Private Day Trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki

11 Hours Free CancellationMin 2 participantsPickup availableInstant confirmationPrivate tourMin age 1+Guided Operated by iGoHellas
Holy Monastery of Rousanos - Saint Barbara Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoron - Transfiguration of the Saviour Monastery of Varlaam

Why we love it?

This full-day tour explores the Meteora region in Greece, visiting three of its oldest monasteries: the Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoron, the Monastery of Varlaam, and the Holy Monastery of Rousanos, also known as Saint Barbara. Guests can admire post-Byzantine art and historical artifacts at the Great Meteoron, view 16th-century frescoes and a newly opened museum at Varlaam, and enjoy panoramic views and unique photo opportunities at Rousanos. The itinerary includes a traditional Greek lunch in Kastraki near Kalampáka, with private transportation provided by an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking driver. Admission to the monasteries is not included, and there is no official licensed guide on the tour. This experience suits travelers interested in religious history, architecture, and scenic landscapes.

Inclusions

  • Private English Speaking Driver
  • Private transportation
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water

Exclusions

  • Official licensed Guide
  • Lunch and Refreshments
  • Great Meteoron Monastery
  • Agios Stefanos
  • Varlaam Monastery

Itinerary

Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoron - Transfiguration of the Saviour

Great Meteoron or Megalo Meteoron is the biggest and oldest monastery of all in Meteora.

The monastery offers amazing views to the surrounding landscape. During your visit you have the chance to visit the museum of the monastery, where historical codices and religious icons of high value are on display.

Moreover, take time to gaze at the artistic details of some of the best samples of post-Byzantine art of Greece, found inside the main church of the monastery.

Monastery of Varlaam

The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery of Meteora. Located very close to Great Meteoro Monastery, it was founded in the mid 14th century by a monk named Varlaam.

The chapel was finally decorated in 1548. The beautiful frescos in the monastery’s chapel of All Saints belong to the famous hagiographer of the 16th century Franco Catalano. The monastery has preserved the tower with the old pully system where you can see the net, used by the first monks to bring up people and provisions.

The visitors can also see a very large 16th-century oak barrel used for water storage over the previous centuries. The monastery of Varlaam has opened recently a brand new museum, where visitors can admire the excellence of religious painted icons – mostly contemporary to the Renaissance period – and precious holy vestments of the priests from the Byzantine period.

Holy Monastery of Rousanos - Saint Barbara

The Holy Monastery of Roussanou, located at Meteora was first established in the 14th century. It received the name probably from the first hermit-monk who settled on the rock during that period. 

Visit Roussanou for a different view of the surrounding cliffs and the adjacent Meteora Monasteries. Follow the pathway from this monastery to the upper main road and discover an off-the-road panoramic view point spot that allows you to walk on bear rocks!

Don’t miss out on this photo opportunity!

Stop 4

Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in Kastraki, near the city of Kalampaka, before heading back to Thessaloniki.

Please Note

  • Stroller or pram accessible
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Travelers need to dress appropriately
  • Visiting time of each monastery may vary according the season
  • Travel time included at the duration of the trip We pick-up guests from all hotels and Airbnbs in Thessaloniki. If hotel is inaccessible by car due to restrictions, pickup will be held from a nearby location withing short walking distance. Cruise ship travelers: Meeting point is the exit of the cruise port terminal. Your guide will hold a name board with travelers name on.

Know Before You Go

  • Animals or pets allowed
  • Public transportation nearby
  • Infant seats available

Cancellation Policy

Fully refundable until 1 day before start

Non-refundable after 1 day before start