Category Archive : Meteora

CLICK AND SEE ALL THE TOURS AND OPTIONS to visit Meteora by shared bus guided tours or independent trips by train.

A well marked path in the rocks of Meteora

For real pleasure, combine walking and touring. The sight of the Meteora is a unique spectacle and experience, but walking on the well marked paths, is breathtaking. Experience and observe the local flora and fauna.

Step off the tourist trail and discover the little-known routes that most visitors do not get to see. On this half-day hiking trip, you follow the guide on a leisurely hike to the Grand Meteora Monastery. Along the way, you pass from the Ypapanti monastery and some of the smaller rock monasteries, and listen to fascinating commentary about the formation and history of this unique site.

When the leader calls: “let’s go hiking in Meteora” you follow him in the narrow path that leads into the valleys set on the foothill of the great rocks.
There are numerous hiking paths in the area, some are more difficult than others. The routes that we have chosen are not too difficult. You must wear the proper shoes and be careful where you step, other than that it is a great experience to become one with the nature.

“Go hiking in Meteora” then, and see this unique geological phenomenon walking. Experience a unique convergence of nature and spirituality unlike any other place in Greece. Discover and follow the paths of the monks. Hiking in Meteora gives you the opportunity to see the monasteries and landscape from a different perspective.
The views of the town of Kalampaka at the base of the rocks and the valley of Pineios river are stunning. Plus a visit to a monastery (Great Meteoron or Varlaam) is included.
The Professional Hiking Guide will be with you to give you all the information you need about the area and wherever is needed, transport is organized on a modern minibus.

Distance : +/- 8 km | Duration : 4 hours | Difficulty level : Easy

INCLUDED
Visit One monastery, Certified Hiking Guide, Hotel Pick up / Drop off, Free Meteora Map

EXCLUDED
Entrance fees to the Monastery (3.00 €), Meals and soft drinks.

Useful advice!

The best season for walking at Meteora is Spring and Autumn. If you are walking in the Summer, you will need to have a lot of water with you. You should avoid walking in the heat of the day (11.00 – 4.00 pm).
In the Winter you should also avoid areas that are very wet and slippery.
You should wear shoes that are correct for such sports.
Please respect the holiness of the site and maintain the proper behaviour.
Please keep the area clean of all forms of thrash.

Hiking Tour of Meteora
Witness nature at its best and admire the historic monasteries on this morning escapade. The views are majestic and our tour guides will make sure you enjoy them through the most efficient paths, all while informing you about the history and tales of the area.

The hiking tour of Meteora is best possible way to experience this historic site and geological mystery. On this tour you will walk through paths less traveled by the masses, which only locals are able to guide you through. Follow the trails taken by the first hermits and monks to settle in Meteora in the 9th Century AD, enjoy views which most visitors do not get the opportunity to see!

We begin our trek at Doupiani rock, right under the remains of Pantokrator monastery. We continue through the imposing sandstone mountains and move to the north side of Meteora. There we visit the concealed monastery of Ypapanti and the remains of St. Dimitrious Monastery. While visiting these landmarks, you will hear the history, legends and dark tales associated with the area and each site as told by the locals.

Visit the Ypapanti monastery from the inside (it is open until October), and then the monasteries of Great Meteoron or Varlaam. After filling your soul and absorbing history, we begin the last leg of this one of a kind tour by taking the original paths monks used before more modern road construction began.

Difficulty level: Easy. We do suggest, though, that you are a generally active person to participate in this tour.

CLICK AND SEE ALL THE TOURS AND OPTIONS to visit Meteora by shared bus guided tours or independent trips by train.

Take the 4 hour morning tour and explore Meteora.

Visit at least 2 monasteries and discover the natural beauty and the cultural heritage of this area. Many visitors never learn or hear that just few km away from Kalampaka there is one of the most important prehistoric caves not only for Greece but for the entire world, with archaeological findings dating back to 130,000 BC!

