Athens to Meteora Day Trips

From happy customers

Loved by 44 million+

Karen

Mexico

Oct 2025

5/5

‌

Our day was rainy and foggy, so we missed some views on the cliffs, but it was still totally worth the experience, it is highly recommended, I found it impressive and Rula who was our guide behaved the best. The trip is long but you enjoy every moment. It is 100% for explorer souls.

Jose

United States

Jul 2025

5/5

‌

The guide Maria is an excellent person, the stop at the restaurant cafe ". Camino" was great, as well as the pizza for dinner. In Meteora the food in "Eufrosino" super rich and The Monasteries are great, a tour that is a must when traveling to Greece.

Tania

Switzerland

Sep 2025

4/5

‌

The place is stunning, definitely worth visiting. The guide Vaso and both our drivers wery very nice and helpful. I must say we didn't actually visit the Hermit cave, only the caves were mentioned from afar. Also boarding the buses in the morning was a bit chaotic, there where 4 buses on both sides of the street and it took a long time to figure out which one each person was supposed to be in (I arrived 40min early and still was the last to board the bus), as everyone is sent to the same bus and the poor driver was overwhelmed with the queue of people asking where to go. I feel like there must be an easier, more organised way to do this.

Natalia

United Kingdom

Aug 2025

5/5

‌

I loved it! The tour with this company works perfectly, it's well organized and everyone is polite. It takes a long time because of the distance. We visited 3 monasteries and each one took around 1 hour or 40 minutes per monastery. I went for the beautiful scenery, but many people go for the faith. The place is really beautiful and enchanting. The guide spoke excellent English. It was worth it!

Rumyana

Jul 2025

5/5

‌

+2 more

Excellent orginasation, very knowledgable tiur guides, attentive and polite bus driver, we'll do it again! You made our visit unforgettable. Thank you all!

Rumyana

Jul 2025

5/5

‌

+2 more

Excellent orginasation, very knowledgable tiur guides, attentive and polite bus driver, we'll do it again! You made our visit unforgettable. Thank you all!

Ivan

United States

Oct 2025

4/5

Meteora was amazing. The guide presented many good stories. However, the tour didn't match the description. We didn't stop in Kastraki village. We drive by it. The lunch was in kalabaka with only one restaurant. I walked across the railroad tracks to get some baked goods. We also didn't visit the caves. Again, we drove by. There was no audio guide or bottle of water. In short, we enjoyed Meteora, but the trip description needs a rewrite.

Cristina

Spain

Sep 2025

5/5

Our trip to Meteora was an unforgettable experience. The scenery is breathtaking, but what really made the difference was our guide, Rula. From the first moment she transmitted passion and knowledge, explaining the history and details of each monastery in a close and very pleasant way. In addition, she was always attentive to the needs of the group, making everything flow with calm and enjoyment. Thanks to her, we not only saw a wonderful place, but we understood and felt it. I recommend the visit 100% and, if possible, with Rula as a guide!

Depart from Athens for a full-day or overnight journey to Meteora, Greece’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore cliff-top monasteries, secluded hermit caves, and panoramic vistas, all without worrying about logistics, transfers, or itinerary planning.

Overview:

Distance from Athens: Around 360 km
Typical travel time: 4 to 5 hours by luxury coach (one way)
On-site visit duration: 4 to 5 hours per day, up to 2 full days
Cost range: €35 to €105, depending on duration, inclusions, and upgrades
Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and golden-hour sunsets, ideal for photography and hiking.
Meeting/drop-off point: Athens’ Larissa Railway Station
Key attractions/sites covered: 3 to 6 functioning monasteries (Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Agios Stefanos, St. Nicholas Anapausas), the Hermit Caves of Badovas, the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary, Kastraki Village (optional Greek lunch and shopping), plus panoramic viewpoints overlooking all six monasteries.

What to expect on an Athens to Meteora day trip?

1/6

Morning departure from Athens

Board your luxury, air-conditioned coach at Larissa Railway Station by 8am. Relax in reclining seats with Wi-Fi and USB chargers as you travel north through Thessaly, past olive groves, limestone cliffs, and picturesque villages.

Arrival and local introduction

Reach Kalabaka around 12:30pm, a quaint town at Meteora’s base. Meet your English or Spanish-speaking guide, who sets the stage for your monastic explorations, sharing the history and legends behind Meteora’s towering rock formations.

