meteora tour, return to Kalabaka for a short break before departing for Athens at approximately 18:15.

A second refreshment stop is made at Kamena Vourla during the return journey.

Arrival back at Athens Railway Station is expected at approximately 22:45.

Meeting Point

Meeting point: Across the road from Athens Railway Station (Larissa Station), Theodore Diligianni Street, Athens.
Meeting time: 08:45
Departure time: 09:00
Approximate return: 22:45

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure and look for the bus displaying the “METEORA THRONES – TRAVEL CENTER” sign.

What’s Included

• Round-trip transportation from Athens by air-conditioned coach
• Free Wi-Fi and USB chargers on the coach
• Local English-speaking tour leader in Meteora
• 4+ hour panoramic Meteora tour
• See all six monasteries and visit inside three
• Visit to the Hermit Caves of Badovas
• Panoramic photo stops
• Multilingual digital audio guide
• All applicable transportation taxes

Not Included

• Monastery entrance fees (€5 per monastery, cash only)
• Licensed guide inside the monasteries
• Lunch, unless selected as an optional extra
• Hotel transfer to or from the Athens meeting point
• Gratuities