Route: Ioannina - Winery of Metsovo - Great Meteoron monastery - Holy Monastery of Varlaam - Agios Stefanos monastery - Ioannina
Duration: 11 h
Our first stop of our long tour will be at village Metsovo which famous like town of the bears, wine, and famous cheese Metsovone, where you can visit to Winery of Metsovo. After we will continue our trip to region of Meteora which is UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our tour you will visit to 3 of the 6 holy monasteries and get panoramic views of the giant rocks. Our firs stop will be at Great Meteoron monastery. Definitely the biggest and one of the most impressive monasteries in Meteora is the Holy Monastery of Transfiguration of Jesus, best known as Great Meteoron. The monastery was constructed on top of the biggest rock named accordingly “Platis lithos” or “Wide Rock”, having a total area of more than 50 acres and height reaching more than 613m above sea level. The first to climb “Platis Lithos” was the monk Athanasios, a prominent ascetic figure of the Meteora’s early hermitic community who later became a Saint of the Greek Orthodox church. He was to be followed by other 14 monks and in 1340 AD they manage to built Theomitoros (God’s Mother) church, thus organized into the very first systematic monastic community in Meteora. Our next stop will be at Holy Monastery of Varlaam which is the second biggest monastery. It is located opposite of the Great Meteoron Monastery and it was founded in the mid 14th century by the exercitant Hosios Varlaam. The elegant monastery Catholicon was built in the honour of Agioi Pantes in 1541-42, by two brothers from Ioannina, the priest-monks Hosioi Theophanes and Nectarios the Apsarades. The main church was decorated in 1548. Based on stylistic criteria, this magnificent wall-painting is attributed to the famous hagiographer from Thebes, Frago Catelano. This is the monastery where you can visit the tower of the old preserved net, used by the first monks for their ascent and descent from the rock, until it was “God’s will to have it replaced”! Our last stop will be at women's Monastery of Agios Stefanos. This is the most accessible monastery, where instead of steps you simply cross a small bridge to reach the entrance. It is ideal for visitors who cannot use the steps and yet they wish to have a real experience of a Meteora monastery. The beginning of monastic life on the rock of Agios Stephanos dates back to early in the 12th century. Hosios Antonios, in the first half of the 15th century, and Hosios Philotheos, who renovated or rather rebuilt from its foundations the old small and elegant Catholicon, the present church of Agios Stephanos, in 1545 are mentioned as its founders. St. Stephen’s Monastery includes two cathedrals; the old 16th century chapel which was severely damaged during WWII and the consequent Greek Civil War, and the 18th century main cathedral that is dedicated to Saint Charalambos and includes his holy relics. After we will back to Ioannina.
Price: per person
Duration: 11 h
Our first stop of our long tour will be at village Metsovo which famous like town of the bears, wine, and famous cheese Metsovone, where you can visit to Winery of Metsovo. After we will continue our trip to region of Meteora which is UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our tour you will visit to 3 of the 6 holy monasteries and get panoramic views of the giant rocks. Our firs stop will be at Great Meteoron monastery. Definitely the biggest and one of the most impressive monasteries in Meteora is the Holy Monastery of Transfiguration of Jesus, best known as Great Meteoron. The monastery was constructed on top of the biggest rock named accordingly “Platis lithos” or “Wide Rock”, having a total area of more than 50 acres and height reaching more than 613m above sea level. The first to climb “Platis Lithos” was the monk Athanasios, a prominent ascetic figure of the Meteora’s early hermitic community who later became a Saint of the Greek Orthodox church. He was to be followed by other 14 monks and in 1340 AD they manage to built Theomitoros (God’s Mother) church, thus organized into the very first systematic monastic community in Meteora. Our next stop will be at Holy Monastery of Varlaam which is the second biggest monastery. It is located opposite of the Great Meteoron Monastery and it was founded in the mid 14th century by the exercitant Hosios Varlaam. The elegant monastery Catholicon was built in the honour of Agioi Pantes in 1541-42, by two brothers from Ioannina, the priest-monks Hosioi Theophanes and Nectarios the Apsarades. The main church was decorated in 1548. Based on stylistic criteria, this magnificent wall-painting is attributed to the famous hagiographer from Thebes, Frago Catelano. This is the monastery where you can visit the tower of the old preserved net, used by the first monks for their ascent and descent from the rock, until it was “God’s will to have it replaced”! Our last stop will be at women's Monastery of Agios Stefanos. This is the most accessible monastery, where instead of steps you simply cross a small bridge to reach the entrance. It is ideal for visitors who cannot use the steps and yet they wish to have a real experience of a Meteora monastery. The beginning of monastic life on the rock of Agios Stephanos dates back to early in the 12th century. Hosios Antonios, in the first half of the 15th century, and Hosios Philotheos, who renovated or rather rebuilt from its foundations the old small and elegant Catholicon, the present church of Agios Stephanos, in 1545 are mentioned as its founders. St. Stephen’s Monastery includes two cathedrals; the old 16th century chapel which was severely damaged during WWII and the consequent Greek Civil War, and the 18th century main cathedral that is dedicated to Saint Charalambos and includes his holy relics. After we will back to Ioannina.
Price: per person
Comments
Write a comment for this product! Countries
Countries: Greece
Our travel tips
Historical European Tours
Embark on a captivating journey through the battlefields, landmarks, and significant sites of the Second World War with our Historical WWII European Tours. Immerse yourself in the stories and sacrifices of those who fought on European soil during this pivotal moment in history. Let us take you on a spellbinding voyage that will bring the past to life and deepen your understanding of the events that shaped the world. Continue your journey to Berlin, Germany, where remnants of the war still linger. Visit the iconic Reichstag building, witness the haunting beauty of the Holocaust Memorial, and explore the remnants of the Berlin Wall. Gain insight into the rise and fall of Nazi Germany as you delve into the city's tumultuous past. Venture eastward to Poland, where you will encounter Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious concentration camp that stands as a grim reminder of the Holocaust. Explore the exhibits and learn about the atrocities committed during this dark chapter of history. Take a moment to reflect and honor the millions of lives lost. Travel south to the Czech Republic and explore the historic city of Prague. Discover the poignant stories behind the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, one of the architects of the Holocaust, and explore the crypt at the Church of Saints Cyril Read more ...European Summer Vacation packages
Experience the ultimate European summer getaway with our exclusive vacation packages. Immerse yourself in the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures that make Europe a dream destination for travelers worldwide. With our carefully curated itineraries, you can enjoy a hassle-free and unforgettable vacation. Here's a glimpse of what our European summer vacation packages have to offer: City Explorer: Embark on a whirlwind tour of Europe's iconic cities. From the romantic streets of Paris to the artistic vibes of Barcelona and the historic charm of Rome, this package lets you discover the best of Europe's urban gems. Enjoy guided tours of famous landmarks, indulge in local cuisine, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere that each city has to offer. Mediterranean Bliss: Escape to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines of Greece, Italy, and Croatia. Bask in the golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque islands. Explore ancient ruins, indulge in delicious seafood, and experience the laid-back lifestyle that epitomizes the Mediterranean region. Alpine Adventure: For nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, our Alpine Adventure package is a perfect choice. Explore the majestic Swiss Alps, hike through scenic trails, and marvel at the Read more ...
