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Private Day Tour to UNESCO-Listed Meteora Monasteries from Athens

4.8

13 Ratings

Thessaly

Embark on a private day tour from Athens to the UNESCO-listed Meteora Monasteries. Explore the stunning cliff-top Byzantine Monasteries, enjoy a scenic drive through Central Greece, and savor a taste of Greece with a traditional lunch. Book now!

Duration: 12 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Thessaly - Begin your journey from your accommodation in Athens and travel through Central Greece and Thessaly. Thessaly is both a traditional geographic and modern administrative region of Greece, encompassing much of the ancient area of the same name. Before the Greek Dark Ages, it was known as Aeolia, as mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. Thessaly is a region of stunning beauty, featuring mountains, rivers, beaches, the popular Plastira Lake, Tempi valley, and the unique Meteora, Greece’s most photogenic spiritual site. Archaeological sites, Byzantine monasteries and churches, traditional villages, and ski resorts make it a favored holiday destination. According to Homer’s Odyssey, Thessaly is the home of Achilles, and Odysseus visited the kingdom of Aeolus, the ancient name for Thessaly. The Plain of Thessaly lies between Mount Oeta/Othrys and Mount Olympus.
Kastraki - Kastraki is situated in the western part of Meteora, built amphitheatrically among towering cliffs, and is a municipal district of Kalabaka. Its history is ancient and largely unknown. The eastern part of the village features an old, picturesque district, and above it, a small but impressive spindle-shaped rock formation. Kastraki is a base for climbers from around the world who come to admire the stunning landscape formed by the towering rocks. The village has a rich local tradition, customs, and folk songs, all unique. The impressive landscape with canyons, plateaus, and the ghostly figures of “sacred rock” emerging from the lush scenery seems to reach for the heavens. Today, the village and the entire region of Meteora are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and have become a wonderful place for recreation with camping, taverns, and guest houses, offering pleasant relaxation.
Meteora - Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece that hosts one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and rounded boulders that dominate the local area. The Meteora monasteries are a marvel of Greece. Located a few kilometers northwest of Kalabaka, the impressive rocks of Meteora rise from the plains of Thessaly, creating one of the most amazing places in Greece. Many centuries ago, these gigantic rocks with breathtaking landscapes, reaching heights of over 600 meters, became the site of one of Greece’s most important monastic communities. In 1988, the Meteora monasteries were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the Meteora-Antichassia area is part of the Natura 2000 network, hosting some rare species of birds and flowers.
Great Meteoron Monastery - The Great Meteoro (Grand Meteor), also known as the Holy Monastery of the Metamorphosis (Transfiguration of Christ), is a male monastery and the oldest and largest of all the monasteries of Meteora. The foundation of the Great Meteoron Monastery marks the beginning of organized monastic life at Meteora. It occupies a commanding position on the most imposing rock among the monastic complex of Meteora. As its name implies, it is the largest and most formal of the existing Meteora Monasteries. It was founded shortly before the mid-14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite, who was its first founder and the first to organize a systematic monastic community.
Monastery of St. Stephan - St. Stephen’s Monastery was inhabited by monks in the late 12th century. The construction of the monastery, which was founded in the 14th century, was completed in the 15th and 16th centuries. The first founder of the monastery was the monk, later abbot, Antonios Kantakouzenos. According to some researchers, Antonios was the son of the Serbian Despot of Epirus, Nikephoros II (1359), and a descendant of the great Byzantine family. The second founder was Monk Philotheos “ex Sklatainas,” who is referred to as the renovator of St. Stephen. Theophilos erected a new church, built cells, and other facilities for the monastery. During his time (1545), the monastery became stavropegic and retained this privilege until 1743. In 1798, a new church was built dedicated to Saint Charalambos, who in the 17th century was referred to as the second patron of the monastery. In the 18th and 19th centuries, several buildings and the abbey were constructed, giving the monastery its current form.
Varlaam Monastery - The Varlaam Monastery is named after the hermit-anchorite Varlaam, who first inhabited the rock in the 14th century. The history of the monastery begins in earnest in the early 16th century when the rock was settled and the priory was organized by the Ioannina brothers Theophanes and Nektarios Apsaras, descendants of an old Byzantine family. In 1518, the Apsaras brothers renovated the chapel of the Three Hierarchs, which was built on the site of the original Catholic monastery established by Varlaam. In 1536, they built the winch tower, and in 1541, they constructed the present church dedicated to All Saints. In 1627, the chapel of the Three Hierarchs was rebuilt, and in 1637, it was decorated by the artistic crew of John the priest and his children, who came from Kalabaka. The monastery is noted for its spiritual prosperity and its participation in national struggles in recent years.
Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) - The Holy Trinity Monastery is nestled on a majestic and imposing rock within the Meteora complex. According to tradition, it was built in 1438 by the monk Domitius. However, documents from Prince Simeon Uros Palaiologos indicate that the monastery was already organized earlier, in 1362. The present nave was built around 1476 and is a small cruciform church with a two-columned central dome. The current wall paintings (1741) are the work of the priests Antonios and Nicholaos, who, though younger, successfully continued the tradition of the famous post-Byzantine style of painting.
Holy Monastery of Rousanos - Saint Barbara - The Holy Monastery of Rousanou was founded in 1529 by the monks Ioasaf and Maximos, who came from Ioannina, over the ruins of older buildings. The monastery is an impressive four-story complex that reached its main form during the third decade of the 16th century. The Church of the Transfiguration was built from scratch in its present form in 1530 AD, replacing the old Catholic monastery that had been destroyed by time and neglect.
Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas at Meteora - The Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas is located near the village of Kastraki. The rock on which it is built is imposing, elegant, and cramped, but it is definitely eye-catching. The monastery was renovated in the early 16th century. The second floor houses the church of the monastery, which was painted by the renowned Cretan painter Theophanes Strelitzas, the founder of the Byzantine Cretan School of hagiography.
Kalambaka - Kalabaka is a town and the seat of the municipality of Meteora in the Trikala regional unit, part of Thessaly in Greece. The city of Kalampaka is built at the foot of the Meteora and is located on the left side of the Pinios River. It is the starting point for visitors who wish to explore the monuments and magnificent sites of Aspropotamos, Hasia, Koziakas, and the Meteora. Kalampaka is known worldwide for the famous monasteries that sit atop the rocks of Meteora. Every year, millions of visitors come from all over the world to admire and honor them. Kalampaka is a city with a rich history and important monuments. One of the most significant is the Holy Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, located in the northeastern part of the city under the very high rock of Aea. Free time for lunch (not included).
Thermopylae - Thermopylae is a location in Greece where a narrow coastal passage existed in antiquity. It gets its name from its hot sulfur springs. In Greek mythology, the Hot Gates is one of the entrances to Hades. The Battle of Thermopylae took place in 480 BC between the Greeks and the Persians, coinciding with the Naval Battle of Artemision. The Persian Army, led by Xerxes, reached the passageways of Thermopylae. The Greeks chose this strategic spot to confront the Persian attack. Xerxes commanded Leonidas, the leader of the Greek Army, to surrender his armory, but he replied, ‘Come and get them.’ For two days, the Greeks fought heroically. On the third day, Ephialtes betrayed the Greeks, showing the Persians a passageway to get behind the Greek forces. The Persian Army surrounded the Greeks. Leonidas remained at the battle site with 300 Spartans, 700 Thespians, and 400 Thebans, loyal to his homeland’s laws. He fell dead from Persian arrows.
Leonidas Monument - Why did the Battle of Thermopylae become one of the most world-famous battles? The Battle of Thermopylae is a perfect example of selflessness, sacrifice, and obedience to the laws of the country. The resistance in the passage is a result of rigorous military training, better gear, and strategic use of the land to enhance defense capabilities. Where is the Thermopylae Memorial? The passage of Thermopylae (which literally means “Hot Gates”) no longer exists, as the mud deposition by the Spercheios River has moved the beach and the sea a few kilometers away. Near Thermopylae, next to the national road connecting Athens to Thessaloniki, there is a memorial statue of King Leonidas and his soldiers with an inscription that reads: “Ὦ ξεῖν’, ἀγγέλλειν Λακεδαιμονίοις ὅτι τῇδε κείμεθα, τοῖς κείνων ῥήμασι πειθόμενοι,” which means: “Stranger, tell the Spartans that we lie here, staying faithful to Sparta’s laws.”
Central Greece - The very heart of Greece. Central Greece, also known as Roumeli, is part of the Greek mainland that has been inhabited since antiquity. It features forested mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, rich fauna and flora, and remarkable archaeological sites. Visit the archaeological site of Delphi and the Oracle of Apollo, the picturesque seaside towns of Galaxidi and Itea, as well as the historically significant town of Nafpaktos. The lagoon of Messolonghi, the largest Greek wetland, is a natural paradise with islets, dunes, forested banks, and rich flora and fauna that provide salt and fish to the locals. The most precious gift of nature here is bottarga (Greek avgotaracho), a delicacy made from the eggs of the female grey mullet, one of the few seafood products with a PDO award. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Karpenisi is the ideal destination with a multitude of activities. Our tour concludes with a drop-off at the same spot where you were picked up in Athens.

