Athens: Meteora Monasteries, Hermit Caves Tour with Pickup
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Athens, Greece
- 14 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Travel by bus through the beautiful countryside on a full-day tour from Athens to the Meteora monasteries and hermit caves. Upon your arrival at the town of Kalambaka, you will visit the medieval monastery complex, which sits perched high atop sandstone cliffs and is honored by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Once inside, gain insight into the monastery's history via a handy audio guide. Upgrade to include a 10-course Greek lunch.
- Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Meteora monasteries in one day
- Reach the dramatic monastery complex with the help of an expert escort
- Learn about the history of these unique, 14th-century monasteries
- Enjoy free time to dine and explore in the town of Kalambaka
What's Included
- Roundtrip transfer from Athens to Meteora
- Local English speaking tour leader
- Multilingual Monasteries audio tour
- Pickup service from centrally located hotels in Athens
- Greek lunch with 10 dishes, including vegetarian options (if option is selected)
- Visit to the hermit caves
- Visit the interior of 3 most beautiful monasteries
- Coastal stopovers for brunch and dinner at beachfront restaurant
- Free map and bottle of water
- Drop-off service in Athens
- Guided tour inside the monasteries (audio guide available for free)
- Entrance fee - Entrance fees of the Meteora Monasteries (per person per monastery)€5.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Start time.7:45 am
Itinerary
Meet up in the early morning just opposite the Athens railway station to board the bus to Kalambaka, and take in views over the Greek countryside during the five-hour drive. Once you reach Kalambaka, you will meet your English-speaking tour leader to catch your private transfer to Meteora.
Spend five hours exploring two UNESCO-listed monasteries—including the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron—and the hermit caves of Badovas at your own pace, with your tour leader providing assistance and transportation between the sites.
Inside the monasteries, a useful audio guide adds context and insight into your exploration.
End with transport back to Kalambaka and free time to explore the town and have a bite to eat (own expense) before catching the bus for the return trip to Athens.
Spend five hours exploring two UNESCO-listed monasteries—including the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron—and the hermit caves of Badovas at your own pace, with your tour leader providing assistance and transportation between the sites.
Inside the monasteries, a useful audio guide adds context and insight into your exploration.
End with transport back to Kalambaka and free time to explore the town and have a bite to eat (own expense) before catching the bus for the return trip to Athens.
Athens (Pass By)
1
Kamena Vourla
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Kastraki
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Varlaam Monastery
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Great Meteoron Monastery (Pass By)
4
Meteora
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
6
Kalabaka
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
7
Agios Nikolaos Anapaphsas
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Kalambaka (Pass By)
8
Roussanou Monastery
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
9
Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada)
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
10
Kamena Vourla
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Infants (ages 3 and under) are free
- To enter the monasteries, appropriate clothing is required. Women should not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves. Men are not allowed to wear shorts.
- Amendments are serviced based on the availability
- The tour requires customers to climb stairs upon their approach to the monasteries. If someone finds climbing stairs challenging, it is possible to wait at the parking area where some benches are.
- Customers do not need to buy the monasteries tickets ahead of time. They pay in cash on the spot.
- The bus that will drive the customers to Kalambaka is only for the travel group.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 45 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
I was a little hesitant for this tour at first, 4 hour train ride each direction? I can tell you, now that I've done it I don't regret it at all. The train was comfortable (we upgraded to Class 1 seats) which in the slow season, wasn't really necessary as the train wasn't very full - but I could see during busier seasons that the upgraded seats would be necessary. The price to upgrade was reasonable either way, and worth it even in the off season. The train was a great way to look at the Greek Countryside as you leave Athens and get into the more rural areas - rolling hills, agriculture, beauty in the simplicity.
Our Tour Guide Maria, was great. She grew up in the area, and had a ton of local knowledge. Even personal stories of her family, and her experiences growing up and attending mass in one of the monasteries we visited. Breathtaking views of unique geological areas, picturesque valleys and landscapes, beautiful architecture - and that was before we even got to the monasteries! Then the monasteries were just as amazing, the stories behind them and the fact that they are all working/living. A humbling demonstration of faith, and a great opportunity to step back in time and see a much simpler life amid the bustle of the world today. All in a incredibly beautiful setting.
Reviews
4.5
based on 749 reviews
Sort by: Most recent
My husband and I had a wonderful time! We absolutely loved the itinerary. Our guide, Katerina, were fantastic, professional, and very knowledgeable. She made the experience even more enjoyable and memorable.
We truly appreciated her excellent service and would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Meteora. Thank you so much!
It was a long trip and started little late but our lady guide was excellent. We saw everything and she explained all the details. There was lots of climbing but it was worth. Beautiful breathtaking views of nature and mountains. Excellent trip.
We did the one day tour from Athens. It requires a lot of bus time but the meal stops were in a good restaurant with a variety of meal options. The rock formations and buildings were spectacular and well worth the journey! Be prepared for a lot of stairs (about 150 to reach the church sanctuary at the largest site). The artwork inside is both beautiful and overwhelming. If you want to study it in detail a two day tour might be a better choice.
This was the most beautiful tour I’ve attended. The landscapes were like no other, but less expected, the artwork within the monasteries are breathtaking. The tour guide was very engaging, making time to check in with each person (even though it was a large bus) several times. She was so knowledgeable and passionate about this beautiful place.
A small note… be prepared well if weather predicts rain. This was spectacular as thunderstorms echoed through the mountains… vibrating the ground… but the trails and steps are slick and steep. And it downpours and doesn’t let up. My husband fell in the downpour and broke his foot (not at any fault but his own). Just a caution to check the weather and beware of the shoes worn.
We had a great time and it’s quite a crowded tour but we managed to be on time. Loved the Byzantine art and the views are spectacular. The drive up and back is long so we had prepared some things to do while on the travel bus.
Our tourist guide in Meteora is 5 stars, the only reason why i’m giving 1 star is because the Viator app and email received the before clearly states that we will be picked up and dropped off at Key Tours but they sent a message same morning that pick up at different time and location so we ended taking a taxi and last persons to board. Clearly they need to communicate and change those information with Viator app and because not all travelers will read their text in Whatsapp last minute. We booked our hotel next to Key Tours because that was the pick up and drop off when we booked it but ended up on a different location that was never mentioned in the app and on the email received the night before.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re very pleased to hear that you rated Dimitri and your Meteora experience so highly.
However, we would like to clarify the circumstances regarding the departure, as there appears to have been a misunderstanding. The tour itself departs at 07:45, while the scheduled pickup/meeting time is 07:00. The meeting point and timing had been communicated in advance and were not changed on the morning of the tour.
Our team sent you an additional message that morning specifically to confirm the arrangements and also attempted to contact you by phone several times, unfortunately without receiving an answer. You arrived at the meeting point at approximately 07:40, shortly before the tour’s departure, which is why you were among the last guests to board.
We completely understand how important clear communication is, especially for an early-morning departure. This is precisely why our team made several attempts to reach you and ensure that you had the correct information.
We are therefore sorry that our efforts to confirm the meeting arrangements were interpreted as a last-minute change, as this was not the case. Nevertheless, we’re very happy that once on board you had an excellent experience at Meteora and especially enjoyed Dimitri’s guiding.
Thank you for traveling with us and for giving us the opportunity to clarify the circumstances.
Kind regards,
The Key Tours Team
Driver has a very impressive driving skills. The guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. Great experience!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great experience at Meteora. It’s wonderful to know that you appreciated your driver’s skill and professionalism, as well as your guide’s knowledge and helpful approach throughout the day.
Thank you for choosing KeyTours, and we hope to welcome you again on another memorable journey through Greece!
Kind regards,
The KeyTours Team
Tour guide was amazing. Maria is a rockstar. Dinged it a star because it was not an 8-course Greek lunch. It was one main and a salad. This tour is loooooong. Be prepared, we did not get back to the meeting point until just after 10 pm. Other than that, the bus was clean and the monasteries are amazing.
A long day but absolutely worth it. The guide and bus driver were excellent, though the food stop can be rushed if you don’t order 30-45 minutes ahead for dinner. Incredible scenery and a great day!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for sharing your experience!