Take this morning tour, include the guided visit to Theopetra prehistoric cave, 4 km from Kalampaka and discover the ancient man made structure on earth, a stone wall dated back to 26,000 BC. Have the chance to see on the caves’ floor the petrified footprints of a 7 years old child that walked on the ashes 60,000 years ago.

Think back in time when the prehistoric child running inside the cave left his footprints for us to see them thousands of years later.

Minimum number applies.

Price is 25.00 euro and includes:

Pick up and drop off from your Hotel
Transportation by modern air-conditioned tour bus
Stop for photo shooting and learn about local traditions, myths and history
Visit 2 of the 6 monasteries
Visit Theopetra’s pre-historic cave

Not included and must be paid extra:

Entrance fees, 3.00 euro per person at each monastery
The 2 monasteries visited are the Grand Meteoro + the St Stephen’s
If the Grand Meteoro is closed, the Varlaam is visited instead.

Useful information:

Wear proper shoes.
Do not forget to bring your camera.
The monasteries have a strict dress code. Wrappings are provided.

Many centuries ago, on these gigantic rocks reaching heights of close to 2,000 feet, one of the most important monastic communities of Greece was formed.
After you’re picked up from your hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraki enjoy a comprehensive morning Meteora tour in all 6 Monasteries with the chance to visit inside 3 of them. Our expert in the area Tour Guide will be with you to give you all the information you need about the area.
Transported with comfort and safety, by our luxury air conditioned LIMO VIP Mini Bus towards cliff-top monasteries.
Numerous photo opportunity stops , to the best panoramic places for photo in Meteora , with short walks during the excursion.

INCLUDED
See all 6 monasteries
Visit inside 3 of them
Local Tour Guide (English speaking)
Upon request French,Italian,Russian,Spanish (extra cost)
Certified guide (optional)
Hotel Pick up / Drop off
Free WI FI
Free Panoramic Meteora Map

Meteora Half-day Tour from Kalampaka is the perfect way to explore the amazing Meteora Monasteries. History, science and mythology alike have attempted to explain the formation of the sandstone mountain, but it is still a mystery which makes it one of the most unique places in the world and places it on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Its deep religious history offers many tales and legends as well. It is estimated that the first hermit monks settled on Meteora around the 10th century AD. It has since been a Christian sanctuary with a very complicated and rough history. 24 monasteries were built during its history, 6 remain to this day.

Go on a daytime tour of 3 of the 6 remaining monasteries in Meteora, learn the history and hear dark tales of the area from local guides. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and take photos from unbelievable positions. Give yourself the privilege of absorbing some of the most breathtaking sights, views and colors nature has to offer. Combine that with learning the history of the area and hearing impressive tales about the first hermits and monks who settled in Meteora, and you have a complete day of body and soul fulfilling activity.

Enjoy a beautiful sunset at Meteora surrounded by a spectacular scenery.

In the 3.30 hour afternoon SUNSET TOUR, organized by our partner in Kalampaka, you visit either the ROUSSANOU, or, the St. STEPHEN’S nunneries, the old Byzantine church of Mother Mary in Kalambaka, and the 1,000 years old hermitages and cave dwellings of Badova.

Experience a beautiful sunset, and capture beautiful photos.

Starting at +/- 16.00 the tour will take you to places that only the locals know. Enjoy amazing views, learn about the history, and traditions of the place. High up on the rocks, you will see the 1,000 years old Bandovas’ and the cave dwellings inside the caves, and learn the history of the very old Byzantine church, built on the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to god Apollo. The Dormition of Mother Mary in Kalampaka is one of the oldest churches in Greece, a real monument of special architecture.

Driving on the rocks, the driver will stop on a flat opening, from where you will take dozens of photos of a beautiful sunset. When the sun touches the mountains at the background, a complete silence is all you hear, and that is the moment that you understand why Meteora was chosen by the monks to build the monasteries here. It’s the moment that you also feel the need to meditate on the beauty of the creation.

