Full-Day Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Tour from Athens
1. Departure from Athens: Your adventure begins at 8:00am as we leave Athens in the comfort of our modern coach-bus. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Greek landscapes during the journey.
2. Midway Stop: We'll take a picturesque midway break during the trip to soak in the surroundings and capture some remarkable photos.
3. Kalabaka Arrival: Arriving in Kalabaka around 13:00, you'll be greeted by our highly educated Tour Leader, ready to make your day unforgettable.
4. Watch the Sunset: From November 01 to February 22, witness the breathtaking beauty of a Meteora sunset, a perfect way to conclude your day.
5. Meteora Exploration: Embark on an incredible 4-hour tour of Meteora, visiting all six monasteries, venturing inside three of them.
6. Secret Local Gems: Discover hidden monasteries and hermit caves!
7. Return Journey: We'll transfer you back to Kalabaka for your return trip to Athens, where you'll arrive around 22:45.
ItineraryThis 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
Informacion Adicional
"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"
Start Time:
08:00 AM
Duration: 14 Hours
Start location: St. Larissis, Athens 104 37, Greece
Cancellations and refunds:
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
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