Optional Greek lunch

Depending on your ticket, enjoy a traditional meal in Kastraki Village around 1pm. Savor moussaka, lamb dishes, and baklava with views of the cliffs, preparing you for an afternoon of sightseeing.

Monastery visits and panoramic viewpoints

Spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring 3 to 4 monasteries such as Great Meteoron, Varlaam, or St. Nicholas Anapausas, depending on availability. Each monastery requests a small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person. Designated viewpoints on the route let you photograph all six monasteries in one sweeping view.

Hermit Caves and local exploration

At 5pm, your guide leads you to the Hermit Caves of Badovas, once home to solitary monks. Follow peaceful trails, enjoy less-visited viewpoints of Meteora’s cliffs, and uncover stories of early monastic life.

Return to Athens

Wrap up with free time in Kalabaka around 6pm to 6:30pm for shopping or coffee. Board the coach for your return to Athens, arriving around 9:30pm, relaxed and enriched by a full day of natural beauty, history, and culture.

Things to know before booking your Meteora day tour

All Athens tours start at Larissa Railway Station. Expect a 4 to 5-hour luxury coach ride north through Thessaly, with reclining seats, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi to keep you comfortable on the journey.
Choose from a full-day tour (4 to 5 hours on-site), a 2-day tour with overnight stay, or hiking options. Each tour includes visits to 3 to 4 monasteries, depending on the schedule and ticket type.
Groups are capped at 12 to 20 participants, ensuring attentive guides, shorter wait times, and richer insights into Meteora’s history, caves, and cliffside monasteries.
A €3 to €5 cash offering per monastery is required at each gate. Bring small bills to cover entries for all stops.
Consider adding a lunch stop in Kastraki Village to try local specialties like lamb moussaka, baklava, and village wine with sweeping views of the Meteora monasteries.
Meteora is not wheelchair accessible, and most monasteries involve steps and inclined paths. Only St. Stephen’s Monastery offers paved paths and minimal stairs for easier access.

All your Athens to Meteora day tour options

Experience	Best for	Entry to	Guide	Lunch	Price
Monasteries day trip	Seamless full-day monastery visit	3–4 active monasteries + Hermit Caves	English or Spanish-speaking guide + smart audio	Optional traditional Greek lunch in Kastraki	From €57.40
Monasteries day trip + lunch	Full-day tour with lunch included	3–4 active monasteries + Hermit Caves	English or Spanish-speaking guide + smart audio	Lunch included at a local taverna in Kastraki	From €65.60
2-day trip	Overnight stay & full sightseeing	6 monasteries + Hermit Caves + Byzantine Church	English-speaking tour guide & mountain guide	Breakfast included at hotel; lunch on first day (optional)	From €105
Monasteries & Caves tour	Quick full-day tour with shopping	3 monasteries + Hermit Caves	English-speaking guide & smart audio	Optional traditional Greek lunch in Kastraki	From €67

Why take a Meteora day trip from Athens?

Primary travel hub: Athens is the point of entry for most international travelers, with the country’s busiest airport and main railway connections. Starting from here means you don’t need to coordinate domestic flights, add stopovers, or reroute your entire trip just to see Meteora.
Ideal for short stays and stopovers: If you have just 3 to 4 days in Greece, staying in Athens lets you see major highlights like the Acropolis and Plaka while still fitting in a day trip to Meteora—no need to change hotels.
Plenty of departure options, even last-minute: Thanks to high demand, tours from Athens to Meteora run daily year-round, even during shoulder and off-peak seasons. Smaller departure cities like Thessaloniki may have less frequent options, so last-minute travelers are more likely to find availability from Athens.

Hidden gems to add to your Meteora day trip

Monastery of Varlaam illuminated at night atop rock formations in Meteora, Greece.

Hermit Caves of Badovas

Discover the hidden caves carved into Meteora’s cliffs, where hermit monks once lived in complete seclusion.

Highlights: Cliffside dwellings, carved stonework, panoramic views of the surrounding rocks
Duration: 30 to 60 minutes
Included in: All full-day tours from Athens, Kalabaka, and Kastraki

Hermit Caves of Badovas

Chapel of Doupiani with stone walls and bell tower in Meteora, Greece.

