Thessaloniki: 2-Day Meteora Trip With Guided Tours and Hotel

Thessaloniki’s proximity to the breathtaking Meteora region makes it an ideal starting point for a captivating 2-day excursion. This trip package offers travelers a chance to enjoy the region’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. With roundtrip bus tickets, comfortable accommodations, and guided tours, visitors can experience the awe-inspiring monasteries and scenic hiking trails without the hassle of planning it all themselves. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual journey or simply breathtaking vistas, this Meteora adventure promises to leave a lasting impression.

Contents show

Key Points

2-day guided trip from Thessaloniki to the Meteora region, with scenic bus rides and visits to ancient hermitages, Byzantine churches, and monasteries.
Prices start at €178.00 per person, with a maximum of 14 participants and an English-speaking local guide.
The itinerary includes hotel check-in, a 4-hour guided sunset tour on Day 1, and a choice between a sightseeing or hiking tour on Day 2.
The package includes roundtrip bus tickets, accommodation with breakfast, monastery entrance fees, and bottled water with transfers.
Free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview

The described tour offers a 2-day trip from Thessaloniki to the stunning Meteora region, with prices starting at €178.00 per person.

The trip lasts 2 days and is limited to 14 participants. An English-speaking local guide accompanies the group, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers can expect scenic bus rides, visits to ancient hermitages and Byzantine churches, and witnessing the sunset over the Meteora monasteries.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Thessaloniki

Itinerary Details

The tour kicks off with a departure from Thessaloniki at 09:30, embarking on a scenic bus ride to Trikala, arriving at 12:20.

Travelers then transfer to a bus for Kalambaka, arriving at 13:30. After hotel check-in, the group embarks on a 4-hour guided sunset tour.

This includes visits to ancient hermitages of Bandovas, the Byzantine Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, and one of the monasteries, culminating in witnessing the stunning sunset views.

On day two, participants can choose between a morning half-day sightseeing tour or a hiking tour, followed by free time in Kalambaka before the return to Thessaloniki at 18:30.

Day 1 Highlights

After departing Thessaloniki at 9:30 AM, the group embarks on a scenic bus ride to Trikala, arriving at 12:20 PM.

The tour then transfers to a bus for Kalambaka, reaching the destination at 1:30 PM. Following hotel check-in, the 4-hour guided sunset tour begins, including:

Visit to ancient hermitages of Bandovas
Exploring the Byzantine Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary
Visiting one of the monasteries
Witnessing the stunning sunset views

The day ends with a chance to admire the awe-inspiring Meteora rock formations bathed in the golden hour light.

Day 2 Activities

On the second day, travelers can choose between two tour options. Those seeking a more comprehensive sightseeing experience can join the Morning Half Day Sightseeing Tour, which visits all six monasteries, explores hidden gems, and delves into the history of the hermit way of life. Alternatively, the Hiking Tour offers the chance to walk among the rock formations, visit the Monastery of Ypapanti, and discover ancient ruins. After the tour, there is free time in Kalambaka before the return journey to Thessaloniki at 15:15, arriving at 18:30.

| Morning Half Day Sightseeing Tour | Hiking Tour |

| — | — |

| Visit all six monasteries | Walk between rock formations |

| Explore hidden gems | Visit Monastery of Ypapanti |

| Learn about hermit history | Explore ancient ruins |

| Comprehensive sightseeing | Active exploration |

| Suitable for all fitness levels | Moderate difficulty |

More Great Tours Nearby

Package Inclusions

The package includes roundtrip bus tickets from Thessaloniki to Meteora, accommodation in a 3 or 4-star hotel with breakfast, and participation in the 4-hour sunset tour on the first day.

On the second day, travelers can choose between:

Morning Half Day Sightseeing Tour: Visit all six monasteries, explore hidden gems, and learn about hermit history.
Hiking Tour: Walk between rock formations, visit Monastery of Ypapanti, and explore ancient ruins.

The package also includes bottled water, transfers to/from Thessaloniki bus station, entrance fees for monasteries, and guided tours inside the monasteries.

Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Thessaloniki might interest you

Important Considerations

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes and cash for the monastery entrance fees, which cost €5 per person.

The dress code requires men to wear long trousers and shirts with sleeves, while women must wear skirts below the knee and have their shoulders covered.

The bus route has 50 available seats daily, but alternative transport will be provided if it sells out.

Tickets will be sent via email 24 hours prior to the travel date.

The tour guide will be present during the guided tours but not inside the monasteries, so participants should be prepared to explore the monasteries’ details independently.

Customer Reviews

Overall, guests have rated the Meteora trip a solid 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews.

Guests have rated the Meteora trip a solid 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews.

Travelers described the monasteries as "beautiful and breathtaking." While the tour guide was competent, they noted a lack of detailed information inside the monasteries.

The hotel staff were friendly, but the accommodations needed renovation, and the breakfast quality could be improved.

Key takeaways from customer feedback include:

Monasteries were stunning
Tour guide knowledge could be expanded
Hotel cleanliness and dining require upgrades
Overall, a highly rated experience
Some room for improvement in certain areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Vegetarian or Vegan Meal Options Available for the Breakfast?

Vegetarian and vegan meal options are not specifically mentioned in the trip details. However, it’s recommended to check with the hotel directly about their breakfast offerings and ability to accommodate special dietary requirements.

Can Luggage Be Stored at the Hotel Before/After the Tour?

The hotel offers luggage storage before and after the tour. Guests can leave their bags with the hotel staff while they explore the Meteora monasteries without having to carry their luggage.

Is There Wifi Access Available During the Bus Journey?

The bus journey does not provide wifi access. Travelers should plan accordingly and consider bringing any necessary electronic devices fully charged or have a portable charger available for the duration of the bus ride.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus More on Hiking Than Monasteries?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus more on hiking than monasteries. The itinerary includes a "Hiking Tour" option on Day 2 that allows participants to walk between rock formations, visit a monastery, and explore ancient ruins.

What Is the Policy for Solo Travelers Joining the Group Tour?

The tour can accommodate solo travelers, who’ll be part of the group and pay the same per-person rate. Solo travelers should inform the operator ahead of time to ensure smooth coordination and appropriate group size planning.

The Sum Up

This 2-day Meteora trip from Thessaloniki offers a chance to explore the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. With roundtrip transportation, comfortable accommodation, guided tours, and a choice of activities, it’s a convenient and comprehensive way to experience the breathtaking monasteries and scenic hiking trails. Travelers can enjoy the region’s history and natural beauty, all while being led by knowledgeable local experts.

You can check availability for your dates here: