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City Sightseeing: Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off with Meteora Monasteries Trip

City Sightseeing: Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off with Meteora Monasteries Trip

Thessaloniki, Greece
Tour ID: 1048

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From US$ 79.18 p.p.

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Highlights

  • Marvel at the monumental Paleolithic stones forming a unique "forest" in Meteora.
  • Explore six majestic monasteries, each with distinctive art and historical significance.
  • Witness breathtaking views of the Meteora landscape.
  • Discover the hidden treasures of Varlaam, Rousanou and Saint Stefanos
  • Explore Agia Triada, Metamorphosis Sotiros, and Saint Nicholas Anapafsas.
  • Visit the picturesque village of Kastraki, offering local delights and traditional products.
  • Discover Thessaloniki with with the hop on hop off bus tour.
  • Mobile Voucher Accepted! No need to print.

Overview

With the Hop on hop off bus tour experience the extraordinary as you visit the Thessaloniki's Meteora Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This geological place showcases six Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched atop colossal natural pillars. The landscape unfolds with a "forest" of massive Paleolithic stones and vibrant nature, creating a mesmerizing panorama. The six monasteries, including Saint Stefanos, Agia Triada, Rousanou, Varlaam, Metamorphosis Sotiros, and Saint Nicholas Anapafsas, stand proudly on peaks, each with unique art and historical significance.

Itinerary

Visit Meteora, a magical place where human aims for divinity and connection with God. It is like entering a gigantic forest of ancient stones, surrounded by vibrant nature, that creates a mesmerizing view. This place boasts six monasteries perched on the towering peaks, each with its own unique charm.

First, we will take you to the women's monastery of "Saint Stefanos," adorned with incredible wood-carved works of art. Inside, marvel at the gold-embroidered iconostasis of the Saint Stephen Church, the Episcopal throne adorned with marble and ivory, and the holy skull of Saint Charalambus beneath a beautiful baldachin. Next is the monastery of "Agia Triada" (Holy Trinity), reachable through a narrow path at the rock's base and 140 steeply carved steps. The journey is as adventurous as the destination.

Then, there's the women's monastery of "Rousanou," featuring distinct depictions of stylites, hermits, scenes of Saints martyrdom, and impressive many-faced compositions depicting the Second Coming and the Judgment. The monastery is a treasure trove of spiritual art. The "Varlaam" monastery houses a rich collection of about 300 manuscripts and a 600-year-old wooden barrel with 12 tons capacity. Hop off to admire the surviving frescoes from 1548 that add to its historical significance.

"Metamorphosis Sotiros" (Transfiguration of Jesus Christ) is the oldest, most significant, and largest monastery, built around 1340. Its age and grandeur make it a cornerstone of Meteora's history. Lastly, the monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas is adorned with beautiful frescoes by the renowned painter Theophanes Strelitzas from Crete, surpassing all expectations.

During your visit, you will get the chance to explore and enter two of these remarkable monasteries. The schedule is well-organized, with specific monasteries open on different days:

•    Mondays: Varlaam and Rousanou
•    Wednesdays: Saint Stefanos and Varlaam
•    Fridays: Rousanou and Saint Stefanos
•    Sundays: Saint Stefanos and Varlaam

After this spiritual journey, you will have the opportunity to soak in the breathtaking landscape of "Kalampaka" before heading to the village of "Kastraki." Here, indulge in shopping for Holy pictures and local traditional products or savor the local cuisine at a traditional tavern with a view of the imposing Meteora. As the day comes to an end, your unforgettable experience comes to an end as you depart for Thessaloniki, cherishing the memories of Meteora's unparalleled natural beauty and the unique spiritual adventure you just lived.

Hop-on Hop-off Thessaloniki

But that is not all – the ticket also gives you a day on the hop-on-hop-off bus in Thessaloniki. You can hop off right next to the ancient White Tower, the number one spot in Thessaloniki. Inside the tower, there is a cool museum, and from the top, you can see the beautiful coastline. Do not miss the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, one of the oldest museums in Greece. It has ancient stuff from the region that will make you go "wow!" Hop back on the bus, and you will find the enormous church of Agios Dimitrios, where our audio guide will tell you all about the local culture and history – making sure it is not all Greek to you!

