key tours meteora

The Best Meteora Tours to Take From Athens

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Taking a tour from Athens to Meteora is an astonishing journey through time. People have been occupying the peaks of this group of massive sandstone needles for at least 50,000 years. A 23,000-year-old stone wall across the mouth of a cave, built by humans during an ice age, is the oldest known man-made construction in the world.

From about the 11th century, Eastern Orthodox hermits occupied caves high up on the face of some of the cliffs. But it was in the 14th century when whole groups of monks and nuns, hoping to protect themselves and their Byzantine treasures from raiding Ottoman Turks, built elaborate and virtually inaccessible monasteries on Meteora's pinnacles. At one time, there were 24 monasteries, only accessible by elaborate arrangements of winches and nets. Today, there are six operating monasteries left, and you can reach them by climbing between 150 and 300 steps that were carved into the vertical rock faces in the 19th century. Meteora is an UNESCO listed World Heritage site

A number of tours make visiting these remarkable places a bit easier. Some include train or coach travel from Athens, but some of the best are organized by locals and require you to book your own transportation from Athens to Kalambaka, the nearest village to Meteora. Don't be surprised if a certain amount of typical Greek disorganization and confusion prevails at key points along the way; getting to Meteora can be something of an adventure in itself, but they always get you there in the end.

And by the way, don't be surprised to find the town spelled Kalabaka, Kalapaka or Kalampaka—or all versions, even in the same paragraph. It's just one of those peculiarities of transliterating the Greek alphabet into the Roman alphabet. To turn "p" into "b", Greeks will sometimes add an "m" in front of it. It causes havoc for English speakers trying to read train schedules or look up things on the internet. 

Whichever you tour you choose, wear good shoes, bring water, and dress modestly for the experience of a lifetime. Here are some of the best tours to Meteora we've found.

Visit Meteora Tours

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Visit Meteora Tours is a relatively new, award-winning destination management organization of travel specialists in the region. They offer a wide variety of reasonably priced tour experiences, including visits to the monasteries, rock climbing, and hiking expeditions in and around Meteora. You need to organize your own train travel for many of their tours, but they'll advise you on schedules, prices, and how to book your trains (not always easy from outside Greece).

The prices for many of these tours are very reasonable:

• F ull day, private tour for up to four adults, including a customizable itinerary, costs only €180 - per car, not per person.
• Train to Train tours  - A local guide, driving a luxury mini van, collects you at Kalambaka station, takes you on a three-hour tour of all six monasteries - including visits inside two of them - and delivers you back to the station in time for the Athens or Thessaloniki train, all for €35 per person, with no minimum number of travelers. 
• Meteora Hiking Tour  - A four and a half-hour guided hike on hidden local paths through the forests at the base of the rock formations. The tour includes a visit to a restored and hidden monastery now open only to hikers as well as visits to one or two of the areas greatest monasteries on paths once used by the monks in the middle ages. Although this tour is open to children and families, the organizers suggest it requires a reasonable level of both physical fitness and, gulp, mental health. The cost is €35 for between two and 12 hikers.

This tour company also organizes multi-day visits, taking in several of the different local tours on offer—food and wine tours, truffle hunting, cave hiking, mountain biking tours.

If you have deep pockets, and are short on time, they'll even organize a private helicopter tour from Athens.

Chauffer-Driven Tours of Meteora

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Prestige Greece provide private, luxury limos to celebrities, sports figures, and corporate executives. They can also organize private two-day limo or luxury mini-van jaunts to Delphi and Meteora. The itineraries are much like the itineraries described above—travel to Delphi, then stay overnight in either Delphi or Kalambaka, make a visit to the monasteries, and head back to Athens.

But the similarities end there. Where you stop for lunch, drinks, evening entertainment, and a spot of shopping is up to you. So are your accommodations and the particular vehicle that conveys you there. In addition to your English-speaking chauffeur, a professional guide can be organized to meet you at each location. And, if that is a bit restrictive, the company can put together a completely personalized, private tour to meet all your requirements.

Naturally, this kind of personal attention comes at a price. Everything Prestige-Greece does is bespoke - including the pricing. You can email them with your requirements or phone them on +30 210 3254 151 to talk about it. They'll come back to you with a quote and some well-informed suggestions of their own.

Two or Three-Day Excursions to Delphi and Meteora

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If you'd prefer to avoid the hassle and stress of organizing train travel, you can leave the driving to CHAT Tours, one of Greece's leading coach tour operators. They operate two- and three-day tours to Athens and Delphi with stops at other points of interest along the way.

Tours on luxury, air-conditioned coaches depart from the company's base in a central Athens hotel, The two-day tours run from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the second day. The three-day tours leave Athens at 8:45 a.m. on the first day and return at 7 p.m. on the third day.

The two-day tour (Trip 8A), which includes either "tourist class" or "first class" accommodation in Kalambaka, begins with a drive to Delphi and a visit to the archaeological site but not Delphi's wonderful museum. Then it's on to Kalambaka to explore the village and have dinner. The second day includes visits to the rock monasteries of Meteora and the drive back to Athens with a photo stop at Thermopylae, scene of the famous battle between the Spartans and Persians featured in the film 300.  In 2018, this tour, on a half-board basis, starts at €185 per person.

The three-day version of this trip (Trip 8), includes more time in Delphi, including a chance to visit the museum, an overnight stay in the town and a free morning there. Though Delphi is a magnet for tourists, it still has some good souvenir shopping, notably for Greek-made gold jewelry, pottery and reproductions of classic pieces. On the afternoon of day two, the coach travels to Kalambaka for a visit to the town and and overnight stay, and day three, as above, includes Meteora and a possible photo stop at Thermopylae on the way back to Athens. In 2018, this tour is offered on a half-board basis starting at €342 per person.

Both tours are accompanied by entertaining, well-informed, English-speaking, professional guides. These tours can be booked online on the CHAT Tours website or organized the old-fashioned way, through your own travel agent.

Trips by Rail

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The online tour and experience booker Viator organizes day trips coordinating train travel from Athens with local, Meteora drivers and suppliers. 

This tour, costing £80.44 per person in 2018, includes round-trip rail travel from Larissa Station, Athens's main station. It's a full-day tour, but keep in mind you will be spending about five hours on the train each way, to Kalambaka station and back. It's a very dramatic journey across central Greece, but you probably will want to bring something to read.

The tour includes a scenic drive to see (but not visit) all six monastic retreats, with photo stops and a chance to learn more about their histories from a local guide. You can also choose to climb up to one or two of the monasteries. In all, you spend about 3.5 hours in Meteora.

Local transportation is in a luxury, air-conditioned minivan with free Wi-Fi. Entrance fees to the monasteries (€3 each), meals, drinks and tips are not included.

How to Book:

• Booking is online through the Viator website .
• When you book, they send a confirmation email that includes a pdf document of your tickets that you should print out. 
• There are contact numbers for the actual travel supplier with the confirmation email.
• It's a good idea to check with the travel supplier to make sure you have an actual seat reservation for the train journey, which is different from simply having a ticket to board. Some travelers have complained about having to stand for long parts of the train trip.
• You are essentially on your own until you reach Kalambaka, so make sure to contact the trip organizer to make sure you know how to get from your hotel or the airport to Larissa Station and how you will be met at Kalambaka.

Viator also offer a two-day package that includes many of the same features but gives more time to explore the town of Kalambaka and includes a stay in a 3- or 4-star hotel, breakfast and dinner and a longer, 4-hour tour of the monasteries. The two-day package also includes Kalambaka hotel pick-up and drop-off for the morning monasteries tour. If you have the time, it's worth the overnight stay to have a stress-free tour the next morning. In 2018, the price is about £140.

