Athens: Meteora Monasteries, Caves & Coastal Stopovers with Lunch
Join us for a unique day trip from Athens to Meteora that blends sacred heritage with the beauty of the Greek coastline. Unlike other tours that stop at highway gas stations, we take you to peaceful seaside villages for brunch and dinner, right by the water. Enjoy your coffee or meal with a sea breeze and stunning views. Your day begins with a comfortable bus ride from Athens through the countryside. Midway, we stop at a coastal village for an optional seaside brunch. In Meteora, a local guide leads you through three monasteries, with photo stops at all six, and shares the stories behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also explore the hermit caves of Badovas and enjoy an optional lunch at a traditional taverna in Kastraki. On the way back, we stop again—this time for an optional sunset dinner at a beachfront restaurant in Kamena Vourla. It’s the perfect end to a day full of nature, history, and authentic Greek charm. Arrival in Athens is around 22:30.
Options
Extended Stay with Overnight
2-DAY TOUR: If a single day feels too rushed, consider booking the 2-day tour with an overnight stay for a more enjoyable experience.
Itinerary for Day 1: 08.00am Transfer from Athens arriving to Meteora at 12.30pm. Sunset tour in the afternoon. Overnight stay in 3* hotel
Itinerary for Day 2: Breakfast. 09.00am Meteora Half day guided tour visiting 3 monasteries. Transfer to Athens arriving at approx. 22.30pm
- Inclusions: 1 night stay in 3* hotel with breakfast. Sunset tour the first day. Half day guided morning tour with 3 monastery visits
It also includes: transfers from Athens in 50-seater coach. Transport in 19-seater minibus for the local tours in Meteora.
- Exclusions: hotel tax, entrance fee to the monastery (3€ per person per monastery), meals. State licensed guide inside the monasteries.
What's included in Athens: Meteora Monasteries, Caves & Coastal Stopovers with Lunch
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
AthensPass-by Only
Experience one of Greece’s most captivating landscapes in a single, enriching day. Your journey begins in Athens with a scenic drive through the heart of the country, aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned coach.
Kamena Vourla
Coastal Brunch Stop: Unlike typical tours that pause at highway rest stations, our tour offers a peaceful seaside brunch break in the scenic small town of Kamena Vourla, where mountains and sea beautifully blend. Relax with fresh air and stunning sea views while enjoying optional meals and drinks that can be easily pre-ordered through our onboard app for a hassle-free experience.
Kastraki
Upon reaching Kalabaka, we'll begin the adventure with a leisurely lunch and a convenient restroom break in the charming village of Kastraki. Take this opportunity to refuel and prepare for an awe-inspiring exploration of the breathtaking Meteora region.
Inclusions
- Audio guide: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese Russian, Polish, Korean, Chinese, Japanese
- Coastal stopovers for brunch and dinner at beachfront restaurant
- the water will be offer during the tour at the monasteries and not at the transport.
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle with free WiFi & USB chargers
- Visit the interior of 3 most beautiful monasteries
- Local English speaking tour leader
- Greek lunch with 10 dishes, including vegetarian options (only with the Day Trip + Lunch rate)
- Discover the hidden hermit caves — an exclusive experience available only on this tour.
- State Licensed guide, inside the monasteries
- Meteora Monastery x 3 ( Roussanou or Nicholaos or Great Meteoro)
- Coastal beach front Brunch (optional, not included in the price)
- Coastal sunset dinner at Beach front retaurant (optional, not included in the price)
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dress Code for Monastery Visits: Please note that a modest dress code is enforced to enter the monasteries. For women, skirts below the knee or longer are required. Pants, shorts, or sleeveless shirts are not allowed. For men, sleeveless clothing and shorts above the knee are also prohibited.
- Rain or Shine: This tour will take place regardless of the weather conditions. Please come prepared with appropriate clothing and accessories to ensure a comfortable experience.
- Climbing Steps to Monastery Tops: Please be aware that reaching the top of the monasteries involves climbing steps. There are no elevators available, so please consider this if you have any mobility concerns.
- Pick-up and Drop-off at Kalambaka Train Station: Your tour guide will be waiting for you at Kalambaka Train Station, regardless of any train delays. Please be aware that the activity provider is not responsible for any train delays that may affect the duration of the tour.
- Please make sure you have cash for the monasteries 5 euro each entrance. There is no ATM machine in the area.
- Supplier is not responsible if you miss the bus please be there on time (15 minutes before the departure)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
- Tour is guided in English only. Additional languages (Spanish, French German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese) are available on a free SMART audio guide.
- At midday, you will enjoy a relaxing break in the picturesque village of Kastraki, where you can savor a delicious traditional Greek meal at a local restaurant. You will have the option to choose from 10 authentic Greek dishes, catering to all dietary preferences: Meat & Poultry Options: Chicken baked in the oven with potatoes Meatballs in red sauce (Soutzoukakia) Pastitsio (Greek-style lasagna) Moussaka Vegetarian Choices: Greek salad Spinach and feta cheese pie Cheese pie Vegan Options: Stuffed peppers & tomatoes with risotto (Gemista) Briam (Greek-style roasted vegetables) Giant beans baked in the oven (Gigantes) Bread and water are included with the meal. If you prefer, you can also choose and pay for your meal directly at the restaurant.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- The bus will depart from Larissis train station in Athens at 08:00am. We request you to be present at the exit of the Larissa metro/subway station on Deligianni str, directly opposite the Athens train station Everest cafe, by 07:45am.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
***IMPORTANT UPDATE from September 2023 until further notice: due to the recent flooding affecting train services, this tour will be operated by a modern air-conditioned bus as replacement departing from Athens Larissis station at 07:45am. The journey takes approximately 5 hours (with a 20 min refreshment stop) You will spend 5 hours in destination visiting Meteora and then return to Athens (arrival at approximately 11:00pm)*** Meeting point: https://goo.gl/maps/16AcMUsyJNSoFF698