Ano Poli is another must-see place in Thessaloniki, and you can save yourself a walk up the hill by hopping on our big red bus. Walk around steep, cobbled streets, enjoy amazing views of the city and coastline, and treat yourself to yummy food at a taverna. It is a fantastic adventure, and you won't want to miss it.

Schedule

Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour:
First Departure: 10:00am 
Last Departure: 04:00pm (April, May, Oct) | 06:00pm (Jun to Sep)
Frequency: 75 minutes
Full Loop: 30 minutes (120 minutes in Nov)
First Stop: White Tower, Thessaloniki, 546 21, Greece
 
Meteora Day-Trip:
Departure Time: 08:00am (From April - October)
Duration: (Approx.) 11 hours.
Departure Point: “Statue of Venizelos” on Aristotelous Square & Egnatia Street.
(Please check the calendar to know about availability)

Inclusions

  • 24-Hours Hop-On, Hop-Off Ticket
  • Audio Guides in 12 Languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Hebrew, Russian, Greek, Turkish, Bulgarian, Serbian, Romanian)
  • 1-Day tour to the incredible monasteries of Meteora

Exclusions

  • Entrance Fee
  • Meals
  • Any service that is not mentioned

Redemption Info

You can board the bus at any stop and voucher can be exchanged directly with the driver.
Paper Vouchers: Can be redeemed on the bus at any stop along the route.
Mobile Vouchers: Must redeemed at stop 1, Lefkós Pýrgos (White Tower of Thessaloniki)
You will receive a ticket in exchange for your voucher, which you must keep until the expiry date/ tour.
Please check your ticket to know when it expires.
After exchanging your voucher for a ticket, your voucher will no longer be valid.
In loss of voucher/ticket, company is not liable for any refund.
Flexible Ticket: Book Now! You can use your ticket any day within month.
Operational Update: Stop 3 and stop 8 are currently out of service. The Agia Sofia Church is within walking distance of stop 6.

Know Before You Go

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes (There is access for wheelchairs and baby strollers and inside the buses there's space for storage as well.)
Onboard Wi-Fi: Please ask bus staff for further details
Pets Allowed: No
Infants can travel free and you do not require to book infant ticket.
Multiday tickets can only be used on consecutive days.
Customers will see and meet the City Sightseeing Thessaloniki staff in or outside of the buses and at the departure/ arrival point Lefkos Pyrgos. 
Guests are reminded to exchange their purchased ticket for their tour ticket with the City Sightseeing staff at Lefkos Pyrgos or the bus driver upon boarding the buses. Please make sure there is the correct City Sightseeing company applicable to your voucher when boarding. 
The tour operates with double-decker buses with a capacity of 70 - 82 passengers.
Complimentary ear phones are provided, or you are welcome to use your own wired earphones with a jack connector
Tours operate in all weather, rain or shine. Refunds due to weather will not be granted unless the service is suspended as a result of weather.
Disclaimer: Due to traffic issues, public holidays, weather conditions, and unforeseen circumstances, there might be sudden changes in the route or on the schedule. Traffic congestion and road closures - may cause delays, reduced frequency and changes to the route. We’ll do all we can to provide a smooth and frequent service! No refund will be offered for any changes or cancelations due to any unforeseen circumstances.

Meteora Day-Trip Schedule:
The Tour runs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday (From April - May) and every: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (June - October).
The tour starts at 8:00 from the “Statue of Venizelos” on Aristotelous Square & Egnatia Street and returns at approximately 19:00.
The bus is not currently running to Ano Poli due to roadworks in the old city centre, but it is only a 15-minute walk from stop 2 and we strongly recommend Ano Poli as a fascinating place to visit.
The date selected at time of booking will be the date of the Day Tour element, and cannot be changed unless the customer calls the local number to check alternative availability. 
When you have arrived in Thessaloniki, you call ahead to reconfirm your booking details with Thessaloniki HOHO (Tsokas Travel) on +30 6936556285. Failure to do so, may result in the tour being delayed on the day.

Useful Downloads

Cancellation Policy

  • You must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience to get a complete refund.
  • If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience, you will not be reimbursed.
  • Any modifications made less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience will not be allowed.
  • The cut-off times are determined by the activity/experience's local start time.
  • This activity/experience is weather dependent. If it is cancelled due to inclement weather, you will be given an alternate date or a full refund.
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