The price of the sunset tour is 25.00 € per person, and includes:

Transportation by modern air-conditioned bus
Pick up and drop off from your Hotel in Kalampaka or Kastraki
Stop at the right spot for taking the sunset photos.
Learn about the local customs, legends and history
Visit the nunnery of Roussanou, or, the nunnery of St. Stephen’s,
Visit the Byzantine church of Virgin Mary in Kalampaka and
see the Hermitages of Badova

Not included and must be paid extra
– The entrance fee to the nunnery, being 3.00 € per person, and
– the entrance fee to the Byzantine church of Mother Mary, being 2.00 € per person.

Useful information
– Wear the proper shoes and proper dress. Men wearing long trousers, and women long skirts. However at the entrance of the monasteries you are provided with wrappings to follow the dress code and show your respect.

Meteora Sunset Tour from Kalampaka

Finish your day with a Meteora Sunset Tour while gazing at the sun slowly drop beneath the horizon. Experience this breathtaking scene in one of the most unique places on earth. If you find yourself on an excursion to Meteora, going on a Sunset Tour in Kalabaka is a must. Finish your day while gazing at the sun slowly drop beneath the horizon. Experience this breathtaking scene in one of the most unique places on earth. Meteora is considered the second most important historic site in Greece following the Acropolis. It is a complex of sandstone rocky mountains which took 60 million years to form. How they were formed remains a mystery. Listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, it is also the second largest monastic site in Greece following Mount Athos. 6 of the original 24 monasteries are still active. The history and tales are endless, as are the paths to explore this unique area. The local guides are more than capable of offering both. Spice up your Meteora visit with the Sunset Tour. Avoid the crowds by taking paths less traveled by the majority of tourists and hear the history and legend of the area by a local tour guide. Visit sites which tell the 27-century old story of the region like the Monastery of St. Nicholas Badova (Kofina) and the surrounding caves. Top it all off by watching the sun descend from the edges of the rocky mountain complex.

You have the option of combining the Sunset Tour with the Half-Day Tour or the Meteora Hiking Tour for a full day experience.

cave monastery in meteopra

CLICK AND SEE ALL THE TOURS AND OPTIONS to visit Meteora by shared bus guided tours or independent trips by train.

Tour itinerary

Travelling by train is the most comfortable and efficient way to travel. It’s a smooth and scenic ride through the fertile plain of Thessaly.

First day:
* Be at the Railway Station of Athens (Larissis station) at 06:50 and get on the train that departs for Kalambaka at 07:20 am.
Arrive in Kalambaka at +/- 11:30 and an unforgettable experience starts. Enjoy every minute of it.
* 11:30 – Upon arrival in Kalambaka meet our driver outside the train station. Transfer to the hotel. Check in and have lunch in a nearby restaurant.
* Return to the hotel and at 15:30 be ready in the lobby of the hotel for the “afternoon sunset tour”. (READ details of the tour).
(The pickup time for the “sunset tour” varies, following the time the sun sets).
* Return to Kalambaka after the sunset, have dinner and spend the night in the hotel KOSTA FAMISSI.

Second day:

* 08.00 – Have an early breakfast, take a walk, enjoy the local fauna & flora and at 09.00 you are picked up for the morning tour of Meteora. You drive up the rocks, stop in a couple of openings for beautiful photos, visit at least 2 monasteries that are open on the day that you visit the area, and
* 13.00 – Return to Kalambaka. Have lunch, pick up your luggage from the hotel and walk 600 m. to the train station.
* 17.00 – Board the train and depart for Athens. Arrive at Larissa Rail station at 21:30.

On day 2 you may choose to take the hiking tour to Meteora instead of the morning tour. The decision is yours.
________________________________________________________________
PRICE per person with breakfast: 159 € in single room, 140 € in double room, 135 € in triple room. Child pays 80% of adult fare.
The above prices include the two local tours. You don’t pay extra for them.

