Full-Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki

Embark on a full-day trip from Thessaloniki to the enchanting Meteora. Marvel at the gigantic rocks and visit the awe-inspiring monasteries perched on their peaks. A UNESCO World Heritage site not to be missed!

Duration: 11 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Meteora - We reach Meteora at around 12:30p.m; this fascinating complex of huge steep rocks of pennant, arising close to the first elevations of the longest sierra in Greece, Pindos (the “spine” of Greece). We visit two of the six operating Holy Monasteries depending on the schedule of each one.

During our visits to the monasteries we make a short stop to admire the stunning panoramic view of the Holy Monasteries from up high and capture the mystique of the landscape. The wild unapproachable area with the sandstones of more than 65 millions years old is majestic and at the same time unearthly and divine as until today their origin cannot be explained.
Next, we enjoy our greek traditional lunch break in Kastraki, at Kalampaka area, against the view of the astonishing Meteora.

We depart to Thessaloniki at around 15:30p.m and we have a last stop for 20΄ for coffee and rest. We are back at about 19:00p.m, making the same stops where we started from.

What's Included
  • Basic travel insurance during transport
  • English-speaking excursion attendant
  • Round-trip transport to Meteora
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fees (€3 per monastery – cash only)
  • Guided tour inside the monasteries and museums
  • The cost of the lunch at the restaurant
  • Tips
Additional Information

A trip to the captivating Meteora is one of the few sights that inspire excitement in travelers. The immense rocks, with their astonishing breadth and height, punctuating the edge of a vast plain seem as if they are out of this world, contributing to an awe-inspiring geological spectacle you should not miss observing up close. What’s more, the human touch on this otherworldly landscape is remarkable: Monasteries perched on the pinnacle of the rocks, appear to be suspended between earth and heaven, between the human and divine realm. In 1989, Meteora joined the ranks of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

  • Our trip attendant shall wear a clothing with the AMMON Express marking so that he will be recognisable easily.
  • You should be at the departure points 10’ before the time indicated in the schedule. The bus cannot remain at designated stops, except for boarding.
  • The monasteries have strict dress rules prohibiting entry to male visitors wearing shorts and women visitors with sleeveless sweatshirts. Women need a long skirt/ dress to enter the monasteries.
  • The approach to the monasteries is achieved through stairs and requires comfortable footwear.
  • Please be consistent with the exact appointment times specified by the Ammon Express escort, so that the excursion to Meteora will remain unforgettable to all participants.
  • Please bring cαsh with you for entrance fees (€3 per monastery)
Location
Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos
Egnatia
Aristotelous square and Egnatia square in front of Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos at 08:00
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(389 Ratings)
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Miriesch
Jul 26, 2024
You must see it! - Although it was very hot,there are not enough superlatives to describe Meteora,or the Hanging Monasteries.The hike was not easy,but it was worthwhile and more.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aspasia_k
Jul 16, 2024
A bucket list item ticked off - It truly was a memorable day- one that my family will never forget We were very grateful to have Eleni as our tour guide and Ilia was a very safe driver around those windy roads
Review provided by Viator
Milenka_l
Jul 6, 2024
Breathtaking, I’m speechless 😶 - To see it is the only way to believe the beauty of this wonder of the world. I highly recommend it. I was truly mesmerised by the beauty and spirituality that I felt.
Review provided by Viator
Tejas_p
Jul 1, 2024
Perfect Experience! - It was a very well planned trip…the guide was so informative… had enough time everywhere….the lunch place was awesome…highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Sharon_b
Jul 1, 2024
A LONG DAYTRIP MADE ENJOYABLE - I have to commend both staff members on their excellent work! They were conscientious, kind, and caring. They stayed on schedule, were helpful, yet not in-your-face All the time.
Review provided by Viator
Georg
Jun 26, 2024
a tour that pays off - Pleasant but long bus ride with great travel companion who also explains a lot during the outward journey. Meteora itself was also impressively and perfectly explained by our guide. The stopover on the long bus trip (about 3.5 hours from Thessaloniki) is necessary, especially if you are slightly taller and your knees are stuck to the front seat. The restaurant on the return journey was optimally prepared without great waiting times you received the food.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alan_j
Jun 16, 2024
Fantastic day out to Meteora - Fantastic day out to Meteora. Our tour guide Margarita was excellent. She spoke excellent English and explained everything about the day and displayed excellent knowledge. We spoke to her at a couple of the stops at the monasteries and very pleasant to talk to. The monasteries were great to see and the views were superb. It’s an area people should go and see for the sheer beauty of the UNESCO area. We had an excellent lunch at a local taverna, the Panoramic taverna at the base of the peaks. Food and service were both excellent. It was a long day but well worth it.
Review provided by Viator
Peter_b
Jun 15, 2024
Long, but great day. - The view of the four visible monasteries. Very long day due to road closures and very hot. This did not detract from a great day with a superb guide and patient driver.
Review provided by Viator
Wseneviratne
Jun 10, 2024
Remarkable views! - Very knowledgeable and courteous host. Easy instructions. Comfortable day trip. Views are spectacular!
Review provided by Viator
Aleksandra_s
Jun 6, 2024
Best time to visit in May, and prepare yourself for stairs; an amazing experience nonetheless - The geology of the place is absolutely amazing. There is something mystical about it - just imagine the forces of nature involved in creating these magnificent rocks. This is my second trip to Meteora, the first was back in 1995. At the time, only the Great Meteora was accessible by stairs (200+), so it is nice to see the other monasteries too. However, it is the Great Meteora that has the frescoes and Byzantine art dating back to the 14th / 15th century. The other monasteries seem renovated, and the artwork more recent / contemporary. It doesn't diminish their value and their beauty, however, it lacks the grandeur and the patina. I understand that the trip had to be adjusted to all abilities, and even the 120 stairs to St Varlaam proved a bit too much for my mum. The photo opportunities were better this time (will upload as soon as), and the eating places at the bottom were really good too, with traditional souvlaki portion adjusted to the time the tourists had for lunch, but nonetheless, freshly prepared. I'd also recommend the Greek salad, dripping in high-quality, thick olive oil. Almost none of the area was built up when I first visited. Now there are guest houses one can stay in to immerse oneself with the place. Our guides were pleasant and forthcoming; I completely appreciate the complexity of their job: with such beauty and the desire to photograph, it was sometimes like herding cats. All in all, I'd thoroughly recommend the visit to those who are able to; it is a bit of a trek, but well worth it.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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