"Meteora Highlights: A Journey Among the Sky-High Monasteries"
Description
The world Heritage-listed Meteora is an extraordinary place, a testament to the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. By far, the best way to appreciate the power of the natural forces that shaped this breathtaking landscape is walking right into it. Fantastic manifestations of geological history and current processes of nature await you around every bend or rise in the trail. They represent a unique artistic achievement and are one of the most powerful examples of the architectural transformation of a site into a place of retreat, meditation, and prayer. We will also visit Kalambaka, the town that guards the approach to the Meteora, was burned to the ground by the Nazis in WWII, and is now almost entirely of recent construction. While not especially attractive in itself, it does occupy a stunning location immediately in front of some gigantic rock formations.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meteora, a place famous for its natural beauty and its monasteries situated on the edge, you will be impressed by the wonderful journey. Meteora consists a complex of huge dark sandstone rocks which rise above Kalampaka (list of world heritage sites of UNESCO). The average attitude is 313m. The formation of its geological landscape, has at times occupied some geologists however, it hasn’t been clarified. It is remarkable that it has not been mentioned in the Greek Mythology by Ancient Greeks or by foreign historians. This wild and inaccessible landscape has been an offerable space for the Christian eremites who settled there according to the Byzantinologists of the eleventh century.
The Monastery of Great Meteoron is an Eastern Orthodox monastery that is part of the Meteora monastery complex in Thessaly, central Greece. It is situated on top of a rock called Meteora or Platylithos, which is 415 metres above the Pineios valley floor. The monastery was founded by Athanasius the Meteorite during the 14th century.
The Monastery of St. Varlaam is an Eastern Orthodox monastery that is part of the Meteora monastery complex in Thessaly, central Greece. It is situated at the top of a rocky precipice that is 373 metres above the valley floor. The Dragon Cave is located to the south, below the monastery.To the east, the ruins of Kelarakia Rock can be seen today. The Cell of St. Paul the Apostle can probably be identified with Kelarakia.
The monastery of Agios Stefanos, also known as St. Stephen, is the most accessible of all the Meteora monasteries. Visitors can easily reach its entrance by crossing a small bridge, making it an ideal destination for those with mobility issues.
Kalampaka is known all over Greece and the world because of the famous Monasteries that exist on the top of the rocks of the Meteora that are at the north-eastern side of it. Every year, millions of visitors come from all over the world in order to admire and honour them. Kalampaka is a city of rich history and important monuments. Here you can eat traditional food and and enjoy the beautiful view of the monasteries.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
The guide driver will be happy to pick you up from any location you prefer — whether it is a hotel (where they will be waiting for you at the reception), an Airbnb, the Port of Piraeus (meeting you right outside your cruise ship with a sign displaying your name), or a metro or bus station. Simply provide us with the exact address or meeting point when you make your booking. If, for any reason, you are unable to locate your driver, please contact the emergency number shown on your voucher. Additionally, one day before your tour, we will send you the driver’s full contact details so you can reach them directly if needed.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Additional fees if the tour concludes at a location other than the designated meeting point.
- Flexible Pick-Up Times - Customize pick-up times to suit your schedule.
- Hourly Extensions - Extend your tour for a fee, adaptable to your needs.
- The itinerary of monasteries we will visit depends on which monasteries are open, as some may be closed on certain days.