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Meteora Monasteries Half-Day Small Group Tour with Transport
Meteora, Greece, Europe
$41.23
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
Overview
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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Meteora Monasteries Half-Day Small Group Tour with Transport
Pickup included
Pickup included
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
Duration: 4 hours
- English Speaking local Guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off to/from Kalambaka or Kastraki
- Visit Inside 3 monasteries and see all the other monasteries from outside
- Free smart audio guide in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Polish.
- Tour is guided in English only. Additional languages (Spanish, French and German) are available on a free audioguide.
- Bottled water
- Free WiFi on board
- Varlaam Monastery
- Roussanou Monastery
- Great Meteoron Monastery
- State Licensed Guide inside the monasteries
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- 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. (pass by)
- 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. (pass by)
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Roussanou MonasteryThe 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.
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Varlaam MonasteryThe 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.
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Great Meteoron MonasteryThe 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.
- 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. (pass by)
- 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. (pass by)
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Meteora Monasteries Half-Day Small Group Tour with Transport
Meteora, Greece, Europe
$41.23
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
How it works?
01
—
You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
02
—
We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
03
—
Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!