Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Day Trip with optional lunch

based on 768 reviews

Duration:14 hours (approx.)
Location: Athens, Greece

From $107.9

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ADULT (Age : 0 to 99)

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Embark on an unforgettable journey from Athens at 8:00 am in a modern coach, soaking in the scenic Greek landscapes en route. Enjoy a picturesque break midway, perfect for capturing the essence of your adventure. Arrive in Meteora by 12:30 pm and savor lunch in the charming Kastraki Village. Explore all six iconic Meteora monasteries during a 4-hour tour, with exclusive access to three, and discover hidden monasteries and ancient hermit caves. Conclude your day with a relaxing return to Kalabaka, arriving back in Athens around 10:30 pm, enriched with memories and stories. Book now for a unique blend of comfort, culture, and exclusive access to Greece’s sacred sites.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Kastraki
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.
2. Meteora
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.
3. Agios Stefanos
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.
4. Varlaam Monastery
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.
5. Great Meteoron Monastery
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.
6. Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada)
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.
7. Roussanou Monastery
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.
8. Agios Nikolaos Anapaphsas
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.
9. Kalambaka
You will enjoy the panoramic view of the town Kalampaka

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• 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

CANCELLATION POLICY

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
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-09 12:48:52

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.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-08 01:37:16

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!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-07 16:40:26

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 : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-07 02:55:05

Posted By : Legan2012
Great guide. Kate was great. She knew a lot of history and very engaging. You really get a good overview of Eastern Orthodox faith.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-06 02:21:44

Posted By : JamesB_W
Outstanding day trip, however it was a little bit long on the bus ride but since the train was not operating it wasn’t too bad after all. Highly recommend this to anyone I know or meet.. and our guide was excellent. Five stars
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-05 15:08:36

Posted By : gabikB7003TH
Great experience. Must-do for every local and tourist. Thank you Mariah for being a successful and amazing guide throughout the trip.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-04 14:57:45

Posted By : AshleeRachel_G
Alot of walking and the scenery is breathtaking. The guide was witty and humourous. I enjoyed myself
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-04 13:58:47

Posted By : kennethhopper
Long journey not really suitable for children but worth it. Took along time getting on the coach as names weren’t in any order on list. We stopped off at a restaurant where you could buy snacks or a meal very organised but the food was lukewarm which seemed to be the normal in Athens. Plenty of toilets. We had to change to smaller buses at the start of the monasteries tour. Then we had another food stop. We went inside 2 monasteries (although it did say 3). one had quite a lot of steps. The views are stunning. It is an amazing place. The guide was good. The cave dwelling was also good. It was pretty busy with quite a few tours. There was a bit of confusion getting back on the larger coach as our original one wasn’t there. We were told to go on one bus which was very full and wouldn’t have been able to sit together (which I wouldn’t have been happy about) but then got told to get off that bus and go on one which had more room.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-04 05:14:15

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 : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-02 03:42:38