Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Day Trip with optional lunch

836 Reviews | Athens

From $98.32 Lowest Price Guarantee

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14 hours

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Lunch in a local restaurant (if option selected)
Food and drink
Transport by air-conditioned vehicle with free WiFi & USB chargers
Smart audio guide with 19 points of interest in English, Spanish and German, French
Local English speaking tour leader
Visit inside 3 monasteries and the hidden hermit caves

Entrance fees (3 euros per person at each monastery)
State Licensed guide, inside the monasteries

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Athens at 8:00 am in a modern coach, soaking in the scenic Greek landscapes en route. Enjoy a picturesque break midway, perfect for capturing the essence of your adventure. Arrive in Meteora by 12:30 pm and savor lunch in the charming Kastraki Village. Explore all six iconic Meteora monasteries during a 4-hour tour, with exclusive access to three, and discover hidden monasteries and ancient hermit caves. Conclude your day with a relaxing return to Kalabaka, arriving back in Athens around 10:30 pm, enriched with memories and stories. Book now for a unique blend of comfort, culture, and exclusive access to Greece’s sacred sites. Our live local English-speaking guide will provide engaging explanations of the history and significance of each site, ensuring a memorable and informative adventure. Plus, enjoy a free audio smart guide in Spanish, French, German and English covering 19 points of interest, enhancing your experience with detailed insights

Meeting Point

The bus will depart from Larissis train station in Athens at 08:00am. We request you to be present at the exit of the Larissa metro/subway station on Deligianni str, directly opposite the Athens train station Everest cafe, by 07:45am. Here is the location: https://goo.gl/maps/16AcMUsyJNSoFF698

End Point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

1. Kastraki Upon reaching Kalabaka, we'll begin the adventure with a leisurely lunch and a convenient restroom break in the charming village of Kastraki. Take this opportunity to refuel and prepare for an awe-inspiring exploration of the breathtaking Meteora region. 25 minutes

2. Meteora Prepare to be captivated by the hidden hermit caves of Badovas, a testament to the solitude and devotion of the past where you'll discover the fascinating stories of the hermits and monks who once lived in these remote areas. You'll have the chance to witness the remnants of their dwellings and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. 25 minutes

3. Agios Stefanos This is the most accessible monastery, where instead of steps you simply cross a small bridge to reach the entrance. It is ideal for visitors who cannot use the steps and yet they wish to have a real experience of a Meteora monastery. The beginning of monastic life on the rock of Agios Stephanos dates back to early in the 12th century. Hosios Antonios, in the first half of the 15th century, and Hosios Philotheos, who renovated or rather rebuilt from its foundations the old small and elegant Catholicon, the present church of Agios Stephanos, in 1545 are mentioned as its founders. St. Stephen’s Monastery includes two cathedrals; the old 16th century chapel which was severely damaged during WWII and the consequent Greek Civil War, and the 18th century main cathedral that is dedicated to Saint Charalambos and includes his holy relics. 30 minutes

4. Varlaam Monastery The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery. It is located opposite of the Great Meteoro Monastery and it was founded in the mid 14th century by the exercitant Hosios Varlaam. The elegant monastery Catholicon was built in the honour of Agioi Pantes in 1541-42, by two brothers from Ioannina, the priest-monks Hosioi Theophanes and Nectarios the Apsarades. The main church was decorated in 1548. Based on stylistic criteria, this magnificent wall-painting is attributed to the famous hagiographer from Thebes, Frago Catelano. 45 minutes

5. Great Meteoron Monastery The Great Meteoron Monastery is the biggest and oldest one of all. It was called the monastery that was “suspended in the air” (meteoro), because of the formation of the gigantic rock on top of which it was built.The Great Meteoro Monastery was founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite who was the first founder of the monastery and the organizer of the systematic koenovion. 1 hour

6. Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) The Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) is the most difficult to reach, but once you get to the very top the panoramic view of the surroundings is simply captivating! This Monastery is very close to the Saint Stephen’s Nunnery and it is perched on a steep and magnificent rock. It had already been organized Monastery since the year 1362 as indicated in a document by Symeon Uressis Palaeologos. Visitors have to follow a pathway that directs them initially to the foot of the rock, before they start walking up about 140 steps. 10 minutes

7. Roussanou Monastery The Holy Monastery of Roussanou has received the name of the first probable hermit who settled on the rock. The main cathedral was founded at the end of the 16th century and was decorated thirty years later. Compared to other rocks where monasteries were built, the one of Roussanou has a lower elevation, which makes it more accessible. The monastery was initially founded by monks and it suffered severe damage during World War II. It became a convent in 1988. 10 minutes

8. Agios Nikolaos Anapaphsas The Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas is the first Monastery that we encounter on our way to the Holy Meteora and was founded at the end of the 14th century. 10 minutes

9. Kalambaka You will enjoy the panoramic view of the town Kalampaka 10 minutes

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress Code for Monastery Visits: Please note that a modest dress code is enforced to enter the monasteries. For women, skirts below the knee or longer are required. Pants, shorts, or sleeveless shirts are not allowed. For men, sleeveless clothing and shorts above the knee are also prohibited.
Rain or Shine: This tour will take place regardless of the weather conditions. Please come prepared with appropriate clothing and accessories to ensure a comfortable experience.
Climbing Steps to Monastery Tops: Please be aware that reaching the top of the monasteries involves climbing steps. There are no elevators available, so please consider this if you have any mobility concerns.
Pick-up and Drop-off at Kalambaka Train Station: Your tour guide will be waiting for you at Kalambaka Train Station, regardless of any train delays. Please be aware that the activity provider is not responsible for any train delays that may affect the duration of the tour.
Please make sure you have cash for the monasteries 3 euro each entrance. There is no ATM machine in the area.
Supplier is not responsible if you miss the bus please be there on time (15 minutes before the departure)
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Learn more about cancellations.

Reviews

4.7

836 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

5 stars

689
4 stars

100
3 stars

26
2 stars

10
1 star

11

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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 689 reviews with 5 stars

Day Tour from athen

Published on Jul, 2024

It’s good tour thanks to all specially guides and drivers it’s good to see how people live before and area srounding

Meteora / Kalambaka from Athens by bus

Published on Jul, 2024

Our Visit Meteora tour in June 2024, was fantastic! Nina, our knowledgeable guide, truly enriched the experience with her insights into the local area and Greek history. She exceeded our expectations, making the journey to Kalambaka unforgettable!

Awe inspiring walk through history.

Published on Jul, 2024

A unique experience with great detail of life from 900AD; beliefs, building challenges, historical facts, geological information…. And of course the awesome scenery. A day to remember

Meteora

Published on Jul, 2024

Meteora was fantastic, the monasteries were just stunning. Our guide was very informative and helpful. The hail storm did not spoil a brilliant day. The vistas were quite brilliant. A long day but it was so worth it

Wonderful!!

Published on Jul, 2024

This was one of the best tours I have been on EVER! Our guide Apostolis was so knowledgeable and passionate about the location as it’s where he grew up and had a great interest in history, and it really showed in the tour. The monasteries were more beautiful than I imagined as was the rides to and from. The whole trip was so comfortable with many snack and bathroom breaks, communication and great people everywhere. I can’t recommend this tour enough.

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