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
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
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Departure point: Pick-up from your Hotel in Kalampaka or Kastraki
Day 2: Hiking of Great Saint (Aghia)
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes (approx.)
Departure point: Pick-up from your Hotel in Kalampaka or Kastraki
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
Additional info:
Voucher info:
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
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!
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 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 (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