Meteora Day Trip with central Pick up & optional Lunch
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Athens, Greece
- 13 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
The logistics of visiting Meteora and its UNESCO-listed monasteries from Athens can be tricky. With this day trip, leave the driving to a professional and get around on board an air-conditioned coach to optimize your time and cover more ground. Marvel at the unique landscape and snap photos of six monasteries as you learn about their history via audioguide, then stop to visit two complexes inside. Opt to include lunch for a hassle-free day.
- Stress-free round-trip transport from four pick-up points in Athens
- Explore the Hermit Caves and two historic monastery complexes
- An audioguide to learn about the rock formations and monasteries
- Enjoy a traditional lunch (if option selected)
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Round-trip Luxury coach tickets
- English speaking local expert guide
- pick up from 4 central meeting points
- Audio Guide in Languages ( English, Spanish,French,German,Portuguese,Russian, italian, chinese)
- LunchIf option selected
- drinks
- Entrance fee - Meteora Monastery (per monastery)€5.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Kindly wait at the sign of the Sights of Athens Blue Hop on Hop off bus stop a bus from our company will pick you up
Operating hours.7:00 am
Itinerary
1
Athens
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Meteora
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
3
Meteora
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
4
Kalabaka
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 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
Reviews
4.8
based on 663 reviews
Luca_F, Apr 2026
Staff was knowledgable and kind, lot of fun and the driving wasn’t as bad as they make it seem. Was a really fun experience, and the food was a good spot to relax!
Myron_R, Apr 2026
First off. Longevity of day. 13+ hours. Bus drivers were courteous and great drivers. Tour guide was good. If you want to get the best experience I would suggest staying over night in Kalapaka and taking more time. Overall it was good.
Ling_Y, Apr 2026
The Destination
Let me start by saying this place is absolutely worth going to. The towering rock formations and the ancient monasteries built on top of them are spectacular. It feels like stepping into another world, and the panoramic views alone make it a bucket-list destination. You definitely won't regret seeing it with your own eyes.
The Journey
Unfortunately, the logistics of getting there were a nightmare. Be prepared for a very long drive—we spent a total of 8 hours just sitting on the bus. To make matters worse, the bus seating is incredibly tight. Being squeezed into a cramped space with zero legroom for an 8-hour round trip makes the travel exhausting and highly uncomfortable.
The "Guided" Experience
This is where the tour structure really falls short, though I want to be clear that it is not the guide's fault. The information provided isn't a live guided tour; instead, it is all pre-recorded. To make things awkward, the company does not provide enough equipment, meaning my partner and I were forced to share a single audio device and split the earpiece. The guide genuinely tried to do her best with what she had to work with, but because of the way the company has this tour set up, there is just very little actual service provided compared to other tours.
The Food
The lunch provided on this trip was bad. It felt like a cheap afterthought and was completely underwhelming, especially after such a long morning of travel.
CAROL_S, Apr 2026
Too long a day. It’s 5 hrs by bus each way.
Chaotic pick up as usual. Notes say it’s run by Open top bus, but a Grayline bus came and couldn’t park at the stop. Other passengers ran after it. I didn’t and could have missed being picked up. The 2 Monasteries we visited were interesting, but we saw maybe 5% of the complexes. Not worth the 15 hr day.
Gary_S, Mar 2026
Very long bus ride. The bus was comfortable enough but lacks USB ports to charge devices. There is a rest stop half way, each leg of the trip. No bathrooms on bus. The pickup/drop off points are convenient for most hotels.
The lunch was good (Greeks don’t seem to like serving hot food). The tour itself is interesting and the views amazing. You’ll stop in several locations for best photos. The guide was engaging and answered any questions.
Note- take 1 Euro coins for the toilets at the monetary. There are incalculable steps going up and up from the bus parking and everything else is uphill, so expect to have a work out.
Liam_C, Mar 2026
Great trip, well organized. It's a full day, But totally worth it. Our guide is super friendly. The lunch is nice. The view is splendid.
cheryl_h, Mar 2026
Great trip to Meteora. Riki was an amazing tour guide and provided the history of the town and how the Monasteries were built. You'll also get an audio guide while the bus takes you to the next site. It's a four an half trip with a break each way. I recommend grabbing a snack since you'll have lunch as soon as you arrive. You so at the same rest stop for dinner.
Samantha_K, Mar 2026
So I had read he reviews ahead of time and was prepared for most of the negative…on the bus all day…crowded…somewhat dilapidated…but I couldn’t figure out a better way to see metereo for a decent price so I went anyway. It was all true and I’m sitting in the bus watching couples come on at the last stop who clearly had not read the reviews and it was like the scenes in ww2 movies when prisoners have been told they are going on vacation and get on the train and the horror starts to sink in. Why don’t they make solo riders ride with solo riders so couples can be together? Probably explains why the bus was dead silent for 4 hours! Try to get on at the very first stop.