BOOK NOW: Fill and submit the booking form and start communication.

INCLUDED: (You travel on your own, not as a group)

  • B class train ticket from Athens to Kalambaka with return,
  • accommodation with breakfast in the 4* hotel Kosta Famissi,
  • transfer upon arrival from the Kalambaka train station to the hotel
  • the afternoon “Sunset” tour with English-speaking tour leader, and
  • the 2nd day, morning or, hiking tour organized by our partner.

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Transfer to/from the railway station in Athens
  • 3.00 € p.p., the entrance fee to every monastery
  • Your meals and drinks in the train & in Kalambaka, and
  • The 1.50 € per room, per night “city tax”

EXTRA night in single room = 42 €, in double = 26 € pp, in triple = 22 € pp,
Upgrading the train ticket to A class = 15 € extra p.p.

Bed & breakfast vs half-board. Originally the residents of Kalambaka were farmers and shepherds. Their food was products from the sheep and goats. Next door to the hotel KOSTA FAMISSI there is a couple of tavernas. Try the “lamb on the spit”, the “exohiko”, the “splinantero”, the “kokoretsi”, and homemade fresh salads from their backyards. Ask them whether they have “mageiritsa = (tripe + herbs soup, usually prepared during Easter). Choose the bed + Breakfast option and taste the local delicacies, served in the local tavernas.

To make and secure your booking, read the terms and conditions and deposit 50 € per person
The balance may be paid upon your arrival in Athens when you receive tickets and vouchers, or
if it is settled in full you will get everything attached to your e-mail address.

USEFUL INFO
Railway station in Athens = Athens Train Station called Larissa train Station
Arrival station = Kalambaka Train Station (last stop)
The original train tickets will be handed over to you when we meet in Athens.
Please, have a printed copy of your tickets on the train

* Child price applies to children aged between 4 – 12 years old

All the options to visit Meteora in guided and independent trips.

Description

This is your chance to explore a unique natural phenomenon in Greece listed as a UNESCO monument. Meteora is a natural landmark nowhere to be found around the world. The imposing vertical rocks host ancient monasteries with a vast cultural significance for the whole of Christianity on their tops.
The 2 Days package to Meteora by train is organized daily as an independent trip, meaning that you travel on the train on your own. No tour leader with you. Arriving in Kalambaka you are met by our local partner who organizes the local tours to Meteora.

Meteora is a rocky forest with huge Byzantine Monasteries built at the top of the rocks.
The tour includes train tickets, a 1-night stay, and a Sunset, Morning, or Hiking Tour!

Join 3.30 hrs. tour of Meteora, see all 6 monasteries of the monastic community and visit 2 of them to experience the life of the monks and nuns.

You deposit 50.00 € to help us buy your train tickets and you collect tickets and vouchers in Athens.

Sunset/Morning/Hiking-local tours

SEE ALL THE TOURS AND OPTIONS to visit Meteora in guided tours or independent train trips.

Prices


PRICES: 112 € in single, 98 € p.p. in double room, 94 p.p. in triple room

INCLUDED:B class return train ticket+ hotel stay in Kalambaka with breakfast.
 
Bed & breakfast vs half-board. Originally the residents of Kalampaka were farmers and shepherds. Their food was products from sheep and goats. Next door to the hotel KOSTA FAMISSI there is a couple of tavernas. Try the “lamb on the spit”, the “exohiko”, the “splinantero”, the “kokoretsi”, and homemade fresh salads from their backyards. Ask them whether they have “mageiritsa = (tripe + herbs soup, usually prepared during Easter). Choose the bed + Breakfast option and taste the local delicacies, served in the local tavernas.

EXTRAS:
An extra night with breakfast:
single room = 42 €, in double = 26 € pp, in triple = 22 € pp,
Upgrade your train ticket to A class: 15 € p.p.

