From Ioannina all day tour to Meteora rocks & Monasteries

Meteora is the second most important monastic center in Greece. The first ascetics came here in the 11th century. They flourished as a monastic center between the 13th and 14th century as many people who lived in the nearby areas embraced the monastic way of living.
These unique and enormous columns of rock rise precipitously from the ground. But their unusual form is not easy to explain geologically. They are not volcanic plugs of hard igneous rock typical elsewhere, but the rocks are composed of a mixture of sandstone and conglomerate.
This tour includes 3 visits to the monasteries plus several viewpoints of the magnificent scenery

Great Meteoron Monastery
The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron or Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour: It is the biggest of the monasteries. The church, honoured to the 'Transfiguration' was erected in the middle of 14th century and 1387/88 and decorated in 1483 and 1552. The old monastery is used as a museum, nowadays.
Note: Every Tuesday is closed

Monastery of Varlaam
The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second, after the Great Meteoron, big in size monastery. The church, honoured to the three Bishops, is in the Athonite type (cross-in-square with dome and choirs), with spacious esonarthex (lite) surrounted by dome as well. It was built in 1541/42 and decorated in 1548, while the esonarthex was decorated in 1566. The old refectory is used as a museum while north of the Church we can see the chapel of the Three Bishops built in 1627 and decorated in 1637.
Note: Every Friday is closed

Holy Monastery of St. Stephan
The Holy Monastery of St. Stephan is one of the most attainable as we don't have to cope with innumerable stairs to reach it. The small single – nave church of St. Stephan was built in the middle of 16th and decorated in 1545 or a little later. The 'Katholikon', honoured to St. Charalambos, was built in the Athonite type, in 1798. The old refectory of the convent is used as a museum nowadays.
It operates as a nunnery.
Note: Every Monday is closed

Monastery of Varvara Rousanou
The Holy Monastery of Varvara Rousanou, which is dedicated to 'The Transfiguration' but honoured to Saint Varbara. The 'Katholikon', in the Athonite type, was founded in the middle of 16th century and decorated in 1560. Both, the Katholikon and the reception halls are in the ground floor while the 'archontariki', cells and subsidiary rooms are scattered in the basement and the first floor.
It operates as a nunnery.
Note: Every Wednesday is closed

Meteora Observation Deck
Meteora Observation Deck is a unique observation place and what incredible views, this observation point seems like it is magical and unreal. This spot is perfect for photos and videos. Also is known as "Sunrise Rock", because it is an ideal location for watching the amazing sunrise and sunset, and visitors can enjoy the amazing panoramic view of the city, mountains and surrounding areas.