Kastraki Village

Stroll through Kastraki, a charming village nestled at the foot of Meteora’s towering rocks, known for its traditional stone houses and scenic streets.

Highlights: Historic stone homes, boutique shops, photo-worthy alleyways
Duration: About 1 hour (typically included if lunch is booked)
Included in: Full-day tours from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Kalabaka with lunch options

Kastraki Village

Female guest viewing exhibits inside Meteora Monastery, Greece.

Meteora Natural History Museum

Explore Meteora’s natural heritage at this small but fascinating museum, featuring geological formations, fossils, and local wildlife.

Highlights: Geological exhibits, fossil collections, flora, and fauna displays
Duration: 30 minutes
Included in: Optional visit during free time in Kalabaka or Kastraki

Meteora Natural History Museum

Tourists exploring inside Meteora Monastery, observing historical artifacts.

Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary

Step inside a 1,000-year-old Byzantine church built atop an ancient Greek temple, a testament to centuries of spiritual devotion.

Highlights: Byzantine architecture and religious artifacts
Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
Included in: Sunset tours and 2-day guided tours from Athens

Getting to Meteora from Athens

Monastery perched on rock formation in Meteora, Greece, part of private day tour from Athens.

The easiest and most stress-free way to visit Meteora from Athens is by booking one of our guided day tours. These tours include luxury, air-conditioned coach transfers, professional guides, and sometimes hotel pick-up services, ensuring a smooth, worry-free journey. You’ll travel through scenic Thessaly villages, olive groves, and limestone cliffs while your guide provides historical context and local stories along the way.

If you prefer to travel by yourself, here are a few public transport options:

Bus: KTEL Thessaly operates long-distance coaches from Athens’ Liosion Bus Terminal to Kalabaka. The journey usually takes 5 to 6 hours. Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and offer multiple departures per day.
Car: Driving gives you full flexibility. The route takes roughly 4 to 5 hours via E75 and E92, passing through central Greece’s scenic plains and mountains. Parking is available near Kalabaka and Kastraki, though monastery parking areas are limited.

Planning your visit to Meteora

Best time to go

The ideal months to explore Meteora are spring (March to May), when mild weather and blooming wildflowers make hikes and monastery visits especially enjoyable. Autumn (September to early November) also offers pleasant temperatures, thinner crowds, and stunning fall foliage, particularly in October.

Accessibility

Most monasteries involve uneven stone paths, steep stairs, and narrow walkways, which can be challenging for visitors with limited mobility. St. Stephen’s Monastery is the easiest to access, featuring a paved path and minimal steps.

Rules

Meteora is an active religious site, so modest attire is required. Women should wear skirts or dresses covering the knees and shoulders, while men should wear long trousers.
Photography is not permitted inside the monasteries, though you can click pictures of the exterior, cliffs, and surrounding valleys.

Visitor essentials

Most monasteries request a small cash offering (€3 to €5 per site), so bring small bills.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to uneven terrain and stairs.

Tips for exploring

While the larger monasteries, like Great Meteoron and Varlaam, are popular, take time to visit smaller sites such as St. Nicholas Anapausas or Rousanou, which offer equally breathtaking views with fewer crowds for a more peaceful experience.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Meteora from Athens

Are transfers included in the tour price?

Most full-day Meteora tours include round-trip coach transfers from Larissa Station (Athens) to Kalabaka, with a few offering hotel pickup for added convenience.

How long is the journey from Athens to Meteora?

The coach journey takes around 4.5 to 5 hours each way, with scenic views of the Greek countryside along the route.

Which monasteries will I visit?

You’ll typically visit 3 to 4 of the six active monasteries, depending on their daily opening schedules. Your guide chooses the best combination for the day.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Some tours include a traditional Greek lunch in Kastraki, while others give you time to eat independently at a local taverna.

What should I wear for the monastery visits?

Monasteries enforce a modest dress code: men must wear long pants, and women need long skirts and covered shoulders. Skirts and shawls are often available at the entrance if needed.

Can I return to Athens the same day?

Yes, you’ll return to Athens by around 9:30pm, making it a well-structured, thoughtfully paced day trip with no need to stay overnight.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, but be prepared for stairs, uneven paths, and some uphill walking. Comfortable, closed-toe footwear is strongly recommended.

