Athens: Meteora Monasteries, Caves & Coastal Stopovers with Lunch
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Athens, Greece
- 14 hours (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora by rental car or public transportation from Athens can be stressful. Avoid navigating unfamiliar routes on this tour, which covers all six monasteries—with guided tours of three—plus hermit caves that most tourists miss. Break up the drive with stops in coastal villages (instead of highway rest stops), plus upgrade to add a traditional Greek lunch. Treat yourself to a private tour or opt for an extended, overnight tour with an included hotel stay.
- Hassle-free full-day transportation so you can focus on the views
- Explore three monasteries with a guide for insights into their history
- Plenty of time to snap photos of al six monasteries and hermit caves
- Upgrade to include a village lunch, a private tour, or an overnight stay
What's Included
- Roundtrip transfer from Athens by luxury air-conditioned coach with free WiFi & USB chargers
- Relaxing seaside dinner stop at Camino beach restaurant away from typical highway service stations
- Comprehensive 5-hour Meteora experience with an expert local English-speaking Tour Leader
- Visit inside 3 of Meteora’s most famous and most photographed monasteries
- Panoramic photo stops with breathtaking views of all 6 Meteora monasteries
- Discover hidden hermit caves, secret viewpoints & off-the-beaten-path local spots
- Complimentary bottled water offered during the Meteora sightseeing tour
- Optional traditional Greek lunch at the authentic Efrosino Restaurant in Kastraki
- Optional smart meal pre-order system designed to save valuable travel time
- Smart multilingual audio guide APP with offline access, maps & local storytelling
- Free panoramic Meteora map with useful information and sightseeing highlights
- State Licensed guide, inside the monasteries
- BrunchCoastal beach front Brunch (optional, not included in the price)
- DinnerCoastal sunset dinner at Beach front retaurant (optional, not included in the price)
- Entrance fee - Meteora Monasteries Entrance fees are not included€5.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Larissa StationAthens 104 44, Greece
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.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.8:00 am
Itinerary
The journey begins at the Larissis Railway Station in the morning, where you’ll board a modern coach bus equipped with air conditioning and onboard Wi-Fi. Relax and take in the diverse scenery of the Grecian countryside and break up the 4-hour drive with a stop in Kamena Vourla, for an optional seaside brunch (payable onsite).
Then head to the picturesque village of Kastraki for a relaxed lunch at a traditional taverna (available as a tour upgrade or you can pay on site).
Travel through a landscape of green valleys dotted with dramatic grey cliffs to reach Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Greek Orthodox monks who inhabited these incredible, hard-to-reach sanctuaries high above ground. Visit three active monasteries, spending about 45 minutes inside each one (entrance fees not included). See the others from the outside on a van tour and discover the hermit caves of Badovas, stopping for frame-worthy photos at each site.
After touring, make your way back to Kamena Vourla for an optional sunset dinner. Then, return to Athens, where you'll arrive in the late evening.
Then head to the picturesque village of Kastraki for a relaxed lunch at a traditional taverna (available as a tour upgrade or you can pay on site).
Travel through a landscape of green valleys dotted with dramatic grey cliffs to reach Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Greek Orthodox monks who inhabited these incredible, hard-to-reach sanctuaries high above ground. Visit three active monasteries, spending about 45 minutes inside each one (entrance fees not included). See the others from the outside on a van tour and discover the hermit caves of Badovas, stopping for frame-worthy photos at each site.
After touring, make your way back to Kamena Vourla for an optional sunset dinner. Then, return to Athens, where you'll arrive in the late evening.
Athens (Pass By)
1
Kamena Vourla
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Kastraki
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Varlaam Monastery
50 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
Great Meteoron Monastery
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
5
Agios Stefanos
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
6
Agios Nikolaos Anapaphsas
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Holy Trinity Monastery
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
8
Roussanou Monastery
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
9
Kalambaka
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
10
Kamena Vourla
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- 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.
- Please make sure you have cash for the monasteries 5 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)
- Tour is guided in English only. Additional languages (Spanish, French German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese) are available on a free SMART audio guide.
