Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Kastraki, Kastraki, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, Thessaly
Upon reaching Kalabaka, we'll begin the adventure with a leisurely lunch and a convenient restroom break in the charming village of Kastraki. Take this opportunity to refuel and prepare for an awe-inspiring exploration of the breathtaking Meteora region.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Meteora, Kastraki, Kalambaka 422 00 Greece
Prepare to be captivated by the hidden hermit caves of Badovas, a testament to the solitude and devotion of the past where you'll discover the fascinating stories of the hermits and monks who once lived in these remote areas. You'll have the chance to witness the remnants of their dwellings and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Agios Stefanos, Kalambaka Greece
This is the most accessible monastery, where instead of steps you simply cross a small bridge to reach the entrance. It is ideal for visitors who cannot use the steps and yet they wish to have a real experience of a Meteora monastery.
The beginning of monastic life on the rock of Agios Stephanos dates back to early in the 12th century. Hosios Antonios, in the first half of the 15th century, and Hosios Philotheos, who renovated or rather rebuilt from its foundations the old small and elegant Catholicon, the present church of Agios Stephanos, in 1545 are mentioned as its founders.
St. Stephen’s Monastery includes two cathedrals; the old 16th century chapel which was severely damaged during WWII and the consequent Greek Civil War, and the 18th century main cathedral that is dedicated to Saint Charalambos and includes his holy relics.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Varlaam Monastery, Kalambaka Greece
The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery. It is located opposite of the Great Meteoro Monastery and it was founded in the mid 14th century by the exercitant Hosios Varlaam.
The elegant monastery Catholicon was built in the honour of Agioi Pantes in 1541-42, by two brothers from Ioannina, the priest-monks Hosioi Theophanes and Nectarios the Apsarades. The main church was decorated in 1548. Based on stylistic criteria, this magnificent wall-painting is attributed to the famous hagiographer from Thebes, Frago Catelano.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Great Meteoron Monastery, Eparhiacos dromos Meteoron, Kalambaka 42200 Greece
The Great Meteoron Monastery is the biggest and oldest one of all. It was called the monastery that was “suspended in the air” (meteoro), because of the formation of the gigantic rock on top of which it was built.The Great Meteoro Monastery was founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite who was the first founder of the monastery and the organizer of the systematic koenovion.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada), Kalambaka Greece
The Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) is the most difficult to reach, but once you get to the very top the panoramic view of the surroundings is simply captivating!
This Monastery is very close to the Saint Stephen’s Nunnery and it is perched on a steep and magnificent rock. It had already been organized Monastery since the year 1362 as indicated in a document by Symeon Uressis Palaeologos. Visitors have to follow a pathway that directs them initially to the foot of the rock, before they start walking up about 140 steps.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Roussanou Monastery, Kalambaka Greece
The Holy Monastery of Roussanou has received the name of the first probable hermit who settled on the rock. The main cathedral was founded at the end of the 16th century and was decorated thirty years later.
Compared to other rocks where monasteries were built, the one of Roussanou has a lower elevation, which makes it more accessible. The monastery was initially founded by monks and it suffered severe damage during World War II. It became a convent in 1988.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Agios Nikolaos Anapaphsas, Kalambaka Greece
The Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas is the first Monastery that we encounter on our way to the Holy Meteora and was founded at the end of the 14th century.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Kalambaka, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, Thessaly
You will enjoy the panoramic view of the town Kalampaka
Duration: 10 minutes
See Availability.
St. Larissis, Athens 104 37, Greece
08:00 AM
14 hours(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Dress Code for Monastery Visits: Please note that a modest dress code is enforced to enter the monasteries. For women, skirts below the knee or longer are required. Pants, shorts, or sleeveless shirts are not allowed. For men, sleeveless clothing and shorts above the knee are also prohibited.
Rain or Shine: This tour will take place regardless of the weather conditions. Please come prepared with appropriate clothing and accessories to ensure a comfortable experience.
Climbing Steps to Monastery Tops: Please be aware that reaching the top of the monasteries involves climbing steps. There are no elevators available, so please consider this if you have any mobility concerns.
Pick-up and Drop-off at Kalambaka Train Station: Your tour guide will be waiting for you at Kalambaka Train Station, regardless of any train delays. Please be aware that the activity provider is not responsible for any train delays that may affect the duration of the tour.
Please make sure you have cash for the monasteries 3 euro each entrance. There is no ATM machine in the area.
