Excursion Remarkable monasteries of meteora tour at Volos

Discover the premiere attraction in Volos and explore the city's ancient past during this picturesque, full-day journey to the spectacular Meteora Monasteries.

Depart the pier for the approximate 2.5-hour, 85-mile (137-kilometre) drive inland to the Meteora Monasteries. En route, proceed through the fertile plain of Thessaly and Larissa, the provincial capital, before reaching Kalambaka. This quaint country town provides a convenient base for visiting the Meteora area and its monasteries, the main attractions in this part of Greece. A brief comfort stop is made (optional) before ascending the road leading up from Kalambaka and visiting the monasteries.

Meteora Monasteries

Towering above the plain is the unique phenomenon of the Meteora Monasteries. Here, the awesome landscape features immense granite rocks soaring hundreds of feet skyward, with many of them crowned by 600-year-old monasteries clinging to the crest-like eagles' nests. At various points, caves once occupied by hermits can be seen in the rock face. Monks formed communities on mountain crests of dizzying heights, and took refuge from plundering bandits.

Originally built with wooden balconies overhanging sheer drops, the monasteries were accessible through net baskets hauled up by ropes. Later, steps were cut into the rock and, more recently, a road was constructed. Only six of the original 24 monasteries are still inhabited. Two have become nunneries, going against an initial ruling that barred women from entering these institutions. Few of the monasteries are open to the public; today, visit two of them.

Lunch

Both monasteries are of considerable interest and offer spectacular views out to the distant Pindus Mountains. Afterward, re-board your coach, drive back down to the plain via an alternate route and stop for a Greek lunch. After lunch, re-board your coach for the approximately 2.5-hour return drive to Volos.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Volos, Meteora Mountains, Thessaly, Larissa, Kalambaka, Two Monasteries, Pindus Mountains, Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking over uneven surfaces with many steps to negotiate at the entrances to the monasteries. Guests must be able to walk approximately 2625 feet over uneven surfaces and cobblestone and be able to negotiate approximately 250 steps at the monastery. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. All monasteries have a strict dress code applicable to both women and men. Women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders; men are required to wear slacks. The drive between the pier and Meteora is approximately 2.5 hours in each direction. The tour sequence may vary. Cameras and videos are not permitted inside the monastery buildings, although photography is allowed in the forecourts.