The footsteps of the monks
From EUR 250
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Meteora is a place that combines a unique geological phenomenon and a monastic community. Six active monasteries exist today; all placed on top the immense rocks of Meteora. Le t us take you on an unforgettable journey that will bring you back in time to walk on the footsteps of Meteora’s monks. We will guide you on the secret trails of Meteora, the same ancient trails the monks used for centuries in order to learn the history and to discover all the hidden gems of this place. This 2-days itinerary undoubtedly will be the highlight of your entire visit to Greece.
On the morning of the first day you will join the hiking tour of Meteora. The hike starts on the foothills of Doupiani rock, right beneath the old ruins of Pantokrator monastery. From there you will walk literally among giants, between these massive rock pillars of Meteora towards the northern side of the rocks. With this morning hike you’ll have the chance to visit the monastery of Great Meteoron and you will learn all the stories behind each landmark you encounter through the exciting narrative of our local mountain guides.
On the afternoon we will guide you to discover the caves of the monks near the village of Kastraki. This afternoon hike will take on the rock of “Holy Spirit” some 200 meters above the village where the first anchorite of Meteora lived more than a thousand years ago. On the second day we will guide you on a hiking and scramble tour through the most ancient trail to reach on the highest rock of Meteora 400 meters above the town of Kalambaka. Enjoy a great adventure in a unique place with unparalleled breathtaking views that you will remember forever.
Day 1 morning: Hiking Tour of Meteora
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The hiking tour of Meteora is one of the best ways to enjoy this unique geological phenomenon and to learn the history of an UNESCO World Heritage Site. By joining this morning hike you will walk through hidden trails that only locals know. Let us take you on a journey back in time following the footsteps of the first monks who arrived here more than 15 centuries ago. Experience nature at its best and enjoy great views other visitors will never get to see!
The hike begins from the foothills of Doupiani rock, beneath the old ruins of Pantokrator monastery. It then crosses through the immense rock formations to reach the northern side of Meteora. Over that side you'll discover the hidden monastery of Ypapanti and the ruins of St. Dimitrious. Listen to the stories and the legends behind each place you pass along the trail and the thousand years of history will become alive through the exciting narrative of our local mountain guides.
Visit the monasteries of Great Meteoron or Varlaam and then you'll climb down the old footpath the monks used for centuries before the construction of roads for the last part of this marvelous hike.
This tour requires a reasonable physical and mental health.
Difficulty level: Easy
Duration: 4-5 hours (approx.)
Departure point: Pick-up from your Hotel in Kalampaka or Kastraki
Day 1 afternoon: Hiking Meteora's Caves
- The hiking tour begins from Kastraki square and after a while reaches to Dupiani hermitage. It passes below the ruined Pantokratoros monastery on the north side of Dupiani's rock. The tour then reaches the Ypapanti monastery and St Dimitrious ruins, a monastery destroyed by the Ottomans in 1808. during a local uprising. From there the trail leads all the way up to the impressive Great Meteoro and Varlaam Monasteries. In the end, walk down from Varlaam monastery to St. George the Madilas and see the place where local boys and girls climb with only a rope to dedicate offerings to St George.
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Departure point: Pick-up from your Hotel in Kalampaka or Kastraki
Day 2: Hiking of Great Saint (Aghia)
- This is the highest of all the Meteora rocks, with a height of 630 m (1890 ft). A path leading up to the tower of Aghia (which means “Great Saint”) starts from the old quarters of the village Kastraki. This amazing hiking path is a challenge of great adventure that appeals mostly to active individuals with good fitness levels. Because of its high difficulty, it is not recommended without a guide, unless you are an experienced climber. On the way to the top one passes by the bizarre-looking rock of Adrachti, then proceeds to walk on the rock-carved steps and encounters the naturally-formed cisterns before reaching the spot in which a white cross has been placed. The view from the peak of this rock is exceptional!
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes (approx.)
Departure point: Pick-up from your Hotel in Kalampaka or Kastraki
- This tour requires a physical and mental health
- Difficulty level intermediate
Inclusions:
- English speaking guide
- 2 days of pure enjoyment in nature
- 2-nights Accommodation: 3 stars Hotel in Kalampaka
- 1 dinner
- Entrance fee of the Museum of Natural History of Meteora & Mushrooms Museum
- Pick-up and Drop-off service
Exclusions:
- Gratuities (optional)
Additional info:
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- NO UNDER 7 years old
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- This tour requires a minimum number of 2 passengers to operate. There is a possibility that the tour may be canceled after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative activity or refunded in full.
- Suitable walking shoes required – no flip-flops. Suggestions:walking boots or sneakers, closed toe shoes with non slip soles.
- Entrance fees for the 2 monasteries of Great Meteoro and Varlaam not included on the Tours price. Entrance fees are 3 Euro per person / per monastery.
