Meteora Day Trip with central Pick up & optional Lunch
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Athens, Greece
- 13 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
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
- Beat the heat and travel comfortably onboard an air-conditioned vehicle
- Make use of an audioguide to learn about the rock formations and monasteries
- Refuel with a traditional local 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
Supplied by
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 729 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Nathan_H, Jun 2026
Long ride to location but well worth it. Spectacular views and very picturesque. Good tour overall. Well done.
Shant_K, Jun 2026
A must see wonder while in Athens! Was debating if we should do or not because of the length of full day. Ended up going and was definitely worth it. A must must do. Beautiful scenery and unbelievable breath taking views! Bus was comfortable and the crew super nice with excellent service. I recommend!!!
alesia_s, Jun 2026
A good, straightforward way to explore the monasteries in Meteora. It makes for a very long day, but it’s still worth doing. The tour itself is pretty standard—nothing out of the ordinary—but the views of the monasteries are good and definitely nice to see.
Mikayla_M, May 2026
This was such a wonderful experience! Our guide Freideriki was so kind and knowledgeable about Meteora. The bus ride is long, but is definitely worth it to see the monasteries and surrounding areas. Definitely not something you want to miss!
LINDA_W, May 2026
Good: Meteora is beautiful and you should
go see it. I would pick a different tour group if able.
Con: 1. Was not clear that the entry to the monasteries was 20 euros cash that we should have brought with us. One couple late at every stop and delayed the whole bus. It should be explained that the schedule is for everyone and be courteous. My audio guides did not work but it was replaced once they were informed. Drop off was confusing as it was dark and the driver called it a different name and dropped off around the corner from pick up. The Meteora guide was rude and unhelpful. She said she would take me to an ATM for money for the monesteries when we stopped for lunch. She left at lunch for her coffee and then said it was too late to get to an atm after lunch but could go back to the restaurant and get cash for a fee. Sounds like an arrangement to me ! Asked for a cell number and she was aggravated that I did not have service at the Meteora and my daughter did not have WhatsApp on her phone.
Mari_I, May 2026
Terribly old bus. You can see the sponges of the seats, since they are teared. I couldn’t believe the old bus be used for a long ride.
lzoerner, May 2026
It‘s an early start and a long day but so worth it. The monasteries on the massive rocks are amazing. I don’t usually do stairs well but managed 140 without problems. Highly recommend if you have a day to spare in Athens.
Mei_Z, May 2026
Very well organized the whole trip. Tour guide Riki was very knowledgeable and gave informative introductions to the places visited. Liked the tour. Will recommend it to friends.
Rosanne_M, Apr 2026
Meteora itself is beautiful and very interesting. We enjoyed seeing what we did see there. All of the employees of the company were very kind. They also picked us up exactly where they said they would at the correct time.
The set up for this tour is unusual and not the best for seeing Meteora. You have one guide that picks up all the people at the four stops, and then you don’t have anyone with you besides the bus driver until you arrive at the town close to Meteora. That guide then goes around with you to see 2 monasteries, and stops at a couple of picture taking locations. You have headphones with a recorded message about a few of the stops, and you leave those headphones on the bus anytime you get off. You have no guide or explanation while you are going to the monasteries themselves. The two monasteries we saw were not two of my choices I would make, and I was frustrated that we didn’t even get a stop to take a picture of the best monastery photo opportunity (the one that’s the hardest to get to). Seeing the caves is not what I expected. You see them as you drive by on the bus, then the bus stops quite a ways away from them to take a picture from a far distance.
I would recommend sitting on the right side of the bus, not behind the driver side, for the best views. It seems like often she would talk about some point of interest on the right side of the bus that we could not see on the other side. You barely have enough time to go into the monastery and take a few pictures before coming back to the bus at the 2 you do get to see. It is a long day, and I understand that it would be hard to fit more time in to see the stops, but it is a very difficult to feel like you saw very much there.
Then back in town the driver and guide leave you, and you get a new driver to take the bus back to Athens. We loved seeing Meteora, but I wouldn’t choose this method again.
Christopher_Y, Apr 2026
Meteora Monasteries was one of the most unique, majestic and beautiful places that I have ever seen. Our local tour guide, Eva, was very knowledgeable and a perfect guide. The 10 hour round trip bus ride from Athens was a little rough, but the scenery was wonderful and it did give you time to rest.
Definitely, a must see experience.
Lei_H, Apr 2026
Just came back from this day trip. Everything was great. Nice bus ride, we stopped for a break there and back, visited two monasteries, and stopped at several places for photos.
judith_k, Apr 2026
This is an amazing site and should not be missed. But only if things go right. Our bus seemed older - Mike was fuzzy so guides voice was unclear. Very noisy bus with loud brakes. I feel that we should have selected a larger monastery to visit. One was so small, not much to see.
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
From $105.92
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Meteora Day Trip with central Pick up & optional Lunch
729
13 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$105.92
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Food Tours
- Street Food Tours
- Half-day Tours
- Walking Tours
- Food & Drink
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Private and Luxury
- On the Ground
- Athens
- Food Tours - Saronic Gulf Islands
- Half-day Tours - Saronic Gulf Islands
- Walking Tours - Saronic Gulf Islands
- Half-day Tours - Loutraki
- Food Tours - Corinth
- Half-day Tours - Corinth
- Walking Tours - Corinth
Attractions in Athens, Greece
- Kotzia Square (Plateia Kotzia) Tours & Tickets
- Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens (Mitropoli) Tours & Tickets
- Gazi Tours & Tickets
- Hellenic National Archaeological Museum Tours & Tickets
- Herakleidon Museum Tours & Tickets
- National Observatory of Athens Tours & Tickets
- Meteora Tours & Tickets
- National Gardens of Athens (Ethnikos Kipos) Tours & Tickets
- Propylaea Tours & Tickets
- Dora Stratou Greek Dances Theater Tours & Tickets
- Temple of Hephaestus Tours & Tickets
- Mikrolimano Tours & Tickets
- Delphi Archaeological Museum Tours & Tickets
- University of Athens Tours & Tickets
- Adrianou Street Tours & Tickets
- Syntagma Station Tours & Tickets
- Mt. Parnassus (Parnassos) Tours & Tickets
- Floating Naval Museum—Battleship Georgios Averof Tours & Tickets
- Theatre of Epidaurus Tours & Tickets