Meteora Monasteries
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Port
Volos, Greece
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$129
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Set out from Volos heading northwest across the fertile plain of Thessaly to Larissa, capital of the province. This is the country of the Centaurs and the site of the Battle of Pharsalla, where Julius Caesar defeated Pompey the Great. Turning westward, you’ll pass through Trikala in the very center of Greece, en route to the town of Kalambaka. Here, towering above the plain, are the unique and phenomenal meteora pinnacles. Perhaps not surprisingly, meteora means in mid-air. These vast granite rocks soar hundreds of feet tall and most are crowned with 600-year-old monasteries—a fantastic, unforgettable sight. The pinnacles rock offered medieval monks refuge from plundering bandits. Of the 24 original monasteries, only six are now inhabited. Your first visit, to the Monastery of Agios Stephanos (now run by an order of nuns), is relatively easy to negotiate. You will have lunch along the way; then, head to the Varlaam Monastery, where the approach requires climbing a considerable number of steps—well worth the climb. The monastic buildings are of considerable interest and the view over the other monasteries, towards the lofty Pindus range in the distance, is stupendous.
Please note: Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Depending on day of excursion, different monasteries may be visited.