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2-Day Delphi & Meteora Tour

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Places You’ll See

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Where You'll Stay

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Operated by Key Tours

In 1963 , a number of leading Greek travel agents have decided to join forces and create a sightseeing operator with the purpose of organizing quality sightseeing tours and cruises, on a daily or weekly basis. Over the years it has been organizing excursions for hundreds of Greek and foreign tour operators. Initially on an office at Athens’ main Syntagma (Constitution) Square, Key Tours moved in 1991 to a spacious terminal and office building opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus, where it is still based today. Today, Key Tours is still owned by some of its founders that include major Greek travel agencies. Also, since its foundation in the 1960s, it has been an Exclusive Supplier of sightseeing tours and excursions to American Express International and Carlson Wagonlit Travel. It serves annually over 60.000 visitors to Greece, by organizing 20 scheduled excursions and numerous other tours on a private/tailor-made basis. Key Tours distributed its tours via 500 contracted agents and approx. 100 hotel front desks. The company operates 7 days a week, for 16 hours a day and has nine full-time staff. It also operates a modern reservation system that enables its staff to view availability and book while on the phone.It is currently building a state-of-the-art website that would enable agents and individual customers to book tours on a 24hour basis. Key Tours main goal is to offer, except its own organised tours, similar tours all over Greece organised by selected local suppliers following our idea of quality, value and high-standard tours and make you feel like being a unique traveller unravel the fascination of Greece and why not to other countries too. Special emphasis is given to quality service standards. Key Tours uses luxury air-conditioned coaches with friendly drivers, carefully selected multi-lingual tour guides and a variety of modern or traditional hotels in Athens or the mainland. Most of its clients, partners, suppliers and employees have been working with the company for several years, a few of them even for several decades!

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.4
• Itinerary Excellent 4.6
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 4.6
• Accommodation Good 4.0
• Food Good 4.0
• Tour Operator Key Tours 4.5
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• CK Christos · 1st April 2024 The tour was very good. The guide was informative and humorous and the driver very professional throughout. Trip date: March 2024

• MP Maria · 7th October 2023 Long trip to see only a couple of places. Staff Guide and driver were good Trip date: September 2023

• KF Kathy · 27th May 2022 Hotel wasn't up to 4 stars. Anna our guide did an excellent job, as did our driver Trip date: May 2022

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• For any tour departing before 24th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 24th June 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Key Tours. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
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Tours and Excursions in Meteora

Four Day Classical Greece Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora

Two Day Delphi & Meteora Tour from Athens

Two Days Rail Tour to Meteora from Athens

About meteora.

In a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these 'columns of the sky' from the 11th century onwards. Twenty-four of these monasteries were built, despite incredible difficulties, at the time of the great revival of the eremetic ideal in the 15th century. Their 16th-century frescoes mark a key stage in the development of post-Byzantine painting. The nearest town is Kalambaka. Metéora is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The most important monasteries of Meteora are:

• The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron. It is the biggest of the Meteora monasteries. The church 'Katholikon', honouring the 'Transfiguration' of Jesus, was erected in the middle of 14th century and decorated from 1483 to1552. The old monastery is used as a museum, nowadays.
• The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest in size monastery. The church, honours the three Bishops. It was built in 1541 and decorated in 1548. The old refectory is used as a museum while North of the Church we can see the parekklesion of the Three (Bishops) built in 1627 and decorated in 1637.
• The Holy Monastery of St. Stephen is one of the most attainable one as we don't have to cope with innumerable stairs to reach it. The small single-nave church of St. Stephen was built in the middle of 16th and decorated in 1545.

The entrance to the monasteries is requiring appropriate clothing with long trousers and skirts.

The 7 Best Meteora Tours From Athens [2024 Reviews]

Sometimes you stumble across memorable images of beautiful buildings in unbelievable locations and wonder if they’re even real. Meteora is such a place.

Due to a series of unique geological processes, the area of Meteora features tall columns of sandstone and conglomerate that loom over lush green valleys.

And during the medieval period, monks built amazing monasteries upon those remote and difficult to reach peaks. Now you have the opportunity to visit these places that once would have taken several days of hiking and a dangerous climb to reach.

I’ve reviewed 7 of the top-rated Meteora tours from Athens. Some are combined with other activities. Some involve some challenging but fun hikes. Some are focused on visiting the most beautiful viewpoints. One of them will be perfect for you.

Be sure to see our reviews of Acropolis Tours , Delphi Day Trips and Athens Boat trips .

Best Tours of Meteora from Athens

Quick answer: the 7 best rated meteora tours from athens.

• Meteora Full-Day Trip From Athens By Train
• Athens: Meteora Independent Train Trip & Monastery Tour
• From Athens: Full-Day Meteora Trip By Train
• Two Days Rail Tour To Meteora From Athens
• Meteora: 4-Hour Highlights Tour
• Meteora: Full-Day Private Trip From Athens Or Piraeus
• From Athens: Delphi & Meteora 2-Day Tour With Hotel

Meteora Tours From Athens Reviews

1. meteora full-day trip from athens by train.

• Departure Point : Athens Railway Station
• Departure Time: 7:20 AM
• Duration : 14 hours
• Includes : English speaking guide, train tickets from Athens to Kalambaka Railway Station, air-conditioned transport to Meteora, visit 2 monasteries and the Badovas caves

Archaeological excavation of caves in the Meteora area revealed human occupation dating back 50,000 years and the oldest known wall in the world, dated to c. 21,000 BCE.

Your train from Athens takes a stunning scenic route through the Greek countryside and through breathtaking mountain passes. Once you’ve reached Kalambaka, you’ll transfer to an air-conditioned bus to explore the Meteora area and the Badovas caves.

Through the geological process of erosion, tall pillars of sandstone and conglomerate were carved out of the sedimentary rock. These natural formations made perfect locations for early Christian monks to establish remote hermitages in caves and atop precarious clifftops.

On your tour around the area, you’ll be amazed at the beauty of these once remote monasteries standing high above the lush green valley.

Your tour will take you inside 2 of the monasteries. In bygone days, visitors could only visit the monasteries by climbing up rickety ladders or ropes.

Thankfully, now stone steps have been built up the cliffs to enable an easier and safer approach. Inside the monasteries, you’ll discover how the monks live today and learn about the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. athens: meteora independent train trip & monastery tour.

• Departure Point : Kalambaka Train Station
• Departure Time: 7:00 AM
• Includes : English speaking guide, train tickets from Athens to Kalambaka, transfer to Meteora, bottled water, Wi-Fi, and visits to 3 monasteries

Your train journey from Athens to Kalambaka will provide you with scenic views of the Greek countryside. After collection from Kalambaka Railway Station, you’ll enjoy a bus drive into the Meteora area.

As you pass through the lush green valleys, you’ll be amazed at the high cliffs and pillars of sandstone and conglomerate that tower above you. Atop several of these cliffs and pillars stand ancient monuments built 700 years ago by Orthodox monks.

You’ll have numerous opportunities to take fantastic photographs of yourself and your loved ones atop high cliffs and overlooking stunning monasteries.

The scenery around the area is breathtaking, and your visits to 3 monasteries will introduce you to a unique way of life that has changed little over the past millennium.

3. From Athens: Full-Day Meteora Trip By Train

• Duration : 1 day
• Includes : English speaking guide, train tickets from Athens to Kalambaka, tour of Meteora, Wi-Fi, tourist map, and tour inside 2 monasteries

After your scenic train journey from Athens, your local guide will collect you from Kalambaka Railway Station and take you on a tour of the famous monastic sites around the Meteora area.

