Exploring the celestial rocks – Day trip to Meteora

Feel the mystery of the landscape

TOTAL DURATION
10-
12h
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
• someone in good hiking condition
• trails are generally in good condition
• increased mileage
• moderate elevation gain
SEASON

All year long

PRICE UPON REQUEST
Smaller / larger group trips available upon request

Begin with a virtual journey through the history and creation of the colossal rocks. Now it’s time to see them up close. Visit a monastery and feel the grandeur of faith. Discover how the natural, divine, and human elements are closely intertwined. Wander in the shade of the rocks. Marvel at the view from above, while sipping your coffee and enjoying a picnic of Greek flavors.

Learn this too:

 

Meteora is a region of rare natural beauty located near the city of Kalambaka. It consists of a cluster of rocks, forming an impressive geological composition. It is a set of sandstone rock formations that were created about 25 to 30 million years ago when the Thessalian plain was still covered by the sea.

The name Meteora, which means “hanging rocks,” is attributed to St. Athanasios the Meteorite, the founder of the Great Meteoron Monastery, who named the wide rock where he first climbed in 1344, Meteora. In 1372, he built the first monastery there. Over time, the monastic community in the area began to grow, and during its heyday, the number of monasteries reached 24. The great height and steepness of the rocks on which they were built gave the monasteries a fortress-like character. They were only accessible by using long ladders and manual winches. Today, six monasteries are still operating

It is considered one of the most impressive and enchanting tourist destinations in Greece and the world. A visit to this magical place is an unforgettable experience, as natural beauty, religious heritage, and history combine to create a unique and mesmerizing experience.

ITINERARY

  • Departure from Thessaloniki

    We depart from Thessaloniki at 07:00 heading to the town of Kalampaka.

  • Arrival in Kalampaka

    We will visit the Meteora Digital History and Culture Projection Center for a 3D presentation of the mythological significance of Meteora, as well as a virtual tour of the Holy Monasteries of Meteora.

     

     

  • Visit a Monastery

    Depending on the day, we will visit a monastery where we will have a self-guided tour.

  • Viewpoint

    Then, we will visit a nearby viewpoint to admire the stunning landscape and take the necessary photos, as it is considered one of the most Instagram-worthy places in Meteora.

  • Hike on the rock of Holy Spirit.

    We continue towards the village of Kastraki, where we will begin our 2-hour hike through a lush green landscape that will lead us almost to the summit of the rock of Holy Spirit. There, we will discover the cave-like chapel where the first hermit of Meteora is said to have lived in the 10th century.

  • Picnic

    The view from the rock of the Holy Spirit is truly stunning. It’s time to savor our coffee and a picnic featuring Greek delicacies.

  • Return to Thessaloniki

    With our hearts and minds brimming with beautiful memories and experiences from our day trip to Meteora, we set off for Thessaloniki in the late afternoon.

     

Smaller / larger group trips available upon request

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Meteora Digital History and Culture Projection Center
  • Visit to a Monastery
  • Visit a famous viewpoint
  • Hiking on the rock of Holy Spirit
  • Picnic

additional info

  • Each monastery has different days and hours of operation.
  • There is a dress code in the monasteries. Sleeveless shirts and shorts are prohibited for both men and women. Women are not allowed to enter the monasteries wearing pants, but they should wear skirts.
  • Visiting the Meteora monasteries during Sundays and Orthodox holidays is not recommended because they tend to be very crowded during those times.
  • During hiking, there are some steep points that require special attention.
  • Not recommended for people with acrophobia.
  • There will be significant sun exposure.
  • Τhe driving time is 6  hours in total
  • It is recommended to have breakfast before the excursion.

included

Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off service
Activity guide
First aid kit
Hiking poles (upon request)
Tour operator liability insurance
Picnic
Snack
Coffee
0.5l water bottle

excluded

Personal expenses
Early departure costs
Beverages and drinks
Gifts, souvenirs, etc.
Guided tour/Professional guide for Archaeological sites/Museums/Monasteries (could be included with extra charge upon request)
Meals and drinks from the refuge
Τickets for Monasteries and Meteora Digital History and Culture Projection Center (6 euros/person)

Must-Have equipment

Running or hiking shoes
Extra clothes to change
Light jacket
Sunglasses & sunscreen
1.5 liters of water
Buff or cap
10-20l Backpack

Exploring the celestial rocks – Day trip to Meteora

PRICE UPON REQUEST

Exploring the celestial rocks – Day trip to Meteora

PRICE UPON REQUEST

Inquiry form

Inquiry form

Inquiry form