Voucher info:
- You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Departure time: Day 1 morning 8:30am, Day 1 afternoon time varies, Day 2 8:30am
Distance: Day 1: 14 km, Day 2: 8 km
Return details: Returns to original departure point
- Numbers are limited to a maximum of 12 people on this small group hiking tour, incase you are a bigger group we willsplit you in small groups with more guides ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide.
- Respect the holiness of this site, keep it clean,seek harmony and balance between tourism and spiritual activities
Additional Information
- Cancellation and Refund policy
- Cancellations and amendments received within 30 days of departure will incur a penalty which will be the price of train tickets.
- Cancellations and amendments received within 5 days of departure will incur a penalty of 50% per person.
- Cancellations and amendments received within 24 hours of departure will incur a penalty of 100% per person.
- Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
- Link
- http://bit.ly/2rTYnWW
- Important Information
- Suitable walking shoes required – no flip-flops. Suggestions:walking boots or sneakers, closed toe shoes with non slip soles. The meeting point for this tour is the Visit Meteora Offices in Kalampaka. Weather will not affect the operation of the tours. However if canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- What to remember
- Departure time: Day 1 morning 8:30am, Day 1 afternoon time varies, Day 2 8:30am Distance: Day 1: 14 km, Day 2: 8 km Return details: Returns to original departure point Respect the holiness of this site, keep it clean,seek harmony and balance between tourism and spiritual activities
Appropriate clothing for everyone is required to enter the monasteries. Sleeveless clothing and shorts over the knee for men are prohibited and you‘ll be denied access if dressed that way. For ladies skirts below the knee are also required.
- GREAT METEORON MONASTERY
The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoro (Transfiguration of Jesus) is the biggest and oldest one of all, dating back to the 14th century. 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. Once you’ve reached the summit, a rewarding view awaits you and the monastery calls for exploration. The main cathedral in its central courtyard is embellished with beautiful 16th century frescoes. Take time to gaze at the artistic details of some of the best samples of Greek Byzantine art and then rush to the museum, where historical codices and religious icons of high value are on display. Take a look inside the old refectory of the monks, where part of an original 16th century table is preserved, with the original cutleries on it. Don’t forget to take a glance at the monastery’s old kitchen on your way out, still black with smoke, with the original bread oven and soup hearth. If you want to learn more of the myths and history of the first and most important monastery in the Meteora area, why not choose our comprehensive Guided Private Tour. Our guides will ensure that you wont miss a thing!
- VARLAAM MONASTERY
The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest one and its main cathedral dates to the 16th century. Its inner walls are painted by three different artists, one of them (Francos Katellanos) amongst the most renowned Byzantine artists of his time. This is the monastery where you can visit the tower of the old preserved net, used by the first monks for their ascent and descent from the rock, until it was “God’s will to have it replaced”! A very large and impressive 16th century oak barrel for water storage is also not to be missed. The old refectory has been turned into a museum, where visitors can admire the excellence of religious painted icons – mostly contemporary to the Renaissance period – and precious holy vestments of the priests.
- THE TOWER OF AGIA
The ruins of an ancient tower are on the peak of a rock called Aghia. This is the highest of all the Meteora rocks, with a height of 630 m (1890 ft). A path leading up to the tower of Aghia (which means “Great Saint”) starts from the old quarters of the village Kastraki. This amazing hiking path is quite a challenge and of great adventure that appeals mostly to active individuals with good fitness levels. Because of its high difficulty, it is not recommended without a guide, unless you are an experienced climber. On the way to the top one passes by the bizarre-looking rock of Adrachti, then proceeds to walk on the rock-carved steps and encounters the naturally-formed cisterns before reaching the spot in which a white cross has been placed. The view from the peak of this rock is exceptional!
- THE ROCK OF AGHIO PNEVMA
The rock of Aghio Pnevma (Holy Spirit) is located the middle of the valley that extends from the village of Kastraki towards the vast rock complex of Meteora. On its top a plateau is formed, where a chapel dedicated to the Holy Spirit was once erected. This tiny monastery was the oldest one in the region of Meteora, dating to the 10th century. The long-shaped caves on the side of the main road where scaffolding is still visible indicate the spot that served as a prison where the monks were expelled. The view from the top is absolutely breath-taking. Religious ceremonies are often held on the rock of Aghio Pnevma
Highlights
- 2-days small-group hiking tour of the hiking trails from Kalambaka – Kastraki to Meteora rock forest and the Monasteries
- Visit the old ruins of Monasteries, one of the best-preserved monastic complexes in Greece
- Hike through magnificent trails to the top of the Meteora rocks and enjoy the captivating and inspiring view from the top like the first Monks did 1.000 years ago
- Stay at the foothills of the Meteora rocks enjoying the view from your balcony
- 2 nights of accommodation in a 3 star hotel included
- Breakfast included
- Optional Dinner
- Small-group tour limited to 12 people ensures a personalized experience
Detailed information
Route
- Kalambaka