Kalambaka and Meteora Monastery

Arriving at the port of Volos with your cruise, the guide will be waiting at the meeting point, identified with the Shore2Shore sign, to begin our tour.

We will head towards Meteora, one of the most spectacular places in Greece. The immense smooth stone pinnacles are ancient geological formations, and on top of them, the monasteries enhance this unique landscape.

The name Meteora comes from the adjective meteoros, which means "suspended in the air". The word meteorite has the same root—just one look is enough to understand this extravagance of nature: a fantastic forest of rocks.

These granite rocks rise to great heights, and many of them are crowned by monasteries built more than six hundred years ago.

In the past, access was only possible with rope baskets (functioning like elevators), which transported the monks to the top.

This is undoubtedly a magical and unforgettable place. On these granite rocks, the monks sought refuge and protection against raids from bandits.

Their communities were created following the tradition of Mount Athos. Most monasteries were destroyed during World War II, and of the original twenty-four, six are now uninhabited and two have been converted into convents.

We will visit two of these monasteries: Agios Stefanos and Varlaam.

In case the on-site queues prevent visiting one of the planned monasteries, the guide will agree with the group on an alternative monastery with easier access.

At the end of the visit, we offer the option of an optional lunch at a restaurant ten minutes from Kalambaka, or free time in Kalambaka (each guest can decide on the spot, as there are no restaurants large enough in Kalambaka itself).

Return to the port of Volos, concluding the excursion.

Dress code: Please remember we will be visiting religious sites. Women are not allowed to wear shorts, white or transparent clothing, or tights. Clothing should be loose and long for both women and men.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• INCLUDES ASSISTANCE AT THE PORT AND ON THE BUS, TRANSPORTATION AND GUIDE
• DURATION: BUS AND GUIDE AT YOUR DISPOSAL FOR UP TO 8 HOURS
• THE SERVICE INCLUDES FREE TIME OF APPROX. 30–45 MINUTES THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY AT THE END OF THE EXCURSION.

SUPPLEMENT to be paid on site

• Entrance fee €3.00 per person for each monastery.
• In the event that queues on site prevent the visit of one of the 2 monasteries scheduled to be visited, the guide will agree with the group on the visit of an alternative monastery with easier access.
• Dress code. Please remember that we will be visiting places of worship. Women may not wear shorts, white or transparent garments, or tights. Clothing must be loose and long for both women and men.
• The entrance fees are approximate and may change without prior notice by decision of the relevant authorities. In any case, you can check the official price at the ticket office on the day of the excursion.
• It is not permitted to film videos or take photographs inside the monasteries.
• There are approximately 180 steps to climb. There is no possible access for wheelchairs.

NOTES

• Medium level/Panoramic/Cultural.
• Comfortable footwear is recommended.
• This excursion is not recommended for people with reduced mobility, people who require the use of a wheelchair, or those traveling with baby strollers, due to the uneven terrain.

OUR PERSONNEL WILL BE IDENTIFIED WITH A SHORE2SHORE SIGN AND WILL BE LOCATED AT THE EXIT GATE.

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIND THE BUS BY YOURSELF. PLEASE LOCATE OUR PERSONNEL AND THEY WILL GUIDE YOU TO THE BUS.