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
Day 1
AM – Pick up from Hotel, Airport or Port
Stop at Thermopylae
Lunch
Stop at Trikala Bridges
Arrive at your Meteora Hotel
Sunset photo opportunity
Drop off at restaurant
Day 2
AM – Explore up to 4 Monasteries at Meteora with a licensed guide at 2
Visit the Cave of Theropetra
Lunch
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
Inclusions
- 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
Exclusions
- 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.
Kastraki at night