What's Included

Private tour
Bottled water included
Professional English-speaking tour driver
Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle transport
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Athens

What's Not Included

Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
Gratuities
Food and drinks
English-speaking licensed tour guide (We can arrange for a tour for you with an extra cost)

Additional Information

Don’t let the opportunity to explore Greece’s breathtaking cliff-top Byzantine Monasteries slip by with our comprehensive day-long private tour to Meteora. Journey across the picturesque Thessaly plain to reach Kalambaka and unveil the second most significant monastery complex in Greece, after Athos.

Key features of the all-day Meteora excursion

• A private 12-hour journey traversing the stunning landscapes of Central Greece
• Witness the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Meteora rocks and the Byzantine Monasteries of Meteora
• A world heritage site as recognized by UNESCO
• Experience Greek cuisine with an optional traditional Greek lunch in Kalambaka
• Assistance from a professional English-speaking guide
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off service from your Athens hotel at 07:00 A.M

Dress code is formal
Athens International Airport transfers can be arranged on request at an extra cost!
Important note: You will have a professional English-speaking driver with good knowledge of the history and culture of Greece, to guide you till you enter archaeological sites and museums according to the program. Tour drivers are not licensed to companion you inside the archaeological sites and museums. If you’d like to have one, we can arrange it for you at an additional cost. Licensed by the state tour guides are freelance and it is subject to availability on bookings day!
There are 6 monasteries on Meteora you could visit. Every day there is one or two closed. On this tour, you will have the chance to visit two monasteries, and if you are fast and fit, then a third one!
Piraeus port transfers can be arranged on request at an extra cost!

Location

Thessaly

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

4.8

(13 Ratings)

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1 star

T6945ilangiew

May 14, 2024

Meteora's Magnificent - What a wonderful way to spend the day! The views are absolutely breathtaking. Our driver was very knowledgeable and shared so much information. I only wish there was more time. The private tour was the only way to go! I can not imagine this trip on a big bus tour. If you can afford it, go! you wont regret it!