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Meteora: A Private Journey to the Monasteries in the sky

7 Reviews 4.86 out of 5 stars Based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Athens, Greece
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from $388.04 per person

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On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.
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11 to 14 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Dear travellers welcome!
Visiting the Six Monasteries of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a breathtaking journey through one of Greece’s most remarkable landscapes. Departing from Athens, the trip takes about three and a half hours, offering travelers stunning views of the Greek countryside along the way. Meteora's monasteries, perched atop towering rock formations, are both a spiritual and architectural wonder, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Greek Orthodox monastic life. This day trip is ideal for those looking to explore beyond the bustling city of Athens and immerse themselves in the natural and historical beauty of Greece.

What's Included

  • Pick up from your Athens Hotel, Airbnb or Cruise ship.
  • Comfortable transportation. A/C, Bottled Water
  • Expert Athenian, fluent in English driver guide. CANNOT enter the sites with guests.
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities (At your discretion)
  • Entrance fee for each monastery
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Pick and drop off included from your accommodation or Cruise ship. Airport pick up or drop off and also areas far from Athens will have an additional cost.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Meteora

Starting from Athens early in the morning, the trip north to the monasteries of Meteora is a delightful journey through Greece's diverse landscapes. As the sun rises, you drive past the bustling city into the peaceful countryside road lined with rolling farmlands and fields of cotton swaying in the breeze. You can admire coastline, sparkling lakes and mountains with the distant silhouette of the Pindus Mountains growing larger as you head north. The scenery shifts from open plains to lush, forested hills, and as you approach Meteora, the majestic rock formations emerge, towering against the sky. The combination of farmland, cotton fields, and mountain views makes this trip a serene and picturesque experience, setting the perfect tone for a visit to the monasteries.
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3 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Holy Monastery of Rousanos - Saint Barbara

The Monastery of Roussanou, located in the awe-inspiring Meteora region of Greece, is perched gracefully atop a narrow rock pillar. Founded in the 16th century, it was dedicated to St. Barbara and is currently a convent for nuns. Its relatively easy access via staircases and bridges makes it one of the more visited monasteries in the area. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible, while the serene setting offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley and rock formations. Roussanou exudes a tranquil atmosphere, making it a peaceful retreat for spiritual contemplation and admiration of Meteora’s natural beauty.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Varlaam Monastery

The Monastery of Varlaam, one of the most significant and visited monasteries in Meteora, Greece, is perched atop a soaring sandstone rock formation. Founded in the mid-14th century and expanded in the 16th century, it was named after the monk Varlaam who first ascended the rock and established a small chapel. The monastery is known for its stunning Byzantine architecture and remarkable frescoes, particularly in the Church of All Saints. Visitors must climb a series of steps to reach the monastery, but the reward is a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape and a chance to explore its historical treasures, including a museum with religious artifacts and manuscripts.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Great Meteoron Monastery

The Great Meteoron Monastery, also known as the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ, is the largest and most historically significant monastery in Meteora, Greece. Founded in the 14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite, it sits atop the highest rock formation in the region, offering breathtaking views. The monastery played a crucial role in preserving Orthodox Christian traditions and culture during the Ottoman period. Inside, visitors can explore its stunning frescoes, the main church, and a museum that displays religious icons, manuscripts, and artifacts from its long history. Its majestic architecture and rich spiritual heritage make it a centerpiece of the Meteora monastic complex.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada)

The Holy Trinity Monastery in Meteora, Greece, is one of the most iconic and isolated of the Meteora monasteries, dramatically perched on a solitary rock pillar. Founded in the 15th century, the monastery is known for its difficult access, requiring visitors to ascend a steep staircase carved into the rock, which adds to its aura of seclusion and serenity. Inside, it houses beautiful frescoes, relics, and a small chapel dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The monastery's remote position offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and it is perhaps most famous for being featured in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. Holy Trinity Monastery remains a testament to the ascetic life and spiritual devotion of Meteora's monks.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Holy Monastery of Saint Stephan

St. Stephen's Monastery is one of the most accessible monasteries in Meteora, Greece, as it is located on a relatively flat rock, unlike the more remote ones perched on steep cliffs. Founded in the 14th century, it is now a convent for nuns and has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The monastery is known for its beautiful 16th-century church, dedicated to St. Stephen, and another modern church dedicated to St. Charalambos, which houses an impressive collection of relics. The nuns maintain lush gardens within the complex, and the views over the surrounding plains of Thessaly are breathtaking. St. Stephen's Monastery offers a blend of spiritual serenity and historical richness in the heart of Meteora.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas at Meteora

The Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas is one of the six active monasteries in the Meteora region of Greece, perched dramatically on a narrow rock pillar. Built in the 14th century, it is the first monastery visitors encounter when ascending the rocks of Meteora. The monastery's small size is due to the limited space on its rock foundation, but it houses exquisite frescoes by the Cretan painter Theophanes Strelitzas. Its secluded location and tranquil surroundings make it a serene retreat for spiritual reflection, with stunning views over the valley below.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Battlefield of Thermopylae

Stopping at the Thermopylae battlefield, where the Spartans made their heroic stand in 480 BC, is a deeply moving experience. Here, visitors can see the imposing statue of King Leonidas, symbolizing the bravery and sacrifice of the 300 Spartans who fought valiantly against overwhelming Persian forces. Nearby, a monument honors the 700 Thespians who chose to stand alongside the Spartans, showcasing their shared courage in the face of certain death. The informative center offers valuable insights into the battle's historical context, strategy, and the profound legacy it left on Western civilization. As you walk the grounds where these legendary warriors fought, the sense of history and valor is palpable, making it a poignant stop on any journey through Greece.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travel time included in the total duration of the tour
  • If we are picking you up from the Cruise port the driver will wait for you right outside the arrivals terminal holding a sign with your name on it
  • Women are required to were long skirt or dress or cover legs with a scarf. Available at the monasteries for 3 euros. Also men suggested to wear long pants.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Meteora: A Private Journey to the Monasteries in the sky?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-443226P7

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Reviews

4.86
7 reviews

Average 4.86 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Meteora: A Private Journey to the Monasteries in the sky?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Pick up from your Athens Hotel, Airbnb or Cruise ship.
  • Comfortable transportation. A/C, Bottled Water.
  • Expert Athenian, fluent in English driver guide. CANNOT enter the sites with guests.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • Gratuities (At your discretion).
  • Entrance fee for each monastery.
  • Licensed Tour guide upon request with additional cost and depending upon availability.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Meteora: A Private Journey to the Monasteries in the sky is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Meteora: A Private Journey to the Monasteries in the sky will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Pick up from your Athens Hotel, Airbnb or Cruise ship.
  • Comfortable transportation. A/C, Bottled Water
  • Expert Athenian, fluent in English driver guide. CANNOT enter the sites with guests.
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities (At your discretion)
  • Entrance fee for each monastery
  • Licensed Tour guide upon request with additional cost and depending upon availability.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Travel time included in the total duration of the tour
  • If we are picking you up from the Cruise port the driver will wait for you right outside the arrivals terminal holding a sign with your name on it
  • Women are required to were long skirt or dress or cover legs with a scarf. Available at the monasteries for 3 euros. Also men suggested to wear long pants.
  • Monasteries accept only cash. 3 euros entrance fee for each monastery.
  • Operated by a business

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  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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