Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 95 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option worth booking?
Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option is a 5-hour experience in Athens, Greece, from $43 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 95 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (95)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $43 per person
Join this tour departing daily from Kalambaka's train station to discover Meteora. Explore majestic monasteries, learn the region's history, enjoy panoramic views and taste an authentic Greek lunch.
What you get
About this experience
Join this tour departing daily from Kalambaka's train station to discover Meteora. Explore majestic monasteries, learn the region's history, enjoy panoramic views and taste an authentic Greek lunch.
What's included
Included
- WiFi and USB chargers on board
- Free audio guides in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean
- Greek Lunch at a local restaurant (if tour option is selected)
- Roundtrip Athens to Meteora transportation (if option selected)
- Panoramic photo stops
- Local, English-speaking tour guide
- Visit 3 monasteries and see all of them
- Transportation by air-conditioned bus
- Pickup and drop-off from Kalambaka's train station
- Bottle of water
Not included
- Entrance fees
- Guided tour inside the monasteries
What you'll see and do
Kalambaka
Embark on an extraordinary Meteora mid-day tour departing daily from Kalambaka's Train Station at 12:30. If you have your own vehicle you will find a convenient free parking lot there. Alternatively, if you wish to travel from Athens we can also provide roundtrip bus transportation by selecting the specific option on checkout (the direct train route is currently unavailable due to maintenance work). Your journey starts by meeting our guide (holding a signboard with your name) and boarding our private, air-conditioned bus. First stop will be at a traditional local restaurant in the charming town of Kalambaka (exclusive to this tour), where you'll enjoy a delightful, traditional Greek lunch (if tour option is selected). Your meal includes a fresh salad, a choice of main dishes (with multiple options to cater to your preferences), freshly baked bread, and refreshing water. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
30 minutes here
Meteora
Then, prepare for 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, the Chapel of Doupiani, and the magnificent St. George Mandilas cave. Immerse yourself in the rich history and intriguing myths of Meteora, as you hear detailed explanations and fascinating stories directly from our English-speaking local guide. 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. And of course, don't forget to capture breathtaking moments with your camera for lasting memories. The tour concludes at approximately 18:00.
Pass by without stopping
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.
Pass by without stopping
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.
60 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
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.
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 the visitor has to cross a downhill path and then ascend 145 steps carved into the rock. It is said that at the time when the monks used a rope ladder and a net, they spent 70 years to carry the materials and build the monastery!
Pass by without stopping
Agios Stefanos
The Monastery of Saint Stephen’s is located just above the city of Kalampaka 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.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Athens
If you selected the option "7:45 AM | Tour From Athens without Lunch" or "7:45 AM | Tour From Athens with Lunch" meet us in Athens. The bus will be located on the street across the Central Railway Station of Athens (Stathmos Larisis). You'll identify it by the "Meteora Trip" sign in the front window
Meeting point
Athens
If you selected the option "12:30 PM | Tour From Meteora with Lunch" meet us at Kalambaka Train Station. Our guide will be holding a sign with your name on it and will pick you up from Kalambaka Train Station between 12:30 to 12:45. Please wait at the main entrance of the station
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
If you selected the option "7:45 AM | Tour From Athens without Lunch" or "7:45 AM | Tour From Athens with Lunch" meet us in Athens. The bus will be located on the street across the Central Railway Station of Athens (Stathmos Larisis). You'll identify it by the "Meteora Trip" sign in the front window
Ends at
If you selected the option "12:30 PM | Tour From Meteora with Lunch" meet us at Kalambaka Train Station. Our guide will be holding a sign with your name on it and will pick you up from Kalambaka Train Station between 12:30 to 12:45. Please wait at the main entrance of the station
Options you can book
Tour From Meteora with Lunch
Select this option for an extraordinary Meteora Tour with Greek Lunch, starting from Kalambaka Train Station. Duration: 5 hours Starting point: Sidirodromikos Stathmos Kalampakas, Kalabaka 422 00, Greece
Tour From Athens without Lunch
Select this option for an extraordinary Meteora Tour (without lunch), including Roundtrip Bus Transportation from Athens. Duration: 14 hours Starting point: Stathmos Larisis, Athina 104 39, Greece
Tour From Athens with Lunch
Select this option for an extraordinary Meteora Tour with Greek Lunch, including Roundtrip Bus Transportation from Athens. Duration: 14 hours Starting point: Stathmos Larisis, Athina 104 39, Greece
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
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This Meteora tour was initially tailored for travelers arriving via the convenient train route from Athens. However, at present, the direct train service to Meteora stands temporarily suspended for essential maintenance work. To accommodate those wishing to join us from Athens, we have introduced a convenient roundtrip bus transportation option. When booking your journey, simply select this alternative to embark on a seamless adventure to the captivating Meteora region.
