Monastery of St. Stephen

Booked 50+ times last week

Take an once-in-a-lifetime trip to visit the majestic Meteora Unesco World Heritage Site on our exclusive 1 day tour from Athens in the mainland of Greece from the top rated local agency in the area. Learn about the geology and history of the magnificent location, and immerse yourself in the rich religious culture by visiting 3 of the 8 remaining monasteries that were built on the rocks of Meteora. Have an expert local guide in the minibus to learn more and get around hassle-free. Expertly Crafted Itinerary: Immerse yourself in a meticulously designed tour, curated by local experts deeply rooted in the Meteora region, ensuring an authentic and enriching experience. Stop at breathtaking viewpoints to take memorable photos and take some free time to enjoy authentic Greek food. You will also see the famous Hermit Caves and some other secret places that only locals know, about the majestic rocks of Meteora. Depart at 08:00 am from Larissa Station, Athens by a comfortable air-conditioned coach-bus that will take you to Kalabaka city in a bit less than 4 hours. You will have a short stop on the way. You will arrive at Kalabaka at approximately 13:00. The local guide will meet you there and board you in the minibus so that the Meteora Tour , exclusivily for you , begins. The Meteora tour takes you to see all the monasteries and visit 3 of them inside. The enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide accompanies you to the most awe-inspiring vistas and explains the geological phenomenon and rich history of Meteora in remarkable detail. No other Meteora tour from Athens gives you this level of immersion, meticulously organized into an all-inclusive package. Reserve your place today and admire the protected by Unesco monasteries , uncover mysterious treasures , and snap up Instagram- worthy photos at secret spots only known by a select few. Refreshing break stop will be on the way to Meteora and on the way back to Athens. If you book the option with Greek lunch included, you will have the chance, when you arrive at Meteora, to stop at an authentic restaurant – bus stop - where you will taste traditional Greek cuisine for free using our voucher. Choose one main dish out of 10 options and a Greek salad. Vegetarian – vegan options are included too. Enjoy your meal in a restaurant exclusively reserved for you at our cozy table under the trees, or take it with you. At the end of the Meteora minibus tour, at approximately 18:00 you board the bus that will drive you comfortably back to Athens, where you will arrive at approximately 10:30 p.m. Option for a private tour with options for English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, speaking guides.

Embark on an extraordinary day trip from Athens to the Unesco World Heritage Site of Meteora. Explore centuries-old monasteries, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and uncover hidden gems of Meteora that most travelers won't know about. Your journey starts as you board our privately owned, air-conditioned bus at 07:45 AM, conveniently departing from the street across the Central Railway Station of Athens (Stathmos Larisis). Sit back and enjoy a scenic bus ride through the enchanting countryside, offering picturesque glimpses of mainland Greece. By noon, you'll arrive at Meteora, where your friendly local tour guide will await you to begin an unforgettable adventure through this natural wonder called Meteora. During this guided tour, you'll be able to see all the majestic monasteries of Meteora and even step inside three of them to explore their captivating interiors. Also, you'll discover the hidden treasures of Meteora, including the ancient hermit caves and the magnificent St. George Mandilas cave. Moreover, uncover the 'secret' side of Meteora accompanied by your local, knowledgeable, English-speaking guide, learning about why hermits chose to settle in these imposing caves a thousand years ago and the remarkable achievements of the monks. Immerse yourself in the rich history and intriguing myths of Meteora, as you hear detailed explanations and fascinating stories. If English isn’t your primary language, don’t worry! We also offer free audio guides in Spanish, French, and Italian. Throughout our journey, also take advantage of our multiple panoramic stops to capture stunning moments with your camera, creating lasting memories of this breathtaking tour. Additionally (exclusive to this tour), discover the charming small town of Kalambaka located in the foothills of Meteora. If you choose the option with lunch, enjoy a delightful, traditional Greek lunch at a local restaurant. Your meal will include a fresh salad, a choice of main dish (with multiple options to cater to your preferences), freshly baked bread, and refreshing water. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. If you choose the option without lunch, enjoy some free time in the charming town of Kalambaka to explore its numerous restaurants, cafes, and local shops. Relax under the breathtaking Meteora formations or take a short walk to the heart of this small picturesque town. Come evening, we'll set off on our journey back to Athens, and you can expect to arrive there at approximately 10:15 PM.

