From Thessaloniki: Full Day Trip to Meteora

Exploring the breathtaking Meteora region from Thessaloniki is an opportunity not to be missed. This full-day excursion promises an unforgettable adventure, immersing visitors in the rich history and spiritual ambiance of two remarkable 9th-century monasteries. Travelers will marvel at intricate frescoes, religious icons, and panoramic vistas while gaining insights into the centuries-old monastic traditions that have shaped this UNESCO World Heritage site. With comfortable transportation and flexible booking options, this experience offers a chance to step back in time and uncover the captivating essence of this natural and cultural wonder. What awaits those who embark on this journey is a true testament to the enduring legacy of Meteora.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Full-Day Tours In Thessaloniki.

Contents hide

1 Trip Overview

2 Meteora Experience

3 Transportation Details

4 Inclusions and Exclusions

5 Important Information

6 Customer Feedback

7 Pricing and Cancellation

8 Visit Duration

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

A full-day trip from Thessaloniki to the stunning Meteora monasteries, exploring two well-preserved 9th-century Orthodox monasteries with guided insights.
Luxury air-conditioned bus transportation with central pick-up/drop-off in Thessaloniki, arriving in Kalambaka around 11:30 AM and departing at 3:30 PM.
Admission fees to the monasteries, along with an English-speaking guide, included in the discounted price of Kč1,230 per person.
Panoramic views of the sandstone peaks and valleys, as well as insights into the monasteries’ centuries-old monastic traditions and daily life.
Trip duration of approximately 11 hours, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option available.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview

This full-day trip from Thessaloniki to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora takes approximately 11 hours and costs Kč1,640 per person, which can be reduced to Kč1,230 with advance booking.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Travelers will explore two well-preserved monasteries out of the six remaining, with four still inhabited. They’ll admire the extraordinary frescoes and religious icons, and enjoy free time in Kalambaka for lunch.

Transportation is provided via a luxury air-conditioned bus, with pick-up and drop-off service from central locations in Thessaloniki.

The estimated arrival in Kalambaka is 11:30 AM, with departure at 3:30 PM, and return to Thessaloniki around 6:45 PM.

Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Thessaloniki

Meteora Experience

Visitors explore two well-preserved monasteries at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora, which was established by Eastern Orthodox monks in the 9th century.

These remarkable monasteries feature:

Extraordinary frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings.
Stunning religious icons and other sacred artifacts.
Panoramic views of the surrounding sandstone peaks and valleys.
Insights into the centuries-old monastic traditions and daily life.

With free time in the town of Kalambaka, travelers can enjoy a local lunch (not included) before returning to Thessaloniki.

Throughout the experience, visitors are captivated by Meteora’s unique blend of natural and spiritual wonders, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for this historic site.

Transportation Details

After exploring the remarkable monasteries and landscapes of Meteora, travelers embark on a comfortable journey back to Thessaloniki. The full-day trip is facilitated by luxury air-conditioned buses that provide pick-up and drop-off service from central locations in Thessaloniki. The estimated arrival in Kalambaka is around 11:30 AM, allowing for free time to enjoy lunch, before the departure at 3:30 PM. Travelers can expect to arrive back in Thessaloniki around 6:45 PM, completing the 11-hour excursion.

Transportation Details
Travel by	Luxury air-conditioned bus
Pick-up/drop-off	From central locations in Thessaloniki
Estimated arrival	Kalambaka: 11:30 AM
Departure	Kalambaka: 3:30 PM
Arrival back in	Thessaloniki: around 6:45 PM

Inclusions and Exclusions

The trip package includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees of €3 per monastery, as well as all applicable taxes. However, lunch and personal expenses aren’t covered.

The trip offers the following inclusions:

Luxury air-conditioned bus transportation.
Knowledgeable English-speaking guide to enhance the Meteora experience.
Admission fees to two well-preserved monasteries within the UNESCO World Heritage site.
All relevant taxes and charges.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Participants are advised to wear appropriate clothing to comply with monastery dress code requirements.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Important Information

Appropriate attire is required for entry into the monasteries, as they uphold traditional dress codes. Women must wear long sleeves and avoid short skirts, while men aren’t permitted to wear shorts. This is to respect the religious nature of the sites.

Visitors should also note that the monasteries aren’t wheelchair accessible.

The meeting point for this tour is the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos, where a representative holding a name list will be waiting to greet the group. Guests are advised to arrive on time, as the tour departs promptly.

Following these guidelines will ensure a smooth and respectful experience during the visit to the UNESCO-listed Meteora monasteries.

Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Thessaloniki

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 for this full-day trip to Meteora based on 138 reviews, highlighting the impressive landscapes, knowledgeable guides, and comfortable travel arrangements.

The guide has received a high rating of 4.8 out of 5, while the transportation and service have also been praised with scores of 4.5 and 4.3 respectively.

Reviewers have noted:

The awe-inspiring scenery of the Meteora monasteries perched atop towering rock formations.
The guide’s extensive knowledge about the history and significance of the Eastern Orthodox sites.
The convenience of the air-conditioned bus and door-to-door pick-up and drop-off service.
The smooth organization of the day-long excursion from start to finish.

Pricing and Cancellation

This full-day trip to Meteora offers a competitive pricing structure, with the regular price of Kč1,640 per person reduced to Kč1,230 – a savings of Kč410.

Plus, the operator provides a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, as well as a reserve now and pay later option to accommodate travelers’ scheduling needs.

This flexibility ensures that customers can book their experience with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary without incurring any additional costs.

The pricing and cancellation policies make this Meteora day trip an attractive option for those looking to explore this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site while staying within their budget and maintaining flexibility.

Visit Duration

The full-day trip to Meteora spans a duration of 11 hours, providing ample time for visitors to enjoy the rich history and awe-inspiring landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During this comprehensive excursion, travelers will embark on the journey from Thessaloniki at a convenient time, arriving in Kalambaka around 11:30 AM.

They will explore two well-preserved monasteries, marveling at their extraordinary frescoes and religious icons.

Plus, visitors can enjoy free time in Kalambaka, allowing for a leisurely lunch and further exploration of the charming town.

The trip concludes with a departure from Meteora at 3:30 PM, arriving back in Thessaloniki around 6:45 PM, leaving enough time to reflect on the day’s captivating experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for Women Visiting the Monasteries?

Women must wear long sleeves and avoid short skirts when visiting the monasteries. Appropriate clothing is required for entry, as per the religious customs and traditions observed at these sacred sites.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Trip?

The tour does not include lunch, so passengers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to consume during the free time in Kalambaka. However, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the monasteries.

Are There Any Stops or Breaks During the Bus Ride?

The trip includes a stop for lunch in Kalambaka, allowing travelers to explore the town and find a suitable dining option. Plus, there may be brief rest stops along the way to and from Meteora, though the exact schedule is not specified.

Is This Trip Suitable for People With Disabilities or Mobility Issues?

The trip may not be suitable for people with disabilities or mobility issues. The itinerary notes it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and exploring the monasteries involves navigating steep staircases and uneven terrain.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Trip to Run?

The tour operator generally requires a minimum of 2 participants for the trip to run. However, they may occasionally operate the tour with just 1 participant to provide flexibility, though this is not guaranteed. Travellers should check with the operator for the latest policy.