- At midday, you will enjoy a relaxing break in the picturesque village of Kastraki, where you can savor a delicious traditional Greek meal at a local restaurant. You will have the option to choose from 10 authentic Greek dishes, catering to all dietary preferences: Meat & Poultry Options: Chicken baked in the oven with potatoes Meatballs in red sauce (Soutzoukakia) Pastitsio (Greek-style lasagna) Moussaka Vegetarian Choices: Greek salad Spinach and feta cheese pie Cheese pie Vegan Options: Stuffed peppers & tomatoes with risotto (Gemista) Briam (Greek-style roasted vegetables) Giant beans baked in the oven (Gigantes) Bread and water are included with the meal. If you prefer, you can also choose and pay for your meal directly at the restaurant.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos





Reviews
4.7
based on 1,526 reviews
PATIENCECHUNGLAM_K, May 2026
Worthy things are rarely handed to you. Sure, it’s a long drive but if you are considering this tour, stop. Just do it. I imagine a time that monasteries like this will not be open to the public. If you get the chance please go. It is a hike but truly heavenly. The commitment to the lord saviour is out of this world. Respect the conditions, wear appropriate clothing, and keep quiet. Once in a lifetime moment. Amen
Thomas_B, May 2026
This tour makes for a VERY long day. We got on the bus at 7:30 AM, and when after several hours on the road, combined with three stops for food/restrooms, tours of three Monasteries and several photo stops, we did not get back until 10:30 PM.
However, this was a VERY memorable tour of these unique sites, as well as the opportunity to see a lot of interesting areas of Greece outside the cities.
Rachel_G, May 2026
Great unique experience but it is a LONG day. They break it up nicely with the meals and the location of those breaks is beautiful but still a very long day. Would recommend doing it but an wxperi once I wouldn’t feel the need to repeat
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience and for recommending the tour. We completely understand that it is a long day, as Meteora is located quite far from Athens, but we are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the scenic coastal stopovers and the overall experience. Our goal is always to make the journey as comfortable and memorable as possible by combining the breathtaking landscapes of Meteora with relaxing seaside breaks along the route. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope the memories from this unique day stay with you for a long time!
Elizabeth_E, May 2026
It was a super long day but totally worth it to see all the beautiful monasteries! Maria was a fantastic and funny tour guide and she loved cats, as we do too!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are very happy to hear that the long journey felt worth it after experiencing the beauty of Meteora and its monasteries. Maria will be especially happy to read your kind words — her passion, humor, and positive energy always make the experience more enjoyable. And of course, the Meteora cats are part of the charm too! We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back to Greece again in the future.
Aghapy_G, May 2026
Highly recommend 👌🏼 our guide Apostolis was knowledgeable. It was an amazing trip full of beautiful moments and unforgettable memories ❤️ Everything was well organized, and we truly enjoyed every second of it ✨
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and recommendation! We are truly happy to hear that you had such an amazing experience filled with beautiful moments and unforgettable memories. Apostolis will be very pleased to know that his knowledge and guidance made your trip even more special. It means a lot to us that you appreciated the organization and enjoyed every part of the journey. We hope to welcome you back to Meteora again in the future!
Cristian_C, May 2026
At the beginning, no one told us which bus we were supposed to meet, and the coordinates provided were also incorrect. We had to cross a very busy road several times without a pedestrian crossing, asking bus after bus which one belonged to our provider.
Once we finally found our bus, the driver, who was very unprofessional, did not even introduce himself, speak to the clients, or explain anything interesting during the tour. During the entire drive, which lasted more than three hours, he spent most of the time talking to a woman who was with him, completely ignoring the rest of us.
It is disappointing that the app offers tours with such poor quality standards. I am extremely disappointed, and I definitely would not recommend this tour to anyone.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback and we are sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations.
Please note that the driver operating the Athens–Meteora transfer is not a tour guide. The guided part of the experience begins upon arrival in Meteora, where our local guide joins the bus and provides all commentary and information during the tour.
Additionally, there is printed information available in every seat pocket regarding the itinerary, meeting details, stops, and useful instructions for the day.