Mother Nature created stunning rock formations, including sheer cliffs, tall rock pillars, and natural caves. In ancient times, Christian hermits moved into those caves and eventually founded monasteries atop the pinnacles of the rock pillars.

These holy shrines and their beautiful natural setting are together now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During your tour, you’ll be taken inside at least 2 of these amazing monasteries that were founded 700 years ago. At its most active, this region hosted 24 monasteries. Today, only 6 survive.

But your local expert guide will be able to show you around inside 2 or more of these imposing religious structures and tell you all about their fascinating history.

4. Two Days Rail Tour To Meteora From Athens

• Departure Point : Kalampaka Train Station
• Departure Time: 7:15 AM
• Duration : 2 days
• Includes : English speaking guide, train tickets from Athens to Meteora, hotel stay, Wi-Fi, and map

The train from Athens to Kalambaka passes through some of the most stunning mountain scenery you’ll ever see. Upon arrival in Kalambaka, you’ll transfer to your hotel. That evening, you’ll experience a wonderful Meteora Sunset Tour.

This excursion shows you the most beautiful landmarks of the Meteora region and enables you to experience a sunset over this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the second day, you can choose between a morning tour or a hiking tour, if you have the stamina. On a hiking tour, you can better imagine what life was like for the hermits who chose to live in the Meteora area back before there were modern roads and steps built up the slopes.

But on the morning tour, you’ll see more of the area as you’re driven around from site to site. Whichever option you choose, your English-speaking guide will tell you all about the history of the area.

You’ll learn all about the early humans who lived in the Meteora caves 50,000 years ago, the hermits who came to live on the pillars of rock, and the building of the 24 monasteries that once stood in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Meteora: 5-Hour Highlights Tour

• Departure Point : Kalabaka Train Station
• Departure Time: 11:30 AM
• Duration : 4 hours
• Includes : English speaking guide, tour around Meteora, visit the monasteries, Wi-Fi, and tourist map

You’ll be collected from Kalabaka Railway Station by mini-bus and transported into the beautiful Meteora area. As you drive around the lush valleys, you’ll be amazed by the natural pillars of sandstone and conglomerate that loom overhead.

During the medieval period, Christian monks built remote monasteries atop many of these pillars and on surrounding plateaus.

Originally, visitors to these holy shrines would have faced great danger climbing up the near-vertical sides of the pillars. Many of the monasteries could only be reached by rickety ladders or ropes and nets.

Fortunately, when you visit today, you’ll be able to use steps built in modern times to make access to the ancient monasteries safer and more convenient. Your tour will take you around the picturesque landscape of the region and enable you to see all 6 surviving monasteries.

Your guide will also take you inside 2 or 3 of these monasteries so you can experience the spirituality and admire the architecture of these unique structures around this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6. Meteora: Full-Day Private Trip From Athens Or Piraeus

• Departure Point : Hotel pick-up
• Duration : 12 hours
• Includes : English speaking guide and air-conditioned transportation to Meteora

At some point in geological history, the sedimentary rocks in this region were crisscrossed with fault lines. Erosion over the millennia carved away the rocks around the fault lines leaving behind tall pillars of sandstone and conglomerate that now loom over the surrounding valleys.

As you tour the area in an air-conditioned bus, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of these natural towers and lush valleys.

These stunning geographical features have attracted much interest over the years. During the medieval period, Christian hermits came here to escape the temptation and problems of secular life.

They found caves and crevasses to hide away from the world. When the Turks invaded the area, more hermits came for refuge.

Over the years, these gatherings of holy people turned into monasteries. At one point, 24 monasteries were built atop the pillars and plateaus of this region. Today, only 6 remain active, and you have a unique opportunity to visit 2 of these monasteries during your visit to this area.

You’ll surely agree these surviving monasteries are stunning monuments to live outside of the mainstream.

More Information & Toiur Booking

7. from athens: delphi & meteora 2-day tour with hotel.

• Departure Point : Leoforos Vasilis Amalias and Souri Street
• Departure Time: 8:15 AM
• Includes : English speaking guide, air-conditioned transport to Meteora and Delphi, entry fees, hotel accommodation in a picturesque village, and meals

Much like many events in Ancient Greek history and mythology, your tour begins with a visit to Delphi. In ancient times, the Oracle of Delphi was the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo in Delphi and the most important religious figure in Ancient Greece.

Important political figures would visit the Oracle of Delphi to seek advice. It was believed that the god Apollo granted her wisdom and prophecies.

During your visit, you’ll tour the ruins of the sanctuary of Pythia, including the famous Temple of Apollo. Due to the importance of the site during antiquity, the ruins there are especially impressive. Your tour guide will take you around the site and explain its key role in Ancient Greek politics and mythology.

This role still has an impact on society today through classical literature, such as the famous play Oedipus Rex written by Sophocles.

After your overnight stay in the picturesque village of Kalabaka, you’ll travel to Meteora where the unique rock formations leave many visitors breathless. Geological processes have created tall pillars of rock that stand out across the landscape.

Christian hermits sought refuge atop these rock formations during the medieval period, especially during Turkish incursions into the region. Over time, these hermitages grew into isolated monasteries.

You’ll visit some of the surviving 6 monasteries to learn about the life of the nuns and monks who choose to live in this inaccessible location far away from the stresses and temptations of modern life. There is much to admire in the architecture and art found in these religious structures.

During your return to Athens, you’ll stop off at the site of the famous Battle of Thermopylae where 300 Spartans fought to hold off a much larger Persian invasion force. A famous memorial statue to King Leonidas I stands watch over the site.

Athens Travel Guide

Athens is the origin of much that we take for granted in everyday life. It’s the birthplace of democracy, classical architecture, philosophy, and the Olympic Games.More through good luck than planning, many stunning structures survive from Greece’s Golden Age, so visiting Athens becomes a journey to the very roots of Western Civilization.

There’s much more to see and do in Athens than I can squeeze into this brief travel guide, but I hope it will provide a good starting point as you plan your visit.

Airports & Entry

Athens International Airport is the busiest airport in Greece and the 27 th busiest in Europe. It handles around 24 million passengers a year. Since the airport was only opened in 2001 and expanded in 2018, you’ll find the 2 terminals and all the facilities modern. An underground moving sidewalk connects the original main terminal to the new satellite terminal.

What’s unusual about Athens Airport is the presence of an art gallery and 3 museums. If you get bored waiting for your flight, they provide lots for you to see. The Art & Culture Exhibition Area is found on the Arrivals level. They host regular photography and painting exhibitions, book signings, and cultural events.

In the main terminal, the Acropolis Museum features classical Greek exhibits from the Acropolis. On the Departures level, the Eleftherios Venizelos Exhibition displays relics from Greek aviation history in the. In the same area, you’ll find the Exhibition of Archaeological Findings.

Getting back to the modern world, you’ll find mobile charging points around the airport, and free Wi-Fi on the “ATH Free Wi-Fi” network. The free Wi-Fi only lasts 45 minutes, but you can log-in again as often as you like.

If you’re traveling with kids aged 18 months to 7-years-old, you’ll find a children’s play area in the main terminal landside on the 2 nd floor. It’s open from 9 am to 9 pm. There are baby rooms and diaper changing facilities throughout the airport on both landside and airside.

With 20 food outlets, you won’t have any problem finding something to eat. Many are open 24 hours. The airport also has a mini market on the Arrivals level, landside and duty-free shopping on the Departures level. Many of the stores in the airport operate 24 hours.

