meteora "the stone forest"
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.TRANSCRIPT
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.