TRANSPORT: BUS

ROUTE: PELION-VOLOS-LARISA-TRIKALA-KALAMPAKA

DEPARTURE TIME: 08:30*

* Departure and return time is dependant on departure points

(Volos and other destinations of Pelion)

RETURN TIME: 20:00

MINIMUM PARTICIPATION: 10 PERSONS

CODE: ADE 801

Description:

A daily excursion that combines the unique experiences that

Meteora (the stone forest) offers with the religious sentiment that

the Monasteries create. The journey to Meteora starts from Volos

and other resorts in Pelion. You will pass by the cities of Larisa,

Trikala and Kalambaka. After arriving at the base in Kalambaka

you travel up to the beautiful rocks of Meteora.

At the northwest edge of the Plain of Thessaly, between the

mountain of Pindos and Antichasia , near the Peneios river, the

stone giants of Meteora stand still and silent. Their proud and

imposing aspect discontinues the monotony of the vast Thessalic

plain. The rocks are right above Kalambaka and the picturesque

Kastraki, full of awe and beauty.

This unique place has more than a hundred ridges forming thus a

magnificent awe inspiring experience that will simply take your

breath away . You will learn about the monarchy of the 11th

century and visit two of these historical monasteries. Usually

visiting the Monasteries of either Agios Stefano, Big Meteoro,

Varlaam or Agio Nikolao, depending on the day that excursion

occurs. Afterwards the visit to Meteora you start the descend to

Kastraki, where you will have a meal in a traditional Greek Tavern

with a beautiful view of these magnificent rocks. Your trip will

continue via the Thessalian plain towards Volos (3 hours). In

Volos (according to your choice) you will have plenty of time to

see the town or drink some coffee.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Price per person: From 45,00 € to 72,00 per person

(depends on participation)

Price includes:

Transfers with bus to Meteora and returning to your resort.

English speaking tourist guide Meteora (or other language if nec-

essary)

Meal in Kastraki or Kalampaka

Entry to the Monasteries

Travel insurance

Escort /Guide Les Hirondelles

All taxes

What you should have with you: trekking shoes, hat, pair of

trousers, sun cream and sun glasses, water.

The final schedule will be determined by the tour leader as will be

affected by resort starting points and number of participants.

Nature-View-Myth-Tradition

INFORMATION-BOOKINGS VOLOS,19,Koumoundourou str ΤEL:24210 32171 www.holidays-in-pelion.gr

SOME WORDS ABOUT METEORA On these untraded peaks the daring and determined discovered the secret ladder which leads to heaven's chambers and ultimately to union with God. The first traces of the history of Meteora are shrouded in the mist of the legend and Tradition. It seems that from the beginning of the 11th century the first people nested in the hollows of these hidden cracks in the quest for fulfillment of the soul and

redemption. In the late years of the 11th century or the early years of the 12th century the foundation of a Monastic state was already in existence. It seems that they were originally built in the 14th century and many of them were renovated or raised anew from their foundations during the 16th century, a period when Monasticism at Meteora was at its height. Today only six Monasteries continue the

Monastic life: The Monasteries of the Great Meteoron or of the Transfiguration, Varlaam, St.Stepfen, Holy Trinity, St Nich-olaos, Anapafsas and Roussano. The Meteora Monasteries, during the six centuries of their continuous Monastic presence and activity, offered and continue to offer not only to the Orthodox Monastic life but also to our Church and the Nation in general. Their important social work, education and efforts for the preservation of our cultural heritage and tradition are highly evident.