ATMs are located all around the airport on both Arrivals and Departures levels. There are also multiple currency exchange kiosks operated by ONExchange. You’ll find full banking services at the Alpha Bank on the Arrivals level landside, open from 8 am to 6 pm weekdays and 9 am to 4 pm on weekends and bank holidays.

If you have a medical problem, there’s a pharmacy on the Arrivals level, landside, open from 6 am to midnight. Urgent emergency care is available at the airport first aid station provided by qualified members of the National Center for Emergency Care.

The easiest way to get into Athens from the airport is on the Metro . The airport train station is connected to the city via Metro Line 3. The journey takes 40 minutes and there’s a service every ½ hour. There are also services to other cities and archaeological sites provided by the Athens Suburban Railway .

The city bus company, Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA ), provides even more frequent services into the city. 4 bus services (X93, X95, X96, and X97) operate from the Arrivals level between Exits 4 and 5. The buses run 24/7 and the X95 to Syntagma (Athens City Center) takes around 40 minutes and departs every 15 to 20 minutes.

Alternatively, the major vehicle rental companies (Hertz, National, Europcar, Budget, Avis, Sixt, and Alamo) have desks on the Arrivals level.

And there’s always the taxi stand, found on the Arrivals level, Exit 3. During the day, the fare into the city center is around €48 but increases to €54 after midnight until 5 am.

Planning Tips

Athens is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy your stay. Just to ensure you do, here are 5 tips to help you plan your visit.

Tip #1: Watch your purse and your pockets

Pickpockets and purse-snatchers love Athens. The crowds of oblivious tourists admiring stunning architecture provide great prospects for any unscrupulous thief to get rich quick. Watch out for thieves everywhere, especially in the Metro system, around all the tourist attractions, and Omonia Square.

Tip #2: Book tickets in advance, especially during summer

Athens is a popular destination, so tours frequently sell out. Consider booking in advance so that you are assured of the excursions you want to take. Most reputable tour operators offer full refunds for trips canceled with reasonable notice. Just check the refund policy when you book any tours.

Tip #3: Go during spring or fall

Many of the most important attractions in Athens are outdoor, so you’re exposed to the sun. Because Athens is the second hottest capital city in Europe, the summer heat can become unbearable. If you’re traveling with young kids or elderly relatives, you certainly shouldn’t take them during summer.

Personally, I would prefer not to visit Athens in the summer. Not only is it too hot to appreciate the beauty of the city in the middle of the day, but it’s also when the city and its many attractions are most crowded. If you want warm rather than hot weather, go in spring or fall.

Tip #4: Buy unique souvenirs

Pop over to the Plaka neighborhood for some unique souvenirs. Spoons and ladles carved from olivewood, unique Greek products, as well as the usual range of T-shirts and less cultural souvenirs are found in the many gift shops in its labyrinth of old-world alleyways.

There are also many specialist jewelry shops in the Plaka neighborhood, where you can purchase custom-designed and unique items. Many of these stores are owned by artists, like the popular jewelers, Byzantino .

Tip #5: Cash is king

Greece is not a cashless society. You may be used to sticking all your restaurant and transport bills on a credit card, but this probably won’t work so well in Athens. A surprising number of busy restaurants and large stores don’t accept electronic payment methods, so you must be prepared to carry cash.

Because of the pickpockets mentioned above, consider methods to protect your cash. A fanny pack may look unattractive, but it beats getting your restaurant bill and discovering your wallet isn’t where it should be.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Because Athens is a Mediterranean port city, the local food is typically Mediterranean, with frequent use of fish and olives. In fact, a founding myth about the city claims that when competing to become the patron god of the city, the god Poseidon gave them a saltwater spring and the goddess Athena gave them their first olive tree.

Breakfasts typically consist of pastries from one of the many bakeries and a cup of coffee. Common breakfast pastries include the savory feta or spinach pastry, a flaky phyllo pastry, or the sweet Bougatsa custard pastry. Although it is not a traditional Athenian breakfast food, some cafés also sell Greek yoghurt due to tourist demand.

Athens’ streets are riddled with tavernas and cafés. Lunches are long and leisurely. Like in Spain, dinner is typically eaten late. Restaurants usually get busy at around 10 pm. Food is ordered for the table (the group of people sitting together) rather than the individual. This means that portions are often large because they are designed to be shared rather than eaten by one.

The tavernas offer a variety of hors d’oeuvre called a mezedes, which is a small dish of hot or cold food with dips. Mezedes are often eaten while drinking ouzo, a strong anise liquor. My favorite mezedes is saganaki, which is great for any cheese lover. It’s a hard cheese fried to create a crunchy crust and sprinkled with lemon juice. Tomatokeftedes (tomato balls) are another popular appetizer, sweet, soft, and full of herbs and tomato. Mezedes are typically served with a yoghurt dip.

Alongside mezedes, Athenians eat salad. Horiatiki salata (Greek salad) is tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, spicy shallots, and olives, all splashed with virgin olive oil and topped with feta cheese. Because the salad portion is designed to be shared, one person can make a filling meal out of a single serving of salad and some crusty bread.

Perhaps the most famous main dish in Athens is moussaka. This is an oven-baked dish consisting of mincemeat layered with either potatoes or eggplant and topped with bechamel. It’s not an exclusively Greek dish, but the currently popular version originated in Greece. Moussaka tastes best when seasoned with nutmeg and cinnamon.

A common variant of moussaka is pastitsio. This is another oven-baked dish with mincemeat and topped with bechamel, but this time layered with pasta and tomato sauce.

Being next to the sea, fish soup is popular in Athens. Different kinds of fish appear in the soup depending upon the season. It’s usually a rich broth with lots of fish, vegetables, and flavored with lemon.

But my favorite main dish is pastitsiopanakopita. This spinach and cheese pie is baked in a filo pastry and heavily seasoned. Unfortunately for me, it’s a messy dish. The filo pastry is crumbly and goes everywhere!

When it comes to desserts, Athenians get messy. Their sweet dessert pastries are drenched in honey or syrup. But these sticky treats are delicious when freshly baked. The most popular variety is baklava, which is layers of filo dough stuffed with chopped nuts, usually almonds or pistachios. Another common variety is kataifi, which looks like Shredded Wheat but is fine strands of pastry wrapped around a chopped nut center, usually almonds or walnuts.

Nightlife & Entertainment

While Athens may not have the reputation for wild nightlife found in other parts of the Mediterranean, like the Balearic Islands, you can still find vibrant nightclubs and lively bars. The different areas of the city tend to attract different crowds, so let’s run through them.

If you’re into clubbing, Kerranmeikos is the place to go. This is where you’ll find the new super-club opened by Lindsay Lohan, simply called LOHAN . With Hollywood financing and Greek knowhow, this club features internationally renowned DJs using the highest quality sound and light equipment. It’s a club dedicated to dance parties. In the same area, you’ll find a selection of popular bars, such as The Blue Parrot and Bios .

The neighboring Gazi area is the place to go for live Rebetiko venues, which is a kind of Greek urban blues music. So, if you want to try something uniquely Greek, then you could skip the super-club and head straight for a Rebetiko bar and spend the night listening to Greek blues and drinking ouzo.

If you’re looking for lively bars, Exarchia is the area favored by young Athenians. There are many popular bars along Emmanouil Benaki Street. But Exarchia is also an area known for graffiti and anarchy. In 2008/9, riots brought conflict between youths and police on these narrow streets. However, that’s only a footnote in modern history. Sandwiched between the University of Athens and the polytechnic, the area is filled with trendy cafés and bars aimed at Bohemian youths.

