Explore the captivating landscape of Meteora on a two-day guided tour from Athens. This exclusive, small-group experience allows you to learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage and history. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll visit stunning monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, marvel at breathtaking views, and savor delicious buffet meals. With comfortable hotel accommodations and a guided sunset tour, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through one of Greece’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites. Discover why Meteora has captivated visitors for centuries and uncover the secrets that lie within this remarkable destination.
Key Points
- Two-day guided tour from Athens to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora, with a maximum group size of 18 participants.
- Includes an expert local guide, sunset tour, visits to three main monasteries, and accommodation with buffet breakfast and dinner.
- Offers an option to explore Kalambaka independently or join a guided sunset tour before visiting the monasteries.
- Provides insights into the rich cultural heritage and monastic life of the Meteora region.
- Tour is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars, with high praise for the expert local guide and overall organization.
Tour Overview
The two-day guided tour from Athens to Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers visitors the chance to admire the world-famous monasteries and experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
Priced from €4,029 per person, the tour is limited to a group of 18 participants and features a live English-speaking guide. Highlights include a sunset tour of Meteora and visits to the main monasteries with an expert local guide.
The tour also includes overnight accommodation in a 3-star or 4-star hotel, with buffet breakfast and dinner provided. Guests can explore the town of Kalambaka or join the guided sunset tour in the afternoon before the full-day monastery visits the next day.
Highlights of the Tour
One of the tour’s main highlights is the opportunity to admire the world-famous monasteries perched atop the stunning Meteora rock formations, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
These ancient monasteries, dating back centuries, offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and the lives of the hermits and monks who once inhabited them. Guests can explore the monasteries, learning about their history and architecture from an expert local guide.
The tour also includes a sunset tour of Meteora, allowing visitors to witness the breathtaking natural beauty of the region as the day draws to a close.
With a maximum group size of 18, the tour provides an intimate and immersive experience for participants.
Detailed Itinerary
Typically, the two-day guided tour from Athens to Meteora commences with a scenic drive through the countryside, whisking guests away from the bustling capital city.
Upon arrival, visitors have the option to explore the town of Kalambaka on their own or join a guided sunset tour of the iconic Meteora monasteries.
The following day, an expert local guide takes travelers to visit three of the main monasteries, providing insights into the rich history and cultural heritage of the hermits and monks who once inhabited the region.
Throughout the tour, participants can enjoy the natural beauty and awe-inspiring architecture that have made Meteora a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Activities and Experiences
Visitors can choose to explore the town of Kalambaka independently or join a guided sunset tour of the Meteora monasteries, providing an opportunity to witness the striking rock formations bathed in the glow of the setting sun. The next day, an expert local guide leads a tour of the three main monasteries, allowing guests to learn about the history of the hermits and monks who once inhabited the region. The tour includes a self-guided audio component, enabling visitors to explore at their own pace and delve deeper into the cultural heritage of Meteora.
| Activity | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Explore Kalambaka | Discover the town independently | Afternoon |
| Guided Sunset Tour | See Meteora’s monasteries at dusk | Afternoon |
| Visit 3 Monasteries | Tour with expert local guide | Next day |
| Self-Guided Audio Tour | Explore at your own pace | Included |
Accommodation and Meals
The two-day guided tour to Meteora includes overnight accommodation at a 3-star or 4-star hotel, based on the selection made. This hotel stay comes with a buffet breakfast and dinner served at the hotel.
The hotels are located in Kalambaka, providing convenient access to the Meteora monasteries. Guests can expect a hotel tax of €1.50 for a 3-star, €3 for a 4-star, or €4 for a 5-star hotel.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kalambaka are included, ensuring a seamless travel experience. While lunch and drinks aren’t covered, the tour provides a comfortable and enjoyable stay, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Meteora.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The two-day guided tour to Meteora includes a range of inclusions and exclusions for travelers to consider.
Included in the tour price are the overnight accommodation, buffet breakfast and dinner, expert local guide, sunset tour (if selected), visits to the monasteries, and entrance fees to the monasteries at 3 euros.
However, lunch and drinks are excluded from the package, and hotel pick-up and drop-off in Athens aren’t provided, requiring travelers to arrange their own transportation to and from the starting point in Kalambaka.
The tour aims to offer a comprehensive experience while allowing flexibility for travelers to manage their own meals and transportation needs.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
As indicated by the available reviews, customers have generally provided positive feedback on the two-day guided tour to Meteora, rating it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars across various aspects. The tour’s expert local guide received the highest rating of 5/5, while the transportation and overall organization were also praised. While the service and hotel accommodations were rated slightly lower at 4/5, guests highlighted the extraordinary experiences and excellent hotel service. However, some criticism pointed to the high price for the limited activities included and poor service at the hotel.
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Guide | 5/5 |
| Transportation | 5/5 |
| Service | 4/5 |
| Organization | 4/5 |
Booking and Pricing Information
Prices for the two-day guided tour to Meteora start from €4,029 per person, with the option to choose between 3-star, 4-star, or 5-star hotel accommodations.
The tour includes:
- Overnight stay with buffet breakfast and dinner.
- Transportation in an air-conditioned coach.
- Expert local guide, sunset tour, and entrance fees to the monasteries.
Travelers can book the tour directly through the tour operator’s website or contact their local travel agent.
Group sizes are limited to 18 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
With a rating of 4.4/5 from previous customers, this tour promises an extraordinary journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Monasteries?
Visitors to the Meteora monasteries are expected to dress conservatively. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and hats or shorts are generally not allowed. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for navigating the hilly terrain around the monasteries.
Are Children And/Or Seniors Eligible for Discounts?
Yes, the tour offers discounts for children and seniors. Children under 12 receive a 50% discount, while seniors aged 65 and above are eligible for a 10% discount on the tour price.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated During the Meals?
The operator states they can accommodate dietary restrictions for the included meals. Guests should communicate any allergies or special dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure their preferences are catered for during the trip.
How Much Free Time Is There to Explore Kalambaka Independently?
The tour allows for some independent exploration of Kalambaka. Guests have free time in the afternoon to wander the town on their own before the optional guided sunset tour. The amount of free time is not specified.
Is Travel Insurance Included or Recommended for This Tour?
Travel insurance is not included in the tour price but is recommended. Travelers should consider purchasing their own travel insurance to cover potential risks, such as trip cancellations or medical emergencies, during the tour.
Recap
This two-day guided tour to Meteora from Athens offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of Greece’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Travelers can enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage, marvel at the stunning monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, and enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious meals.
With an expert local guide leading the way, this exclusive tour promises an unforgettable experience.
