Meteora: Morning Half Day Sightseeing and Monasteries Tour

Join this classic, authentic, morning tour in Meteora and meet its most cherished local legends through the eyes of a local. Explore centuries-old monasteries, enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views and discover unearthing hidden gems most travelers don’t know about.

1. 1

   Meteora

   Pass by

   Join this morning sightseeing tour to Meteora and fully experience this true wonder accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. The tour starts with a convenient pick-up (with our VIP minibus) from your hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraki. During this guided tour you will have the opportunity to see all six magnificent monasteries and admire the interior of three of them. Additionally, view some of Meteora’s most spectacular hidden gems like the ancient Chapel of Doupiani and the magnificent St. George “Mandilas” cave. You will also discover the “other side” of Meteora, like the truth about why the hermits settled in these imposing caves a thousand years ago and how the monks achieved the “impossible”. If English isn’t your primary language, don’t worry! We offer free audio guides in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese & Korean. Last but not least, take the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views and capture some amazing photos that you will cherish forever.

2. 2

   Kastraki

   Pass by

   At the bottom of the Holy Meteora Rocks and not far from Kalambaka is located Kastraki (translated as small castle in Greek). This picturesque village took its name from a small Byzantine castle, whose ruins are still saved today.

3. 3

   Saint Nicholas Monastery

   20 min

   The Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas is literally suspended in air on a small rock and is the first monastery that we meet on our way from Kastraki village to the stone forest of Holy Meteora.

4. 4

   Roussanou Monastery

   1 hour

   The Roussanou Monastery, also known as Arsani, stands on top of an impressive vertical and steep cliff of Meteora, between the Monasteries of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas and Varlaam.

5. 5

   Great Meteoron Monastery

   1 hour

   The Monastery of Great Meteoron or Transfiguration of Christ, expresses the greatness and history of the Holy Meteora, as it is the oldest and most important monastery.

6. 6

   Varlaam Monastery

   1 hour

   The Varlaam Monastery or Monastery of All the Saints is located on an imposing rock exactly opposite of the Great Meteoron and it is the second largest monastery of Meteora.

7. 7

   Holy Trinity Monastery

   20 min

   The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is the third oldest monastery in Meteora and is the most difficult to reach, since visitors should cross a downhill path and then ascend 145 steps carved into the rock. It is said that the first hermits used a rope ladder and a net to build it and they spent 70 years to carry the all the materials needed.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   20 min

   The Monastery of Saint Stephen’s (Agios Stefanos) is located just above the city of Kalambaka and is the most accessible monastery in Meteora, as there are no steps to reach the entrance and the access is easy through a small stone bridge.

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The monasteries of Meteora impose a dress code for visitors. Men are required to wear long trousers and shirts with sleeves. Women must wear skirts that fall below the knee (trousers are not permitted) and cover their shoulders. Alternatively, women can use a long scarf wrapped around the waist to meet the dress code requirements.
• The monasteries of Meteora only accept cash for the entrance fees (€5 per person/monastery).

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