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 : H4356OHadeler
Visit Meteora tour was a great experience! The guide Apostolis and driver George did a great job taking us around and explaining each site. They made the trip very interesting, finding the best places for views and pictures and the 5 hours in Meteora flew by! I would definitely do it again with family and friends.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-02
Posted By : Jill S
The experience was a 5/5 with Meteora! Kate was our guide (wise and experienced beyond her years) and Coastas (sp?) was our van driver. Kate was pleasant, personable, and very engaging as she spoke of historical sites. An absolute gem. We booked it through TripAdvisor: one recommendation is to add to the site what the mandatory attire is for some places: women skirts below knee (no pants); men shorts below knee or CAN wear pants (but no women in pants).
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-02
Posted By : Paula_B
Amazing scenery and fascinating history, a full day but would highly recommend. Be prepared with good footwear to walk to the first Monastery and ladies you will need to wear skirts.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-01
Posted By : Christopher_R
This was a really wonderful trip. Vaggelis gave a really fascinating history right from the geology up to the present day. Each of the monasteries and the hermit's caves have their own really interesting history to tell. There were lots of great photo opportunities and Kostas was very kind to help take a couple of the photographs.
Thank you very much!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-30
Posted By : Ashley_G
Great trip, worth the bus ride. The monasteries were amazing and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The geography of region is worth it alone. I thought it was very minimal stairs compared to what other reviews have said. The guide was from the local area and very knowledgeable. Great side trip from Athens. The bus stop is across the 6 lane roads from Everest and there were multiple buses so you have to check to see which bus you were on.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-29
Posted By : Heather_W
What an unbelievable place. Stunning. The great unknown. Definitely should be on your to do list. It is a big day from Athens but there is plenty of time for a nap on the coach. Well worth it.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-29
Posted By : Marcia P
We traveled from Athens via bus to meet our guide Katrina at Meteora. (The bus is a long long day but the trains were unable to take us unfortunately)
Katrina was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and personable. She made the trip all that bit better.
The views are amazing, the hermit caves are beyond belief and the monasteries are stunning. The history of the area and how the caves and monasteries were formed was fascinating.
Congratulations to Katrina for making us all feel welcome to her home region. Keep smiling 🥰
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-28
Posted By : Susanna_V
The trip from Athens was long and tiring but the tour overall was definitely worth it. I wish to point out that our tour guide, Katerina, was absolutely exceptional. Her local perspective and personal stories helped much better understand the history and the community.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-25
Posted By : Guide816863
Meteora is a unique place and really recommend the trip to everyone,especially thanks to our guided ,very professional,helpful,he made our experience 💯 better,I don’t know his full name,just remember Tolis,the tour was very organized and very punctual only issues with the transportation from Athens to Kalampaka,the was old and the second one has not air conditioning
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-24
Posted By : Tom_D
The guide was very nolagable and answer all my questions. He had a very positive outlook and made the trip fun
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-24