We are delighted to hear that your journey to Meteora was absolutely worth the long day and that you enjoyed the incredible scenery. We also truly appreciate your kind words about both your guide and driver and will be happy to share your feedback with our team.
Thank you as well for your comment regarding the meal stop. We appreciate your feedback, as it helps us continue improving the overall experience and organization of our tours.
Thank you for choosing Key Tours. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable journey through Greece!
Kind regards,
The Key Tours Team
Extremely disappointed is an understatement! We were very much looking forward to spending our first day trip away from Athens and it immediately started off on the wrong foot. We arrived early to our drop off location, and then shortly after followed what we were told was our guide for the day. We went on this amazing big ( possibly new) luxury bus. To then randomly being told to get off the bus, as we are transferring buses. The guide proceeded to drop us off at a random bus on the side of the rode and goes this should be your bus, I’m not sure where the driver is and then left! We waited in front of this bus for 30 mins, to then the bus driver arriving and telling us this was the wrong bus. We eventually found the correct bus. That was through a completely different tour company than what we had been told. This bus was much older( which really doesn’t matter) but this bus is EXTREMELY small compared to the other. Which when you are spending 4 plus hours each way to travel to and from Athens plus the actual excursion it’s self it makes a MAJOR difference! Extremely uncomfortable bus ride, our bus even broke down at one point! From the moment we got on the bus we received zero communication about the itinerary and how long it would be till our next stop. We were given 30 mins for what the itinerary calls “ optional breakfast” we were not told to order ahead as I now see suggested on the itinerary so us and many others had rush to get our food. Again we got back on the bus without any idea of how long we would be on. We randomly stopped multiple times to let people off the bus which has never happened before on any of the excursions we have gone on in the past. Lastly your tour guide won’t join your group till lunch time which was 1:00 for us. We departed Athens around 7:00am! We were given 20 mins for dinner as well which is optional but arriving back in Athens at 10:30pm so is it really optional when you eat lunch at 1:00pm?
This is a fantastic excursion. The day is long, however it is worth the time with the amazing sights on the bus ride and at Mediora.
This is a very well organized excursion. The bus drivers and tour guide were excellent. There is a stop each way, for breakfast and dinner,if you wish, at a beautiful lake side area that will take your breath away.
The Monasteries, Convent and landscape are a sight to see. The history and culture and educational experience.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Dear Christine,
Thank you for your wonderful review!
We are delighted to hear that you had such an amazing experience on your Meteora tour. Although it is a long day, we're pleased to know that you found every moment worthwhile, from the beautiful scenery along the journey to the breathtaking monasteries and landscapes of Meteora.
It is especially rewarding to hear that you appreciated the organization of the tour, the professionalism of our drivers and guide, and the scenic stop by the lake, which is a favorite part of the journey for many of our guests.
Meteora is truly a unique destination, combining remarkable natural beauty, rich history, and spiritual heritage, and we are delighted that you found it to be such an educational and memorable experience.
Thank you for choosing Key Tours. We hope to welcome you again on another unforgettable journey through Greece.
Kind regards,
The Key Tours Team
The monasteries were beautiful. The ride was extremely long.
Please know that the monasteries require women to wear skirts longer than your knees and have your shoulders covered. This was not mentioned in any of the tour details, so almost our entire bus had to borrow covers. It really should be posted in multiple places in the tour details.
Our tour guide was mediocre, did not go into the buildings with us so the audio portion was extremely limited and only on the bus. Also, the “10 course Greek meal” is extremely misleading. You pay and then get to choose an entree from a couple of options. The food was very mediocre, but large portions.
This is a must, you will not regret it! We were amazed both by the scenic views and the inimaginable history of the monasteries.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Tanya,
Thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation!
We are delighted to hear that Meteora left such a strong impression on you. The combination of breathtaking scenery and the extraordinary history of the monasteries makes this destination one of the most unique and awe-inspiring places in Greece.
It's wonderful to know that you were amazed not only by the dramatic rock formations and panoramic views but also by the rich spiritual and historical heritage of the monasteries, which have stood for centuries in this remarkable landscape.
Thank you for choosing Key Tours and for recommending this experience to future travelers. We hope to welcome you again on another unforgettable adventure in Greece.
