Athens 14-Hour Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Bus Tour with Pickup
by Keytours - Greece
Choose from 2 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€168Overview
This full-day bus tour from Athens takes about 14 hours and includes roundtrip transportation to Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its monasteries perched on tall rock pillars. The journey begins early from a central Athens hotel, with a pickup service provided. The group travels in an air-conditioned coach through the Greek countryside, stopping for a seaside brunch in Kamena Vourla. Upon arrival in Kalambaka, participants transfer to a local minibus and join a guided tour visiting three of Meteora’s six monasteries: Varlaam, Great Meteoron, and St. Stephen’s. The guide shares historical details and stories while the group explores the monasteries’ chapels, frescoes, and panoramic views. The tour also includes a visit to the hermit caves of Badovas, showcasing the austere living quarters of early monks. An audio guide is available for the monasteries, providing additional information as visitors walk inside. An optional Greek lunch with ten dishes including vegetarian options is served in Kastraki village near the monasteries. On the return journey, there is an optional dinner stop in Kamena Vourla by the sea. The tour concludes with a return to Athens by late evening. The package includes a free map and bottled water, and an English-speaking local leader accompanies the group throughout. Entrance fees to the monasteries are not included and are payable on site in cash. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing for monastery entry and be prepared to climb stairs, although seating is available near the parking areas for those who need it.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Athens
Board the 07:30 am bus opposite the Athens Railway Station and travel in an air-conditioned coach through the Greek countryside. Arrival in Kalambaka is expected around 12:30 pm.
Kamena Vourla
Pause for a calm brunch by the sea, away from highway rest areas. Guests may pre-order meals via the onboard app. Coffee and light meals are available with ocean views.
30 min
Kastraki
Arrive in Kalambaka at about 12:30 pm and transfer to a local VIP minibus. Meet a guide who will lead visits to three main monasteries and photo stops at six locations, sharing historical and spiritual insights.
40 min
Varlaam Monastery
Explore Varlaam Monastery, Meteora’s second largest, located on a rocky peak. Learn about its 16th-century origins and the monks’ methods for transporting materials. View frescoed chapels, relics, and wide landscape views.
45 min
Great Meteoron Monastery
Visit the largest and oldest Meteora monastery, built on a high rock and named for appearing suspended in air. Founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite, it was the first organized monastic community in the area.
Meteora
Examine the remote hermit caves of Badovas, reflecting the solitude of early Meteora monks. Discover remnants of their simple cliffside shelters and learn about their austere lifestyle.
25 min
St. Stephen’s Monastery Access
Visit St. Stephen’s Monastery, the easiest to reach without stairs, via a short bridge walk. Established in the 12th century, it includes a 16th-century chapel and an 18th-century cathedral housing relics of Saint Charalambos.
30 min
Return to Kalambaka and Departure
After the day’s visits, transfer back to Kalambaka for free time and optional light lunch (not included). The bus departs Kalambaka at 5:35 p.m. and arrives in Athens at 9:58 p.m.
60 min
Agios Nikolaos Anapaphsas
Pass by the Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas, founded at the end of the 14th century, on the route toward Meteora.
10 min
Kalambaka
Drive past and observe panoramic views of the town of Kalampaka.
Roussanou Monastery
See the Holy Monastery of Roussanou, named after its first hermit and established in the late 16th century. Located on a lower rock, it was damaged during World War II and converted into a convent in 1988.
10 min
Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada)
Approach the Holy Trinity Monastery, which requires climbing about 140 steps to reach its summit atop a steep rock. It is located near St. Stephen’s Nunnery and offers extensive views.
10 min
Kamena Vourla
On the return journey, there is an optional dinner stop in a coastal town to enjoy Greek cuisine and a sunset by the water.
45 min
Meeting point
You need to be at the opposite side of the Athens Railway Station at 07:30 am. You can reach the Athens Railway Station by metro, getting off at the Larissis Metro Station.