But if you prefer more sophisticated cocktail bars and hipster hangouts, the two areas to go are Psyrri and Koukaki. Psyrri is a high-class area with lots of bars and a small but lively nightclub called Cantina Social. The most interesting bar to check out is Six d.o.g.s, which is a unique bar with DJs, live music, club nights, and art exhibitions! And if you’re into wine, Materia Prima Wine Bar in Psyrri has a fantastic reputation.

Getting Around

In central Athens, many of the attractions are close together, so walking is a viable option. However, to really see the city, public transport is the best option. You can use the Metro, buses, or trams. To use public transport , you’ll need an ATH.ENA Card .

The Metro is the easiest and quickest way to travel around Athens. The signs and maps can be confusing since some are only in Greek, but the network is simple. There are only 3 lines, and once you get a feel for the system, it becomes easy.

The main Metro station in the center of Athens is Syntagma. This is in the same area as the Greek parliament building and the main city square. Much like the airport, this station also holds a museum. In this case, the museum displays the archaeological treasures unearthed when the station was built.

The buses in Athens are not as comfortable or as quick as the Metro. Also, the bus times tend to be unpredictable and the routes confusing. Bus stops are often difficult to find, and you might need to ask a local for directions. Some of the buses are “trolleys”, which are the same as regular buses except that they run on electricity.

The trams are modern and environmentally friendly. There are only 3 tram services, and they all connect Syntagma Station with coastal resorts and beaches.

Taxis are always an option, but you’ll find them expensive compared to public transport and not as quick as the Metro.

Accommodations

Athens is an extremely popular destination for anybody interested in classical history, Greek language and culture, or simply sunny beaches. Because so many visitors crowd the city every year, you’ll find a broad range of hotels suitable for every budget and taste.

If you’re interested in history, the best areas to stay are around the city center near the Acropolis, like Makrianni, Monastiraki, Plaka, Syntagma, and Thission. The Plaka area is arguably the most desirable location because it’s nestled between the Acropolis and Syntagma Square (main square and central Metro station). Plaka is the quietest and most peaceful area of Athens.

Because of the problem of pick-pockets in Athens, you’ll want to make sure your hotel room has a safe. Whenever you go out, leave anything you won’t need in your safe. Any important documents, credit cards you won’t need that day, and spare cash should be left safely behind.

There are a few very seedy hotels in Athens that you’ll want to avoid. My advice is to check reviews on more than one hotel-reviewing site before booking. You’ll find some cheap hostels and basic hotels around Omonia Square, but the area is renowned for purse snatchers and seediness, as well as legal brothels.

A friend booked a night at the Athens House Hotel on booking.com because the reviews there looked positive, and she wanted to stay somewhere cheap and basic. When she arrived, the hotel’s hygiene standards were abysmal. When she later looked on TripAdvisor, she found the same hotel had a rating of 2 out of 5 stars and featured some extremely alarming reviews!

But, to be fair, the Athens House Hotel is great for economy backpackers. With last minute rooms at $10 or $20 a night, you can put up with bad service and a bit of grime!

If you’re made of money and want to sample the high life, check out the Hotel Grande Bretagne (GB) . A basic suite in the GB will cost around $300 a night, but you get what you pay for. This luxury hotel overlooks Syntagma Square, and you can even watch the changing of the guards in front of the Greek parliament building from your balcony.

The GB has one pool in the basement and another on the roof. There’s also a fully-equipped spa in the basement. The exclusive Alexander’s Bar inside the GB was voted Best Hotel Bar in the World by Forbes magazine, and the GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar provides the best views of the Acropolis you’ll find in the city.

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, check out the Hotel Attalos . It’s not quite so central as the GB, but it also has a roof garden café with fantastic views of the Acropolis for around $125 a night.

The Hotel Attalos is a 15-minute walk to the Acropolis and the same to central Syntagma Square. It’s only a short walk to the Monastiraki Metro Station, so it’s convenient for rapid public transport to all the main attractions. It gets fantastic reviews and ratings on both TripAdvisor and Booking.com.

But when I take my family to Athens, I avoid the crowds and pollution in the city center altogether. Not far from the city, there are dozens of clean and modern hotels along the coastline of the Athenian Riviera. With the great tram connections to Syntagma Square Station, they’re only a short ride away from all the main attractions.

Most coastal hotels are walking distance to the beach, and sometimes their buildings even segue into the sand. They typically offer more spacious and better-equipped rooms for a fraction of the price of city center hotels.

For example, consider Maison 66 in Alimos. This modern hotel is 6 miles from Syntagma Square, which means 25 minutes in a car or 45 minutes on a tram. That might sound like a lot of traveling, but Maison 66 offers a beautifully decorated room with a sea view, furnished balcony, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, en-suite bathrooms with shower cabins, and free Wi-FI for only $80 per night.

Maison 66 is rated 9.1/10 on Booking.com and 5/5 on TripAdvisor! If your family wants to split their time between the beach and the cultural attractions, this hotel or others like it in coastal beach resorts offer you spacious, clean and modern accommodation for a fraction of equivalent hotels in the center of Athens.

Athens is the second hottest capital city in Europe. It experiences mild winters and long, dry, and hot summers. July and August are extremely dry, and most rainfall occurs between October and April.

Because the weather is relatively fine all year long, you can visit Athens at any time. However, I’d recommend you visit Athens in spring (late March through early June) or fall (late September through early November) if possible.

Spring and fall are when the weather isn’t too hot but still warm enough to enjoy the sun. Winter can be chilly and wet, and summer is just too hot for me. Most tourists visit during summer, which means the streets, attractions, and public transport are all crowded.

In summer, it grows too hot in the middle of the day for comfortable sightseeing. If you plan to visit the Acropolis, the best time of day is the early morning before the midday heat bakes the ground. Alternatively, visit in the last two hours of the site’s opening times. In August, average temperatures range from 73 0 F to 89 0 F.

It’s still pleasant and sunny in the fall, so this is a great time to wander around the Panathenaic Stadium. However, there’s more rain than during summer, especially in November. In November, average temperatures range from 54 0 F to 66 0 F.

Athenian winters are mild, but December sees the most rain. Despite warm average temperatures, snow isn’t uncommon, and it can get chilly on occasions. January’s average temperatures range from 45 0 F to 57 0 F.

Rainfall rapidly decreases between April and June, and the days become warmer. The average temperatures in April range from 53 0 F to 67 0 F.

Attractions

99.9% of visitors to Athens have the Acropolis at the top of their “must-see” list, but there’s more to Athens than its citadel. It’s the capital of a modern nation and the center of Greek culture. But, I’m not going to swim against the crowd right now. The Acropolis is top of my list, too!

The Acropolis looms over Athens and is the most famous attraction in Greece. Archaeological evidence shows the hill has been settled since as early as 4,000 BCE, and the Acropolis as we know it began to take shape in the 13 th -century BCE when it was fortified with a wall that still forms part of today’s complex monument.

Most of the structures we see on the old citadel date from the 5 th -century BCE. That’s because a helpful group of Persian invaders leveled many of the pre-existing buildings in 480 BCE during the Greco-Persian Wars.

There are many ancient temples atop the hill, including the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Brauronion. But none is more famous or iconic than the Parthenon . Built in 438 BCE and dedicated to Athena Parthenos, this is the most awesome example of Ancient Greek architecture in existence.

Also inside the Acropolis is the Acropolis Museum . This incongruous, modern structure stands 3-stores-high, right beside the Parthenon. However, it does effectively display the artifacts recovered by archaeologists from excavations atop the hill. The highlight is the Parthenon Marbles exhibition on the top floor. To fully appreciate the Acropolis, take a guided tour .