Kind regards,
The Key Tours Team
Amazing day of exploring and the food stops were lovely. Such a beautiful thing to see while you are in Greece.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Marti,
Thank you for your wonderful review.
We are delighted to hear that you had an amazing day exploring Meteora. The breathtaking monasteries, dramatic rock formations, and unique landscapes make it one of the most extraordinary destinations in Greece, and we're pleased that you found it such a memorable experience.
It's also great to know that you enjoyed the food stops along the way. We strive to create a comfortable and enjoyable journey that combines remarkable sightseeing with opportunities to experience local hospitality.
Thank you for choosing Key Tours. We hope to welcome you back on another unforgettable adventure in Greece.
Kind regards,
The Key Tours Team
This tour was so well organized! We were able to visit three of the monasteries ànd they were stunning. Our tour guide, Maria, was informative and hilarious. The driver was excellent. We had a wonderful day and highly recommend this experience!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Laura,
Thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation!
We are delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience exploring Meteora. The monasteries and dramatic rock formations create a truly unique landscape, and we're pleased that their beauty left such a strong impression on you.
It's especially rewarding to know that Maria made the day both informative and enjoyable with her knowledge and sense of humor. We are also happy to hear that your driver contributed to a smooth and comfortable journey throughout the excursion.
Our team works hard to ensure that every aspect of the experience is well organized, so your kind words mean a great deal to us.
Thank you for choosing KeyTours. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Greece soon.
Kind regards,
The KeyTours Team
Great experience sight seeing. Scenic spots for pictures. Well planned itinerary. Guide Katerina very knowledgeable.
Meteora is a stunning site. You should consider allocating two days for the visit. You can do it in one if you are willing to get up early, return late and spend 8 hrs in a bus.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your thoughtful review, Petteri!
We’re so glad to hear that you found Meteora to be such a stunning and memorable destination—it truly is a magical place. We appreciate you highlighting the travel time as well; it’s helpful for future travelers to know what to expect when planning their visit.
We’re happy you chose to experience this incredible site with us and hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable journey in Greece!
Best Regards,
KeyTours team
Definitely worth the money & time! Amazing place and beauty surrounding the monasteries. Guide was also great and knowledgeable.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Tony,
Thank you for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you found the Meteora tour worth the time and money and that you enjoyed the incredible beauty surrounding the monasteries.
It’s also wonderful to know that your guide helped make the experience even more enjoyable with their knowledge and insights.
Thank you for choosing Keytours, and we hope to welcome you again on another tour in Greece!
Kind regards,
The Keytours Team
Perfect nature lower tour - amaizing wiews! And bus driver was so kind and nice, lunch was tasty, thank you very mutch!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Dina_B,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that you had a perfect day exploring Meteora and enjoyed the amazing views of this unique landscape.
It’s also great to know that you appreciated the kindness of the driver and the lunch during the tour. Your kind words mean a lot to our team.
Thank you for choosing Keytours, and we hope to welcome you again on another tour in Greece!
Kind regards,
The Keytours Team
Really great experience. The monasteries and location were gorgeous. Maria was a great guide. Very knowledgeable on the history of Meteora and the monasteries.
From experience if you’re unable to find or locate the meeting pickup point as I experienced you will not receive any refund from Key Tours so make sure you clearly understand the pickup location well in advance.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear David,
Thank you for your feedback.
We would like to clarify the details of your pickup, as this may help future travelers understand what happened.
Your pickup was scheduled for 7:15 AM at the Capital Hotel, exactly as indicated on your voucher, along with the meeting point details and the map pin. Our team was at the designated location on time, but unfortunately you were not present when the bus arrived.
At 7:20 AM, we contacted you to inform you that the bus needed to depart as scheduled and advised you to go directly to the main meeting point so you could still join the tour. You replied that you did not have time and requested a refund instead.
As the pickup location and instructions were clearly provided, and all efforts were made to assist you on the morning of the tour, we are unable to offer a refund in line with our policy for missed pickups.
We truly regret that we could not host you and hope there will be another opportunity to welcome you in the future.
