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Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option

Operator: Meteora Trip · listed in Meteora day trips from Athens, Tours that go inside the Great Meteoron

In Tours that go inside the Great Meteoron we compare the option “Tour From Athens without Lunch”, from €75.

Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option
Our takeAnastasia Antonova, editor · choice 1 of 5 in From Athens

The 07:45 Athens coach with lunch starts at €91 per adult. There are up to 35 travellers in the group. The route includes three monastery visits plus the hermit caves and Doupiani Chapel.

Choose this if you want lunch and return coach travel from Athens arranged together. Book "Tour From Athens with Lunch". The shared group holds up to 35 people.

Lunch comes first in Kalabaka before the monastery circuit. The planned interiors are Great Meteoron, Rousanou and St Nicholas. The route also includes hermit caves and Doupiani Chapel. Closed monasteries change the route.

The guide explains the sites outside the monasteries. Entrance fees cost extra at each door. The local option starts in Kalabaka and leaves you to arrange the Athens journey. Allow a full day for the Athens return option.

Tickets and entry, by option

Pick the option on the booking page. Prices are the lowest listed for each option, per adult, ages 13 to 99.

Options of Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Transfer Option
OptionWhat the option includesFrom
Tour From Athens without LunchSelect this option for an extraordinary Meteora Tour (without lunch), including Roundtrip Bus Transportation from Athens.€75
Tour From Athens with LunchCompared in our selectionSelect this option for an extraordinary Meteora Tour with Greek Lunch, including Roundtrip Bus Transportation from Athens.€91
Tour From Meteora with LunchSelect this option for an extraordinary Meteora Tour with Greek Lunch, starting from Kalambaka Train Station.€38

Before you book

  • Meet opposite Athens' Larissa station for the 07:45 departure.
  • Choose an Athens option for return transport from the city.
  • Bring cash for monastery entrance fees.
  • Cover shoulders. Women need skirts below the knee. Men need long trousers.
  • Bring a phone and earphones for the audio guide.
  • Infant seats are available. Adult tickets start at age thirteen.
  • 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.
  • No hotel pickup. You meet at the start point.

Itinerary, stop by stop

  1. Leave opposite Larissa station in Athens by coach at 07:45.
  2. Stop for lunch in Kalabaka, about 30 minutes.
  3. See the hermit caves, Doupiani Chapel and St George Mandilas cave.
  4. Pass Varlaam.
  5. Enter St Nicholas Anapausas, about 60 minutes.
  6. Enter Great Meteoron, about 60 minutes.
  7. Enter Rousanou, about 60 minutes.
  8. Pass Holy Trinity.
  9. Pass St Stephen.
  10. Return to Athens by coach.
  1. Kalambaka30 min
  2. Meteorapass by
  3. Varlaam Monasterypass by
  4. St Nicholas Anapausas60 min
  5. Great Meteoron Monastery60 min
  6. Roussanou Monastery60 min
  7. Holy Trinity Monasterypass by
  8. Agios Stefanospass by

Which tickets are included depends on the option you book: see Tickets and entry, by option.

What the operator writes about each stop
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. St Nicholas Anapausas

    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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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!

  8. 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.

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

Paid separately

  • Entrance fees
  • Guided tour inside the monasteries

Meeting point, pickup and return

Meet at the start point, departure at 07:45 or 12:30.

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

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

You come back to the same place.

Schedule and cancellation

Usual timetable: daily, at 07:45, 12:30. Check your date when you book.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund when cancelled 1 day or more before departure
  • 0% refund when cancelled less than 1 day before departure

Cancelled for bad weather: another date or a full refund.

Ratings by source

Averages and review counts, as shown on Viator on 3 November 2026
SourceAverageReviews
Viator4.545
Tripadvisor5.050

We use the Viator figures to select tours and never quote reviews.

From the operator

In Meteora Trip's own words, from the listing.

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.

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Anastasia Antonova, editor

I write and edit everything on this site. Every figure on this page comes from the operator's own listing, read on 3 November 2026; the argument for or against the tour is mine.

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