Regarding the meeting point, the instructions and meeting details provided are clear and every day many travelers successfully locate and board our buses. However, especially during busy mornings in Athens where multiple coaches and operators depart from the same area, the boarding and check-in process may sometimes require a little additional time.
We appreciate your comments and will continue working to improve the overall guest experience.
Best regards,
Visit Meteora Team
Xiomara_B, May 2026
Maria was an exceptional tour guide. The tour was well paced and the sites are unbelievable and not to be missed. A must do and see if traveling to Greece!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience and that Maria helped make your visit to Meteora so special. Meteora truly is one of the most magical places in Greece, and we are very happy you had the chance to experience it with us.
We hope to welcome you again on another adventure in the future!
Best regards,
Visit Meteora Team
Urvashi_S, May 2026
This is a full-day activity where actual sight-seeing is minimal. Sure you'll get a good bunch of landscape pictures but most of your time will be spent sitting inside the bus travelling between the pickup point and Meteora. You only get about 30mins at each monastery AND 30mins only for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overall, this was an exhausting activity where we were quite literally just sitting in the bus for 2-4 hours straight just wanting to reach the restaurant. Not worth the time, really.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
As clearly mentioned in the itinerary, this is indeed a full-day trip from Athens to Meteora, combining transportation and a 4-hour guided Meteora tour experience.
However, we would like to clarify that the monastery stops are not limited to only 30 minutes each. The smallest monastery without staircases usually has a shorter stop of approximately 30 minutes, while the larger monasteries typically include stops of around 45 to 60 minutes.
Additionally, the program includes:
* a lunch break of approximately 50 minutes in Meteora,
* and coastal stopovers every couple of hours for brunch and dinner at seaside and quality restaurant locations, helping make the long journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
We understand that the day can feel long due to the distance between Athens and Meteora, but many travelers consider the unique landscape and UNESCO monasteries well worth the journey.
Thank you again for your comments.
Best regards,
Visit Meteora Team
Ileen_h, May 2026
Breathing views, it was a long day but worth it. The driver Demitris and guide Katerina were wonderful.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the breathtaking views of Meteora and that Dimitris and Katerina helped make your experience special. We agree that it is a long day from Athens, but Meteora is truly worth the journey.
We hope to welcome you again in Greece in the future!
Best regards,
Visit Meteora Team
Steven_L, May 2026
It’s a long day of traveling from Athens but it’s worth the trip. Katerina is a highly qualified guide and a local who knows the history of the area well. She has a degree in archeology plus advanced studies on the monasteries and caves in the area. She also has a great sense of humor and is fun to spend time with. Dimitris a a seasonal professional driver and navigated the area’s road challenges and traffic well!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re truly happy to hear that the journey to Meteora was worth it for you. Katerina will be delighted to read your kind words about her knowledge, passion, and sense of humor. Dimitris will also greatly appreciate your recognition of his professionalism and safe driving. Thank you for choosing to explore Meteora with us, and we hope to welcome you again in the future!
Chris_M, May 2026
The monasteries are beautiful and the tour guide was very friendly and informative. We had an amazing lunch that was cooked by two Grandmas and was what you would get at family dinner. The drive and day was long but we are glad we did it.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re very happy to hear you enjoyed the monasteries, the guiding, and especially the homemade lunch experience. The traditional meals prepared with local recipes truly give guests a taste of authentic Greek hospitality. We know it’s a long day from Athens, so it means a lot to hear you felt it was completely worth it. We hope to welcome you again in Greece someday!
Neil_M, May 2026
This is a very long day but that is the only negative. The land & sea scapes along the way are enjoyable, the seaside meal stops were at quality restaurants, & wow, the three Monasteries , perched like eagles nests on their stone pedestals are unique & magnificent examples of human engineering ingenuity. Incredibly good value tour & not to be missed!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed not only the incredible monasteries of Meteora, but also the scenic landscapes and the seaside meal stops along the journey. Your description of the monasteries as “eagles nests” perched on the rocks is truly beautiful. We know it is a long day from Athens, so it means a lot to hear you felt the experience was worth it and a great value. We hope to welcome you again in Greece someday!