Skip the logistics. Board a luxury coach and explore 6 cliff-top monasteries with an expert guide.

Day out to Meteora: Start your adventure at Athens' Larissa Railway Station, where a luxury coach awaits. Enjoy a scenic drive through Thessaly’s villages, olive orchards, and limestone cliffs, leading you to the stunning rock formations of Meteora.
Everything you get: Your ticket includes entry to 3 or 4 monasteries (depending on the day’s schedule) and a rare visit inside the secluded Hermit Caves of Badovas, and luxury coach transfers with reclining seats and full air-conditioning. Travel worry-free with a live, expert guide (English or Spanish) who brings the stories of the hermit monks to life and use the smart audio guide, available in 10+ languages, to explore at your own pace.
Travel tip: You will need to make a small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person for entry to each monastery.
Upgrades: Add the lunch upgrade and enjoy a traditional feast in Kastraki Village, featuring specialties like cinnamon-spiced lamb moussaka and baklava made from rare fir-tree honey from the Meteora hills.

Inclusions

Round-trip, luxury coach transfers to and from Athens (with free Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and air-conditioned facilities)
Meteora tour with panoramic views of all 6 monasteries
Entry to 3 to 4 monasteries (subject to the day’s schedule, as some monasteries are closed on specific weekdays)
Entry to the Hermit Caves of Badovas
English-speaking driver
Expert English or Spanish-speaking tour guide (based on option selected)
Smart audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese
Traditional Greek lunch at Kastraki Village (based on option selected)
Bottled mineral water

Exclusions

Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Athens
- A small offering of €3 to €5 per monastery
- Guide inside the monasteries (multilingual audio guides available)
- Tips for the guide (optional)

Exit Larissa train station and head straight across the street. You'll find your 'Visit Meteora' bus parked on Theodore Diligianni Street, right outside Everest Café.
You'll visit 2 to 4 monasteries, depending on the day and schedule. Each monastery closes one day a week (Great Meteoron is closed on Tuesdays, Varlaam on Fridays).
Meteora is not wheelchair accessible; most monasteries involve steps or inclined paths. For easier access, visit St. Stephen’s, which has a paved path and minimal stairs.
Tours are by local minibus or coach. Distances are short, but roads are steep and winding.
Toilets are not available on the bus, but a rest stop is included mid-way for bathroom use and snacks.
Tour guides are not allowed inside the monasteries. Please bring earphones and a smartphone to use the audio guide during your visit.
Monasteries have a strict dress code. Men must wear trousers (no shorts), and women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders (no pants). Wrap skirts and shawls are available at the entrance.
Avoid flip-flops and wear comfortable closed shoes. There are uneven stone paths and many stairs.

You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Skip the stress of trains and timetables

Forget juggling tickets or rushing platforms. Board a luxury coach at Athens’ Larissa Station and ride in comfort with Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and a guide who takes care of everything.

Meteora rock formations with monastery, person standing on cliff, Greece.

Book the easiest way to Meteora

Ditch the hassle. Travel to Meteora with luxury coach transfers and enjoy a Greek lunch in Kastraki.

Day out to: Kick off your Meteora day trip at Larissa Station, where a luxury coach with reclining seats, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi awaits. The scenic drive takes you through Thessaly’s golden plains and olive groves, framed by towering limestone cliffs that set the stage for the surreal landscapes ahead.
Travel tip: You will need to make a small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person for entry to each monastery.
Everything you get: Entry to 3 to 4 active monasteries (depending on the day), access to the Hermit Caves of Badovas, and panoramic views of all six Meteora monasteries. Marvel at centuries-old frescoes as your expert guide shares stories of medieval monks, rock-hewn chapels, and age-old rituals still echoing through these sacred stone spires. With a smart audio guide in 10+ languages, you can also explore the sites at your own pace. Then, enjoy lunch in Kastraki Village, savoring regional favorites like cinnamon-spiced moussaka and sesame-baked feta, all while taking in sweeping views of Meteora.