Join this morning sightseeing tour to Meteora (designed and operated by true locals) and fully experience this true wonder accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable local guide. The tour starts with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraki. During this guided tour you will have the opportunity to see all six magnificent monasteries of Meteora and admire the interior of three of them. Additionally, view some of Meteora’s most spectacular hidden gems like the ancient Chapel of Doupiani and the magnificent St. George “Mandilas” cave. You will also discover the “other side” of Meteora, like the truth about why the hermits settled in these imposing caves a thousand years ago and how the monks achieved the “impossible”. Immerse yourself in the rich history and intriguing myths of Meteora, as you hear detailed explanations and fascinating stories directly from your local, English-speaking guide. If English isn’t your primary language, don’t worry! We also offer free audio guides in Spanish, French, and Italian. Last but not least, take the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views and during our multiple sightseeing stops capture some amazing photos that you will cherish forever.

Join this extraordinary sunset tour to Meteora and fully experience this true marvel with it’s majestic monasteries and ancient rock formations. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide you will learn all about Meteora’s history and myths of the region. The tour starts with a convenient pick-up (with our luxurious minibus) from your hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraki. During this guided tour you will have the opportunity to see all six majestic monasteries and admire the interior of one of them. You will also view some of Meteora’s most spectacular “hidden gems” like the ancient hermitages of Bandovas, the Byzantine church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary and the picturesque old district of Kalabaka. Last but not least, you will enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views, capture some amazing photos and witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets you will ever see.

Your 4-hour sunset tour begins with a pick-up at your Kalambaka or Kastraki hotel, and a drive by minibus to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora at the amazing views of Meteora in top of the world. Travel in comfort and safety in an air-conditioned minibus to the unique and world-famous rock forest of Meteora. Enjoy a comprehensive tour that takes you to all 6 monasteries, with the opportunity to visit the interior of 1 or 2 of them. Your tour leader will remain with you throughout, providing information about the area in your language. Avoid the traffic and parking problems. At the end of the monastery tour you’ll be able to enjoy one of the best sunsets in Greece from the best vantage point in Meteora.

After a pick-up at your hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraki you’ll travel a few miles northwest from Kalabaka, to Meteora. The impressive rocks of Meteora rise from the plains of Thessaly, and are one of the most amazing sites in Greece. Many centuries ago, on these gigantic rocks reaching heights of close to 2,000 feet, one of the most important monastic communities of Greece was formed. During this 4-hour tour you’ll experience spectacular landscapes and marvel at the Byzantine monasteries perched atop the steep rocks. The group will be small and the local guide will give you all the historical background of this unique place. Today 6 monasteries are still active, operated by a small number of monks and nuns who reside in Meteora. You’ll be able to see all 6 monasteries and have the chance to visit inside 3 of them and admire their priceless artifacts. There will be numerous photo stops along the way, so you'll be able to record your memories. Enjoy short walks during the excursion as well , only by us.

Since you are visiting Meteora for a few hours you have to spend your time in the best way and enjoy as much as you can this amazing phenomenon. This tour is specially designed for people that traveling from Athens or Thessaloniki to Meteora and departing the same day. You can also join if you are already in the area or if you are travelling by car or intercity bus. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora on a guided tour. Learn about the history, architecture, and spirituality of Meteora's monasteries from your guide. Hop aboard a comfortable vehicle and make a short stop before the tour starts for lunch (not included in the price). See the entire area , all the monasteries and take the best panoramic photos with our , expert in the area , local tour leader. After boarding our mini-bus you will begin your wonderful about 5 hrs tour to see all the area of Meteora, all 6 active Monasteries and visit inside 3 of them. Our Tour Leader will give you full attention and care as the group will be small. Plenty of photo opportunity stops and many secrets places that only locals know will make your tour a lifetime experience. See also the Hermit Caves of Badovas exclusively in this tour. In essence, you will be given the chance to fully experience the magnificence of Meteora, a place that is honored by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, learn about its history, the architecture and the spirituality of the Monasteries, and see for yourselves this unique creation of nature. Please note that your transfer from Athens ( if option is selected) is temporarily done by an airconditioned bus departing from the Athens Train station, instead of a train. The reason is that trains have stopped operations due to a devastating flood. You will still enjoy the experience in the most stress-free manner possible. Not only is the bus ride to Kalabaka efficient and a bit faster, but it also allows you to soak up the enchanting countryside of Greece. Awe at the gorgeous landscapes that unfold before your eyes and prepare yourself for the wonders of Meteora to come.