Vicki_P, May 2026
Not a great experience. We arrived at our meeting point and had to walking around d multiple buses to figure out which bus was ours. Once in the bus, there is no one to instruct you on what to expect and stops we will make. Instructions not clear regarding meals. The bus ride is long. Once you get to Meterora a guide gets in the bus and rides to the monasteries with you and gives you some history. They drop you off at the monasteries and you walk around by yourself, the guide does not go inside. You are basically reading the boards to get historical information. It was raining the day we went which made the experience unpleasant. It would if been nice if they provided umbrellas or a rain jacket. Overall not worth the time or the $
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry to hear that the experience did not meet your expectations.
Regarding the meeting point, the departure area near Larissis Station is a public meeting point used by multiple Meteora tour operators simultaneously, especially during busy mornings in Athens. Our coaches are always clearly marked with the Visit Meteora logo, while our staff and drivers personally redeem tickets using our ticketing system before boarding in order to assist guests and avoid confusion.
Additionally, every seat net includes a printed “Welcome On Board” leaflet containing access to our dedicated /welcome page with:
• Detailed itinerary and schedule
• FAQ and useful travel tips
• Live chat support
• Audio guide instructions
• Meal pre-order information and QR codes
The complete itinerary is also publicly available on the Viator booking page itself, including both the short and long tour descriptions, as well as a detailed step-by-step explanation of how the day trip operates from departure to return. Much of the information mentioned in your review had already been clearly communicated both before and during the trip.
As for the experience itself, we use local expert tour leaders who provide extensive historical and cultural commentary throughout the journey, during the drives between the monasteries, at the panoramic viewpoints, and outside each monastery stop. Inside the monasteries, guiding is only permitted by specially licensed guides. For this reason, we provide a Smart Audio Guide with geolocation trigger zones in 10 languages, covering 21 points of interest throughout Meteora.
Concerning the weather, unfortunately rain is beyond any operator’s control. While we always do our best to ensure guests have a pleasant experience, travelers joining a full-day outdoor excursion should come prepared for changing weather conditions. Providing umbrellas or rain jackets for more than 100 guests during unexpected rainy days is unfortunately not operationally feasible.
We genuinely appreciate your feedback, as it helps us continue improving both our communication and the overall guest experience.
Jennifer_M, May 2026
A long day but worthwhile for the amazing views! Our tour guide was great, the landscape was stunning, and the bus ride was actually kind of relaxing during a busy vacation. The monasteries were interesting though crowded, and 3 was enough, I didn’t feel like I was missing out by not seeing the others. My only complaints: the bus pick up point had many buses all going to Meteora and it wasn’t clear which was ours (it wasn’t in the spot described). Also we weren’t given information to order breakfast and by the time we got to the counter, they were out of food. My recommendation is to get something to eat before the tour and then hold out for lunch, which was good!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you very much for your kind review and for sharing your experience with future travelers.
We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the landscapes, the monasteries, and the relaxing journey to Meteora. It is true that despite the long distance, the scenery and overall experience make the trip worthwhile for many visitors.
Regarding the meeting point, the departure area near Larissis Station is a public meeting point used by multiple Meteora operators at the same time, especially during the busy season. Our buses always carry the Visit Meteora logo, and our staff redeem tickets directly before boarding to assist guests.
Concerning the breakfast pre-order system, in every seat net there is a printed “Welcome On Board” leaflet which includes the dedicated /welcome page URL with:
• Detailed itinerary and schedule
• FAQ and useful travel tips
• Live chat support
• Audio guide instructions
• Meal pre-order information and QR codes
It is very important for guests to carefully read the instructions and information provided before and during the trip, as many useful details regarding the experience, timing, meal options, and logistics are already clearly explained there.
We appreciate your feedback regarding the breakfast availability and will continue improving the communication process to make sure guests are fully informed before departure.
Thank you again for traveling with us and we hope to welcome you back to Meteora in the future.
Cynthia_M, May 2026
Excellent tour . Our guide Dimitri was great and had a good sense of humor. Views were breathtaking.
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Cyntia,
Thank you so much for your kind review 😊 We’re delighted you enjoyed the tour and the breathtaking views of Meteora. Dimitri will be very happy to hear your nice words about his humor and guiding. We hope to welcome you again on another adventure in Greece!