Don’t miss the Theatre of Dionysus. Situated at the foot of the Acropolis and carved into the southern cliff, this is believed to be the oldest surviving theater in the world. The site has been a theater since the 6 th -century BCE, but the present structure is 4 th- century BCE. If you ever had to read Greek tragedies in school written by Euripides or Sophocles, this is where those famous plays premiered!

The last ancient monument in the city I’ll specifically recommend is the Panathenaic Stadium . Not only is this the only athletic stadium in the world constructed in marble, but it’s also the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games .

The stadium began life in antiquity as a racecourse and was transformed into a stadium in 330 BCE. The current marble structure dates to 144 CE and was designed to seat 50,000 spectators. The first modern Olympic Games were held here in 1896.

But Athens isn’t all about ancient antiquity. The heart of the modern city isn’t atop the Acropolis. It’s Syntagma Square. Not only is this where you’ll find the main Metro station, but it’s the central square and location of the Greek Parliament building.

The Parliament building is guarded by Evzones, who are parliamentary guards. Evzones wear special handmade shoes and uniforms and perform an hourly changing of the guards. There is an especially elaborate changing ceremony at 11 am every Sunday.

Pop over to the Plaka neighborhood to see charming houses decked with flower baskets and colorful cafés with outdoor seating. You’ll definitely need your camera as you explore this picturesque area.

The Plaka neighborhood is a great place to sample traditional Greek food and buy unique souvenirs. And if you’ve always wanted to try a traditional Turkish Bath, you can enjoy a steam bath and a relaxing massage at Al Hammam .

And if you want to see where the Athenians shop, check out the Varvakeios Central Food Market . This is where you can get a feeling for the heartbeat of Athens. This market is a great place to sample authentic Greek fresh foods and drinks. Why not try some strong Greek coffee made just how Athenians like it? But note that this market, like many grocery businesses in Greece, is closed on Sundays.

Getting out of the center, consider ascending Lycabettus Hill . This is the highest point in Athens. Sunset is a great time to visit for spectacular views across the city lit by the dying sun. At the top, you’ll find St. George’s Church and Orizontes Restaurant . The restaurant’s rooftop terrace provides stunning views.

You can spend a month in Athens and not see everything, but some people like to explore the wider context and travel to other parts of Greece. Also, in summer, getting out of the capital city helps you escape the relentless heat.

If you want to visit more of Greece, Athens makes a great base. Various Mediterranean islands, such as Aegina, Moni, Agistri, and Santorini, are popular destinations for longer day trips. Or you can enjoy a simple cruise along the Athenian Riviera and enjoy fantastic views of the Greek coast.

Tour Guides

The Full-Day Trip From Athens By Train is our Editors Choice for the best Meteora tour

Robert Baker

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Meteora Thrones – Travel Center

Meteora Tours from Athens or Thessaloniki

Visit meteora from athens or thessaloniki choosing one of our everyday packages.

Travel from Athens or Thessaloniki and discover the unique worldwide phenomenon of Meteora. We arrange everything for you (roundtrip transportation , accommodation, tours and activities) in our all-inclusive packages. The easiest way for the visitors from Athens or Thessaloniki for an once-in-a-lifetime Meteora experience.

Check also our everyday organized , local tours from Kalabaka or Kastraki  here

Tours from Athens to Meteora

1 Day Meteora Tour from Athens with Local Guide

Visit Meteora from Athens was never so easy and comfortable. Travel from Athens and see all 6 monasteries in our , 4 hrs duration,  Best Meteora Tour with an expert in the area , Local Tour Leader.

• Every day at 08:00
• Local Tour Leader
• Available in English and Spanish

2 Days Meteora Tour from Athens with Local Guide & Hotel

A great chance for visitors from Athens to visit and experience the amazing and unique worldwide phenomenon of Meteora in a 2 days trip. Travel by bus , stay overnight and enjoy the 2 top rated tours of the area. 

• Every day at 08:0
• 2 days Trip
• Hotel Option 3* or 4*

Train to Train - Midday Meteora Tour

The best tour to see Meteora picking you up directly from Kalabaka Train Station when you arrive. See the entire area , all the monasteries and take the best panoramic photos with our , expert in the area , local tour leader.

• Every day at 12:05
• 5 Hours duration
• Train Station Pick up / Drop off

Tours from Thessaloniki to Meteora

1 Day Meteora Tour from Thessaloniki by Train

Visit Meteora from Thessaloniki was never so easy and comfortable. Travel by train from Thessaloniki and see all 6 monasteries in our , 5 hrs duration,  Midday Meteora Tour with an expert in the area , Local Tour Leader.

• Every day at 08:56

2 Days Meteora Tour from Thessaloniki by Train

A great chance for visitors from Thessaloniki to visit and experience the amazing and unique worldwide phenomenon of Meteora in a 2 days trip. Travel by train , stay overnight and enjoy the  2 top rated tours  of the area. 

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Top Rated Meteora Tours

• Meteora Outdoor Activities
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• The Monastery of Great Meteoron
• The Monastery of Varlaam
• The Monastery of Roussanou
• The Monastery of Agios Stefanos
• The Monastery of Holy Trinity
• The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos
• Kalabaka Town
• Kastraki Village
• Old Habitation of Kastraki Village
• The Hidden Monastery of Ypapanti
• The old Chapel of Doupiani
• St. George Madilas
• The Hermit Caves of Badovas
• The Rock of Holy Spirit
• The Rock of Great Saint
• Gavros Village
• The Prehistoric Cave of Theopetra
• The Byzantine Church of Kalabaka
• Meteora Natural History Museum and Mushroom Museum
• Hellenic Culture Museum
• Meteora History and Culture Digital Projection Centre
• Library of Kalampaka
• Aspropotamos Region
• Elati and Pertouli
• Lake Plastira
• Athens to Meteora
• Thessaloniki to Meteora
• Getting to Meteora by Train
• Getting to Meteora by Bus
• Getting to Meteora by Car

Meteora Best Tours

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Ready to experience the best that Meteora has to offer? Our top-rated tours are the perfect way to do just that. With carefully crafted itineraries that highlight the region’s most iconic sights, our tours are designed to give you a truly immersive experience. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or adventure, we have the perfect tour for you.

Whether from Athens or Thessaloniki, you have the opportunity to organize a fabulous day trip to visit Meteora! You can check below to find the day trip tours we offer at the best possible prices.

Why to book a Day-Trip with us

• Quick & Easy Purchase Process! Full Refund Available up to 24 Hours Before Your Tour Date.
• You will learn about the culture and history of the place on a deeper level from a local’s perspective.
• Daily tour departures any day you want, 365 days a year whether you are traveling on your own or in a group.
• Local expertise and 24/7 help and assistance during your trip

Day Trip from Athens to Meteora by Train 4.5 of 5 bubbles 483 reviews

Full Day Private Tour to Meteora from Athens

Private Meteora Day Trip from Athens by Train

Half-day tours.

This awesome place has become one of the most ideal travel destinations in Greece. Join top-rated Meteora tours and engage in memorable experiences.

Why to book your Half-day tour with Visit Meteora

• Excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. You get to meet people from around the world. Small size groups.
• Full Refund Available up to 24 Hours Before Your Tour Date.
• Enjoy spectacular views – Visit monuments of great historical importance in comfort – At the best possible prices!

Meteora Sunset Tour 5 of 5 bubbles 510 reviews

Meteora Half-day Sightseeing Tour 5 of 5 bubbles 213 reviews

Meteora Mid Day Tour from Train 5 of 5 bubbles 90 reviews

Let us do all the work of your travel arrangements for you to relax and enjoy the best possible Meteora experience! 

