Meteora Monasteries & Hermit Caves Tour

Extremely disappointed is an understatement! We were very much looking forward to spending our first day trip away from Athens and it immediately started off on the wrong foot. We arrived early to our drop off location, and then shortly after followed what we were told was our guide for the day. We went on this amazing big ( possibly new) luxury bus. To then randomly being told to get off the bus, as we are transferring buses. The guide proceeded to drop us off at a random bus on the side of the rode and goes this should be your bus, I’m not sure where the driver is and then left! We waited in front of this bus for 30 mins, to then the bus driver arriving and telling us this was the wrong bus. We eventually found the correct bus. That was through a completely different tour company than what we had been told. This bus was much older( which really doesn’t matter) but this bus is EXTREMELY small compared to the other. Which when you are spending 4 plus hours each way to travel to and from Athens plus the actual excursion it’s self it makes a MAJOR difference! Extremely uncomfortable bus ride, our bus even broke down at one point! From the moment we got on the bus we received zero communication about the itinerary and how long it would be till our next stop. We were given 30 mins for what the itinerary calls “ optional breakfast” we were not told to order ahead as I now see suggested on the itinerary so us and many others had rush to get our food. Again we got back on the bus without any idea of how long we would be on. We randomly stopped multiple times to let people off the bus which has never happened before on any of the excursions we have gone on in the past. Lastly your tour guide won’t join your group till lunch time which was 1:00 for us. We departed Athens around 7:00am! We were given 20 mins for dinner as well which is optional but arriving back in Athens at 10:30pm so is it really optional when you eat lunch at 1:00pm?

This is a fantastic excursion. The day is long, however it is worth the time with the amazing sights on the bus ride and at Mediora. This is a very well organized excursion. The bus drivers and tour guide were excellent. There is a stop each way, for breakfast and dinner,if you wish, at a beautiful lake side area that will take your breath away. The Monasteries, Convent and landscape are a sight to see. The history and culture and educational experience.

The monasteries were beautiful. The ride was extremely long. Please know that the monasteries require women to wear skirts longer than your knees and have your shoulders covered. This was not mentioned in any of the tour details, so almost our entire bus had to borrow covers. It really should be posted in multiple places in the tour details. Our tour guide was mediocre, did not go into the buildings with us so the audio portion was extremely limited and only on the bus. Also, the “10 course Greek meal” is extremely misleading. You pay and then get to choose an entree from a couple of options. The food was very mediocre, but large portions.

This is a must, you will not regret it! We were amazed both by the scenic views and the inimaginable history of the monasteries.

Amazing day of exploring and the food stops were lovely. Such a beautiful thing to see while you are in Greece.