Lauren_P, May 2026
Meteora is an incredible place, and well worth the visit. It's a long way - but the beach restaurant stop, and the ability to pre-order, makes a big difference.
The places are beautiful - and unfortunately very busy as a result..I'd retan overnighter, if you can afford it, for an evening or morning tour.
Tour guide was very good and helpful with photos
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you very much for your kind review and for sharing your experience.
We completely agree — Meteora is truly a unique and unforgettable place. Although the journey from Athens is long, we are happy to hear that you appreciated our seaside stop and the pre-order meal option, which we designed to make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable for our guests.
You are also absolutely right that staying overnight offers an even more magical experience, especially during the quieter evening and morning hours when Meteora feels completely different.
We are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that our guide helped make the experience memorable, including assisting with photos along the way.
Thank you again for traveling with us and we hope to welcome you back to Meteora in the future for a longer stay.
Warm regards,
George
Jonathan_A, May 2026
It was a very long day on the bus, which was to be expected. The bus ride was largely silent until we reached the location. If you go on this tour, be sure to ask for the provided water as it was not apparent that it was available. Meteora is a magnificent experience and we’re glad we went, but wish it was executed better.
The tour guide does not join you in the monastery. They give a brief description on the bus from one place to the next, but largely leaves you on your own to make the admittedly difficult walk up to the monasteries themselves. The difficulty of this is not represented well in the description, but it is compounded by the fact that the time is limited at each location. When there is about 45 minutes allotted at a location, spending 20 minutes climbing up and down takes a good amount of the experience away. There was simply too much packed into the same itinerary to allow for a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.
You will stop at the same location for breakfast and dinner. The food there is just fine. It would have been nice to not repeat the same place as most tourists would like to go experience as much as they can.
The restroom breaks are not well planned. Some of the monasteries will require you to have coin to pay to use their WCs. This should be in the description. In addition, the arrival times to the restroom breaks themselves were not staggered for the tour companies and were not enough time to be able to fully use the facilities in anything less than a mad dash with the queues involved.
The most striking of all disappointments was not in any of the above, but instead in the arrival. You are dropped off back at the same train station as your departure, but the station is closed. This leads to a madhouse of taxi calling. The train station being closed NEEDS to be represented. This led to an unsafe situation and confusion for all involved that is entirely on the part of the tour company.
We are glad that we went overall for the striking scenery and inimitable experience, but every other tour group seemed to be much happier with their experience and it is not hard to understand why.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your review. While we respect every opinion, several statements in your comment are simply inaccurate and create a misleading impression for future travelers.
Let’s start with your final and most serious claim regarding the Athens metro station being “closed.” Our tour returns at approximately 22:30. The Athens metro operates until 00:30 on weekdays and until 02:30 on weekends. Therefore, your statement is factually incorrect. We kindly suggest avoiding inaccurate claims that may unnecessarily alarm future travelers.
Regarding the complimentary bottled water, it is indeed provided to all guests — not at the beginning of the 14-hour journey, but after visiting the first and most demanding monastery climb, when guests actually need cold and refreshing water the most. There is no reason to assume that because it is not handed out immediately, it somehow does not exist.
Concerning the monastery climbs and physical difficulty, this is clearly explained in the “Important Things to Know Before You Go” section of the tour description. Unfortunately, it seems you did not take the time to read the detailed information provided before booking.
As for restroom stops, your review is again highly exaggerated. The tour includes approximately seven restroom opportunities throughout the day: stops at restaurants, monasteries, and one final stop before departing Kalambaka. Only one monastery restroom charges €1, while all others are free.
Finally, Meteora is one of the most visited destinations in Greece, and during high season there are naturally many visitors at the monasteries and rest areas. Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of our travelers — more than 95% — describe the tour, organization, guides, and overall experience as excellent, as reflected in thousands of verified reviews across all major platforms.
As for the “other tour groups” that supposedly looked much happier, this is actually quite amusing, since the majority of the groups you saw around Meteora that day were operated by us as well — just with different buses, guides, and language sections. So apparently we managed to disappoint only one small corner of our own operation while everyone else seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Patricia_D, May 2026
It was a very long day but amazing 🤩
Make sure you’re ok with spending many hours on a bus.
Also, we were very disappointed that there’s no direction as to what bus you belong to because when you show up at Larissa station there was FIVE buses marked Meteora, people with list of names ,we ha to run around lithe crazy to find our name to discover which bus you belong to , RIDICULOUS! Very disappointed in the start of this tour and no communication.
Our tour guide Marie was excellent!
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your feedback and for joining our Meteora day trip from Athens.
We are very happy to hear that you found the experience amazing and that you enjoyed the tour with Maria. We will be sure to pass your kind comments on to her.
Regarding the departure process at Larissa Station, we completely understand that the area can feel busy and confusing, especially during the high season. Please note that the same departure location is used simultaneously by multiple Meteora tour operators, often with several coaches departing around the same time.
Our company operates under the name Visit Meteora, and all reservations are checked through our digital ticketing and passenger list system before boarding. Unfortunately, since the departure point is a shared public location, there is very little we can do to change the overall setup of the station itself.
Nevertheless, we appreciate your comments, as they help us improve the communication and boarding experience for future travelers.
Thank you again for choosing Visit Meteora!
Kind regards,
Visit Meteora Team
Michael_C, May 2026
This was a great experience. It is a long journey but it is worth it. Seaside breaks for food was nice. Restaurant right on the water. Well organized as far as food . Order on the bus and food is ready when you get there.
Meteora was beautiful from the mountains and monasteries. I would recommend this tour
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for your lovely review!
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience and felt that the long journey was worth it. Meteora is truly a unique destination, and we are happy you appreciated both the breathtaking landscapes and the overall organization of the trip.
We are especially proud of our unique seaside stopovers by the water, which offer a far more relaxing and authentic experience compared to the typical highway service stations used on many long-distance tours. Thanks to our pre-order and pre-payment meal system available directly on the bus, guests can order in advance and have their meals ready upon arrival, allowing everyone to enjoy quality food and a beautiful coastal setting even within a limited stop time.
It is wonderful to know that you appreciated this part of the experience as well.
Thank you again for choosing Visit Meteora, and we hope to welcome you back to Greece in the future!
Kind regards,
Visit Meteora Team
David_P, May 2026
There were 2 buses to get on the morning. It was a little confusing which to get on, but it all worked out. The bus stops every 2 hours, with a chance to eat, drink and use the facilities. The bus stops at 10:30 for brunch so no need to eat breakfast before hand. In terms of walking, there isn’t a lot of distance, but a lot of up/down steps that can be slippery. Women are expected to wear a long dress or cover with a wrap. The wraps are provided at the monestary/convent entrances, so no worries. Millions of people visit this area a year, so expect company.
Order meals before hand using QR code on placard at bus seat. Saves time and helps wait staff.
Maria our guide was Awesome! So funny and chatty.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! We are truly happy to hear that you found Meteora to be such a unique and meaningful experience, especially from the perspective of the Greek Orthodox faith.
We also appreciate your helpful tips for future travelers regarding the walking conditions, dress code, and the QR meal preorder system available directly from the bus seats. As you mentioned, preordering meals helps guests save valuable time and enjoy a smoother experience during our carefully timed itinerary.
Meteora is indeed one of the most visited and spiritually significant destinations in Greece, and we are very happy that despite the visitor traffic, you were able to enjoy the beauty and atmosphere of the monasteries.
A special thank you as well for your kind words about Maria! We are delighted to hear that her humor, personality, and storytelling made the experience even more enjoyable.
We hope to welcome you again in Greece for another memorable adventure!
Leonor_F, May 2026
It’s was a great day. The tour guide is very knowledgeable. gave us a lot of insight about the place including the myths. She is very good and will do another tour with her. The restaurant we are at was also pretty good.
Best of all is the scenery makes you wonder how they survive all those years. The ride to the place was very pleasant
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you had such a great day in Meteora and enjoyed both the journey and the breathtaking scenery of the area. It is always fascinating to discover the history, traditions, and myths surrounding these incredible monasteries built on top of the rocks.