So the bus ride was as expected. We get to town and meet our guide Riki (who was great) and go to lunch. Skip the lunch!!! It was horrible! I had some dry chicken and soggy fries with a sauce so garlicky I didn’t touch it for fear I would never be kissed again! Walk into the town and grab a pizza or something instead because this food was terrible.
We started our journey up the mountain and were given the audio guides. These feel unnecessary as Riki told us almost everything again. The monasteries and views are the reason to go so if that’s your goal you won’t be disappointed! Unless you love hiking like me and you find out you could do a hike and 300 steps to see the coolest monetary, except you can’t because you’re stuck on this tour…
Also, also a pant wearing lesbian I resented having to put on the stupid skirt (what if I was intersex - they did do a genital check?) but I did it and now have some funny pictures. I also saw a bro about 20 wearing one as a joke and it made me feel better.
The ride back was quiet and the food at the rest stop is terrible (the pastries are pretty good) but all in all I’m glad I went.
I’m here in Athens a week and it was a nice day trip to see something unforgettable!!
I would recommend a different tour if there was a better one, but I couldn’t find one so this didn’t trick.
I hope this review is helpful!
Diana_Q, Mar 2026
A great day away from athen! Amazing landscapes and very interesting!! Really thankful we did it!!
Not many places to get a meal for such a long day. Our one stop in small town we were able to have an amazing lunch!! The bus does make a stop at service center both ways for 25 min where you can grab to go food.
The sites were absolutely amazing!
Yonatan_H, Mar 2026
Overall nice but tiring and technical. You spend about 10 or 11 of the endless 14 hours on the bus. 4 hours getting there, 4 back, and most of the time between breaks, lunch and visitng the monasteries. The guide was nice, but you could tell it's her gazzillionth time delivering the same routine. The audio guides along the way were meh. Meteora itself is very beautiful, the monasteries are amazing, but alsoyoure pretty quickly are done with them. They are set like a quick visit from semi-interesting place to another. The lunch on the way was not good, and should have just went for a sandwich from home or a gyro somewhere. The ride back was tough for me, and prayed to the gods to make it go quicker. No doubt Meteora is worth the visit, for its beauty and uniqueness, yet the whole experience felt artificle and technical.
Mary_D, Feb 2026
The tour itself was great! January might not be the best time to come due to it being a rainy season with lots of fog, but nevertheless, our tour guide Eva was knowledgeable and our driver Kostas was great as well. I could feel the energy on these mountains and inside of these monasteries. Definitely a special place and I can see why they were picked by the monks. Keep in mind this is a full day. Don’t plan anything else with it. It’s a four hour drive out of Athens to the town, stop for lunch (highly recommend you do that otherwise you’re on your own) a couple of hours at the monasteries and then another four hour drive back. You won’t get that many steps in. Bring snacks and anything else you might need for the long drives.
Anna_O, Jan 2026
Everything was perfectly organised, I had no issue at all to find the meeting point. However, many other buses ( tours) are parking at same point- in my case I pick Omonia Square. It is actually at something like middle if roundabout. I got email day before with GPS location , so make sure to search location by using the pin, not just trying to find it by yourself ( broad location) . It has also sign for Hop on hop off , and many people waiting there. I was afraid about safety as it was still dark before 7am. But it is pretty busy and many pastry shops / cafes already open at that time!Lovely to have little sweet treat before long journey! But be careful with coffee - in bus is no toilet and first stop is in 2 hours! If you bought trip with lunch you will get nice menu to choose from in local restaurant ( iam vegan and chose interesting Porato and pepper will with rice. )
In morning these 4 .5 hours on bus you just sleep off , but the worse was way back. It was quite lot for my knees to survive.
Our guide Riki was lovely and knowledgeable, no question was hard to answer ! Her human approach made a difference and definitely one of these people loving their jobs.
Meteora itself was breathing - it's worth the Unesco heritage title! I was first time in Greece and couldn't miss it - you will feel like in fairytale where dragons fly to their caves in rocks or in Avatar movie! I never watched Games of Thrones , but Avatar , so it's quite visually similar to me.
Practical tips:
Take cash with you - 2x 5 euros for 2 monasteries .
Woman are required to wear skirts, if you have any wear it- or you can borrow one at the entrance for free.
Toilet fee 1e at first monastery after lunch , cash only.
You get bottle of water from your guide, but good to have some with you, as well some snack for filing between lunch and journey back to Athens ( they will stop at same restaurant , but it's long time)
Only one negative thing : Don't sit at last seats on bus - there is no window so you will regret your decision. As well seats are worn off , foam exposed , and this details pretty much impacts your experience, it looks terrible. ( repairing is not such a big deal ,it needs to be done asap!)
Also no WiFi and charging slots on.bus, so make sure you bring your power bank!
Anna_H, Jan 2026
Excellent day trip, and a must of you are in Athens. It's a long day n the bus, but totally worth it!!
Perry_J, Jan 2026
It’s a long day. 9 hours on the coach. But well worth it. It is truly amazing. The UNESCO site does not disappoint. Don’t forget to take cash. Lots of stairs as well so good shoes.
Mariusz_M, Jan 2026
What a great experience, the place the views I can’t believe I almost didn’t go! Ewa was fantastic tour guide a lots of information and photo time all very well organized! Long but well organized and well worth it !
Munifer_A, Jan 2026
Meteora is a truly fantastic place. The tour bus picked us all up on time, everything at the tour site was on time, we took photos from the perfect spots, and we had the chance to see the monasteries from the right locations. Thanks to Eva and Kostas for their friendly and helpful works.
dahlia_s, Jan 2026
Just the beginning of the trip sets the tone. Not a luxury bus, crammed on a grayline bus. Cant even move my arms, no view out the windows, we had to chase down the bus. Havent even gotten to the main tour yet but if its anything based on the beginning I am sure it won't be positive. Definitely not close to worth the money. Really honestly worst tour ive been on. It seems they over booked the tour. Picking up more people and not enough bus seats per people. Way over booked.
Tricia_E, Dec 2025
It’s an early start and a late return to the square but worth the drive. I meet the tour at Omonia square this was a little confusing where the meeting point walked from my accomodation but really easy big bus and a man waiting to check your ticket, Right as you exit the metro station. I just meet other people that looked like they were waiting for a tour and presto we were on the road. Lovely stops along the way for coffee and food. When you arrive at the town for lunch you are in awe of your the mountains and scenery that you are surrounded by, it’s beautiful. We were seated at a traditional Greek restaurant and given the opportunity to meet others on the tour and share lunch. After lunch we had a little bit of time to explore not much but enough time for me. Then the real adventure begins with the slow climb of course in the lovely air conditioned bus up to the first monastery. Always remember for women a long shirt and long sleeve shirt and men but if you forgot each stop supplies appropriate clothing no charge. With each visit and loads of stair climbing the awe’s and oohs just became more frequent and the history and stories breathtaking not to mention the view. Our coach was very clean with safe drivers and a great tour guide. This was my second visit to Athens in 2 years and unfortunately last trip I didn’t get to do this tour but this time I was not going to miss out and I was not disappointed. This tour was extremely enjoyable and exceeded my expectations thank you so much
Shakir_B, Dec 2025
It’s a long trip but definitely worth it! We are a family of 4 with two kids, 14 and 8. We were picked up in coach on time from the meeting point. Then drove to Meteora. We met our guide there. The tour started with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. There are 6 functional monasteries at Meteora, 4 male and 2 female. Because it’s winter and the close pretty early, we had the chance to enter two of them and see the others from the outside. The briefing before each one of them was great. Our guide there was wonderful! She was accommodating, patient, and the nicest ever. The views up there were just breathtaking. It’s a long drive from and to Athens. But it’s definitely worth it. Highly recommended.
HuiKan_W, Dec 2025
It's a long drive from Athens, but it's a place well worth visiting. Amazing! The drivers & tour guide were doing a excellent job!!
Irma_P, Dec 2025
Riki have us a wonderful time, great experience, lots of information and very responsible in spite of the weather... We enjoyed the visit of the monasteries, Meteora and the food at the restaurant... This tour you must do when you visit Greece...
Anonymous, Nov 2025
This was a very good tour--well organized, on time and the guide Eva was great. I opted for the lunch for an extra 5 Euro. And it was a really great meal--a Greek Salad and then a choice from 9 different Greek main dishes, including a lot of meat dishes.
But it's also a very long day, most of it spent on the bus. Probably not the right tour if you have just a few days in Athens.
Pickup was at 7:10 am and we got back around 9:30 pm.
