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ThessalonikiReligious & spiritual activities

Our most recommended Thessaloniki Religious & spiritual activities

Thessaloniki: Full-Day Bus Trip to Meteora

1. Thessaloniki: Full-Day Bus Trip to Meteora

Embark on a full-day bus trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki. Explore this UNESCO world heritage site and admire the unique landscape. Depart Thessaloniki in the morning and journey to the amazing monastery complex of Meteora to visit 2 of the 6 holy monasteries, depending on their operating schedule. Get access to holy sites such as the women's Monastery of Agios Stefanos with its impressive wood-carved iconostasis, or visit the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, perched on the top of a rocky precipice over 400 meters high. Alternatively, discover the tower of the old preserved net at the Monastery of Varlaam, or explore the largest of the monasteries at the Monastery of Great Meteoron. Take in panoramic views of these incredible structures and the stunning landscape. Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in Kastraki, near the city of Kalampaka, before heading back to Thessaloniki.

From Thessaloniki: Meteora Small Group Day Trip

2. From Thessaloniki: Meteora Small Group Day Trip

The trip will start from Thessaloniki early in the morning. After a 2.5 to 3-hour drive, your group will reach the little town of Kalambaka right under the Meteora cliffs. From there, you will head to Kastraki, the closest village to the monasteries. You will visit Gran Meteoro which is the largest of all the monasteries and then a second monastery depending on your liking. See the life of the monks and their cells, the magnificent views from the peaks of these cliffs and the great panorama that the area offers. After your visit, the driver will take you to Kalampaka, where you can have a rest and enjoy a coffee, drink or snack. Later, start your return drive to Thessaloniki.

From Thessaloniki: Day Trip to Meteora

3. From Thessaloniki: Day Trip to Meteora

Following early morning pick-up from Thessaloniki, journey by luxurious air-conditioned bus to Kalambaka for an estimated arrival time of 11:30. Upon arrival, go to the famous rock formations of Meteora and marvel at the enormous columns of rock that rise sharply from the ground. Settled in the 9th century by hermetic monks of the Eastern Orthodox Church, Meteora was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Of the monasteries that were established in this implausible location, 6 remain well preserved and 4 are still inhabited. Spend approximately 2 hours visiting 2 of the monasteries, and see a vast array of frescoes and religious iconography. Then, enjoy around 1 hour of free time in Kalambaka for lunch (not included) before departing at 15:30. Stop for a coffee along the way, before your arrival in Thessaloniki at around 18:45.

From Thessaloniki: Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer

4. From Thessaloniki: Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer

Enjoy a private tour to the stunning Meteora rocks from Thessaloniki. Discover magnificent monasteries built between the 14th-16th centuries, and marvel at how the monks even managed to construct them in the first place. After convenient pickup at your accommodation in Thessaloniki, make your way toward Meteora. As you arrive through narrow winding rows, catch an awe-inspiring first glimpse of the Great Monastery, as it is commonly known. Try to fathom the majesty and size of a building constructed atop a huge sandstone column. Upon arrival, drive up to the monasteries in the cooler morning hours, giving you time to see as much of the site as possible. As you climb up the hill toward the first monastery, wonder how on earth the monks managed to build this incredible place. Building materials could only be brought up by a system of ropes, baskets, and pulleys, and the same went for getting provisions in and out of the community. One of the monasteries you will visit is the Holy Trinity, which is the most isolated and most difficult to reach. For this reason, it makes sense to choose to tackle the 140 steps to reach it first. Revel in the reward of phenomenal panoramic views, and see why Holy Trinity was given a starring role in the James Bond film, “For Your Eyes Only.” St. Stephen's is probably the most accessible monastery as it's situated on the plain, rather than perched on a vertiginous clifftop. Join the friendly cats who love to bask on the sun-drenched walls outside this little monastery. Admire the carved door furniture and the way the sun hits the stone and casts long shadows, and get a glimpse into monastic life through the little, open monk's cell at St. Nicholas. On the way out of the Grand Meteoron Monastery (the largest of the 6), don’t forget to follow a time-honored tradition by slipping a little note into the crack in the rocks. Finally, end your tour in Kalampaka for lunch, and relish finger-licking meals fresh from the farms around. The tour concludes with drop-off back at your accommodation in Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki: Meteora Day Tour by Train with Optional Lunch