We are especially happy to hear that you enjoyed the insights shared by your guide and that the restaurant and overall experience met your expectations. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we would love to welcome you again on another tour in Greece!
raymond_m, May 2026
because of how far meteia is from athens and the stops its like running a marathon , drive, stop eat fast,drive,stop eat fast, and repeat . however well worh it to see the beautiful greek countryside not to mention spectacular meteora!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you very much for your review! Meteora from Athens is indeed a long and adventurous day, and we truly appreciate your understanding of the carefully timed itinerary with the various stops along the way. We are very happy to hear that despite the full schedule, you found the experience absolutely worth it and enjoyed both the beautiful Greek countryside and the spectacular landscapes of Meteora. We hope to welcome you again in Greece!
Wendee_S, May 2026
Great drivers both ways & Maria was an interesting guide with a dry sense of humour. The rest stop / meal locations were great. The first monastery stop with the most amount of steps was a waste of time & effort in my opinion - I’d rather spend longer at the other 2 locations. We were given great scenic options for photos. The bus was fairly clean and comfortable and the wifi & USB recharge point was helpful. It’s a very long day & getting back to Larissa at 22:30 to find the metro closed was a problem as trains run until midnight. Perhaps Monastiraki would be a more accessible location for guests.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you very much for your detailed review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the journey, the scenic photo stops, our coastal meal locations, and the comfort of the bus, including the onboard WiFi and USB charging points. Your kind words about Maria and our drivers mean a lot to us.
We also appreciate your feedback regarding the monastery selection. Each monastery offers a very different perspective and experience of Meteora, including architecture, views, and monastic life, though we understand that some guests may prefer easier-access monasteries.
Regarding Larissa Station, it remains the official departure and arrival point for our Athens-Meteora tours due to operational and traffic restrictions for large coaches in the city center. However, we truly appreciate your suggestion and understand the inconvenience caused by the metro schedule.
Thank you again for your thoughtful feedback, and we hope to welcome you back to Greece in the future!
Bonnie_G, May 2026
It is a long bus ride but you stop half way for food and restroom. Definitely order meals ahead with the app for quickest service. The tours of the monasteries are amazing. There are many stairs so be prepared for climbing. Also mind the dress code. There are skirts/wraps available. Each monastery is 5€ cash to enter. Our guide Maria was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you very much for your detailed and wonderful review!
We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the experience and found the journey comfortable with the seaside stopovers along the way. Thank you as well for mentioning the meal pre-order app — it really helps guests enjoy a smoother and more relaxing stop during busy periods.
Meteora’s monasteries are truly extraordinary, and we are glad you appreciated both the beauty of the sites and the practical information regarding the stairs, dress code, and entrance fees. Your comments will certainly be helpful for future travelers preparing for the visit.
A special thank you for your kind words about Maria. We will be delighted to share your feedback with her — she is passionate about sharing the history and stories of Meteora with our guests.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Meteora again in the future!
Best regards,
Visit Meteora Team
Sylvia_K, May 2026
Spectacular scenery and monasteries, Katerina and Costas were great and made the experience even more enjoyable
Response from Host, May 2026
Sylvia,
Thank you very much for your wonderful review!
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the spectacular scenery and the beautiful monasteries of Meteora. It is truly a unique place, and we are happy that the experience left such a positive impression on you.
A special thank you as well for your kind words about Katerina and Costas. We will be very happy to share your feedback with them — they always do their best to make every journey enjoyable, smooth, and memorable for our guests.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Meteora again in the future!
Best regards,
Visit Meteora Team
Naomi_B, May 2026
Absolutely amazing. Breathtaking. Worth the travel from Athens. A must. Kate and Costas were fantastic. Very well organised. Didn’t feel rushed. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your amazing review!
We are truly delighted to hear that your experience in Meteora was so memorable and that you felt the journey from Athens was absolutely worth it. Meteora is indeed a breathtaking destination, and we are very happy that you had the chance to enjoy it without feeling rushed.
A big thank you as well for your kind words about Kate and Costas. We will be very happy to share your feedback with them — they are passionate about creating smooth, enjoyable, and meaningful experiences for our guests.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Meteora again someday!