End point
You need to be at the opposite side of the Athens Railway Station at 07:30 am. You can reach the Athens Railway Station by metro, getting off at the Larissis Metro Station.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Athens 14-Hour Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Bus Tour with Pickup
by Keytours - Greece
Choose from 2 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€168Overview
This full-day bus tour from Athens takes about 14 hours and includes roundtrip transportation to Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its monasteries perched on tall rock pillars. The journey begins early from a central Athens hotel, with a pickup service provided. The group travels in an air-conditioned coach through the Greek countryside, stopping for a seaside brunch in Kamena Vourla. Upon arrival in Kalambaka, participants transfer to a local minibus and join a guided tour visiting three of Meteora’s six monasteries: Varlaam, Great Meteoron, and St. Stephen’s. The guide shares historical details and stories while the group explores the monasteries’ chapels, frescoes, and panoramic views. The tour also includes a visit to the hermit caves of Badovas, showcasing the austere living quarters of early monks. An audio guide is available for the monasteries, providing additional information as visitors walk inside. An optional Greek lunch with ten dishes including vegetarian options is served in Kastraki village near the monasteries. On the return journey, there is an optional dinner stop in Kamena Vourla by the sea. The tour concludes with a return to Athens by late evening. The package includes a free map and bottled water, and an English-speaking local leader accompanies the group throughout. Entrance fees to the monasteries are not included and are payable on site in cash. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing for monastery entry and be prepared to climb stairs, although seating is available near the parking areas for those who need it.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Athens
Board the 07:30 am bus opposite the Athens Railway Station and travel in an air-conditioned coach through the Greek countryside. Arrival in Kalambaka is expected around 12:30 pm.
Kamena Vourla
Pause for a calm brunch by the sea, away from highway rest areas. Guests may pre-order meals via the onboard app. Coffee and light meals are available with ocean views.
30 min
Kastraki
Arrive in Kalambaka at about 12:30 pm and transfer to a local VIP minibus. Meet a guide who will lead visits to three main monasteries and photo stops at six locations, sharing historical and spiritual insights.
40 min
Varlaam Monastery
Explore Varlaam Monastery, Meteora’s second largest, located on a rocky peak. Learn about its 16th-century origins and the monks’ methods for transporting materials. View frescoed chapels, relics, and wide landscape views.
45 min
Great Meteoron Monastery
Visit the largest and oldest Meteora monastery, built on a high rock and named for appearing suspended in air. Founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite, it was the first organized monastic community in the area.
Meteora
Examine the remote hermit caves of Badovas, reflecting the solitude of early Meteora monks. Discover remnants of their simple cliffside shelters and learn about their austere lifestyle.
25 min
St. Stephen’s Monastery Access
Visit St. Stephen’s Monastery, the easiest to reach without stairs, via a short bridge walk. Established in the 12th century, it includes a 16th-century chapel and an 18th-century cathedral housing relics of Saint Charalambos.
30 min
Return to Kalambaka and Departure
After the day’s visits, transfer back to Kalambaka for free time and optional light lunch (not included). The bus departs Kalambaka at 5:35 p.m. and arrives in Athens at 9:58 p.m.
60 min
Agios Nikolaos Anapaphsas
Pass by the Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas, founded at the end of the 14th century, on the route toward Meteora.
10 min
Kalambaka
Drive past and observe panoramic views of the town of Kalampaka.
Roussanou Monastery
See the Holy Monastery of Roussanou, named after its first hermit and established in the late 16th century. Located on a lower rock, it was damaged during World War II and converted into a convent in 1988.
10 min
Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada)
Approach the Holy Trinity Monastery, which requires climbing about 140 steps to reach its summit atop a steep rock. It is located near St. Stephen’s Nunnery and offers extensive views.
10 min
Kamena Vourla
On the return journey, there is an optional dinner stop in a coastal town to enjoy Greek cuisine and a sunset by the water.
45 min
Meeting point
You need to be at the opposite side of the Athens Railway Station at 07:30 am. You can reach the Athens Railway Station by metro, getting off at the Larissis Metro Station.
End point
You need to be at the opposite side of the Athens Railway Station at 07:30 am. You can reach the Athens Railway Station by metro, getting off at the Larissis Metro Station.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.