5. Thessaloniki: Meteora Day Tour by Train with Optional Lunch

Discover the wonders of Meteora on a guided day trip from Thessaloniki. Enjoy a scenic train ride to Kalabaka with included round-trip tickets and taste local flavors during an optional lunch at a restaurant. Redeem your train e-ticket for the morning train departure from Thessaloniki’s railway station to Kalabaka on your own. Embark on a train ride through the Greek countryside and admire the beautiful landscapes. Arrive at Kalabaka’s train station, where a tour guide will be waiting for you holding a signboard with your name on it. Board a minibus and officially begin your unforgettable journey to this true wonder called Meteora. During the guided tour, see all six of Meteora's monasteries and admire the interior of three of them. View some of Meteora’s most spectacular hidden gems like the ancient Chapel of Doupiani and the magnificent St. George Madilas cave. Discover the “other side” of Meteora as you explore. Learn the truth about why the hermits settled in these imposing caves a thousand years ago and how the monks achieved the impossible. As the trip comes to a close, enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views and capture some amazing photos that you will cherish forever. Enjoy a transfer back to Kalabaka’s train station or a nearby local restaurant if the optional lunch is selected. Enjoy approximately an hour of free time to explore Kalabaka on foot before taking the evening train back to Thessaloniki.

From Thessaloniki: Train Trip to Meteora & Monastery Tour

6. From Thessaloniki: Train Trip to Meteora & Monastery Tour

Departing at 8:00AM, pass by the unique landscape as it alternates between mountains and sea. The route crosses by the foot of the mythical Mt Olympus, where in ancient times it was believed to be the residence of the 12 Gods. Next, it leads you to Palaeofarsalos train station. There you have to change trains and wait for 1 hour until you board the train that leads to Kalampaka. Here in the greater surrounding area, lies the home of the ancient tribe of Mirmidones, a group of legendary ancient warriors who had the mythical Achilles as their leader, who played an important role in the outcome of the Trojan War. In Kalambaka, arrive at approximately 12:05 PM. A guide will be there holding a signboard to welcome you and start the tour. After which, you will on-board on a luxury mini-bus drive, sit, relax and enjoy the unique landscape. Begin your tour of the Meteora monasteries. Admire the amazing Christian architecture, and discover how monasteries have been influenced over time, having existed for over 700 years. Ask the specialized guide plenty of questions and take photos at fantastic viewpoints. After the tour ends you will be transferred to Kalabaka's city center where you will have over an hour to spend under the shadow of giant rocks either having lunch or a coffee. You will get all the necessary information on how to get to the train station, which is around 5 minutes walk from the city center. You must be at the train station no later than 6:20 PM in order to catch the train back to Thessaloniki.

From Thessaloniki : Full-Day Train Trip to Meteora w/ Guide

7. From Thessaloniki : Full-Day Train Trip to Meteora w/ Guide

Take the train from Thessaloniki train station at 8:56 AM and head to Kalambaka (change trains at Paliofarsalos), while admiring the beautiful Greek landscapes during your trip. Upon arrival at the Kalambaka train station at 12:05 PM, be greeted by the team and begin your customized panoramic midday Meteora tour. Take an amazing 5-hour Meteora tour, see all 6 monasteries and take a go inside 3 of them. Your tour guide will give you full attention and care as the group will be small. There will be plenty of photo opportunities at secret places, that only locals know, making your tour a unique experience. At the end of the guided tour, be transferred back to Kalambaka station to catch the train back to Thessaloniki. The train departs at 6:22 PM (change trains at Paliofarsalos) and gets you to Thessaloniki at 10:30 PM.