OPTIONAL:
– 4 hours morning tour of Meteora: 25 €, per person,
– 3.30 hours Sunset tour of Meteora: 25 €, p. p.
– 4.30 hours hiking tour of Meteora: 25 €, p. p.
– 4.30 hours midday tour of Meteora: 25 €, p. p.

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Transfers to/from the Athens railway station upon departure / arrival
  • The 3.00 € p.p., entrance fee to every monastery,
  • Your meals and drinks in the train & in Kalampaka, and
  • The 1.50 € per room, per night “city tax”

See our “Meteora special” tour. Includes SUNSET and another tour for 135.00 €

Click here and see the terms and conditions to make and secure your bookings. Deposit 50.00 € and…

CLICK and see all the options to visit Meteora, guided tours, and independent trips.

Description

Daily departures traveling on your own or in a small group.

The 2 Days package to Meteora by train is your chance to discover the unique phenomenon.
The rocky forest with the Monasteries, built for protection at the top of the rocks, are UNESCO monuments.
The tour includes train tickets and 1 night’s stay with breakfast in the 3 * hotel Kosta Famissi.
You can add to it the local tours organized by our local partner, at special prices.
Select between the Sunset Tour, the morning tour, or the Hiking Tour!
On arrival day, you can explore Kalampaka. Don’t miss the 9th c church for 15 min. walk from the hotel.

The Byzantine CHURCH ASSUMPTION OF MOTHER MARY
An important monument in Kalambaka is the church of Assumption, Basilica style.
It is located at the base of the Meteora rocks in the old city of Kalambaka.
The unique feature of the church is the large pulpit found in the middle of the church.

The CAVE OF THEOPETRA.
The Prehistorical Cave of Theopetra is located 5km from Kalambaka.
The 23.000-year-old site is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in the area.
It is of worldwide interest due to the unique findings of two changes in human prehistory:
– the replacement of Neaderdal from the contemporary human, and
– the transition of the human hunter in the agricultural revolution.
Near the cave, you can find the Documentation center of Theopetra cave.

TO SECURE A BOOKING You deposit 50.00 € to help us buy your train tickets.
You collect tickets and vouchers, any day before your departure for Kalambaka.

itinerary

Day 1: Travel by train to Kalampaka, and visit Meteora in the afternoon.
* Be at the LARISA railway station in Athens 30 minutes before the train departure.
* Your train comes to the railway station at 07:10 am. We shall help you to find your seat.
* 07:20 – The train departs from Athens straight to Kalampaka.
* 11:35 – Arrive in Kalambaka and check in at the hotel KOSTA FAMISSI.
* 15:30 – Optional “sunset tour” of the Meteora (25 € p.p.)
* 20:45 – Return to Kalampaka. Evening free.

Day 2: A Day to explore Meteora.
* 09:00 – Take the bus or a taxi from Kalambaka and visit the highest monastery.
* 13:00 – After you finish your visit, walk on the paved paths, or, take the bus back.
Explore the old town of Kalampaka. Visit the church of the Dormition of Mother Mary.
Find a restaurant for lunch. Return to the hotel, take your luggage and
walk to the train station.
* 17.00 – Board the train and depart for Athens at 17:15. Arrival +/- 21:35.

To secure your booking, please, deposit 50.00 € p.p. in ….

Testimonials


Hani K, Ottawa, Canada, 33 reviews

I had a fantastic experience with Astoria Travel and Kosta.
He is very efficient; he knows his stuff and he is one of the best in his job.
He helped me plan a trip to Kalambaka and Delphi by train, private taxi, and Intercity bus.
He arranged everything and all went very smoothly like clockwork.
He takes care of everything, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
All you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy a well-organized trip.
His prices are very reasonable and extremely competitive compared to other travel agents.
I was in Greece the last week of March and the first week of April 2018. I definitely recommend him.

SEE ALL THE TOURS AND OPTIONS to visit Meteora in a guided tour or by train.