Why to book a Multi-day trip with us

• Tours & Tickets are Selling Out Fast. Book Now to Avoid Disappointment.
• Our free cancellation policy means you don't have to stress if your travel plans change.
• By booking a train tour through Visit Meteora you are free to travel at your own pace with no tour leaders or set schedules.
• Local expertise and 24/7 help and assistance during your trip.

Two Days Tour to Meteora from Athens by Train 5 of 5 bubbles 98 reviews

3 Days Tour from Athens to Meteora by Train 5 of 5 bubbles 37 reviews

3 Days Tour from Athens to Meteora and Delphi by Train 5 of 5 bubbles 62 reviews

 Enjoy personal care and attention by choosing to book the tours and activities you wish on a private basis.

Why choose Visit Meteora to book your Private tours

• A flexible start time, picked by you to enjoy Meteora best tours
• Customise Your Tour! Our Private Tours offer you the opportunity to design and customize your experience. You will experience Tailor-made itineraries according to your specific preferences and wishes.
• Every question you have, answered by a personal guide! Your guide will be prepared to deal with any queries you may have, and will inform you about any matters you wish to explore further.

Meteora Private Sunset Tour

Private Half-day Sightseeing Tour 5 of 5 bubbles 42 reviews

One of the best ways to truly appreciate Meteora is by getting off the beaten tourist paths, away from the big crowds.

Why to book an outdoor activity

• You will go to secret local spots that the vast majority of other travelers will never experience.
• Discover the caves of the hermits and follow the footsteps of the first monks to experience the splendor of nature and man.
• As a destination, Meteora offers nowadays some of the best outdoor activities one can do in one of the most incredible sceneries in the world!

Meteora Hiking Tour 5 of 5 bubbles 393 reviews

Hiking and Scramble Tour of Great Saint 5 of 5 bubbles 58 reviews

Hermit Caves Sunset Hiking Tour 5 of 5 bubbles 108 reviews

If you need any help, get in touch with one of our travel experts, why you should book with us.

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We do not deal with big-size group bookings. Our small-size tours guarantee a personalized approach.

Book with the locals!

Unlike many travel operators dealing with trips and holidays to Meteora, we are actually located here, in Meteora! All the members of our team have an intimate knowledge of this region and can share their first-hand knowledge and experience with you. We are locals ourselves, wishing to share with all visitors the beauty of our homeland! Contact us as soon as you arrive here and let us help you with sorting out any unforeseen issues that may occur.

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We have our ‘Best Price Guarantee’ and we have exclusive specials and early-bird booking specials to ensure that booking with Visit Meteora provides you with the best value, anywhere around the world! Our specials are updated regularly on our website so that you can see how much your tour is going to cost immediately!

Unique itineraries!

Many of the tours on our site and all of our trips are unique in Visit Meteora. They have been thoroughly designed by us to ensure that your tour goes smoothly and they are updated regularly to include new accommodation, attractions, and travel ideas that reflect our customer feedback.

Customisable tour options

Our tours are designed to show you the very best areas and sights, but we’d be happy to alter your tour with extra nights, additional activities, and special diversions to suit your travel wish list. Trust us to design your dream itinerary.

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Unexpected weather or events? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We offer full refund up to 24 Hours Before Your Tour Date for the half day tour and day trips and up to 48 hours for the multi day tours.

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There is nothing more annoying than taking the time to fill out an inquiry form, or Emailing a travel company and not getting a response for days – and sometimes not at all! It is a great priority for us to get back to all of our clients as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meteora The Monasteries

The opening hours often change from year to year, so beware when relying on information provided in guidebooks or general web sites. We will try to do our best in keeping the timetable of visiting times and days of monasteries up-to-date. Check the opening hours of Meteora monasteries  here .

Before we answer this question we have to specify that everything should be taken into account. It depends on how fit you are, the transportation and time available, weather conditions ect. Most people are able to visit between 2 to 4 monasteries per day. The few visitors who visit all 6 of them within one day are missing out a magical, more slow-paced adventure. We recommend at least 2 days stay in Meteora.

Appropriate clothing for everyone is required to enter the monasteries. Sleeveless clothing and shorts over the knee for men are prohibited and you‘ll be denied access if dressed that way. For ladies skirts and shawls are available to borrow or buy at the entrance of monasteries in case they don’t have such clothing to cover themselves.

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity and Great Meteoro are the less accessible (over 300 steps). Rousanou, Varlaam and Saint Nicolaos have an average number of 140. Some of the monasteries apart the staircases requires uphill walking in paved paths. The Holy Monastery of St Stephen is connected with a walking bridge, thus making it more accessible than any other monastery.

In each monastery there is an entrance fee of 3 euro per person. Kids up to 12 years old they don’t pay entrance fees in the monasteries.

There are many reasons not to want to drive while exploring Meteora — like if you’re not confident driving on the opposite side of the road, your spouse is a terrible copilot and you just want to have fun instead of arguing; or if you want to enjoy the scenic road and not to feel stress about the narrow and curvy roads. Lack of parking space outside the monasteries is especially frequent phenomenon during the pick period in the summer. So by joining one of our tours might save you a lot of headaches and unwanted distractions.

Let our delighted customers do the talking – we prefer to let their reviews speak for themselves.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF METEORA TOUR – MONASTARIES, BATTLEFIELDS, WATERFALLS AND MORE

The Greek Islands are incredible and are the most popular destinations in Greece. The Mainland, however, has so much to offer such as the incredible Monasteries of Meteora or the Temples of Delphi and Poseidon and a wide range of hidden gems that few tourists visit. We’ve put this Meteora tour together with our favourite drivers that also explores highlights along the journey to help you take your trip to Greece to the next level! 

Further reading: A complete guide to Meteora  

When to visit Meteora

The mountain ranges to the east and north of Meteora experiences a wide climatic variation from baking heat in summer to severe cold in winter with heavy snowfalls.

Summer is the driest time but storms can occur year-round. Winter can be very cold but quite ethereal and even dramatic with fogs clinging to the side of the rock formations. Sometimes there is even snow!

There isn’t really a bad time to visit Meteora.

Meteora 2-day tour

This fantastic tour will see you picked up in Athens and driven by a professional, licensed driver, in a luxury vehicle, to Meteora and back.

On top of visiting the Monastaries you will also see:

Thermopylae – ‘hot gates’ is a narrow passage on the East Coast of Greece which is said to be the entrance to Hades (the Underworld). It is also where the legendary battle took place in 480BC between the Persians and Greeks including the mighty Spartan ‘300’ led by King Leonidas.

Trikala – this pretty town sits over the Lithaois River and has played a fundamental role in Agriculture in Modern Greece. You will pass through Trikala to visit the:

Stone Bridge of Pyli

Palaiokarya Stone Bridge

Both are marvellous examples of stone bridges built in the area during medieval times and both have waterfalls. They are green and tranquil and with a bit of luck, you will also see turtles, storks and badgers.

Cave of Theopetra –  home to the oldest known man-made structure in the world, a wall that is believed to be 23,000 years old. It is also where the oldest human footprints in Europe have been found, thought to be from four children. This cave is considered to be one of the most important prehistoric sites in Greece.

Kamena Vourla

This charming coastal town in a popular holiday destination for Greeks who love to swim in the famous mineral springs. It is located just south of Thermopylae and is the perfect place for a break on your tour.

