Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 124 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch worth booking?
Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch is a 14-hour experience in Athens, Greece, from $86 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 124 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (124)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $86 per person
Discover one of the world’s most popular UNESCO sites on this Athens to Meteora day trip. Explore ancient monasteries, enjoy panoramic views and learn all about the region's history and myths.
What you get
About this experience
Discover one of the world’s most popular UNESCO sites on this Athens to Meteora day trip. Explore ancient monasteries, enjoy panoramic views and learn all about the region's history and myths.
What's included
Included
- Immersive Guided Meteora tour with Panoramic photo stops
- Air-conditioned bus with onboard WiFi and USB Chargers
- Local, knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide
- Free Audio Guides in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean
- View all the monasteries of Meteora and visit 3 of them
- Greek Lunch at a local restaurant (if option selected)
- Roundtrip transportation from Athens to Meteora
Not included
- Entrance fees
- Guided tour inside the monasteries
What you'll see and do
Athens
Embark on an extraordinary day trip from Athens to the Unesco World Heritage Site of Meteora. Explore centuries-old monasteries, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and uncover hidden gems of Meteora that most travelers won't know about. If you join the tour from November to January, you will also have the opportunity to witness the famous Meteora sunset from a stunning panoramic viewpoint. Your journey starts as you board our private, air-conditioned bus at 07:45 AM, conveniently departing from the street across the Central Railway Station of Athens (Stathmos Larisis). Sit back and enjoy a scenic bus ride through the enchanting countryside, offering picturesque glimpses of mainland Greece.
240 minutes here
Meteora
By noon, you'll arrive at Meteora, where your friendly local tour guide will await you, to begin an unforgettable adventure through this natural wonder called Meteora. During this guided tour, you'll be able to see all the majestic monasteries of Meteora and even step inside three of them to explore their captivating interiors. Also, discover the hidden treasures of Meteora, including the ancient hermit caves and the magnificent St. George Mandilas cave. Moreover, uncover the 'secret' side of Meteora accompanied by your local, knowledgeable, English-speaking guide learning about why hermits chose to settle in these imposing caves a thousand years ago. Immerse yourself in the rich history and intriguing myths of Meteora, as you hear detailed explanations and fascinating stories. If English isn’t your primary language, don’t worry! We also offer free audio guides in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. Also, capture amazing photos during multiple photo stops.
Pass by without stopping
Kalambaka
Additionally (exclusive to this tour), discover the charming small town of Kalambaka located in the foothills of Meteora. If you choose the option with lunch, enjoy a delightful, traditional Greek lunch at a local restaurant. Your meal will include a fresh salad, a choice of main dish (with multiple options to cater to your preferences), freshly baked bread, and refreshing water. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. If you choose the option without lunch, enjoy some free time in the charming town of Kalambaka to explore its numerous restaurants, cafes, and local shops. Relax under the breathtaking Meteora formations or take a short walk to the heart of this small picturesque town.
60 minutes here
Roussanou Monastery
The Roussanou Monastery, also known as Arsani, stands on top of an impressive vertical and steep cliff of Meteora, between the Monasteries of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas and Varlaam.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Saint Nicholas Monastery
The Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas is literally suspended in air on a small rock and is the first monastery that we meet on our way from Kastraki village to the stone forest of Holy Meteora.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Varlaam Monastery
The Varlaam Monastery or Monastery of All the Saints is located on an imposing rock exactly opposite of the Great Meteoron and it is the second largest monastery of Meteora.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Holy Trinity Monastery
The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is the third oldest monastery in Meteora and is the most difficult to reach, since visitors should cross a downhill path and then ascend 145 steps carved into the rock. It is said that the first hermits used a rope ladder and a net to build it and they spent 70 years to carry the all the materials needed.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Agios Stefanos
The Monastery of Saint Stephen’s (Agios Stefanos) is located just above the city of Kalambaka and is the most accessible monastery in Meteora, as there are no steps to reach the entrance and the access is easy through a small stone bridge.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Great Meteoron Monastery
The Monastery of Great Meteoron or Transfiguration of Christ, expresses the greatness and history of the Holy Meteora, as it is the oldest and most important monastery.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Athens
Come evening, we'll set off on our journey back to Athens, and you can expect to arrive there at approximately 10:15 PM.
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Athens
Begin your adventure by boarding our private, air-conditioned bus at 07:45 AM. The bus will be conveniently located on the street across the Central Railway Station of Athens (Stathmos Larisis). You'll easily identify it by the "Meteora Trip" sign displayed in the front window.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Begin your adventure by boarding our private, air-conditioned bus at 07:45 AM. The bus will be conveniently located on the street across the Central Railway Station of Athens (Stathmos Larisis). You'll easily identify it by the "Meteora Trip" sign displayed in the front window.
Options you can book
Meteora Tour without Lunch
Enjoy transportation from Athens in an air-conditioned bus, followed by a shared Meteora tour. Lunch is not included.