Inclusions

Round-trip, luxury coach transfers to and from Athens (with free Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and air-conditioned facilities)
Meteora tour with panoramic views of all 6 monasteries
Traditional Greek lunch at Kastraki Village
Entry to 3 to 4 monasteries (subject to the day’s schedule, as some monasteries are closed on specific weekdays)
Entry to the Hermit Caves of Badovas
English-speaking driver
Expert English or Spanish-speaking tour guide (based on option selected)
Smart audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese
Bottled mineral water onboard

Exclusions

Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Athens
- A small offering of €3 to €5 per monastery
- Guide inside the monasteries (multilingual audio guides available)
- Tips for the guide (optional)

When you arrive at Larissa Station, simply cross the street; your 'Visit Meteora' bus will be waiting on Theodore Diligianni Street, parked right outside Everest Café.
Depending on the day and schedule, you’ll visit between two and four monasteries. Each monastery closes one day per week (Great Meteoron on Tuesdays, Varlaam on Fridays).
Meteora is not wheelchair accessible. All monasteries involve stairs or uneven paths. For easier access, consider visiting St. Stephen’s Monastery, which has a paved walkway and fewer steps.
Transport between sites is provided by a local minibus or coach. While distances are short, the roads can be steep and winding.
There are no toilets on the bus, but a scheduled rest stop is included midway for snacks and bathroom breaks.
Guided commentary is not allowed inside the monasteries.
Bring earphones and a smartphone if you’d like to use the audio guide app during your visit.
All monasteries follow a strict dress code. Men must wear trousers, and women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders. Wrap skirts and shawls are typically available at entrances, if needed.
Wear closed, comfortable walking shoes; paths are uneven and often steep.

You can cancel these tickets up to 72 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.

Skip the stress and enjoy Meteora’s best in one easy, full-day tour, with monastery visits, a Kalabaka shopping spree, and an optional Greek lunch.

Day out to: Depart from Athens’ Larissa Railway Station aboard a modern, air-conditioned coach bus. The scenic ride takes you north through Thessaly’s farmlands, with glimpses of quiet villages and the rising silhouettes of Meteora’s iconic rock towers in the distance.
Travel tip: You will need to make a small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person for entry to each monastery.
Everything you get: Take a 4-hour guided Meteora tour with a local expert, exploring the region’s monastic history, cave dwellings, and 3 monasteries (depending on rotating availability). Use an audio guide in 10+ languages, enjoy curated photo stops of all six monasteries, and explore the Hermit Caves of Badovas. Before heading back to Athens, stop at Kalabaka for local ceramics, handmade icons, and herbs from the Meteora foothills.
Upgrades: Select the lunch upgrade for a traditional Greek meal in Kastraki Village. Enjoy mountain specialties like lamb moussaka, oven-baked pastitsio, or spinach pie, with local wine and a view of the cliffs.

Inclusions

Round-trip transfers to and from Athens by air-conditioned coach bus
Meteora tour with panoramic views of all 6 monasteries
Entry to 3 monasteries (depending on their rotating schedules)
Entry to the Hermit Caves of Badovas
Photo stops at all 6 monasteries
Shopping stop at Kalabaka (Dimoula Square)
English-speaking driver
Expert English-speaking local guide
Smart audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese
Traditional Greek lunch at Kastraki Village (based on option selected)
Free Wi-fi and USB chargers on the bus
Bottled water onboard

Exclusions

Pick-up and drop-off services
- A small offering of €3 to €5 per monastery
- Guide inside the monasteries (multilingual audio guides available)
- 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 'Visit Meteora' bus parked on Theodore Diligianni Street, right outside Everest Café.
You'll visit 2 to 4 monasteries, depending on the day and schedule. Each monastery closes one day a week (Great Meteoron is closed Tuesdays, Varlaam on Fridays).
Meteora is not wheelchair accessible; most monasteries involve steps or inclined paths. For easier access, visit St. Stephen’s, which has a paved path and minimal stairs.
Tours are by local minibus or coach. Distances are short, but roads are steep and winding.
Toilets are not available on the bus, but a rest stop is included mid-way for bathroom use and snacks.
Tour guides are not allowed inside the monasteries. Please bring earphones and a smartphone to use the audio guide during your visit.
Monasteries have a strict dress code. Men must wear trousers (no shorts), and women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders (no pants). Wrap skirts and shawls are available at the entrance.
Avoid flip-flops and wear comfortable closed shoes. There are uneven stone paths and many stairs.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Skip the logistics. Board a luxury coach and explore 6 cliff-top monasteries with an expert guide.