Best regards,
Visit Meteora Team
Kristen_C, May 2026
This is 100% worth every penny. Don’t let the long day scare you away, this was an incredible experience. The tour guide was phenomenal, and the monasteries were beautiful.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much, Kristen, for your wonderful review!
We are truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience so much and that you felt the journey was worth it. Meteora is indeed a unique destination, and we are very happy that the beauty of the monasteries and the overall experience left such a strong impression on you.
Thank you as well for your kind words about your tour guide — we will be sure to share your feedback with the team. Our goal is always to make the long journey from Athens as comfortable, smooth, and memorable as possible.
We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Meteora again in the future!
Best regards,
Visit Meteora Team
Dallas_L, May 2026
Really long day. But. I loved it. The view the story. Amazing. My partner not a fan of 14 days but says amazing views and is showing off one of his favourite pictures from the day
Be ready for a long day and have your camera ready. Fitness is not a must but would help. I was gassed getting to the top, and would not consider myself in super fit shspe. Our guide Kate and driver Dino's made the day for us.
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear traveler,
Thank you for your great review! We’re so glad you loved the experience—Meteora truly rewards you with unforgettable views. It’s a long day indeed, but as you said, absolutely worth it!
Kate and Dino will be very happy to hear your kind words. And yes—having your camera ready is a must!
We hope to welcome you again in the future.
Best regards,
George
Eve_R, Apr 2026
The guide was very negative but we just ignored that and carried on. The monasteries are unreal and with visiting. Long trip but well paced stops and we loved each monastery and the scenery. You need 5 euro per person per monastery cash. There are some steps but you can take your time..wear long sleeves and dresses/skirts.
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear traveler,
Thank you for your review! We’re glad you found the day amazing and enjoyed the monasteries and scenery—it’s truly a unique experience.
We’re sorry to hear that the guide’s attitude didn’t meet your expectations. Your feedback is important and will be taken into consideration to improve our service.
We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again in the future.
Best regards,
George
Rekha_D, Apr 2026
great tour, knowledgeable tour guides who give you some additional insights to the places and historic facts
Amazing smooth drive and the fantastic tour guide, on time and the schedule is very accurate
It’s exactly as described but with great personality !
Greta local stops that are breathtaking!
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear traveler,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the caves, iconic views, and the overall experience. It’s great to hear our guides’ knowledge and personality made a difference, and that everything ran smoothly and on time.
We’re also glad you appreciated the local stops—Meteora truly has some breathtaking hidden gems!
We hope to welcome you again soon.
Best regards,
George
From $102.22
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current

Athens: Meteora Monasteries, Caves & Coastal Stopovers with Lunch
1,525
14 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$102.22
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Food Tours
- Street Food Tours
- Walking Tours
- Half-day Tours
- Food & Drink
- Private and Luxury
- On the Ground
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Athens
- Food Tours - Saronic Gulf Islands
- Walking Tours - Saronic Gulf Islands
- Half-day Tours - Saronic Gulf Islands
- Half-day Tours - Loutraki
- Food Tours - Corinth
- Walking Tours - Corinth
- Half-day Tours - Corinth
Attractions in Athens, Greece
- Omonoia Square (Plateia Omonoias) Tours & Tickets
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Mnemeíon Agnostou Stratiotou) Tours & Tickets
- Adrianou Street Tours & Tickets
- Parthenon Tours & Tickets
- Tower of the Winds Tours & Tickets
- Cape Sounion Tours & Tickets
- Hadrian’s Arch Tours & Tickets
- Areopagus Tours & Tickets
- National Library (Vallianeion) Tours & Tickets
- Voula Beach Tours & Tickets
- Koukaki Tours & Tickets
- Theatre of Dionysus Tours & Tickets
- Lake Vouliagmeni Tours & Tickets
- Olympic Stadium (OAKA) Tours & Tickets
- Lagonisi Tours & Tickets
- Byzantine & Christian Museum Tours & Tickets
- Temple of Apollo Tours & Tickets

