Meteora Tour with Greek Lunch
Enjoy transportation from Athens in an air-conditioned bus, followed by a shared Meteora tour. Lunch is included.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, ko, ja, en, zh-CN, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Meteora Trip
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- To use our free audio guides, please be sure to bring your smartphone and earphones with you.
- The monasteries of Meteora impose a dress code for visitors. Men are required to wear long trousers and shirts with sleeves. Women must wear skirts that fall below the knee (trousers are not permitted) and cover their shoulders. Alternatively, women can use a long scarf wrapped around the waist to meet the dress code requirements.
- The monasteries of Meteora only accept cash for the entrance fees (€5 per person/monastery)
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 123 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
123 verified traveler reviews for Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
THE BEST DAY
We had an absolutely amazing day. It was just so good. Our drivers Ilias, George and George were fantastic. Our guide Maria was THE BEST. I would recommend this trip to everyone. Super, super, super.
via Tripadvisor
A well planned tour and a very different part of Greece than the cities or the seaside experiences.
The drive from Athens and the drive back takes up a lot of the day. Having Wi-Fi and charging ability for our smart phones, meant that we could take photos of the scenic drive to Kalambaka and I was posting many photos for my friends to see along the way . In the middle of each drive, we stopped at a nice travel center where there was fresh and packaged foods and plenty of space to move and use the restrooms. The time at the “Rocks” as our bus driver.Vasili called them is shorter than you imagine but still plenty of time. We went inside three monasteries and stopped the bus several times for scenic views and photo opportunities. Kosta, our local guide was full of information about the history of the area from how the rocks were formed to how the area was settled. He shared factual and legendary information to give us a full picture. We went to three monasteries., the first one had the most steps, and according to my smart phone, I walked up the equivalent of 12 flights of stairs! Many in our group were there just to enjoy the wonder of it all, for myself, it was also a religious pilgrimage. I was traveling by myself I felt that both our driver for Vasili and our guide Kosta made sure that I was getting all of my questions answered and having the full experience. An excellent value for the money for anyone. This would not be enjoyable for somebody who is not fully ambulatory and could not climb stairs..
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a detailed and thoughtful review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed the scenic journey, the convenient onboard Wi-Fi and charging, and the scheduled stops along the way. It’s wonderful to hear that Vasili and Kosta helped make your experience especially enjoyable, with Kosta’s detailed explanations bringing both the history and legends of Meteora to life. We’re also glad you felt well looked after while traveling solo. Thank you for joining us and for your kind recommendation!
via Tripadvisor
A nice day
The bus was comfortable, the driver and the guide were extremely friendly and helpful and the scenery was amazing
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed the comfortable bus, beautiful scenery, and the friendly, helpful service from our driver and guide. It’s wonderful to hear that they helped make your experience even more enjoyable. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again!
via Tripadvisor
A one-day visit to Meteora with lunch was perfect
I am completely satisfied with the entire organization of the trip, lunch and guide. Guide was perfect and we saw and visited all the most important things. Strong recommendation for future visitors to Meteora.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re delighted that you were completely satisfied with the organization, lunch, and guiding. It’s wonderful to hear that our guide helped you make the most of Meteora and that you enjoyed seeing the highlights of this incredible destination. We truly appreciate your strong recommendation!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Meteora Tour – Highly Recommended
The pick-up in Athens was very punctual, and the driver was excellent. The journey went smoothly, with a stop at a very clean rest area and spotless toilets. Our guide in Meteora, Maria, was absolutely wonderful: very kind, knowledgeable, and clear in her explanations. The monasteries were truly fascinating. I highly recommend this tour — it was definitely worth the price!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that everything went smoothly, from the punctual pickup and comfortable journey to the visit itself. We’re especially happy to hear that Maria made the experience special with her kindness and knowledge. It’s great to know you found the monasteries fascinating and the tour well worth it!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $86 to $89
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 43
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Meteora Trip, who run 5 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.0.
See everything Meteora Trip runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Athens.
How much does Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $86 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Athens usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch take?
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Plan for about 14 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Athens is not rushed.
Is Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 124 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Athens, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch?
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Around 43 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Athens can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Athens and add a light layer if any part of the 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Athens within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Athens?
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On Outty we rank every Athens experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Athens Scenic Bike Tour with Regular or Electric Bike + Acropolis, Athens Small Group E-Bike Tour, Acropolis E-bike Tour With Entrance Tickets. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Athens?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Athens?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch?
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Included: Immersive Guided Meteora tour with Panoramic photo stops; Air-conditioned bus with onboard WiFi and USB Chargers; Local, knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide; Free Audio Guides in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean; and View all the monasteries of Meteora and visit 3 of them. Not included: Entrance fees; and Guided tour inside the monasteries. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch?
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Begin your adventure by boarding our private, air-conditioned bus at 07:45 AM. The bus will be conveniently located on the street across the Central Railway Station of Athens (Stathmos Larisis). Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch offered in?
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It is offered in German, Korean, Japanese, English, Chinese, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch?
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Across 124 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Live Guide & Greek Lunch?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Meteora Tour without Lunch, Meteora Tour with Greek Lunch. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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