Meteora: the 5-Star Private Half Day Tour starting from Kalambaka

Skip the Line with a Licensed Tour Guide

This private guided tour is designed for the visitor who wants to visit Meteora away from the crowds. For 4hours we will wander around the monasteries trying to figure out how they live up there.

We will pass through the rocky cliffs and watch the Christian monasteries on top. Believe me, the view is breathtaking! Feel the breeze and hear the bells of the communities. The monasteries are still active and six in total. We will choose them based on their opening days and hours.

We will explore the mystical world of the monasteries, delving into their history, the geological wonders surrounding them, and the significance of the Christian Orthodox Religion. The central churches adorned with intricate decorations and wall paintings will reveal stories and symbolic meanings, giving you a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. You’ll have the opportunity to witness the daily routines of the nuns and monks, and observe their everyday jobs. The 14th-century setting adds a fascinating historical context, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past.

Rest assured, this is a private tour, and your group will not be joined by others. As your licensed tour guide, I will accompany you both inside and outside the monasteries, providing insightful commentary and ensuring a personalized experience.

Itinerary

During the tour we will visit:

• Meteora Area (UNESCO Site): Explore the hidden monasteries and choose to enter 2 active monasteries based on your preferences, traffic conditions, and the schedule of the monasteries. Take the time for shopping to bring home souvenirs and capture stunning photos of the remarkable landscapes and monasteries.
• Natural panoramic view points for meditation and photos.
• Hidden monasteries.

FAQs

• What is the duration of this tour?

You can choose between a half day tour (up to 4 hours) and a full day tour (up to 6 hours) if you want to visit more monasteries.

• How to reach the Meteora site?

Reaching the Meteora site is relatively straightforward, and you have a few transportation options depending on your preferences.

By Car:

If you prefer flexibility and independence, renting a car is a great option. You can drive from major cities in Greece to Meteora.
The most common route is from Athens. The drive takes about 4-5 hours, and you’ll take the E65/A1 highway heading north.

By Train:

The nearest train station to Meteora is in Kalambaka. Trains from Athens to Kalambaka run regularly, and the journey takes around 4-5 hours.
The station of Larissa is another option. Larissa being a larger city, also has good train connections. I will pick you up at both train stations.
The train offers a comfortable and scenic way to reach Meteora. Once you arrive at Kalambaka, you can use local transportation or walk to your hotel. If you choose to do a day trip, I will pick you up for the train station with my driver and in the end we will drop you off again back in the same place, on time!

By Guided Tours:

I can offer day trips starting from various cities, including Athens and Thessaloniki. This option is convenient if you prefer your comfort. A driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Meteora and drop you off in the end. I will meet you at the site to wander the place together.

• Where will we meet?

I will pick you up from your hotel or any other location you wish. If you travel by train I will meet you at the train station of Kalambaka. Please note that Kalambaka is the town below the site of Meteora. The distance between the town and the first monastery is about 10 minutes.

• Is there any option for our transportation during the tour?

Yes! I am not a licensed driver to transfer you but I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver. If you travel by train from Athens or Thessaloniki I will arrange the transportation for this tour using a minivan or taxi.

• What is the activity level?

Moderate. You will need to walk on varying terrains and climb stairs.

• Why should I be guided by a Licensed Tourist Guide?

In Greece, it’s advisable to hire licensed tour guides who have been officially certified by the Greek Ministry of Tourism. Licensed guides are well-trained and knowledgeable about the country’s history, art, and culture. They can provide you with in-depth information about the archaeological sites, museums, and other attractions. In order to be guided in Greece, especially in Museums and Archaeological sites you should hire a Licensed Tour Guide. All tour guides wear our ID card. Only, those are official tour guides of Greece! You pay so as to deserve valid information.

MONASTERIES INFO

• Dress Code: women have to keep covered their shoulders and legs by wearing long dresses/skirts under the knee or covering their pants with a long cover-up. As for men, they have to wear long pants.

• Hours and Ticketing: Each monastery follows its own time schedule. The admission fees are 3e per person for each monastery.

Monasteries Summer Timetable 2024 (April 1st to October 31st)
St. Stephen’s Nunnery: 9:00 to 13:30 and 15:30 to 17:30. Closed on Mondays.
Holy Trinity Monastery: 10:00 to 16:00. Closed on Thursdays.
Great Meteoron Monastery: 09:00 to 15:00. Closed on Tuesdays.
Roussanou Monastery: 09:00 to 16:30. Closed every Wednesday.
Varlaam Monastery: 09:00 to 16:00. Closed on Fridays.
Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery: 09:00 to 17:00. The monastery is open every day.

Monasteries Winter Timetable 2024 (November 1st to March 31st)
St. Stephen’s Nunnery: 9:30 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:00. Closed on Mondays.
Holy Trinity Monastery: 10:00 to 16:00. Closed on Thursdays.
Great Meteoron Monastery: 09:30 to 14:00. Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Roussanou Monastery: 09:30 to 14:00. Closed every Wednesday.
Varlaam Monastery: 09:00 to 15:00. Closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery: 09:00 to 16:00, Sundays: 9:30 to 16:00. The monastery is open every day.