Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Day Trip with optional lunch

Key Points

• Full-day trip from Athens to the UNESCO-listed Meteora, lasting approximately 14 hours.
• Visit three active monasteries inside Meteora, with guided interior tours, plus outside views of all six.
• Includes transportation on a modern coach with Wi-Fi and USB chargers for a comfortable journey.
• Optional Greek lunch in Kastraki featuring 10 dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options.
• Discover hermit caves of Badovas and panoramic views from difficult-to-reach monasteries.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and humor, making the long day enjoyable.

Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Full-Day Tour Overview

This full-day tour offers an immersive experience of Meteora, one of Greece’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Starting at 8:00 am from Larissis Railway Station in Athens, the journey takes approximately 4 hours by a modern bus equipped with Wi-Fi and USB charging ports. The tour is designed for those who want to see the stunning clifftop monasteries, hermit caves, and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Traveling through the lush Grecian countryside, the tour provides an ideal mix of guided visits and free exploration. It includes visits to three monasteries inside Meteora, with about 45 minutes allocated inside each, plus outside views of all six sky-high monastic retreats. The tour concludes back in Athens in the late evening.

An optional lunch in Kastraki enhances the experience, offering 10 dishes, including vegetarian and vegan choices, all served with bread and water. For those seeking a deeper experience, upgrades are available for private tours or overnight stays, making it adaptable for different interests and schedules.

From Kastraki to the Clifftop Monasteries

The tour’s first stop is Kastraki, a charming village where guests enjoy a 30-minute break for a Greek lunch and restroom. Here, travelers can refuel before heading to Meteora’s famous rock formations. The village’s authentic atmosphere provides a taste of local life and prepares everyone for the awe-inspiring visits ahead.

The journey continues with a van tour to view the Hermit Caves of Badovas, a highly praised highlight. These caves tell the story of monks seeking solitude high on the cliffs, with remnants of their dwellings visible. The visit offers a glimpse into the ascetic life of hermits who once inhabited these remote spaces, with 25-minute stops to photograph and explore.

Visiting the Most Accessible Monastery: Agios Stephanos

The Agios Stephanos Monastery is known for its accessibility, as it can be reached by crossing a small bridge instead of climbing stairs. Its began in the early 12th century and features two cathedrals: the old 16th-century chapel and the 18th-century main church dedicated to Saint Charalambos.

Guests spend around 30 minutes here, viewing the church relics and learning about its historical significance. Its easy access makes it a popular stop for visitors with mobility concerns, providing a taste of monastic life without the physical challenge of steeper climbs.

Varlaam Monastery: The Second Largest of Meteora

The Holy Monastery of Varlaam, built in the mid-14th century, is the second biggest monastery in Meteora. Its elegant Catholicon was constructed in 1541-42, honoring Agiioi Pantes, with frescoed walls and decorative details that date from 1548. Visitors can marvel at the wall paintings attributed to a renowned hagiographer from Thebes.

Tourists spend about 45 minutes exploring the main church and viewing the artwork and architecture. This monastery’s location offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs, making it one of the most photogenic stops on the tour.

The Great Meteoron Monastery: The Largest and Oldest

The Great Meteoron Monastery is known as the largest and oldest monastery in Meteora, founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite. Its name derives from the gigantic rock formation it sits on, giving the impression of being suspended in the air.

The tour allocates approximately 1 hour for this site, where visitors can see the church, monastic buildings, and museum exhibits. Its historical importance and impressive scale make it a highlight for anyone interested in monastic architecture and history.

Reaching the Holy Trinity Monastery on Steep Terrain

The Holy Trinity Monastery is one of the most difficult to access but offers spectacular panoramic views from the top. Visitors must climb around 140 steps after walking to the foot of the rock, making it suitable for those prepared for some physical effort. Built initially in 1362, it remains a monastic site with a steep pathway leading up to it.

The 10-minute stop at this monastery offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the remote beauty of Meteora’s cliffs. Its challenging approach is balanced by the breathtaking vantage point and sense of achievement upon reaching the top.

Roussanou and Nunnery Monasteries

The Holy Monastery of Roussanou was founded in the end of the 16th century and later became a convent in 1988. It is known for its lower elevation, making it more accessible, and features impressive frescoes and chapels. Visitors spend about 10 minutes here, admiring the architecture and historical relics.

Another key site is Agios Nikolaos Anapaphsas, established in the late 14th century. This monastery’s short stop allows a quick look at its historical buildings and views of the surrounding cliffs.

Practicalities and Group Experience

The tour accommodates groups of up to 35 travelers, with a local English-speaking guide leading the visits. Many reviews praise guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and humor, making the long day enjoyable despite the 14-hour duration.

The transport is a modern coach with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and USB chargers, ensuring comfort during the long drive. The pickup point is at Larissis Railway Station in Athens, and the tour is designed for those prepared for some physical activity, specifically climbing steps to reach some monasteries.

Participants are advised to dress modestly: women should wear skirts below the knee or longer, and men should avoid sleeveless shirts and shorts above the knee. The tour runs rain or shine, and the guide provides a smart audio guide in several languages if visitors wish to explore independently inside the monasteries.

The Verdict: Who Will Love This Tour

This Meteora tour is ideal for those eager to see the monasteries and hermit caves with guided insights and the convenience of transportation. It suits travelers who can manage some walking and stair climbing, given the physical access considerations. The expert guides and stunning scenery are key strengths, often highlighted in positive reviews.

However, the long duration and multiple stops may be tiring for some, so those seeking a more relaxed pace might prefer an overnight stay or private tour upgrade. The lunch option adds value with multiple dishes, especially for those with dietary preferences, though it’s optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves climbing stairs at some monasteries and walking on uneven terrain, so those with mobility concerns should consider the accessibility of certain sites.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers transportation, an onboard guide, visits inside three monasteries, and a Greek lunch if the lunch upgrade is chosen. Entrance fees to monasteries are paid separately.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included: approximately 5 euros per monastery, payable in cash at the sites.

How long is the bus ride from Athens?
The journey from Athens to Meteora lasts about 4 hours each way**, totaling around 8 hours including stops.

What is the dress code for monastery visits?
Women should wear skirts below the knee or longer, and men should avoid sleeveless shirts and shorts above the knee to adhere to modesty rules.

Can I upgrade the tour?
Yes, options include private tours, additional monasteries, or an overnight stay with a hotel included.

Is food included?
A lunch in Kastraki with 10 dishes is available as an upgrade, featuring vegetarian, vegan, and meat options, with bread and water included.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour runs rain or shine. If canceled due to bad weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

How large are the tour groups?
The maximum group size is 35 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience with personalized attention.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of guided interior visits, discovering hermit caves, and spectacular viewpoints makes this trip especially memorable, with many reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery.