Enjoy an unforgettable private tour of Kalabaka with a friendly personal guide from <strong>ToursByLocals</strong>. All guides are fluent English speakers with riveting stories to tell, and they'll be pleased to give you a personalized tour that highlights your own travel interests.

Explore the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoro founded in the 14th century by St Athanasios the Meteorite. Take a full day to go hiking on the Western Trail and visit more monasteries along the way. Or learn about Hellenistic culture at the Hellenic Culture Museum.

Be sure to also ask the guides about what hidden gems they recommend. Each of them will have their favorite spots they'll be inspired to share, with stories that bring the history and culture of Kalabaka passionately to life for you.

Kalabaka

Meteora Private Half Day Tour from Kalabaka

This tour is designed for the visitor who wants to visit Meteora away from the crowds in a private guided tour. For 4hours we will wander around the monasteries trying to figure out how the life was during the 14th century.

We will pass through the rocky cliffs and watch the Christian monasteries on top. Believe me, the view is breathtaking! Feel the breeze and hear the bells of the communities. The monasteries are still active and six in total. We will choose them based on their opening days and hours.

I will tell you about the history of the site, the geological phenomenon, Christian Orthodox Religion and the meanings-symbols behind the decoration and wall paintings of the central church. We will see the nuns and monks doing their everyday jobs, praying and welcoming the visitors.

Your group will not join others! It's a private tour guided by me and we will be constantly. I am a licensed Tour guide, so I will be with you inside and outside the monasteries.

Let's find out together the hidden monasteries of the area.

The monastery of the Great Meteoro and the monastery of Varlaam.

The 5-Star Experience in a UNESCO Heritage Site

Meteora Half-day Private Tour from Kalabaka

Visit Meteora to discover one of the most unusual places in Greece! Drive through the region and stop for the view at the best view points of this spectacular place.

Spend time to walk into the area, visit two or even three of the active Christian monasteries on the top of the rocks.

Take this tour and spend time to feel the energy of this amazing area. The views and the landscape will be a fantastic experience to live and to remember! Trust a licensed tourist guide, experienced and with a great love for this place! I have done this tour for more than fifteen years and I feel that all the visitors of Greece must go to Meteora!!!

View from inside.... The interior of the monastery Varlaam.

The female community of Roussanou from the top!

Looking at the top! The bridge will bring us closer to the monastery!!

Discover the monasteries on the top of the rocks!

Karditsa & Agrafa - Full Day Private Tour with activities

The tour will be focused on Karditsa a small town 20 km from Trikala and 40 km from Kalabaka/Meteora and the mountainous area called Agrafa, a place of brave warriors and resilient people.

Passing through the villages of the plain, we will visit the "humble" temple of Apollo (mid-6th century B. C. ), the only temple made of sandstone. If we are lucky we are going to see the archaeologists working on the field. Afterwards, we will visit the Castle of Phanari built before 1220 located on a hill 230 meters with a magnificent view.

Lunch may be provided at the nearby cafeteria where we can enjoy some homemade pies or a hot soup made of "trahanas" enjoying at the same time the view of the Thessalian plain.

A visit to the archaeological museum of Karditsa is a must, before ascending to the mountains. If you want to relax we may visit the thermal springs of Smokovo Lake where you can enjoy a hot bath, hammam, and massage, or else pay a visit to Plastiras Lake for outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, canoe.

Prehistoric or contemporary humble constructon made by a Thessalian farmer?

Probably you have seen this.It's not made in a third country but in Thessaly 2500 years ago.

Archaeological Museum of Karditsa. The horse head on top of the Apollo Temple.

Archaeological Museum of Karditsa. A scarce depiction of Apollo as a warrior.

Something went wrong during the coking procedure.

The remainings of the Apollo Temple at Metropolis, Karditsa

Still present today, a piece of art made of sandstone

The view from the Phanari Castle during a rainy day

The plain of Thessaly, view from the Phanari Castle

The place where gun powder was kept inside the Phanari Castle

Aspect of the interior of the Phanari Castle

Two happpy travelers in front of the gate of Phanari Castle

The Smokovo Lake in Agrafa region during winter

Berries collected during the tour on the mountains

You may unserstand why it is so difficult to seize this mountainous area called Agrafa

Off the beaten track. Discover one of the most amazing hidden gems of Greece

Meteora Byzantine Art & Hiking Tour through the Monks' Trails

In this unique tour which combines a cultural and hiking experience, you will have the opportunity to discover Meteora's history, art and architecture by visiting either the monastery of Saint Stephens or of The Holy Trinity, as well as the once in a lifetime experience to follow the centuries old footsteps of the first monks that did the trails that connect Meteora to the town of Kalambaka.

Along the route, we will be making stops for pictures in striking panoramic hidden spots that only locals like myself know of. We'll also explore mostly unseen trails that are only reachable by hikers.

You will enjoy the wonderful landscape, UNESCO World Heritage Site marvel accompanied by me, a knowledgeable and qualified licensed guide from the College of Religious Tourism.

I also have studies in medieval painting and I'm a School of Fine Arts graduate as well, so I'll be uniquely able to provide commentary on the frescoes that we'll see inside the monastery's chapel.

Panoramic view of Varlaam monastery from a spot of the old trail.

Hiking on the old trails of the monks Meteora.

Panoramic view of Meteora from a hiking spot.

Walking on the old trails of Meteora country side.

The tunel access of the monastery of the Holy Trinity

Interior of the narthex of a Meteora chapel.

Panoramic exterior view of Saint Stephen's monastery.

Exterior view of the entrance of the Holy Trinit'ys monastery.

Interior of the chapel of Holy Trinity's monastery.

Exterior panoramic view of Varlaam's monastery taken from a hidden spot.

Exterior panoramic view of the 11th century chapel of the Assumption of Virgin Mary of Kalambaka.

The unique 11th century ambon of the byzantine church of Virgin Mary.

Partial foto of the unique 11th century ambon and frescoes of the byzantine church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary.

Exterior foto of the 11th century byzantine chapel.

Exterior part of the 11th AD century byzantine church with spolia from the 4th BC ancient temple of Apollo.

Part of the 16th cenrury frescoes of the byzanrtine church.

Interior of the 11th century byzantine church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary with the unique ambon.

Part of the 16th century byzantine frescoes of the byzantine church.

Interior of the byzantine church of Virgin Mary with the ortodox priest.

Explore the mysticism art of the Eastern Roman Empire.

With this tour we will visit two of the monasteries in Meteora and walk a beautiful path that bring us closer to the rocks, from where we will see more of the area.

The monasteries to see will be chosen based on their opening on the day of the tour.
The walk will be done before of after the visit, depending on the season to avoid high temperatures in the summer and too crowded areas.

* Please, note, If you are only 2 people or have your own rented car, please contact me for a quote and a customised tour at a reduced price.

Discovering the place between the earth and the sky!

Meteora tour - history and nature

The tour will start from the city of Trikala, one of the oldest cities in Greece where Asclepius the ancient Greek god of Medicine was born. 20 km from Pyli it is run by river Lithaios, it is rich in culinary tradition and hidden gems. On this city tour, you do not need a vehicle, since the city is flat and easy to walk.

Before the old neighborhood of Trikala, we are going to enjoy the view from the castle. Trikala is adorned with many old churches, a synagogue, and a mosque next to the Ottoman twin bath, where the Greek Papillon was once imprisoned. Prison life inspired Tsitsanis one of the most prominent rebetiko composers born in Trikala to write classic rebetiko songs connecting Trikala to this worldwide known music genre. When the tour is over we will visit the 12th century church of Porta Panagia and the one arch bridge of St. Visarion, a master piece of vernacular architecture.

In any case, I can customize this tour according to your requests.

The Porta Panagia byzantine church of the 12th century alias the Dormition of Virgin Mary at Pyli

The wall of the church of Porta Panagia at Pyli

Lithaios river and one of the 13 bridges of the city with the statue of Asclepius

The deck of the stone bridge of St Visarion at Pyli

The powersource of Matsopoulos flourmill: The Agiamoniotes river

The dome of St.Episkepsi church at Varousi

Varousi,the old quarter of the city of Trikala

Varousi, the old quarter of the city of Trikala

The castle of Trikala with the clocktower

Tsitsanis cultural center,playing rebetiko songs, or else the Greek Blues

Discover the wild west of Greece's Byzantine past

Trikala and Pyli - Full Day Private Tour

Meteora Half Day Hiking Tour with Licensed Guide

Join me on this morning hiking tour in Meteora to fully experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site marvel accompanied by a knowledgeable and qualified licensed guide (yours truly).

During this guided tour you will have the opportunity to follow the centuries old footsteps of the first monks of Meteora by walking through "hidden trails" that only locals like myself know of.

I will take you to the jaw-dropping "hidden" monastery of Ypapanti, located inside a cave, and we'll also see the ancient Ruins of my namesake St. Dimitrios.

Additionally we could visit the monastery of Great Meteoron or Varlaam (depending on the day of the hike) as I share all about the history and the spirituality of the monastic life during the visit in the monastery.

Last but not least, you will have the time to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views and capture some amazing photos that you will cherish forever.

Photo of the monastery of Varlaam from the old trail on the rock.

Monk of Meteora reading book at the end of the old trail.

Autumn photos of Meteora taken from the hidden spots.

The hidden monastery of Saint Antony Badovas located in a bic cave.

The interior of the monastery of Saint Nicolas Anapafsas with the unique frescoes.

Walking autumn on the Meteora forst trails.

Let's explore the old trails of the Monasteries, including secret spots.

We will have a full day to discover the history of the active Christian monasteries and enjoy the views from the top of the area!

We will visit as many monasteries you are interested in! Some of them have interesting museums where we can learn about the past and the history of Meteora.
Books, icons, crosses and important treasuries will reveal to us the significance of these communities throughout their long history!

*Please, note, If you are only 2 people or have your own rented car, please contact me for a quote and a customised tour at a reduced price.

An active Greek Orthodox Christian monastic center

Discovering Meteora - full day tour

Meteora - Full Day Tour from Trikala or Kalabaka

The tour will start from the city of Trikala, one of the oldest cities in Greece where Asclepius the ancient Greek god of Medicine was born. 20 km from Meteora it is run by river Lithaios, it is rich in culinary tradition and hidden gems. On this city tour, you do not need a vehicle, since the city is flat and easy to walk.

Before the old neighborhood of Trikala, we are going to enjoy a 360 view of the Thesssalian plain from the highest spot of the city. It is adorned with many old churches, a synagogue, and a mosque next to the Ottoman twin bath, where the Greek Papillon was once imprisoned.

Prison life inspired Tsitsanis one of the most prominent rebetiko composers born in Trikala to write classic rebetiko songs connecting Trikala to this worldwide known music genre. When the monasteries empty from visitors it's the right moment to pay a visit and decipher what is hidden behind the monastic life.

In any case I can customize this tour according to your requests.

The place of residence of the early monks

Divine art, the interior of a Greek Orthodox monastery of Meteora

The monastery of St.Nicolas and the nunnery of Rousanou

Kafenio or else the greek version of tapas bar

Wild greens at the open market of Trikala

Lithaios river running through the city of Trikala

The clocktower of the castle of Trikala seen from Varousi

Decipher what is hidden behind the suspended monasteries and stroll through one of the oldest cities of Greece

Classic Tour of Meteora with Licensed Guide

Come on this tour accompanied by yours truly, a guide who specialized in the history & art of the middle ages.

You'll witness the best viewpoints that showcase Meteora's majestic rock formations, marvelling at the towering cliffs that make this site truly extraordinary, while gaining insights into the historical & cultural significance of the magnificent monasteries perched atop these natural wonders.

Also, prepare to be captivated by the hidden hermit caves of Badovas, a testament to the solitude & devotion of the past.

I'll lead you to discover the mysticism of the monastic life & help you understand the meaning of their byzantine paintings & medieval art.

During this 4 hour long private tour, you'll have the chance to see all six active monasteries in this area, delving into their spiritual and cultural significance. We'll actually carry out a guided visit inside of 2 monasteries, where I'll regale you with fascinating tales & insider knowledge about them.

I can customize the tour to your requests.

Panoramic exterior view of the monastery of Saint Nicolas Anapafsas.

Interior of thye museum of the monastery of Great Meteoro

Orthodox monks relax by talking after the end of the prayer.

View of Varlaam monastery morning picture with clouds.

Panoramic view of Roussanou monastery from a hidden spot of Meteora.

Panoramic views of Varlaam and Roussanou monasteries.

Interior of the chapel of the Holy Trility monastery with 17th century frescoes.

View of the monastery of the Holy Trinity ( Hagia Triada)

Kalabaka tours

Explore with 10 tours and 4 guides.

Eleftheria P.

$ 420 (USD)

Dina P.

$ 288 (USD)

Costas C.

$ 409 (USD)

Dimitrios M.

$ 311 (USD)

Dina P.

$ 576 (USD)

Costas C.

$ 415 (USD)

Dimitrios M.

$ 229 (USD)

Dina P.

$ 864 (USD)

Costas C.

$ 422 (USD)

Dimitrios M.

$ 415 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Kalabaka

Customize your tour

Kalabaka tours

Things to do in Kalabaka