Explore the breathtaking Meteora monasteries on a captivating full-day tour from Athens. You’ll visit several iconic sites, including the Great Meteor Monastery and St. Stephen’s Monastery, marveling at the stunning medieval architecture amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and flexible booking options, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the rich history and spiritual significance of these UNESCO-protected marvels. But the true wonder lies in what you’ll discover when you step inside these timeless sanctuaries.

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Key Points

This full-day tour from Athens takes visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, featuring visits to several medieval monasteries.
The tour includes pickup from various locations in Athens and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver.
Highlights of the tour include visits to the Monastery of St. Stephen, Monastery of Varlaam, and Great Meteor Monastery, with additional photo stops.
Entrance fees to the monasteries are required and paid on-site, while lunch is at the participant’s expense.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and important dress code and medical restrictions should be considered before booking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

This full-day tour from Athens takes visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora.

Priced from $213.45 per person, the 12-hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pickup is available from 8 locations around Athens. The itinerary includes visits to several medieval monasteries, allowing guests 25-60 minutes at each site.

Free time is provided in Kalambaka for dining and exploration.

Transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver.

Entrance fees, a licensed guide, and bottled water are included, though lunch is at the participant’s expense.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickups from 8 convenient locations around Athens, including Moschato, Pireas, Zografou, and others. Visitors will explore medieval monasteries, spending around 25-60 minutes at each site. The itinerary includes:

| Monastery | Duration |

| — | — |

| Monastery of St. Stephen | 25 minutes |

| Monastery of Varlaam | 35 minutes (extra fee) |

| Great Meteor Monastery | 1 hour (extra fee) |

| Holy Trinity Monastery | 10 minutes (photo stop) |

| Monastery of Rousanou | 10 minutes (photo stop) |

| Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsa | 10 minutes (photo stop) |

After the monastery visits, there is free time in Kalambaka for dining and exploration.

Transportation and Accessibility

Pickup is included from the Airport, Port, Hotel, or Airbnb.

Transport is by air-conditioned vehicle, which could be a Minivan, Mercedes Benz, or New Skoda Fabia 2023. The tour is wheelchair accessible.

An English-speaking driver with local knowledge accompanies the group. Wi-Fi is available on board.

This ensures a comfortable and informative journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora.

The accessibility and transportation options cater to a wide range of travelers, making the tour a convenient and inclusive experience.

Inclusions and Costs

The tour package includes the entrance fees of 3 euros per person at each monastery, payable in cash.

Lunch at a local restaurant is at the participant’s own expense. Bottled water is provided for the group during the tour.

A licensed guide is included to accompany and provide commentary throughout the day.

The total cost of the tour is from $213.45 per person. There’s a reserve now and pay later option available, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Ensure you have enough cash on hand for the monastery entrance fees.

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Important Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this Meteora Monasteries tour from Athens. Visitors must adhere to the dress code – women need to wear skirts below the knee, and men should avoid sleeveless clothing and shorts above the knee. Those with heart problems or serious medical conditions should avoid the tour. Infant seats are available, and service animals are allowed. There are no ATMs in the area, so participants should ensure they have enough cash for the entrance fees. The key details are summarized in the table below:

| Requirement | Details |

|————-|———|

| Dress Code | Women: Skirts below knee
Men: No sleeveless, no shorts above knee |

| Health | No heart problems or serious medical conditions |

| Amenities | Infant seats available, service animals allowed |

| Payment | Cash required for entrance fees, no ATMs nearby |

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Pickup and Drop-off Locations

8 convenient pickup locations are available for the Meteora Monasteries tour, including Moschato, Pireas, Zografou, Athens, Alimos, Glyfada, Kallithea, and Nea Smyrni.

This makes it easy for travelers to join the tour regardless of their starting point in the Athens area. The tour also includes drop-off at the same locations, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day trip.

With pickup and drop-off included, guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora without the hassle of transportation logistics.

Monastery Visits

A total of six medieval monasteries are visited during the Meteora Monasteries tour from Athens.

Guests spend 25 minutes at the Monastery of St. Stephen, 35 minutes at the Monastery of Varlaam (with an extra fee), and 1 hour at the Great Meteor Monastery (with an extra fee).

Visitors spend 25 minutes at Monastery of St. Stephen, 35 minutes at Monastery of Varlaam (with extra fee), and 1 hour at Great Meteor Monastery (with extra fee).

The tour also includes photo stops at the Holy Trinity Monastery, Monastery of Rousanou, and Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsa, each for 10 minutes.

Visitors have free time in Kalambaka for dining and exploration after the monastery visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a local restaurant lunch is not included in the tour price, so bringing a packed lunch may be more economical.

Are Cameras and Photography Allowed Inside the Monasteries?

Cameras and photography are generally allowed inside the monasteries, but visitors should be respectful and obtain permission from the monks. Some monasteries may restrict photography in certain areas or have specific rules to follow.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour duration. The itinerary indicates the tour is a full-day excursion from Athens to Meteora, lasting 12 hours. The inclusions and timings for each monastery visit are specified.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Monasteries?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the monasteries during the tour. The monasteries typically offer a selection of religious items, books, and handicrafts for visitors to browse and buy as mementos of their Meteora experience.

Are There Any Fitness Requirements to Climb the Monasteries?

There are no specific fitness requirements to climb the Meteora monasteries. However, visitors should be able to navigate steep staircases and uneven terrain. Those with mobility issues may find it challenging to access some of the higher monasteries.

The Sum Up

The Meteora Monasteries full-day tour from Athens offers a unique opportunity to explore these stunning UNESCO-listed sites. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and ample time for exploration, this tour provides an immersive experience in the region’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Visitors can expect a well-organized itinerary, flexible booking options, and the chance to witness the architectural and spiritual wonders of the Meteora Monasteries.