Tour Itinerary

AM – Pick up from Hotel, Airport or Port

Stop at Thermopylae

Stop at Trikala Bridges

Arrive at your Meteora Hotel

Sunset photo opportunity

Drop off at restaurant

AM – Explore up to 4 Monasteries at Meteora with a licensed guide at 2

Visit the Cave of Theropetra

Journey back to Athens

Stop at Kamena Vourla

Drop of at Hotel, Port or Airport

** NOTE : This itinerary can be modified to include Delphi as well!

Cost : from €1600 Euro for 2 people

• Wholly private tour (your party only)
• Transportation to and from your Hotel, Port or Airport in Athens
• Professional guide at two Monasteries at Meteora
• Visit 2 more Monasteries on your own
• Professional, English-speaking driver, who provides information and tips and does not enter the sites
• All fuel surcharges and toll roads
• bottled water
• Admission fees
• Accommodation
• Lunch or dinner each day
• Coffee, drinks, and snacks

Things to know

Secure your bookings with a 10% deposit

You will be charged the balance (90%)   8 days before the tour date

Prices on bookings are for adults and children above 12

If you have children under 12 or infants please contact us before booking so we can discuss any extra requirements

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

All prices are for 1 private vehicle with 1 to 3 passengers in a sedan, 4-7 passengers in a minivan, usually Mercedes Benz and 8-14 passengers in a Mercedes Benz minibus

You need to be able to walk on unpaved or uneven terrain. If not the driver will do their best for you to see as much as possible

Departure time is usually between 5:00 am-9:00 am, based on your preference!

Duration: 2 days, 1 night

We reserve the right to cancel a booking for a full refund in the case of bad weather or site closures

Our drivers are professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. Their priority is your satisfaction and safety. All our drivers speak English and are ready to help and to provide tips

Our cars are well-maintained, clean, and have free Wi-Fi. Baby chairs, wheelchairs and most phone chargers are available on request, at no additional charge

Cancellation Policy

• We reserve the right to cancel a booking for a full refund in the case of bad weather or site closures

• You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure

• Cancellations between 3 and 6 days in advance of the tour incur a 50% cancellation fee

• Cancellations within 2 days of the scheduled departure incur a 100% cancellation fee

• After that time, no changes to pick-up times and no refunds or cancellations can be made

 Meteora Hotels

You will need to book an overnight stay at a hotel in Kalambaka or Kastraki. Most hotels include a very good breakfast and we recommended trying to get something with a great Meteora view.

We really love the smaller village of Kastraki, right at the base of the hill where the road goes up to Meteora where it’s possible to even walk up to two of the Monastaries.

It is very green and quiet and very peaceful in Kastraki and there are some truly stunning views from some of the hotels especially at sunset and sunrise.

We really enjoyed our stay at Doupiani House which is a traditional hotel with very friendly service and absolutely breathtaking views. If this is booked out then we recommend Hotel Kastraki which is just around the corner or Tsikeli Hotel for an adults-only experience.

Hotels in Kalambaka that we recommend are Hotel Kaikis and Epavlis Hotel.

If you are visiting with a group then check out Zosimas House which has 2 bedrooms, can sleep 6 people and has amazing views. For something even bigger then Vista delle Rocce has 3 bedrooms and can sleep up to 8. 

Doupiani House room balcony and view

Kastraki at night

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Welcome to Greece Travel Secrets! I’m Sandy, a tragic Grecophile married to a Greek, hoping to help you have the best possible trip to Greece. We want you to experience the famous Greek ‘Filotimo’ before you even get there.

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Two days tour to Meteora monasteries, from Athens

Special Offer: 10.00% discount for early booking (-60 days).

General Description

You will start your excursion from Athens and pass by the towns of Thebes and Livadia. Then, you will arrive at the historical Delphi and pay a visit to the world-famous Archaeological Site of Delphi , situated on the slopes of the majestic Mount Parnassus! After a short stop at the village of Arachova , your travel to Kalambaka will begin, driving through the gorgeous landscapes and fields of Central Greece ! Upon reaching Kalambaka, you will savor a meal and spend your night in town.

Your day will start by visiting the picturesque Meteora rock formations, boasting awe-inspiring scenery, countless religious treasures, and the stunning monasteries and churches of Meteora ! Your guide will walk you through two of the monasteries. Take a chance to gaze at the fascinating views from a high altitude, before your return to Athens! On the way back, you will pass by Trikala, Lamia, and reach Thermopylae for a quick stop in order to see the Statue of Leonidas, arriving at the Greek capital in the early evening hours.

Note : For the visit to Meteora Monasteries, ladies need to wear long skirts and gentlemen need to wear long trousers.

Transportation and guides

We use modern buses for transportation. Buses are constantly upgraded in order to comply with the latest comfort standards. Smoking on the buses is not allowed. Every tour has its own professional lecturer guides. As for the drivers, they have years of experience on routes all over Greece!

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Basic price list for early booking, what is included and not in the price, terms & conditions, cancellation policy, pickup locations, active days and spoken languages, attractions and places to see, transportation info.

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Greek Classical Tour Escorted Vacation

Dates & prices, suggested tours.

Begin your journey in Athens where you will depart from en route to Olympia, home of the modern Olympic games. En route you will see the Corinth Canal, Epidaurus, Nafplion and the plains of Argos. You will have a chance to stop in Mycenae to see the Tomb of Agamemnon, Tripolis and Megalopolis. Arrive in Olympia and visit the sanctuary of Olympian Zues before continuing to Delphi. En route to this ancient city you will see the Corinthian Bay and pass over the Antirion Bridge. Arrive in Delphi and visit its many archaeological sites and museums before visiting the unearthly town of Kalambaka at the foot of the Meteora Monasteries. Return to Athens with a stop at the monument of Leonidas at Thermopylae.  

ESCORTED VACATION – This escorted tour is operated locally in English . Scheduled departures - 4-day/3-night escorted tour of mainland Greece visiting Epidaurus, Nafplion, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi & Meteora. Includes accommodation at first class hotels with breakfast daily, 3 dinners, pickup and drop off at centrally located hotels in Athens, touring by modern air-conditioned motor coach, and guided sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary.

• Accommodations as per itinerary
• Meals as per itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D)
• Sightseeing: per itinerary
• Travel funds escrow protection program
• Items of a personal nature
• All other items not mentioned as included

Athens – Olympia

First Class: Best Western Europa or similar accommodations

Depart from Athens this morning and drive past the Corinth Canal. Visit the ancient theater in Epidaurus, world famous for its outstanding acoustics. After a short stop in Nafplion, drive through the plain of Argos and arrive in Mycenae. Visit the archaeological site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. In the afternoon, depart for Olympia, the birth place of the Olympic Games. On the way you will pass the cities of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Spend the night in Olympia. (D)

Olympia – Delphi

First Class: Amalia Hotel Delphi or similar accommodations

In the morning, visit the sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus, the stadium, and the archaeological museum. Then drive to Rion and cross the Corinthian Bay on the new, "state of art" suspended bridge, considered to be the longest and most modern in Europe, to Antirion. Continue along the coastal road to Delphi, known in ancient times as the navel of the world. You will spend the night in Delphi. (B,D)

Delphi – Meteora

First Class: Grand Meteora Hotel or similar accommodations

Enjoy a morning visit of the spectacular Delphi archaeological site and its museum. Continue via Central Greece to Kalambaka, a small town built at the foot of the majestic rocks and crowned by the Meteora Monasteries. You will spend the night in Kalambaka. (B,D)

Meteora – Athens

In the morning visit the Meteora Monastaries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures and standing suspended between earth and sky, on top of granite rocks. In the afternoon, depart for Athens, passing by the heroic monument of Leonidas at Thermopylae. Arrive in Athens around 7 pm. (B)

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

Moscow Metro Tour

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Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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