2 Day Trip to Meteora from Athens

From happy customers

Loved by 43 million+

Juan

Aug 2025

5/5

The organization of the 2-day tour was excellent, complying with the schedule and the programmed plan. The guide of the first activity (Ioannis) gave us very detailed and interesting explanations (in English). The hotel was correct. The visits to the monasteries are extraordinary. Only comment that for the activity of the second day (in Spanish) from 13:00 to 18:00, they did not leave any break for lunch and they should have warned about it in advance.

Mingxi

Sep 2025

5/5

Julian

Aug 2025

5/5

Marlene

Jul 2025

2/5

My tour was in Spanish, it was a 2 day tour and in the end it turned into 1. What it says on the internet is not what I bought, I only enjoyed the second day.

Andrea

May 2025

5/5

This was a fantastic trip from start to finish. Great communication at all points of the trip made the journey seamless. We opted for the 3 star hotel which was a great hotel with very good breakfast included. The two included tours, run by Meteora Thrones, were excellent. It was a bit foggy for our sunset tour but our guide Yannis made it fun and was very informative and flexible to suit the weather. We had opted for the hike on day 2 but due to the weather we couldn't do it. This actually worked out very well! We did the Monastery Tour in the van in the morning and then asked to be dropped in Kastraki when the tour ended. We then had about 4 hours free time so we hiked up to Holy Trinity Monastery (which was not on our tour) starting from Kastraki and hiked back down to Kalabaka to finish, eat and meet the minivan. In the end, we felt we had the best of both worlds. The minivans were excellent as were our drivers and guides (sorry, I can't remember the name of the young lady guide on Day 2). Would definitely recommend this tour and doing two days.

Why choose a 2–day guided Meteora tour?

Escape the buzz of Athens for Meteora’s sky-high monasteries. In just two days, you can glide past Thessaly’s patchwork farms, wake up to views of sandstone structures, and climb centuries-old monastery steps with a guided tour.

Tour bus in front of Meteora Monasteries, Greece, during a guided day trip from Athens.

Easy round-trip transfer: Air-conditioned coach or reserved train seats with Athens hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Expert local guidance: Guides share an insightful history of hermit monks, Ottoman sieges, and secret frescoes, no on-the-spot Googling required.
Accommodation: Spend a night in a three or four-star hotel in Kalambaka or Kastraki.
Flexible pacing: The 2-day itinerary provides enough time to sightsee and experience Meteora at a comfortable pace.

What to expect on 2–day trip from Athens to Meteora

Two people sitting and viewing the Meteora Monasteries on rock formations in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Morning: Depart from Larissa station aboard a luxury coach by 8am.
By noon: Check into your hotel in Kalambaka and enjoy a taverna lunch (tip: the lamb kleftiko is unforgettable).
Late afternoon: Join a 4-hour guided sunset tour later in the day with guided visits to Meteora’s viewpoint.
Evening: Sunset behind Meteora’s towering rock formations; tripod-worthy light over the Pindus Mountains.
Night: Visit the Byzantine Church of Virgin Mary. Then check into your hotel, and stroll to a family-run taverna for moussaka and Meteora rosé.

Ancient Meteora cliffside caves with wooden structures in Greece.

Morning: Begin your day by visiting 3–4 cliff-top monasteries, depending on the tickets you choose.
Late morning: Head to the Hermit Bandit Caves and learn about the ancient ascetics who once lived there.
Afternoon: Free hour in Kalambaka for shopping followed by lunch.
Late afternoon: Depart from Meteora to Athens back to Larissa station.

Things to know before booking your Meteora experience

Your choice of a half-day sightseeing tour or a guided hiking adventure on Day 2, depending on your preferred pace.
Entrance to Meteora monasteries, as per their operating schedule.
Access to the Hermit Caves of Badovas offering a deeper dive into Meteora’s spiritual past.
Visit to the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary, included during the sunset tour.
Certified hiking guide for those opting for the hiking route.
One-night stay in a 3-star hotel with complimentary breakfast (upgrade to 4-star available).
Small group experience, capped at 20 guests for a more personalized vibe.