Day out to Meteora: Start your adventure at Athens' Larissa Railway Station, where a luxury coach awaits. Enjoy a scenic drive through Thessaly’s villages, olive orchards, and limestone cliffs, leading you to the stunning rock formations of Meteora.
Everything you get: Your ticket includes entry to 3 or 4 monasteries (depending on the day’s schedule) and a rare visit inside the secluded Hermit Caves of Badovas, and luxury coach transfers with reclining seats and full air-conditioning. Travel worry-free with a live, expert guide (English or Spanish) who brings the stories of the hermit monks to life and use the smart audio guide, available in 10+ languages, to explore at your own pace.
Travel tip: You will need to make a small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person for entry to each monastery.
Upgrades: Add the lunch upgrade and enjoy a traditional feast in Kastraki Village, featuring specialties like cinnamon-spiced lamb moussaka and baklava made from rare fir-tree honey from the Meteora hills.

Inclusions

Round-trip, luxury coach transfers to and from Athens (with free Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and air-conditioned facilities)
Meteora tour with panoramic views of all 6 monasteries
Entry to 3 to 4 monasteries (subject to the day’s schedule, as some monasteries are closed on specific weekdays)
Entry to the Hermit Caves of Badovas
English-speaking driver
Expert English or Spanish-speaking tour guide (based on option selected)
Smart audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese
Traditional Greek lunch at Kastraki Village (based on option selected)
Bottled mineral water

Exclusions

Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Athens
- A small offering of €3 to €5 per monastery
- Guide inside the monasteries (multilingual audio guides available)
- Tips for the guide (optional)

Exit Larissa train station and head straight across the street. You'll find your 'Visit Meteora' bus parked on Theodore Diligianni Street, right outside Everest Café.
You'll visit 2 to 4 monasteries, depending on the day and schedule. Each monastery closes one day a week (Great Meteoron is closed on Tuesdays, Varlaam on Fridays).
Meteora is not wheelchair accessible; most monasteries involve steps or inclined paths. For easier access, visit St. Stephen’s, which has a paved path and minimal stairs.
Tours are by local minibus or coach. Distances are short, but roads are steep and winding.
Toilets are not available on the bus, but a rest stop is included mid-way for bathroom use and snacks.
Tour guides are not allowed inside the monasteries. Please bring earphones and a smartphone to use the audio guide during your visit.
Monasteries have a strict dress code. Men must wear trousers (no shorts), and women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders (no pants). Wrap skirts and shawls are available at the entrance.
Avoid flip-flops and wear comfortable closed shoes. There are uneven stone paths and many stairs.

You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Ditch the hassle. Travel to Meteora with luxury coach transfers and enjoy a Greek lunch in Kastraki.

Day out to: Kick off your Meteora day trip at Larissa Station, where a luxury coach with reclining seats, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi awaits. The scenic drive takes you through Thessaly’s golden plains and olive groves, framed by towering limestone cliffs that set the stage for the surreal landscapes ahead.
Travel tip: You will need to make a small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person for entry to each monastery.
Everything you get: Entry to 3 to 4 active monasteries (depending on the day), access to the Hermit Caves of Badovas, and panoramic views of all six Meteora monasteries. Marvel at centuries-old frescoes as your expert guide shares stories of medieval monks, rock-hewn chapels, and age-old rituals still echoing through these sacred stone spires. With a smart audio guide in 10+ languages, you can also explore the sites at your own pace. Then, enjoy lunch in Kastraki Village, savoring regional favorites like cinnamon-spiced moussaka and sesame-baked feta, all while taking in sweeping views of Meteora.

Inclusions

Round-trip, luxury coach transfers to and from Athens (with free Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and air-conditioned facilities)
Meteora tour with panoramic views of all 6 monasteries
Traditional Greek lunch at Kastraki Village
Entry to 3 to 4 monasteries (subject to the day’s schedule, as some monasteries are closed on specific weekdays)
Entry to the Hermit Caves of Badovas
English-speaking driver
Expert English or Spanish-speaking tour guide (based on option selected)
Smart audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese
Bottled mineral water onboard

Exclusions

Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Athens
- A small offering of €3 to €5 per monastery
- Guide inside the monasteries (multilingual audio guides available)
- Tips for the guide (optional)