Claire_W, Nov 2025
Amazing experience! Such incredible value with a comfortable, modern coach which picked us up right by our hotel (there are 4 stops to choose from). A person met us off the coach and checked us on. 4 hour journey there BUT you get to see Greece! Such beautiful countryside, villages, more industrial areas but then mountains, fields and a lake that goes on for ages. Riki, our guide was fantastic. So professional, passionate about the area, knowledgeable and friendly. She met us at Meteora. Prior to that there is a stop at a roadside area for toilets and a cafe. Riki showed us into the restaurant in the village below Meteora (you can see the views and Riki explains what you can see and what to expect). The lunch was typical Greek food - a Greek salad, water, your choice of a main dish (we had moussaka...very nice and filling) plus even a little shot glass of something not potent! I had forgotten i needed cash for the monasteries...5 euros per person but 2 monasteries. I didn't quite have enough but Riki directed us to an ATM up the road. Lunch is perfect amount of time- not too rushed, not too long. Then we headed up to Meteora. Riki speaks into a microphone so you can hear her and this is interlaced with an audio through a device and headphones given to you (many languages- you choose). All very informative. You get to see the beautiful sights well. Stops for photos as key points and Riki takes photos of you. You visit larger monastery- 5 euros plus 1 euro for the toilet (it has a money machine in there if you need change). Women have to grab a scarf and wrap it around waist if not wearing a skirt. Beautiful monastery. 2nd one is 5 euros again but free toilets (take care in ladies as first cubicle is hole in ground which i assumed they all were until I walked out and saw others were actual toilets! 😅) Nuns live here. Loads of cats if you're obsessed with them like my daughter is! Little van selling drinks, snacks and trinkets outside. Careful as they tried to charge me 10 euros for a bracelet (which didnt last a day sadly) instead of the labelled 8.
Then Riki says her goodbyes after another couple of photo stops (amazing!) And a comfort break back at the village restaurant. There is the stop again on the return journey. It's a good idea to take snacks plus water for the journey.
We had debated on doing this excursion due to the length and taxi driver advised go to Delphi instead but we felt we'd seen so many ruins that we wanted a different experience and we were SO glad we went! A beautiful and unique landscape not to be missed. The tour was extremely well organised and as said before, incredible value for money! If you have time for a whole day out then it's worth it (7am to nearly 10pm)Our thanks to Riki, our lovely driver and the team for making this a special memory (mum and daughter who's 21st birthday treat was this trip to Athens).
Jenny_O, Nov 2025
The actuall tour guide, a wonderful red-haired lady whose name escapes me, was a gem. She was a treasure trove of valuable information and it was evident she loves what she does. The reason I docked a star was the drivers. We had one driver going and another coming. Both of them drove too fast. That's a deal breaker for me. 4 hours of white-knuckling to and then also fro is just too much. They need to slow down and realize they're in charge of many lives. Lovely tour otherwise. Very, very long, though. Be well-rested before you go.
Virgo_V, Nov 2025
Our visit to the Meteora monasteries was absolutely breathtaking! Seeing those centuries-old sanctuaries suspended in the air was an unforgettable blend of natural wonder and deep spirituality. A huge, special thanks to our guide, Eva, for her incredible knowledge and kindness—she truly made the day perfect!
JAMES_S, Nov 2025
Sick from food poisoning and spent whole day at hotel. Yet refused me a refund unless i go to a hospital for a doctors note....genuinepy ridiculous
Robyn_D, Nov 2025
The monasteries were five-star, and we are glad we did the trip. The experience only gets three-stars. We were on a completely full large bus (no empty seats) at the end of October.
It was a long bus ride leaving Athens at 7am and arriving at our lunch spot at 12:15 with one bathroom break on the way
Don’t expect any commentary en route, the guide didn’t get on until lunch in the town below the monasteries. Because the group was so large, there weren’t enough audio guides, so we shared and had one headset strung between two peoples’ ears! We got back to our hotel in Athens around 10pm, so it was a very long day!
Randa_D, Oct 2025
Visiting 2 wonderful monastries with just to the point explanation to all of the monastries. And plenty of time to take pictures makes it a special experience
ChengWeiChris_T, Oct 2025
It was an excellent day trip and I was able to take another item off my bucket list. Viator and the tour guide, Niki did a superb job in making everything went smoothly and we were glad we did the trip with Viator.
Theresa_S, Oct 2025
The bus ride is quite long but definitely still worth it! Our tour guide (Eva) lives near Meteora so she met us when we arrived there. She was so informative, friendly, and so helpful... offering to take photos for us at the lookouts we stopped at. We had lunch as soon as we arrived in Meteora and it was delicious. The views in Meteora were breathtaking... so unreal! It was AMAZING! We visited 2 monasteries and stopped at about 4 lookouts so we could take photos. I would definitely recommend this excursion to anyone who is staying in Athens!
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