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Looking for the best Meteora tours from Athens? Look no further!
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most breathtaking places in Greece. Its centuries-old monasteries, perched high on rock formations, look like they’re straight out of a fantasy movie!
But Meteora isn’t exactly right around the corner from Athens, so the best way to visit is with a guided tour that handles all the logistics. Whether you want a bus trip, a scenic train ride, or an overnight adventure, there’s an option for you.
To help you decide, I’ve put together this list of the best Meteora monastery tours from Athens—so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE Meteora tour is this full-day tour from Athens! We visited three monasteries, the hermit caves, and enjoyed lunch in a local village. You can also opt to make this an overnight trip!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Best Meteora Tours from Athens
- 1. See two of the Meteora Monasteries and explore the historic town of Kalambaka
- 2. Visit three active Meteora Monasteries and the Hermit Caves by bus
- 3. Train tour from Athens to Meteora, including three monastery visits and the Hermit Caves
- 4. 2-day train trip from Athens to Meteora – see monasteries, caves, and historic towns
- 5. Full-day coach tour from Athens to the Meteora Monasteries
- Other Activities to do While in Athens
- Where to Stay in Athens, Greece
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
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Best Meteora Tours from Athens
1. See two of the Meteora Monasteries and explore the historic town of Kalambaka
- Duration: 14 hours
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: Explore two of the monasteries and the Hermit Caves at your own pace with an audio guide, and enjoy free time to dine and explore in the town of Kalambaka
- Inclusions: Transport, tour guide, Monasteries audio tour, map, water lunch (if option is selected)
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check out the 650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Meteora is one of the most jaw-dropping places in Greece, and this day trip from Athens made visiting effortless! Instead of stressing over logistics, we sat back and enjoyed the scenic drive through the Greek countryside before arriving at these incredible clifftop monasteries.
Unlike some tours, this one is audio-guided, so we could explore at our own pace while still getting insightful commentary on Meteora’s history and legends.
Over five hours, we visited two of the famous monasteries, plus the Hermit Caves of Badovas, a hidden spot that gave us a glimpse into the solitary lives of Meteora’s earliest monks. The monasteries themselves were stunning, and learning about the monks who built them centuries ago was truly fascinating!
At the end of the tour, we had free time to explore Kalambaka. Since we opted for the lunch-included option, we enjoyed a delicious meal before heading back to Athens.
Oh, and make sure you bring some extra cash with you so you can pay the Monastery entrance fees when you arrive (around €5 each). Also, be sure to dress modestly – it is a monastery, after all!
If you’re looking for a highly-rated (check out the great reviews here), affordable, hassle-free way to see Meteora from Athens, this tour is a solid choice!
Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
2. Visit three active Meteora Monasteries and the Hermit Caves by bus
- Duration: 14 hours or 2 days
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Visit 3 of the Meteora monasteries, see the hermit caves, enjoy lunch in the village of Kastraki
- Inclusions: Transportation from Athens, tour guide, lunch (if option selected), bottled water
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
My absolute tour from Athens is this day trip to Meteora!
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to six ancient monasteries built on top of towering rock formations. It’s a truly magnificent sight—you just have to see it with your own eyes!
On this tour, you will take a 4-hour long bus ride to the nearby town of Kalambaka. It’s a long journey, but the bus was comfortable and equipped with WIFI (or you can just sleep the whole time like I did). Once there, you will enjoy lunch before heading to the top of the hill to visit 3 different monasteries.
The monasteries are all unique and house many religious and historical treasures. In fact, we learned that there were originally 24 monasteries that the monks built, but only 6 remain today. They were built in the 14th century as a way for the monks to live in seclusion and dedicate themselves to prayer. Today they are easier to access (thankfully!), but are still actively used by Orthodox Christian monks and nuns.
We also got to visit the “hermit caves”, which were really interesting. They are natural caves in the rock formations where people would go to live in solitude as a way to deepen their spiritual connection. These monks were very dedicated to their faith!
You can choose to include lunch or not and whether you want a private or shared tour. Additionally, you can make this an overnight trip for an extra special experience! We did the day trip when we went but wish we had done the overnight tour instead. It’s a long day on the bus, so if you have the time, we highly recommend staying the night to get some more exploring in!
Check out the 800+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Related Read: For more of our all-time favorite experiences in the city, check out our top 10 best activities in Athens!
3. Train tour from Athens to Meteora, including three monastery visits and the Hermit Caves
- Duration: 14 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Travel to/from Kalambaka by train, see six active Meteora monasteries and explore 3 of them, visit the Hermit Caves, learn about the monasteries from your guide
- Inclusions: Roundtrip train tickets, mini-bus transportation between monasteries, tour leader, bottled water
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Taking this train tour from Athens to Meteora is one of the most scenic and unique ways to visit these stunning monasteries in a day! The ride itself is a treat, passing through rolling hills and charming villages before arriving in Kalambaka, the gateway to Meteora.
From there, we hopped into a comfortable minivan and set off to explore Meteora’s otherworldly rock formations while our local guide shared fascinating stories about the history and culture of the area. We visited three of the six active monasteries, and each one was absolutely breathtaking—with ancient halls, intricate frescoes, and peaceful courtyards that made us feel like we’d stepped back in time.
Seeing the monasteries perched high on towering rock pillars is something you have to experience in person. I was blown away to learn that monks once hoisted supplies (and even people!) up to the monasteries using only baskets and nets!
Thankfully, stairs now provide access, but some monasteries still require a bit of a climb, so having moderate fitness and good mobility will make the experience much more enjoyable.
Before heading back, we had about an hour in Kalambaka to grab a bite, relax, or do some last-minute exploring. If you’re looking for a scenic, hassle-free, and unforgettable way to experience Meteora, this train tour is a fantastic option!
Reserve your spot here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. 2-day train trip from Athens to Meteora – see monasteries, caves, and historic towns
- Duration: 2 days
- Time: 7:30/8 am
- Highlights: Roundtrip train transportation from Athens, watch the sunset over the monasteries, tour the monasteries and Hermit Cave, have free time in Kalambaka, visit the Byzantine Church, stay overnight in Kalambaka
- Inclusions: Train tickets/transportation, 3-star overnight accommodation, tour leader, water, breakfast
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you have some extra time in Greece, this 2-day train trip to Meteora is 100% worth it! Since it takes a while to get there from Athens, spending the night means you won’t feel rushed—you’ll actually have time to explore at a relaxed pace and soak in this unreal place.
The day starts with a scenic train ride through the Greek countryside before arriving in Kalambaka, where you’ll check into a comfortable 3-star hotel. That evening, you’ll take a sunset tour of Meteora, visiting six monasteries, a hermitage, and a stunning Byzantine church. Watching the sun dip behind the rock formations was absolutely unforgettable – so make sure your camera’s ready!
The next morning, you’ll head back out to explore more of Meteora, with stops inside some of the most famous monasteries. Without the pressure of a same-day return, you can actually slow down, enjoy the scenery, and fully appreciate the history of this incredible place.
This 2-day excursion is perfect for travelers who want to fully soak in everything this UNESCO site has to offer—because honestly, who wouldn’t?!
Secure your spot on this 2-day Meteora tour here before it sells out!
Related Read: One of the other best things we did in Athens was visiting the Delphi ruins. This guide outlines the 5 best tours available!
5. Full-day coach tour from Athens to the Meteora Monasteries
- Duration: 14.5 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Comfortable coach transportation, visit 3 monasteries, see the Hermit Caves, upgrade to a private tour for a truly personalized experience
- Inclusions: Round-trip coach transport, tour leader, lunch (if option selected)
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for a comfortable and hassle-free way to visit Meteora in a day, this full-day coach tour is a fantastic option!
Once we arrived, we had five full hours to explore Meteora’s incredible monasteries and rock formations with a knowledgeable local guide. We visited three of the six active monasteries, each offering stunning panoramic views and a chance to step inside these centuries-old sanctuaries.