- The monasteries of Meteora impose a dress code in order to enter inside. Men must wear long trousers and women must wear long skirts (below the knee) and cover their shoulders. Skirts are also available for purchase/rent at the entrance of the monasteries. A long scarf wrapped around the waist is also sufficient to enter the monasteries
- The monasteries of Meteora only accept cash for the entrance fees (€5 per person/monastery) which are not included in the price of this tour
- If you wish to use our free audio guides in Spanish, French or Italian, please be sure to bring your smartphone and earphones with you.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 93 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
93 verified traveler reviews for Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An Amazing Experience
That our Monesaties are a sacred place in Greece and visitors should be respectful and aware of this and of the Orthdox Religion. xx
via Viator
Not worth it unless you like sitting on a bus for 8 hours.
It’s a long drive 4 hours each way. Food is not worth it. Bus was hot and full of sick people. Gets two stars because because meteora is actually beautiful too bad it was only 3 hours out of 12-13 hour day. But I wish I would have just rented a car and gone on my own pace. Last thing is they double charged me for the trip and I’ll probably have to get refunded by bank.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’d like to clarify a few points for future guests, while respecting that everyone experiences a long day trip differently. The tour provides approximately 5 hours at Meteora, rather than only 3 hours. The journey from Athens is around 4 hours each way, with scheduled breaks during the route, which accounts for the overall duration of the day. We understand that the long travel time may not suit everyone, and some guests may prefer the flexibility of traveling independently. Regarding the food, we’re sorry it did not meet your expectations. We’ll take your comments into consideration. As for the alleged double charge, we would like to clarify that we do not handle the financial transactions for bookings made through the third-party platform. We checked your booking details and can see two separate, active reservations made approximately 40 days apart. It appears that the second booking may have been made because your first active reservation was overlooked.
via Viator
Beautiful day!
Wonderful trip. The pick up was a bit further than expected but worth it. Gude Maria was knowledgeable and great company
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed the trip and found Maria to be knowledgeable and great company throughout the experience. We understand the pickup location was a little further than expected, and we appreciate your understanding. We’re glad the experience was well worth it and hope to welcome you again!
via Viator
Well worth the travel
Be prepared for a long travel 4hrs one way. Our guide Maria and driver George were amazing. The view of the mountain and monasteries are so worth the drive. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that Maria and George helped make the journey comfortable and enjoyable. The drive to Meteora is certainly a long one, but we’re glad the spectacular mountain scenery and monasteries made it worthwhile. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again!
via Viator
Amazing tour and tour guide
The scenics were mind blowing. Amazing tour especially with Nicolas being our tour guide. So much fun and he made the tour very personal. He managed to explain very detailed to make us understand how and why the cities looking like that.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled that Meteora’s breathtaking scenery made such an impression and that Nicolas made the tour fun and personal. It’s wonderful to hear that his detailed explanations helped you understand the history and unique landscape of the area. We truly appreciate your kind words!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $43 to $91
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 33
- 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 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Athens.
How much does Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option cost?
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Prices start at $43 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 Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option take?
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Plan for about 5 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 Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 95 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 Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option?
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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 Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option?
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Around 33 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option 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 Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option?
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Included: WiFi and USB chargers on board; Free audio guides in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean; Greek Lunch at a local restaurant (if tour option is selected); Roundtrip Athens to Meteora transportation (if option selected); and Panoramic photo stops. 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 Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option?
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If you selected the option "7:45 AM | Tour From Athens without Lunch" or "7:45 AM | Tour From Athens with Lunch" meet us in Athens. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option 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 Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option?
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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 Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option 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 Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option 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 Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option?
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Across 95 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
What booking options are available for Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Tour From Meteora with Lunch, Tour From Athens without Lunch, Tour From Athens with Lunch. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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