Meteora Tour: Meteora Full-Day Private Tour & Free Audio Tour

Begin your private tour with an early morning departure from Athens, as your skilled driver escorts you on a captivating four-hour journey to the enchanting landscape of Meteora, where awe-inspiring monasteries perched atop towering rock formations await your exploration.

The Battlefield of Thermopylae, nestled between mountains and the sea, witnessed the legendary bravery of the Greek defenders as they held their ground against overwhelming Persian forces, making it a hallowed ground of valor and sacrifice. Join this private tour to explore the historic pass where King Leonidas and his warriors fought gallantly, leaving an indelible mark on history.

St. Nicholas of Anapafsas’ monastery is located near the village Kastraki. It is the first monastery that one can see climbing from the village to the Holy Meteora.

Its name is probably due to some old founder, who should be dated to the 14th century along with the beginnings of monastic life on this rock. It might have also been named like this, because it offers spiritual rest. «Anapafsi» is the greek word for rest.

In the center of the complex of the Holy Meteora there is the women’s monastery Rousanou, which covers the whole width of a small, steep cliff. Founded onto the ruins of older facilities (1529) by the brother monks and Saints Ioasaph and Maximus, who came from Ioannina.

According to tradition, Varlaam’s monastery was inhabited by the hermit Varlaam in the 14th century. It was founded in 1518, when the brothers Theophanous and Nectarios, known as Apsarades, coming from Ioannina, settled there.

The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron is considered to have been the beginning of organized monasticism on Meteora. The monastery of the Transfiguration of the Christ has come to be called “Great Meteoron”, not only because of the size of its buildings, but also because of its spiritual reputation and its primacy it held among the other monasteries on Meteora in the mid-16th century. Great Meteoron is currently the largest of the existing monasteries on Meteora.

It is the most inaccessible of all the monasteries in Meteora.
The Holy Trinity monastery is considered by experts as the third oldest monastery in Meteora.

The monastery during its long historic route got relief and protection from the aristocratic houses of the Byzantine Empire and the rulers of the Danubian countries. The Monastery is the most easily accessible of the entire monastic complex of the Holy Meteora. The visitor entering the courtyard of the monastery faces the entrance of the new Athonite style Catholicon, which is dedicated to Saint Charalampus.

The monastery is located in a beautiful area known as «Badova», southeast of Kastraki village. It stretches between two large rock formations called «Pyxari» and «Amparia» and few other smaller rocks. The small abandoned monastery is dedicated to Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas). The hermitage was built inside a cave that was formerly used by hermits and ascetics.

With ample time to immerse yourself in the wonders of Meteora, relish the opportunity to savor a delightful meal at a local tavern, accompanied by your loved ones, while reveling in the picturesque charm of the village of Kastraki.

As the sun begins to set, it's time to bid farewell to the captivating landscapes of Meteora, as we embark on our return journey to Athens, ensuring a tranquil late afternoon departure filled with cherished memories and a sense of fulfillment.