Meteora Monasteries: Full-Day Athens Detour

Discover Meteora’s clifftop monasteries on a full-day trip from Athens. Explore medieval sites, dine in Kalambaka, and capture breathtaking views.

Duration: 13 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Athens - Depart at 08:00 am for Kalambaka and enjoy a morning journey through the picturesque countryside. Arrive around 12:30 pm in Kalambaka, a quaint town nestled at the base of the impressive grey rocks, home to the Meteora Monasteries.

  • Kastraki - Upon arrival in Kalabaka, we’ll start with a relaxing lunch and a convenient restroom break in this charming village. Use this time to recharge and get ready for an awe-inspiring tour of the stunning Meteora region. Enjoy a meal or explore the town at your own pace.

  • Meteora - Get ready to be amazed by the secluded hermit caves of Badovas, which reflect the solitude and devotion of the past. Discover the intriguing stories of the hermits and monks who once inhabited these remote areas, and see the remnants of their dwellings to gain a deeper insight into their way of life.

  • Agios Stefanos - This is the most accessible monastery, requiring only a short bridge crossing to reach the entrance. It is perfect for visitors who cannot navigate steps but still want to experience a Meteora monastery. Monastic life on the rock of Agios Stephanos began in the early 12th century.

  • Varlaam Monastery - The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second largest monastery, situated opposite the Great Meteoro Monastery. Founded in the mid-14th century by the ascetic Hosios Varlaam, its elegant Catholicon was built in honor of Agioi Pantes in 1541-42 by two priest-monks from Ioannina, Hosioi Theophanes and Nectarios the Apsarades.

  • Great Meteoron Monastery - The Great Meteoron Monastery is the largest and oldest of all. Known as the monastery “suspended in the air” (meteoro), it is built atop a massive rock formation.

  • Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) - The Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) is the most challenging to reach, but the panoramic views from the top are simply breathtaking! Located near Saint Stephen’s Nunnery, it sits on a steep, magnificent rock. It has been an organized monastery since 1362, as documented by Symeon Uressis Palaeologos.

  • Roussanou Monastery - The Holy Monastery of Roussanou is named after the first probable hermit who settled on the rock. Its main cathedral was founded at the end of the 16th century and decorated thirty years later. Compared to other monastery rocks, Roussanou’s lower elevation makes it more accessible.

  • Agios Nikolaos Anapaphsas - The Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas is the first monastery encountered on the way to the Holy Meteora, founded at the end of the 14th century.

  • Kalabaka - Enjoy a panoramic view of the town of Kalampaka. After a full day of exploration, you’ll be transferred back to Athens. The return trip takes 4 hours and 30 minutes to your preferred drop-off point.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • On-board WiFi
  • Professional Drivers with Deep knowledge of history
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Entrance in the monasteries (if you choose the option: Included tickets)
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Transportation with MiniVan or Mercedes Benz or Scoda Fabia 2023
  • Pick up drop off service
  • Paper material
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic Beverages
Additional Information

When visiting Athens, take a full-day detour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora. Upon your arrival at the town of Kalambaka, you will visit the medieval monastery complex, which sits perched high atop sandstone cliffs and is honored by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It’s a wonderful way to experience one of Greece’s most breathtaking and off-the-beaten-path cultural treasures. Learn about the history of these unique, 14th-century monasteries. Enjoy free time to dine and explore in the town of Kalambaka. Photograph hermit caves and soaring monastic retreats. Explore the spectacular UNESCO-listed clifftop monasteries. The tour is designed for families, couples and history lovers.

  • Please make sure you have cash for the monasteries 3 euro each entrance. There is no ATM machine in the area
  • Most travelers can participate
  • The driving from Athens to Meteora is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes
Location
McDonald's Σύνταγμα
Ermou
McDonald's: Our driver will be in front of McDonald's with a signboard of the name of the tour.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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