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 7.89+ miles-long tour covers the essentials of Meteora in 3-4 hours. Once downloaded, make your way to the Municipal Square in Kalabaka to begin your tour. As you drive through town, you’ll hear about the geological history of Meteora and get acquainted with the hermit monks who settled there centuries ago. Then, you’ll see the hermit caves of Badovas, a great example of what those earliest dwellings looked like. After that, you’ll see the Doupiani Rock, where the very first hermit monks once lived. Then you’ll glimpse the cliff cave where climbers drape colorful scarves in honor of Saint George. Next, you’ll arrive at the Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas, the first of the major monasteries you’ll visit along your route. That’s quickly followed by a look at the so-called Prison of the Monks, where penitent monks once sequestered themselves. The Holy Monastery of St. Barbara Roussanou waits ahead, where you’ll learn about two brothers who revived it after it fell into disrepair. Then it’s on to the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, the second largest monastery in Meteora. The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron is your next stop. This sprawling complex is the largest of the monasteries, and an absolute can’t-miss destination! After that, you’ll pass a couple of incredible vistas boasting unbelievable views of Meteora’s rock formations. Just beyond those, you’ll find the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, today occupied by a single monk who manages the entire estate! Finally, you’ll arrive at the Monastery of St. Stephen, the most accessible of the monasteries as it requires no stone steps to reach. Your tour concludes here.

Our day tour will start early in the morning and our first stop will be after 2hs and 15min., in Thermopylae. At this point Leonidas' 300 faced the Persian army in a battle that shaped the result of the war although it had been lost for the Greeks. We will also visit the Thermopylae's Innovative Centre of Historical Information. After Thermopylae we will cross the plain of Thessaly region, seeing from our left the usually snowy mountain range of Pindos, as well as landscapes and picturesque villages that have not been affected by modern life and mass tourism. We’ll travel for about 2hs until we reach the area of Theopetra. Τhe Τheopetra cave is currently closed, but we will have the chance to visit the Museum and see footprints of people who lived from 130,000 to 4,000 years ago, in an area that seems to have had a continuous human presence. We’ll stay in the Museum for about 1/2hrs and then we’ll travel for about 15min until we reach Meteora. The imposing Meteora, the vertical rock formations up to 200m high, were created during the Oligocene and Miocene eras. About 30 monasteries were built since the 11th century on these rocks, while 6 of them operate nowadays. It is the second most important monastic complex in Greece after Mount Athos and is included in the Unesco World Heritage List. We will have the chance to approach and visit up to 3 Monasteries, while on our way we will make as many stops as you wish to take photos and admire the great view. After our visit to the stunning Meteora, we’ll make a stop at Kalampaka, where you can taste local tasty food in one of the traditional taverns. (Note: food/drink are at your own expenses and are not included in our price). After lunch, we will travel back to Athens for almost 4 ½ hrs.

Experience the unique Unesco World Heritage site of Meteora. Take in the stunning views from the hill-like rounded boulders. Discover the 6 Holy monasteries with the chance to visit inside 2-3 of your choice. Visualize how the first monks established one of the biggest monastic communities in Greece on top of these unique rocks. Walk around the special site, which is still home to several monks in residence. Start your tour in the morning and be picked up from your hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraka. Travel towards the cliff-top monasteries comfortably and safely in a luxurious mini-bus or car. See the best viewpoints and make plenty of stops on your short walks. Learn about the geological phenomenon that occurred to form these impressive rocks.