Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Day Trip with optional lunch | La Vacanza Travel

Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Day Trip with optional lunch

Duration: 14 hours
Destination: Greece, Greece, Athens
from
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  • 14 hours
  • Athens
  • E-Voucher
  • Lowest Price
  • Not-Cancellable

Overview

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.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Kastraki, Kastraki, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, Thessaly

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.

Duration: 25 minutes

Stop At: Meteora, Kastraki, Kalambaka 422 00 Greece

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.

Duration: 25 minutes

Stop At: 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.

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.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: 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.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Great Meteoron Monastery, Eparhiacos dromos Meteoron, Kalambaka 42200 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.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: 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.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: 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.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: 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.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Kalambaka, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, Thessaly

You will enjoy the panoramic view of the town Kalampaka

Duration: 10 minutes

Inclusions
  • Bottled water
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle with wifi
  • Local English speaking tour leader
  • Visit inside 3 monasteries and the hidden hermit caves
  • USB chargers at the bus
  • Free WIFI on board
  • Lunch in a local restaurant (if option selected)

Exclusions
  • Entrance fees (3 euros per person at each monastery)
  • State Licensed guide, inside the monasteries
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • 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
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Departure Point

St. Larissis, Athens 104 37, Greece


Departure Time

08:00 AM


Return Details

Returns to original departure point

Voucher info

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Duration

14 hours


User's Reviews

Susanna_V

25 Apr, 2024

The trip from Athens was long and tiring but the tour overall was definitely worth it. I wish to point out that our tour guide, Katerina, was absolutely exceptional. Her local perspective and personal stories helped much better understand the history and the community.

Guide816863

24 Apr, 2024

Meteora is a unique place and really recommend the trip to everyone,especially thanks to our guided ,very professional,helpful,he made our experience 💯 better,I don’t know his full name,just remember Tolis,the tour was very organized and very punctual only issues with the transportation from Athens to Kalampaka,the was old and the second one has not air conditioning

Tom_D

24 Apr, 2024

The guide was very nolagable and answer all my questions. He had a very positive outlook and made the trip fun

Meander12076004549

24 Apr, 2024

Very well organized tour, amazing guide, beautiful location, put this location on your bucket list if your planning to visit Greece

Hannah S

24 Apr, 2024

Truly an amazing experience. The hermit caves were an extremely interesting site and the view from the top of the monasteries (although quite the walk) were definitely worth going on this tour for. The highlight for us was definitely our guide Katerina. She shared with us her own personal stories about the sites and had such a deep connection with them which made the tour so much more personal. We also experienced heavy rain toward the end of the tour but katerina made sure we still had the best experience and got all the photos we wanted even if it meant her getting soaked in the rain for these. We could not have asked for a better guide and the trip was breathtaking, highly recommend.

User's Picture Gallery

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Unique place

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Must - See place

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Breathtaking experience and a wonderful guide

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Amazing tour with the best tourguides

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Really interesting informative day out thank you

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Amazing view and Maria...

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Greece is mystical. Must see place, Meteora.

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Stunning Meteora

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Perfect day in Meteora

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The country has so much history it was so much to learn, this was a place I always wanted to visit and it was more than I expect

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Great trip to Meteora

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Words can't describe the beauty and power of Meteora !

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Spectacular

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Experienced and friendly local guide gave us a detailed history of the snow capped monasteries.

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Meteora

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Meteora, the piece of heaven

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There were amazing views!

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Comfortable ride, amazing guide

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Excellent Meteora Experience - Highly Recommend

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Meteora - truly spectacular - a place beyond words!

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Wow!

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Pleasant surprise

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Magnificent Meteora

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View if the lifetime

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