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Embark on a Full-day bus trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Meteora’s rock formations and ancient monasteries on a guided bus tour from Thessaloniki.
- Free cancellation (Cancel up to 24 hours prior departure for a full refund)
- Book with the local experts
- Starting Time: 8:00
- Departure: from Thessaloniki
- Duration: 11 hours
- Max People: 20
- Live English speaking local tour leader
- Dresscode applied - Click to learn more
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Itinerary
We depart to Meteora with the bus of Ammon Express along with our friendly trip attendant-archaeologist, at 08:00 from Aristotelous Square & Egnatia Street (at the statue of Venizelos).
The distance is 230km and lasts approximately 3 hours. During our way, there is a 30’ stop for rest and coffee.
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*:
- the women’s monastery of Saint Stefanos with the impressive wood-carved iconostasis and the magnificent view of the city of Kalampaka, the river Lithaios and the plain,
- the monastery of the Holy Trinity at the steepest rock of Meteora, through stairs cut through the stone,
- the women’s monastery of Rousanou with the extraordinary wall paintings of the small church, and the verdant path leading to it,
- the Varlaam monastery with the valuable surviving frescoes of the painter of icons Frangos Katelanos and, among others, the thirteen-ton wooden barrel,
- the monastery of the Transfiguration (Metamorphosis) of Christ, which is the largest monastery of Meteora,
- the monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas, with the frescoes of the famous painter of icons Theophanes the Cretan, which has a balcony that is a stone’s throw away from the huge rocks.
*Every Monday we visit the monasteries of Varlaam and Rousanou, every Wednesday and Sunday the monasteries of Saint Stefanos and Varlaam and every Friday the monasteries of Rousanou and Saint Stefanos.
The monasteries are built οn the peak of the huge rocks, and form the second most important complex of monasteries after Mt. Athos. In the past, there were twenty four monasteries but today only the six of them operate properly. In 1988, Meteora joined the list of the World Heritage sites of UNESCO.
For your convenience, the bus stops in front of the entrance of the Holy Monasteries.
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 is included
- Round-trip transportation to Meteora
- English speaking trip attendant-archaeologist
- Basic travel insurance (during transport)
What is not included
- Entrance fee 5€ per monastery (only in cash), valid for all non-Greek citizens
- Tour-guide inside the monasteries
- Cost of lunch at the restaurant
Cancellation policy
- 100% refund if you cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before the start time of the tour
- Unused features are non-refundable. No-shows forfeit the entire payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in the Full-Day Bus Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki?
The tour includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus, an English-speaking trip attendant-archaeologist, visits to two of the six active Meteora monasteries (entrance fees not included), and a traditional lunch break in the village of Kastraki.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, departing from Thessaloniki at 08:00 AM and returning around 19:00 PM.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, departing from Thessaloniki at 08:00 AM and returning around 19:00 PM.
Are there any dress code requirements for visiting the monasteries?
Yes, modest attire is required. Men should wear long pants, and women should wear skirts or dresses that cover the knees and tops with sleeves. Some monasteries may provide wraps if needed.
Is the tour suitable for children and elderly travelers?
The tour is designed to accommodate travelers of all ages. However, please note that visiting the monasteries involves climbing stairs and walking on uneven terrain.
Can I take photographs during the tour?
Photography is allowed in most outdoor areas. However, photography inside the monasteries may be restricted. Always follow the guidelines provided by the monastery staff.
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Book with confidence
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Small size groups
- Quality & value for your money
- Local expertise and 24/7 help and assistance during your trip
- Book with the locals! We are actually located here, in Meteora!