Best Regards,
KeyTours team
Meteora is the most amazing historical site in Greece, but it’s 5 hrs from Athens. This tour makes it possible to enjoy the drive with lovely lakeside stops and then tour the monasteries w/a knowledgeable guide. He even knows the best photo stops too. Homemade Greek lunch included was a delightful bonus.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Linda,
Thank you so much for this wonderful review!
Meteora truly is one of the most extraordinary places in Greece and we’re delighted that this tour allowed you to enjoy the journey as well as the destination — with beautiful stops along the way and the guidance needed to get the most out of the monasteries once there. We’re so glad you enjoyed your guide, the views, and the added touch of a homemade Greek lunch.
Thank you again for traveling with KeyTours—we would love to welcome you back for more amazing experiences around Greece in the future!
Terrible communication from tour operator. I wasn’t able to make the scheduled pick up time but was told to meet at the train station. I then proceeded to the train station and ask the tour operator where everyone is. And where my bus was departing from, I didn’t get a response from the tour operator until after the bus left. Not only did I miss the tour, but they are not accepting a refund for miscommunication on their end. Very frustrated. Do not recommend this place. Especially if you’re a foreigner.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Issac,
Thank you for your review.
We are sorry that you feel disappointed, however we would like to clarify the facts of this booking for transparency to future travelers.
The voucher clearly stated the pickup at 07:20 from the Kubic Hotel. Our driver was on location and waited until 07:30, but unfortunately you were not present. We received your first message at 07:40, which was after the scheduled pickup window and after departure time. As soon as we received your message, we immediately replied and provided instructions, including the direct meeting location and map link. Unfortunately, you were not able to arrive there on time before the tour departed.
Our team remained responsive to all your messages — and communication was continuously provided.
We always recommend that all travelers be ready at the exact pickup time listed on the voucher, as delays impact the entire group and the official schedule.
We understand this was frustrating, but in this case the tour operated as scheduled and the pickup procedure was followed exactly as communicated in writing before the service.
We hope we may welcome you on a future experience under better circumstances.
Best Regards,
KeyTours team
it is an absolute must when visiting Athens. I would definitely go there and stay for hiking. It was spectacular!!
The climb to the monasteries involves a lot of stairs so a walking stick might help some people. Also women need yo wear a dress or skirt.
This is a really long day - but so worth it! The monasteries and nunneries were breathtaking and the views were amazing. Be prepared for walking and lots of stairs to reach the monasteries, but it really is worth it! (Women - you need a dress or long skirt)
Great tour. Very long day so if you are thinking of booking this be prepared. The bus pickup in the morning could be improved as there was no signage and bus numbers as stated by the operator previously. As there were multiple buses for other tours, we had to check each one to find for our booking. But once you are at the site of Meteora, the sites visited and views were amazing. Our tour guide, Kate, was excellent - funny and informative. Overall we enjoyed the tour.
Good full day. Long bus ride but had plenty of time to nap. Food was expensive but good. Tour guide was knowledgeable and cute.
While the Meteora monasteries were amazing, the tour operator, guide were banal, boring. Nothing exciting. Too long! We started at 8:00 am and didn’t come back to our drop off place until 10:30 pm! Not good or safe for solo female travelers like me. And their system for checking passengers and organizing them into the right bus was plain archaic!! Really? Calling out names while badly mispronouncing them is stressful as we were afraid our names wouldn’t be heard or understood.
This was a long bus trip to the Meteora area which was a beautiful place once we got there. A few suggestions - have the driver or a tour guide tell about the areas we traveled through such as history, culture, names of lakes, etc. Spend less time on meals and more time touring the monasteries.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Susan,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. We’re delighted to hear you found the Meteora area beautiful, it truly is one of Greece’s most stunning and unique destinations.
The tour itinerary is designed to balance comfort during the long journey with ample time to explore the monasteries once in Meteora. Meal breaks are scheduled to ensure all guests have time to rest and enjoy local cuisine before continuing the tour. That said, we’re always looking for ways to enhance the experience, and your feedback is valuable to us.
We’re glad you enjoyed the beauty of Meteora, and we hope to welcome you again on another tour that allows you to discover even more of Greece’s treasures.
Best Regards,
Margarita Karavasileiadi
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