Comparing 1–day tour v/s 2–day tour

Feature	Meteora 1–day guided tour	Meteora 2–day trip
What does it cover	3 to 4 monasteries & the Hermit Caves/Byzantine Church	5 to 6 monasteries, Hermit Caves, & Byzantine Church, sunset tour
Personalization of tour	Not available	Available on the second day
Pace	Fast	Moderate with breaks in between
Best For	Travelers looking to experience a few highlights of Meteora in 1 day	Travelers looking for a full Meteora experience covering all highlights
Duration	10-14 hours	48 hours

Highlights of Meteora 2-day trip

1/5

Monasteries

Climb stone steps to cliff-top terraces at Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Roussanou, Holy Trinity, St. Stephen, and St. Nicholas Anapafsas, then duck into small museums and chapels with Byzantine frescoes, icons, and simple cells. Outside, you can spot old winch towers, rope nets, and cisterns that explain how monks built and supplied these eyries.

Hermit Caves of Badovas

Visit the Badovas hermit caves, where early monks lived in small, wooden rooms. These caves are older than the monasteries at Meteora and mark the beginning of quiet prayer, solitude, and daily religious routines. The sandstone caves once sheltered Christian hermits from the Byzantine era, around the 9th to 11th centuries. You can see tiny cells, small chapels, and traces of wooden lofts that show a simple, early monastic life when people used ladders and ropes to get inside.

Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary

Founded in the 10th century, this middle-Byzantine parish church likely rises over an earlier early-Christian basilica. Its brick-and-stone walls use a cloisonné pattern with reused marble blocks from older buildings. Frescoes came in layers, refreshed by post-Byzantine artists in the 16th–17th centuries under Ottoman rule. Through it all, the church anchored parish life, picking up quiet repairs and modest restorations along the way.

Kalabaka

Practical base for meals, early-opening bakeries, ATMs, pharmacies, and last-minute layers. Most hotels and the train station are walkable; taxis and local minibuses cluster near the center for easy transfers to monasteries and viewpoints. Refill water, withdraw cash for monastery entries, and make dinner plans here!

Sunset Point

Stand at a west-facing lookout as the cliffs turn bronze, the plain cools to blue, and monastery silhouettes sharpen against the sky. The colors slide from gold to lavender, then deep cobalt which make it great for photos and an easy, unhurried finish to the day.

Plan your visit to Meteora

Refilling water bottle at Gatorland water refill station.

ID, cash, cards: Some monasteries/cafés are cash-only; carry small bills as a backup.
Carry layers: The days are warm, but the evenings are cool. So carry light jackets.
Water + simple snacks: Vendors are limited at lookouts; carry snacks in case you feel hungry.
Power bank: Carry a power bank since charging stations are available only during bus transfers.
Monastery wear: Shoulders must be covered. Men are required to wear long trousers; women are required to wear a skirt that goes below the knees.
Sun kit: Hat, sunglasses, SPF—the rock reflects light even in cooler months.
Personal medication: Carry motion sickness medication in case the winding roads bother you.

Accessible restroom entrance with male and wheelchair signs.

Terrain reality: Expect steps, short slopes, and uneven stone; wheelchair access is limited.
Set your pace: Fewer stops with longer sits beats many short hops; blue hour is a good time to rest and shoot from one spot.
After-dark footing: Use a headlamp, not a phone; poles help on dusty descents.
Restrooms: Limited at viewpoints—plan café or monastery stops into the route.

Essential tips to make it smooth

Sweet-spot seasons: Visit April–June or September–October for mild days, clear skies, and lighter crowds.
Dress code: Modest covering is required inside the monasteries. No shorts for men, long skirts for women, and shoulders must be covered for all.
Footwear matters: Expect 150–300 steps per monastery, so wear grippy shoes and pack a refillable bottle.
Book early: Peak-summer and long-weekend departures can sell out two to three months in advance.
Cash on hand: A few monasteries still charge €3 entrance in cash only—keep small change ready.
Photography: No flash in chapels; obey “no photo” icons. Drones are usually restricted; don’t launch without written permission.

Frequently asked questions about 2 day trip to Meteora from Athens

How long is the journey from Athens to Meteora?

It is roughly around 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Are monastery entrance fees included?

Guided tours cover the entrance fees of the monasteries included on the trip.

Can I travel in winter?

Yes. Expect frosty mornings, the occasional dusting of snow, and adjusted opening hours on major holidays.

Is there much free time?

Every itinerary builds in at least an hour for independent exploring, photography, or shopping in Kalambaka.

Is the trip suitable for children?

Kids aged six and up usually love it. Guides are great at pacing rest stops and picking viewpoints with fewer stairs.

How much walking is involved?

Plan on 2–4 miles over two days, mostly on monastery steps and dirt paths with gentle elevation. Extra-fit travelers can tack on longer hikes to panoramic overlooks.