Supplier is not responsible if you miss the bus please be there on time (15 minutes before the departure)
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Posted By : Melanie_P
Our tour guide was incredible, he was from Meteora and just a delight. The lunch was delicious. Not gonna lie, at first was a bit worried a single day trip to Meteora would be a lot, but it wasn’t. Everything was seamless even without the train due to the floods in 2023
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-18
Posted By : donald_l
The hermit caves and the excellent knowledge of the tour guide. The weather was not great but the driver and guide ensured that everyone enjoyed the trip.
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Posted On : 2024-05-17
Posted By : MARIA_L
Excellent experience and service. Everything was perfect and on time. Our guíe, Maria, very professional and nice.
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Posted On : 2024-05-15
Posted By : Amanda_M
Highlights:
Our guide, Tolis, met us in Kalambaka and was wonderful. He had lots of knowledge of the area and made sure we all felt comfortable and not rushed while getting to see everything. He was great and really made the experience on the trip memorable and relaxing. The actual travel in and around Meteora was beautiful. The trip itself is very much worth it, especially if you get good weather. We got into 3 monasteries and stopped at a few excellent viewpoints to take pictures. The washrooms at the rest stops to and from Athens are also excellent.
Lowlights:
We took the tour bus from Athens to Kalambaka and it felt like this part of the trip hasn't had all of the kinks ironed out yet. It was very hard to find our bus. We were lucky we arrived 25 minutes early because it took us that long running up and down the streets of Athens to find it. It turned out that the map link provided in the email was incorrect and there are dozens of similar busses in the area. Just a heads up for when you go. Landing in Kalambaka was also a bit chaotic. Switching the busses didn't go super smoothly and there was some confusion. Another note is that it seems that another group gets on the bus you drove in on so I wouldn't recommend leaving any valuables. I would have liked this to have been communicated to us up front. Similarly, getting on the bus to go back to Athens, there was only 1 bathroom stall in a coffee shop so that caused a bit of stress among everyone as 30 or so people lined up.
Overall, it was a great trip and it was certainly worth it to do. I would recommend using this tour company in Kalambaka. It seems like they haven't perfected the switchover to using a bus after the floods in September that cancelled the train service. This caused a bit of unnecessary stress and chaos. If this were improved, this would be a perfect experience.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-14
Posted By : EleanorW267
I had always wanted to go to Meteora from a long time ago, finally did it this time! Would have preferred to stay overnight and return early morning back to Athens the next day but there was no such option (unless you wanted to wait till 6pm) so had to take the day trip return option (approx 8am to 10.30pm) . Also the train was not working due to floods so no choice but to go by coach both ways.
Even though the journey to get there was long, there was a half an hour break in between to have a snack, coffee, bathroom break and stretch legs, etc. Short but sufficient. Coach is clean and comfortable.
You will get to see quite a bit of the landscape of Greece on the way there. Time passes quickly if you have friends to chat to or have a book. Some brough their own tablet for entertainment.
Suggest you take the $10 prepaid lunch option if available, it just saves time and gives you more time to eat. Food is homely and there are sufficient choices.
Tour in Meteora itself was great, guides friendly and knowledgeable. The monasteries, views and villages are a delight and well worth the journey.
Lots of photo opportunities!
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Posted On : 2024-05-12
Posted By : dulcy_y
This trip is a must see for all. What a beautiful, historical, spiritual area. Our guide Kate was superior in her knowledge and personality. You will remember this place forever!
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Posted On : 2024-05-09
Posted By : demetricew2024
The only downside to this tour was the bus ride compared to the usual Train ride. Our tour guide Maria was hands down the best guide we he during our entire Athens stay. She was Extremely informative, but also brought humor to our journey. The other 11 people in our tour group also commented how much they loved the tour when we had lunch together. Would HIGHLY recommend requesting her as your guide. I’m sure the other guides are great too. But would 10/10 recommend
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Posted On : 2024-05-09
Posted By : Kraig_H
This was the better tour we had on our one month trip. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and spoke English very well. The site has amazing views, history and monasteries.
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Posted On : 2024-05-08
Posted By : Mary_M
Our trip to Meteora is well worth it! Our Guide Maria is knowledgeable about the history of the monks and hermit live over a century ago.
She knows the history and explains well about the history of holy Meteora!
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Posted On : 2024-05-07
Posted By : Albert_C
An amazing UNESCO site made even better with the amazing local host Maria who had loads of childhood stories and experiences.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-07