Learning about how the monks built these monasteries atop the towering rock pillars (without modern tools) was mind-blowing! It’s no wonder Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the best parts? You can upgrade to a private tour for a more personalized experience or even add on a traditional Greek lunch, which we highly recommend! After a morning on the bus, sitting down to a hearty local meal was the perfect way to fuel up again before exploring.
This tour makes visiting Meteora seamless and stress-free—all you have to do is bring some cash for the monastery entry fees, wear modest clothing, and don’t forget your camera! We aren’t the only ones who loved this tour – check out the 500+ 5-star reviews here!
Reserve this popular now and pay later when you book in advance here!
Related Read: To make the most out of your time in Athens, check out our detailed 3-day itinerary, which covers everything you need to know, from the best places to visit to where to eat!
Other Activities to do While in Athens
Looking for more activities to fill your Athens itinerary? We’ve got you covered! Here are some of our favorite things we did in Athens, from ancient sites to relaxing boat trips and more.
- Explore the Acropolis – Visiting the Acropolis is easily the most popular thing to do in Athens! We booked this guided tour so we could learn all the history of this ancient site, and it was so worth it. It made our day seamless, and we also visited more can’t-miss sights!
- Go on a food tour – We LOVE Greek food, so joining this food tour was high on our bucket list. Our guide led us all around the city and helped us find local spots where we ate the most amazing food! I was stuffed at the end – but that’s what you want in a food tour, right?
- Spend a day on the islands – Escape the city and relax on this full day cruise. We loved sailing around Agistri, Moni, Aegina islands, it made for an idyllic Greek getaway!
- See the Temple of Poseidon at sunset – For an unforgettable evening, consider adding this sunset tour of the Temple of Poseidon to your itinerary! This was one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen – hands down! Plus, having transportation and a local guide made visiting super easy.
- Take a scenic bike tour of Athens – We love bike tours because we can cover more ground, and with so many cool sights to see in Athens, this bike tour was a must! You can choose between a regular bike or an e-bike and pass by the ancient city sights with a local guide. It makes for a fantastic day out!
Where to Stay in Athens, Greece
Before you take off to see Meteora, you need somewhere comfortable to stay in Athens! Luckily, there are many options close to Athens’ top historic sights. Plus, when you can get a hotel with views of the Acropolis from your room, how could you pass that up?
Below, I’ve listed three awesome accommodation options for every budget so you can have a comfortable stay in Athens.
Luxury – $$$
If you’re looking for a luxury stay, Electra Metropolis is the best option. Located in central Athens, you’re meters from the top city and historic sights. The hotel provides the finest quality, from the rooftop infinity pool to its atrium or fresh food restaurants. You can expect the same high-class luxuries in the rooms, whether you have a classic double room or an Acropolis view suite.
Standard rooms get as low as €250, but high-end suites can reach €700+. Check availability and reserve this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
You don’t have to break the bank to get stunning views from your bed! The Elia Ermou Athens Hotel is a moderately priced option with modern and comfortable rooms and a fantastic location. You can see the famous Acropolis from some rooms and from the restaurant, and you’re within walking distance to all of Athens main attractions.
Room prices range from about €160 to €400 and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
The Athens Connection Apartments are fully furnished apartments, less than a kilometer from the city center! These apartments are only €50 – €80 per night, which is a fantastic price for the quality. Featuring full kitchens, balconies, and modern design, this is a good option for those with a budget but don’t necessarily want the rowdy hostel vibes.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all the hotels in Athens here!
Related Read: For a full breakdown of the best areas and hotels in Athens, check out our detailed Where to Stay guide here!
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Thanks for reading!
Meteora is an absolute can’t-miss attraction when visiting Athens, and luckily, all five of these tours make visiting easy! Each tour is a little different, so you can find one that fits your travel style perfectly. All you have to do is book the tour, pack your bags, and get ready for an epic adventure!
Before you go, be sure to check out our other travel blogs. We’ve traveled all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few related posts to help you plan your next adventure – cheers!
10 BEST Things to do in Athens, Greece
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Athens: 3-Day Itinerary