Meteora Experience: Private Day Trip from Thessaloniki
Description
Joining this day trip you will discover the most important spots in Meteora by visiting three of the oldest monasteries of the region, take amazing photos of their stunning views, walk through narrow old paths and enjoy your lunch at Kastraki posing a nice back-round of the high cliffs.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Great Meteoron or Megalo Meteoron is the biggest and oldest monastery of all in Meteora. The monastery offers amazing views to the surrounding landscape. During your visit you have the chance to visit the museum of the monastery, where historical codices and religious icons of high value are on display. Moreover, take time to gaze at the artistic details of some of the best samples of post-Byzantine art of Greece, found inside the main church of the monastery.
The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery of Meteora. Located very close to Great Meteoro Monastery, it was founded in the mid 14th century by a monk named Varlaam. The chapel was finally decorated in 1548. The beautiful frescos in the monastery’s chapel of All Saints belong to the famous hagiographer of the 16th century Franco Catalano. The monastery has preserved the tower with the old pully system where you can see the net, used by the first monks to bring up people and provisions. The visitors can also see a very large 16th-century oak barrel used for water storage over the previous centuries. The monastery of Varlaam has opened recently a brand new museum, where visitors can admire the excellence of religious painted icons – mostly contemporary to the Renaissance period – and precious holy vestments of the priests from the Byzantine period.
The Holy Monastery of St. Stephen is one of the most accessible monasteries in Meteora, set on a lower rock and connected by a stone bridge. Founded in the 14th century, it offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and a peaceful atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find a beautiful church adorned with frescoes and icons, along with a collection of holy relics. The monastery's serene setting makes it a perfect spot to reflect and capture the incredible natural beauty of Meteora.
Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in Kastraki, near the city of Kalampaka, before heading back to Thessaloniki.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick-up guests from all hotels and Airbnbs in Thessaloniki. If hotel is inaccessible by car due to restrictions, pickup will be held from a nearby location withing short walking distance. Cruise ship travelers: Meeting point is the exit of the cruise port terminal. Your guide will hold a name board with travelers name on.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travelers need to dress appropriately
- Visiting time of each monastery may vary according the season
- Travel time included at the duration of the trip
Reviews(57)
We had a wonderful day. Our driver was great. He was very thoughtful and a joy to speak with. He was passionate and very knowledgeable adding to the experience . We also had a guide that did a good job of providing narrative of the monasteries. Both the setting of the monasteries and the facilities themselves are inspiring. It is a true wonder to ponder the history and the life of the monks.
Our full day tour to Meteora from Thessaloniki was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. Our day started with an on time pick up from the Electra Palace hotel in downtown Thessaloniki. Our driver, Antonis Pouliasis, who speaks excellent English, greeted us warmly and welcomed us into his spacious and comfortable Mercedes van. During our drive to Meteora, he informed of history and geography of the area and pointing out areas of interest along the way. He made stops for photo ops and bathroom and snack breaks along the way. Once we arrived in Meteora, he personally guided us through two of the most significant and beautiful monestaries: St. Stephen’s and the great Meteoron Monestary. He shared insights throughout each tour. After many photo ops, he dove us to a tasty lunch spot in nearby Kalabaka before we headed back to Thessaloniki using a different but scenic route from which we could view Mount Olympus from the other side. We strongly recommend Antonis as a driver and a tour guide. He made our tour comfortable, informative and memorable.
The Monasteries at Meteora are something to be experienced in person. I don’t think photographs can capture the splendor. Our driver, Antonis made the trip even more memorable. I highly recommend.
Vasilis was an excellent driver and Chrysanthi was very knowledgeable! They made our experience so memorable. We will remember this day forever. Thank you very much!
Very communicative. Easy pickup right where the cruise shuttle dropped off. Nice comfy cab ride. Meteora is incredible visually! Well worth the long commute.
I would highly recommend booking this tour. We had such an enjoyable time. A special mention goes to Vasilis, our driver. Super joyful, kind and generous guy!
Hello Mrs. Maria, Thank you for your 5 star review! Your recommendation means a lot to us! We are happy to let us know about your amazing time with Vasilis! We hope to welcome you back again in the future!
Fantastic experience. The monasteries built high atop cliffs are a sight to behold. It was an another-worldly experience. It was quite comfortable being driven in a luxury car and our driver, Vasilis, was smart, engaging and a pleasure to be with. Tom Q
Hello Mr. Thomas, Thank you so much for your 5star review! Your feedback means a lot to us to know that you had a wonderful trip to Meteora with Vasilis! We hope to welcome you back again in the future!
Fantastic experience! The monasteries at Meteora are other worldly. It was luxurious being chauffeured in a private luxury car from our hotel in Thessaloniki right up to the entrance to the monasteries. Our driver Vasilis was wonderful: smart, engaging and an all-around pleasure to be with. I highly recommend this tour. Tom Q
Excellent driver. Very personable
Thank you so much for your 5star review! We look forward to welcome you back again in the future!
A very full and informative day
Thank you so much for your feedback! We hope to welcome you back again soon!