Can the itinerary be customised?

No, the itinerary cannot be customised.

Are meals included in the tour?

No, food and drinks are excluded in the tour. But you will get enough time for a meal break before the next stop.

Is Wi-Fi available during the trip?

Free Wi-Fi is available on the bus during the travel.

Will the tour be available in other languages?

No, this tour is conducted only in English.

Enjoy an overnight Meteora tour from Athens featuring all six monasteries, a cozy hotel stay, and flexible hiking or sightseeing options.

Day out to: Your two-day journey begins with a departure from Athens’ Larissa Railway Station, where you’ll board a luxury, air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, and panoramic windows. Travel through central Greece’s storybook scenery, from vineyard-covered plains to misty mountain passes, before arriving in Meteora just in time for golden hour.
Travel tip: You will need to make a small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person for entry to each monastery.
Day 1: Join a 4-hour Meteora sunset tour, guided by a professional English-speaking expert, and visit monasteries like Agios Stefanos or St. Nicholas Anapausas. Stop at the Hermit Caves of Badovas, then head to the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary, a 1,000-year-old treasure built atop an ancient Greek temple. Cap the day at a secluded sunset viewpoint with sweeping vistas over Meteora’s cliffs and valleys. Spend the night in a 3-star or 4-star hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraki.
Day 2: On the second day, choose between a 4-hour sightseeing tour with guided commentary, or a 5-hour hiking tour led by a professional mountain guide. Your ticket includes entry to all six Meteora monasteries (as per rotating availability), photo stops, and hotel pickup and drop-off for both tours.

Inclusions

Round-trip transfers to and from Athens by air-conditioned, luxury coach bus
Meteora sunset tour (first day)
Half-day Meteora sightseeing tour or Meteora hiking tour (second day, based on option selected)
Entry to all 6 monasteries (depending on their rotating schedules)
Entry to the Hermit Caves of Badovas
Entry to the Byzantine Church of Virgin Mary (on the sunset tour)
Photo stops for panoramic views
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Professional hiking guide (for the hiking tour)
One night 3-star hotel accommodation with complimentary breakfast (or 4-star hotel, depending on your choice)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off (only for the tours)
Small group size (maximum 20 guests)
Free Wi-fi and USB chargers on the bus
Bottled water onboard

Exclusions

Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Athens
- A small offering of €3 to €5 per monastery
- Hotel tax (typically €1.5/room in 3-star hotels & €3/room in 4-star hotels)
- Guide inside the monasteries
- Food and drinks
- Tips for the guide (optional)
- Personal travel insurance

As you exit Larissa train station, head straight across the street. You'll find your 'Meteora Thrones' bus parked on Theodore Diligianni Street, right outside Everest Café.
You’ll typically visit 2 to 4 monasteries, depending on the day and opening schedules. Each monastery is closed one day a week (Great Meteoron doesn’t open on Tuesdays, and Varlaam is closed on Fridays).
Meteora is not suitable for wheelchair users, as all sites involve stairs or inclined pathways. If you have limited mobility, consider visiting monasteries like St. Stephen’s with a paved path and fewer steps.
Tours use minibuses or small coaches to travel between monasteries. The drives are short but often involve narrow, winding mountain roads.
While there are no restrooms on the bus, a scheduled mid-tour stop gives you time for a bathroom break and a quick snack.
Tour guides stay outside the monasteries; use your smartphone and earphones to listen to the included audio guide.
All monasteries follow a strict dress code. Men must wear long pants; women need knee-length skirts and covered shoulders. Wraps and shawls are typically provided at the entrance.
Wear closed, comfortable walking shoes, as many paths are uneven and involve climbing stairs.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Enjoy an overnight Meteora tour from Athens featuring all six monasteries, a cozy hotel stay, and flexible hiking or sightseeing options.

Day out to: Your two-day journey begins with a departure from Athens’ Larissa Railway Station, where you’ll board a luxury, air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, and panoramic windows. Travel through central Greece’s storybook scenery, from vineyard-covered plains to misty mountain passes, before arriving in Meteora just in time for golden hour.
Travel tip: You will need to make a small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person for entry to each monastery.
Day 1: Join a 4-hour Meteora sunset tour, guided by a professional English-speaking expert, and visit monasteries like Agios Stefanos or St. Nicholas Anapausas. Stop at the Hermit Caves of Badovas, then head to the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary, a 1,000-year-old treasure built atop an ancient Greek temple. Cap the day at a secluded sunset viewpoint with sweeping vistas over Meteora’s cliffs and valleys. Spend the night in a 3-star or 4-star hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraki.
Day 2: On the second day, choose between a 4-hour sightseeing tour with guided commentary, or a 5-hour hiking tour led by a professional mountain guide. Your ticket includes entry to all six Meteora monasteries (as per rotating availability), photo stops, and hotel pickup and drop-off for both tours.

