Meteora Overnight Tour from Athens with Guided Sunset Tour
Explore clifftop monasteries and hermit caves with round-trip transport and accommodation included
Meteora's clifftop monasteries sit atop massive rock pillars that rise 400 meters above the plain, and seeing them properly takes more than a rushed day trip. This two-day package from Athens includes round-trip transport, hotel accommodation with breakfast, and two guided tours that let you experience both the golden-hour sunset and the morning light on the rocks. Visit Byzantine monasteries and explore hidden hermit caves with a local guide who brings the fascinating history to life!
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Round-trip bus transport from Athens
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One night three-star hotel with breakfast
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Majestic sunset tour
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Morning panoramic or hiking tour
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Visit monasteries and hermit caves
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Hotel pickup in Athens
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Monastery entrance fees (€3–€5 each)
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Guide tips
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Meals
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins at Athens Railway Station (Larissa Station)
Meet your driver at 8:00 am outside Larissa Station on Diligianni Street, across from the train station entrance. Look for the bus with a "Meteora Thrones – Travel Center" sign on the window. -
2
Travel through central Greece to Kalabaka
Over the next four and a half hours, you'll pass olive groves, mountain villages, and winding valleys as your bus makes its way north toward Meteora. There are short rest stops along the way for snacks, coffee, or a quick stretch before you continue toward one of Greece's most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites. -
3
Check in to your hotel in Kalabaka
Arrive in Kalabaka around 12:30 pm and check into your three-star hotel. You'll have a short break to freshen up, drop off your bags, and prepare for your first guided tour. Soon, your guide will pick you up right from the hotel for an unforgettable afternoon. -
4
Majestic sunset tour of Meteora's monasteries and rock formations
Your first guided tour begins in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the towering rock pillars glow gold. Visit the Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen, perched high above the valley, and the Byzantine Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, decorated with centuries-old frescoes. Learn how monks carved steps into sheer cliffs and hauled building materials up using ropes and baskets. -
5
Watch the sunset over Meteora from a panoramic viewpoint
As the sun dips behind the rock giants, you'll stand at one of Meteora's most stunning overlooks. The stone pillars turn amber and rust in the fading light, and the monasteries seem to float above the valley. It's a moment that stays with you long after you leave Greece. -
6
Panoramic morning tour or authentic hiking tour of Meteora
The next morning at 9:00 am, choose between two four-hour guided experiences. The panoramic tour takes you by minibus to visit the Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, and the Holy Monastery of Rousanos (Saint Barbara), with plenty of time to explore inside and hear the history from your guide. The hiking tour follows scenic trails past dramatic rock formations and hidden hermit caves, with a monastery visit along the way. -
7
Return journey to Athens
At 6:00 pm, board your air-conditioned bus for the return trip south. Sit back and reflect on two incredible days among ancient monasteries, towering cliffs, and Greek mountain landscapes as you make your way back to the capital.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Dress Code: Appropriate clothing is required to enter the monasteries. Women must wear skirts at or below the knee—pants, shorts, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Men must wear long pants and cannot wear sleeveless clothing or shorts above the knee. Please plan your outfit accordingly.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to extensive walking, uneven terrain, and numerous stairs at the monastery sites.
Entrance Fees: Monastery entrance fees are not included in the tour price and must be paid in cash on-site. Fees are €3 to €5 per monastery, totaling approximately €28 per person. There are no ATM machines in the area, so please bring sufficient cash.
Tour Customization: On the second day, you can choose between the Panoramic Morning Meteora Tour or the Authentic Hiking Meteora Tour. Please contact us before your tour to confirm your preference. If we don't hear from you, you'll automatically be registered for the Panoramic Morning Meteora Tour.
Hotel Upgrade: This tour includes accommodation at a three-star hotel with breakfast. If you'd like to upgrade to a four-star hotel for an extra fee, please contact us to arrange.
Audio Guide: A free multilingual smart audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. Please bring earbuds and a smartphone to use the audio guide.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your 2-day tour includes:
Expert English-speaking tour guide
Round-trip transportation from Athens to Meteora by air-conditioned bus
One night accommodation at a three-star hotel with breakfast
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kalabaka for both guided tours
Majestic Sunset Meteora Tour on Day 1
Panoramic Morning Meteora Tour or Authentic Hiking Meteora Tour on Day 2
Visits to five monasteries (Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen, Byzantine Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, and Holy Monastery of Rousanos - Saint Barbara)
Hermit caves exploration
Free multilingual smart audio guide
Maximum group size of 15
What to bring:
Cash for monastery entrance fees (approximately €28 per person)
Clothing that covers shoulders and knees
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Camera
Smartphone and earbuds for audio guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, this tour is family-friendly and suitable for children. However, please note that the tour involves extensive walking, climbing stairs at the monasteries, and navigating uneven terrain. Infants must sit on laps during bus transport. All participants, including children, must wear appropriate clothing to enter the monasteries (knees and shoulders covered for all ages).
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the extensive stairs, walking, and uneven terrain at the monastery sites. Most travelers with moderate fitness levels can participate, but if you have concerns about climbing stairs or walking for extended periods, please contact us at support@thetourguy.com before booking to discuss whether this tour is right for you.
What should I know about monastery entrance fees?
Monastery entrance fees are not included in the tour price and must be paid in cash on-site. Fees range from €3 to €5 per monastery, totaling approximately €28 per person for all visits. There are no ATM machines in the area, so please bring sufficient cash with you from Athens.
Can I choose between the hiking tour and panoramic tour on Day 2?
Yes, on the second day you can choose between the Panoramic Morning Meteora Tour (by minibus) or the Authentic Hiking Meteora Tour. Please contact us before your tour date to confirm your preference. If we don't hear from you, you'll automatically be registered for the Panoramic Morning Meteora Tour.
What is the dress code for the monasteries?
Appropriate clothing is strictly required to enter the monasteries. Women must wear skirts at or below the knee—pants, shorts, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Men must wear long pants and cannot wear sleeveless clothing or shorts above the knee. Guests who do not meet the dress code may be refused entry by monastery officials.
