Athens: Meteora Monasteries, Hermit Caves Tour with Pickup
Recommended by 90% of travelers
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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
- 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
Operating hours.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
- 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.
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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
William_P
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 728 reviews
Petteri_M, Mar 2026
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
Tony_S, Mar 2026
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
Dina_B, Mar 2026
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
Alise_P, Jan 2026
Really great experience. The monasteries and location were gorgeous. Maria was a great guide. Very knowledgeable on the history of Meteora and the monasteries.
David_B, Nov 2025
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
Linda_K, Oct 2025
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!
Isaac_L, Oct 2025
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
LeeAnne_P, Oct 2025
it is an absolute must when visiting Athens. I would definitely go there and stay for hiking. It was spectacular!!
jeannekearnshotmailc, Oct 2025
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.
Jeni_B, Oct 2025
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)
From $89.18
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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