Inclusions

Round-trip transfers to and from Athens by air-conditioned, luxury coach bus
Meteora sunset tour (first day)
Half-day Meteora sightseeing tour or Meteora hiking tour (second day, based on option selected)
Entry to all 6 monasteries (depending on their rotating schedules)
Entry to the Hermit Caves of Badovas
Entry to the Byzantine Church of Virgin Mary (on the sunset tour)
Photo stops for panoramic views
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Professional hiking guide (for the hiking tour)
One night 3-star hotel accommodation with complimentary breakfast (or 4-star hotel, depending on your choice)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off (only for the tours)
Small group size (maximum 20 guests)
Free Wi-fi and USB chargers on the bus
Bottled water onboard

Exclusions

Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Athens
- A small offering of €3 to €5 per monastery
- Hotel tax (typically €1.5/room in 3-star hotels & €3/room in 4-star hotels)
- Guide inside the monasteries
- Food and drinks
- Tips for the guide (optional)
- Personal travel insurance

As you exit Larissa train station, head straight across the street. You'll find your 'Meteora Thrones' bus parked on Theodore Diligianni Street, right outside Everest Café.
You’ll typically visit 2 to 4 monasteries, depending on the day and opening schedules. Each monastery is closed one day a week (Great Meteoron doesn’t open on Tuesdays, and Varlaam is closed on Fridays).
Meteora is not suitable for wheelchair users, as all sites involve stairs or inclined pathways. If you have limited mobility, consider visiting monasteries like St. Stephen’s with a paved path and fewer steps.
Tours use minibuses or small coaches to travel between monasteries. The drives are short but often involve narrow, winding mountain roads.
While there are no restrooms on the bus, a scheduled mid-tour stop gives you time for a bathroom break and a quick snack.
Tour guides stay outside the monasteries; use your smartphone and earphones to listen to the included audio guide.
All monasteries follow a strict dress code. Men must wear long pants; women need knee-length skirts and covered shoulders. Wraps and shawls are typically provided at the entrance.
Wear closed, comfortable walking shoes, as many paths are uneven and involve climbing stairs.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Day Trips

From Athens: Meteora 2-Day Trip with 2 Guided Tours & Hotels

Enjoy an overnight Meteora tour from Athens featuring all six monasteries, a cozy hotel stay, and flexible hiking or sightseeing options.

Day out to: Your two-day journey begins with a departure from Athens’ Larissa Railway Station, where you’ll board a luxury, air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, and panoramic windows. Travel through central Greece’s storybook scenery, from vineyard-covered plains to misty mountain passes, before arriving in Meteora just in time for golden hour.
Travel tip: You will need to make a small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person for entry to each monastery.
Day 1: Join a 4-hour Meteora sunset tour, guided by a professional English-speaking expert, and visit monasteries like Agios Stefanos or St. Nicholas Anapausas. Stop at the Hermit Caves of Badovas, then head to the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary, a 1,000-year-old treasure built atop an ancient Greek temple. Cap the day at a secluded sunset viewpoint with sweeping vistas over Meteora’s cliffs and valleys. Spend the night in a 3-star or 4-star hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraki.
Day 2: On the second day, choose between a 4-hour sightseeing tour with guided commentary, or a 5-hour hiking tour led by a professional mountain guide. Your ticket includes entry to all six Meteora monasteries (as per rotating availability), photo stops, and hotel pickup and drop-off for both tours.

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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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48 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

From happy customers

Top things to do in Athens

Why choose a 2–day guided Meteora tour?

What to expect on 2–day trip from Athens to Meteora

Things to know before booking your Meteora experience

Comparing 1–day tour v/s 2–day tour

Highlights of Meteora 2-day trip

Monasteries

Hermit Caves of Badovas

Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary

Kalabaka

Sunset Point

Plan your visit to Meteora

Essential tips to make it smooth

Frequently asked questions about 2 day trip to Meteora from Athens

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2 Day Trip to Meteora from Athens

From Athens: Meteora 2-Day Trip with 2 Guided Tours & Hotels