When you arrive at Larissa Station, simply cross the street; your 'Visit Meteora' bus will be waiting on Theodore Diligianni Street, parked right outside Everest Café.
Depending on the day and schedule, you’ll visit between two and four monasteries. Each monastery closes one day per week (Great Meteoron on Tuesdays, Varlaam on Fridays).
Meteora is not wheelchair accessible. All monasteries involve stairs or uneven paths. For easier access, consider visiting St. Stephen’s Monastery, which has a paved walkway and fewer steps.
Transport between sites is provided by a local minibus or coach. While distances are short, the roads can be steep and winding.
There are no toilets on the bus, but a scheduled rest stop is included midway for snacks and bathroom breaks.
Guided commentary is not allowed inside the monasteries.
Bring earphones and a smartphone if you’d like to use the audio guide app during your visit.
All monasteries follow a strict dress code. Men must wear trousers, and women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders. Wrap skirts and shawls are typically available at entrances, if needed.
Wear closed, comfortable walking shoes; paths are uneven and often steep.

You can cancel these tickets up to 72 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.

Skip the stress and enjoy Meteora’s best in one easy, full-day tour, with monastery visits, a Kalabaka shopping spree, and an optional Greek lunch.

Day out to: Depart from Athens’ Larissa Railway Station aboard a modern, air-conditioned coach bus. The scenic ride takes you north through Thessaly’s farmlands, with glimpses of quiet villages and the rising silhouettes of Meteora’s iconic rock towers in the distance.
Travel tip: You will need to make a small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person for entry to each monastery.
Everything you get: Take a 4-hour guided Meteora tour with a local expert, exploring the region’s monastic history, cave dwellings, and 3 monasteries (depending on rotating availability). Use an audio guide in 10+ languages, enjoy curated photo stops of all six monasteries, and explore the Hermit Caves of Badovas. Before heading back to Athens, stop at Kalabaka for local ceramics, handmade icons, and herbs from the Meteora foothills.
Upgrades: Select the lunch upgrade for a traditional Greek meal in Kastraki Village. Enjoy mountain specialties like lamb moussaka, oven-baked pastitsio, or spinach pie, with local wine and a view of the cliffs.

Inclusions

Round-trip transfers to and from Athens by air-conditioned coach bus
Meteora tour with panoramic views of all 6 monasteries
Entry to 3 monasteries (depending on their rotating schedules)
Entry to the Hermit Caves of Badovas
Photo stops at all 6 monasteries
Shopping stop at Kalabaka (Dimoula Square)
English-speaking driver
Expert English-speaking local guide
Smart audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese
Traditional Greek lunch at Kastraki Village (based on option selected)
Free Wi-fi and USB chargers on the bus
Bottled water onboard

Exclusions

Pick-up and drop-off services
- A small offering of €3 to €5 per monastery
- Guide inside the monasteries (multilingual audio guides available)
- 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 'Visit Meteora' bus parked on Theodore Diligianni Street, right outside Everest Café.
You'll visit 2 to 4 monasteries, depending on the day and schedule. Each monastery closes one day a week (Great Meteoron is closed Tuesdays, Varlaam on Fridays).
Meteora is not wheelchair accessible; most monasteries involve steps or inclined paths. For easier access, visit St. Stephen’s, which has a paved path and minimal stairs.
Tours are by local minibus or coach. Distances are short, but roads are steep and winding.
Toilets are not available on the bus, but a rest stop is included mid-way for bathroom use and snacks.
Tour guides are not allowed inside the monasteries. Please bring earphones and a smartphone to use the audio guide during your visit.
Monasteries have a strict dress code. Men must wear trousers (no shorts), and women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders (no pants). Wrap skirts and shawls are available at the entrance.
Avoid flip-flops and wear comfortable closed shoes. There are uneven stone paths and many stairs.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Guided Tours

NaN

From Athens: Meteora Monasteries & Caves Full-Day Trip

Skip the logistics. Board a luxury coach and explore 6 cliff-top monasteries with an expert guide.

