Booking fee
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* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our Meteora Half-Day Sightseeing Tour! Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, marveling at its cultural richness and natural beauty. Visit three main monasteries and delve deep into the history of the hermits and monks who established this remarkable community. Conducted by a local English-speaking tour leader, gain in-depth insights into the rich history, all explained in fluent English. However, note that the tour does not include a guide inside the monasteries, offering a more independent way for visitors to explore at their own pace. This approach is ideal for those who seek a personalized experience, wish to avoid the hussle of driving and parking outside the busy roads, allowing time to absorb the serene atmosphere and spectacular views. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a small group, this tour offers a unique and enriching perspective of the wonders of Meteora.
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Free WiFi on board
Bottled water
Visit Inside 3 monasteries and see all the other monasteries from outside
Hotel pickup and drop-off to/from Kalambaka or Kastraki
Free smart audio guide in French, Spanish & German
Entrance fees ( 3 euros per monastery, three monasteries 9,00
Food and drinks
Gratuities
State Licensed Guide inside the monasteries
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered
We offer pick up and drop off from all the hotels and AirBNBs that are located at Kalambaka and Kastraki village.
Meteora, Kastraki, Greece The 24 monasteries emerged on the countless summits of the rocks from the 14th until the 16th century, 6 of them remaining to be explored and admired by all. These monasteries became the centers of the Orthodox creed in the Byzantine era, having produced some of the best pieces of religious art and craft and still possessing a collection of precious manuscripts, which today are on display in their museums. The Meteora monasteries have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Meteora-Antichassia region has been officially declared a Natura 2000 Ecological Zone by the Greek Ministry of Environment, for the protection of rare species of birds and flowers.
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.
For the name Anapafsas there are numerous interpretations two of which are the most popular. The first one is that the name Anapafsas was attributed by one of the monastery’s benefactors, while the second explanation has to do with the monastery’s position being the first to be encountered on the way up and probably served to the pilgrims and other visitors as a resting place before continuing on.
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. 45 minutes
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. 45 minutes
Great Meteoron Monastery, Kalambaka, 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. For this reason, the foundation of this monastery is considered to be a turning point, or even better, the beginning of the organized monastisicm in Holy Meteora. 60 minutes
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.
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.
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please bring comfortable shoes
The monasteries have a strict dress code: men must wear trousers and long sleeves, women must wear a long skirt. If you do turn up in shorts, trousers and skirts will be provided.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
ShanaB90
11 Apr 2023
This was the best morning Meteora tour I could have imagined! Our driver and tour guide were both exceptional, friendly, and knowledgeable. We were able to go into three monasteries and saw the others from amazing vantage points. The best!!
Jennifer P
27 Mar 2023
Highly recommend this 4 hour tour - perfect amount of time to visit inside 3 monasteries and see the outside of the other 3 monasteries. We never felt rushed and there were also many stops along the way for the perfect photo opportunities. Even though we had a car we felt that this guided tour was the best way to learn about the history of Meteora.
Larissa_K
11 Mar 2023
Wonderful tour. Unique area with fantastic views and incredible history. Vaggelis is a guid that we would recommend - he grew up in Kalambaka and knows all about it. We visited 3 monasteries and stopped a few times for a breathtaking panoramic views to take photos. All took a few hours, we started at 9 and finished around 13.00
Excellent!
This tour in
Meteora
is organized by
Visit Meteora
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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