Thessaloniki: Private Traditional Villages Tour

8. Thessaloniki: Private Traditional Villages Tour

Starting the journey from your hotel and head towards your first stop in the village of Livadi. From here you will head straight through the oak and chestnut forest with many stops for spring water and trying local products. On top of the hill, you will enjoy the magnificent views over the Aegean Sea and the lakes Volvi. Next stop is the traditional village of Petrokerasa, where you will join the locals for a coffee break. Then you will have time for a little walk around and to visit the chapel of Profitis Ilias. From here you will continue crossing the forest until we reach Agios Prodromos, the village with the best souvlaki in the Thessaloniki area. Then its time for lunch and to try Greek food and wine in a traditional tavern. On your last stop walk around the village Galatista to admire the Byzantine architecture of the 14th-century tower and the buildings. This day is an amazing experience, with great photo opportunities and the best way to get a better feeling for the people and life in Greece.

Meteora: Full-Day Rail Tour From Thessaloniki

9. Meteora: Full-Day Rail Tour From Thessaloniki

Journey from Thessaloniki Railway Station to Kalambaka where your English-speaking driver will be waiting for you holding a signboard with your name on it and will transfer you to the Meteora monasteries via minibus.  Visit three monasteries and the hermit caves of Badovas on a 5-hour tour.  At the end of the day, your driver will transfer you back to Kalambaka, where you will have the time to stroll around and have a light lunch (not included). Arrive back in Thessaloniki at 8:31 PM.

Thessaloniki: 2-Day Scenic Rail Trip to Meteora with Hotel

10. Thessaloniki: 2-Day Scenic Rail Trip to Meteora with Hotel

To begin your journey you will need to first redeem your e-ticket for the 8:56 AM departure from Thessaloniki railway station to Kalambaka. Embark on a scenic train ride through the Greek countryside and admire the beautiful landscapes. At 12:03 PM arrive at Kalambaka train station, where your guide will be waiting for you, holding a signboard with your name and will transfer you to your hotel. In the evening you will be picked up from your hotel for the Meteora tour, which will provide you with an absolutely amazing experience. Then you will have free time to explore the area.  The next morning at 9:00 AM you will be picked up from your hotel and be taken on your selected tour. During this tour, admire how simply the hermits settled in the caves of the rocks a thousand years earlier and you will learn about the history, the myths and the secrets of Meteora that only your local guides knows. At 6:00 PM the minibus will transfer you back to Kalambaka train station for your trip back to Thessaloniki. The train departs at 6:22 PM and arrives in Thessaloniki later in the evening.

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What people are saying about Thessaloniki

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 336 reviews

It was a really magical trip to Meteora! Thanks to our guide Maria (who responded to all of my 1038482 questions), it became even more interesting and fascinating. She was funny and easy to understand! That is very important when it comes to such a serious place with looooong history! Highly recommend this trip even if it takes you away the whole day :) Thanks again!!!

Tsіkaviy i nasichenny tour, neimovіrna nature and monasteries. With detailed instructions, it was easy to travel by train from Thessaloniki to Kalambaki, and there they already checked with a sign. There were less than three of us, so the tour turned out to be even more individual)) Vesela the guide Maria told her that it was too hot. I'm in the grip of Meteor!

Everything (including trains) was punctual. I received Train tickets on e-mail, catch the Train (switch the Train), everything according to information at web page. Our guide Tomas was excellent with lots of mithology tales, information etc. He speaks English very Well. The driver of the van was also very good. Metora Are “must see” in Greece (with Acroplis).

Very good guide - very friendly and helpful. Full program - incredible sights and well worth the money - nicer going by train than spending 3.5 hours in mini bus drive from Thessaloniki.

This was a great trip we loved Clemet’s descriptions and history! The monasteries were beautiful, the minibus was very comfortable