Day out to Meteora: Start your adventure at Athens' Larissa Railway Station, where a luxury coach awaits. Enjoy a scenic drive through Thessaly’s villages, olive orchards, and limestone cliffs, leading you to the stunning rock formations of Meteora.
Everything you get: Your ticket includes entry to 3 or 4 monasteries (depending on the day’s schedule) and a rare visit inside the secluded Hermit Caves of Badovas, and luxury coach transfers with reclining seats and full air-conditioning. Travel worry-free with a live, expert guide (English or Spanish) who brings the stories of the hermit monks to life and use the smart audio guide, available in 10+ languages, to explore at your own pace.
Travel tip: You will need to make a small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person for entry to each monastery.
Upgrades: Add the lunch upgrade and enjoy a traditional feast in Kastraki Village, featuring specialties like cinnamon-spiced lamb moussaka and baklava made from rare fir-tree honey from the Meteora hills.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

10 hr. - 14 hr.

Audio guide

Transfers included

Meals included

Day Trips

NaN

From Athens: Meteora Monasteries & Caves Full-Day Trip with Lunch

Ditch the hassle. Travel to Meteora with luxury coach transfers and enjoy a Greek lunch in Kastraki.

Day out to: Kick off your Meteora day trip at Larissa Station, where a luxury coach with reclining seats, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi awaits. The scenic drive takes you through Thessaly’s golden plains and olive groves, framed by towering limestone cliffs that set the stage for the surreal landscapes ahead.
Travel tip: You will need to make a small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person for entry to each monastery.
Everything you get: Entry to 3 to 4 active monasteries (depending on the day), access to the Hermit Caves of Badovas, and panoramic views of all six Meteora monasteries. Marvel at centuries-old frescoes as your expert guide shares stories of medieval monks, rock-hewn chapels, and age-old rituals still echoing through these sacred stone spires. With a smart audio guide in 10+ languages, you can also explore the sites at your own pace. Then, enjoy lunch in Kastraki Village, savoring regional favorites like cinnamon-spiced moussaka and sesame-baked feta, all while taking in sweeping views of Meteora.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

10 hr. - 14 hr.

Audio guide

Guided tour

Transfers included

Day Trips

NEW

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.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

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

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

48 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Day Trips

NEW

From Athens: Meteora Monasteries Visit and Hermit Caves Tour

Skip the stress and enjoy Meteora’s best in one easy, full-day tour, with monastery visits, a Kalabaka shopping spree, and an optional Greek lunch.

Day out to: Depart from Athens’ Larissa Railway Station aboard a modern, air-conditioned coach bus. The scenic ride takes you north through Thessaly’s farmlands, with glimpses of quiet villages and the rising silhouettes of Meteora’s iconic rock towers in the distance.
Travel tip: You will need to make a small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person for entry to each monastery.
Everything you get: Take a 4-hour guided Meteora tour with a local expert, exploring the region’s monastic history, cave dwellings, and 3 monasteries (depending on rotating availability). Use an audio guide in 10+ languages, enjoy curated photo stops of all six monasteries, and explore the Hermit Caves of Badovas. Before heading back to Athens, stop at Kalabaka for local ceramics, handmade icons, and herbs from the Meteora foothills.
Upgrades: Select the lunch upgrade for a traditional Greek meal in Kastraki Village. Enjoy mountain specialties like lamb moussaka, oven-baked pastitsio, or spinach pie, with local wine and a view of the cliffs.

‌

Check availability

14 hr.

Audio guide

Guided tour

Transfers included

Meals included

From happy customers

Top things to do in Athens

Overview:

What to expect on an Athens to Meteora day trip?

Morning departure from Athens

Arrival and local introduction

Optional Greek lunch

Monastery visits and panoramic viewpoints

Hermit Caves and local exploration

Return to Athens

Things to know before booking your Meteora day tour

All your Athens to Meteora day tour options

Why take a Meteora day trip from Athens?

Meteora highlights you can’t miss

Great Meteoron Monastery

Hidden gems to add to your Meteora day trip

Hermit Caves of Badovas

Kastraki Village

Meteora Natural History Museum

Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary

Getting to Meteora from Athens

Planning your visit to Meteora

Best time to go

Accessibility

Rules

Visitor essentials

Tips for exploring

Frequently asked questions about visiting Meteora from Athens

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Athens to Meteora Day Trips

From Athens: Meteora Monasteries & Caves Full-Day Trip

From Athens: Meteora Monasteries & Caves Full-Day Trip with Lunch

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

From Athens: Meteora Monasteries Visit and Hermit Caves Tour