Explore Meteora-Climbing Holidays Greece

EXPLORE METEORA EXPERIENCE THE VERTICAL ROCK PILLARS

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We organize unique day trips, weekend adventures, 7 day Itineraries or totally custom experiences combining destinations and activities based on your needs. In any case you can prolong your stay, add activities or choose a more relaxing version. The key word for us is customization.

We offer hiking/trekking at the mountain of the 12 gods, mountain Olympus which you can combine with sailing holidays in the North Aegean. Walk the ancient pilgrim paths and follow the footsteps that lead to the throne of Zeus.

You will be excited by the ancient donkey tracks and the cobbled roads in the picturesque villages of Olympus. Follow our suggestion and hike the famous mountain of the Gods. Slide on its waterfalls and swim in the river pools.

Pass by Olympus traditional villages mountain biking through the forest trails. Explore this mythic location. canyoning sea kayak climbing road bike Yours Sincerely

Explore Outside

EXPLORE METEORA EXPE R I E N C E T H E V E R T I C A L R O CK PILLARS

OVERVIEW

It doesn’t always have to be Camino de Santiago. If you don’t want to make a pilgrimage with the masses, then we’d recommend Meteora. Part of UNESCO world heritage the monasteries of Meteora are one of the most extraordinary sights. Built into and on top of huge pinnacles of smooth rock, the earliest monasteries were reached by climbing articulated removable ladders. Later, windlasses were used so monks could be hauled up in nets, a method used until the 1920s. Apprehensive visitors enquiring how often the ropes were replaced were told ‘When the Lord lets them break’. These days access to the monasteries is by steps hewn into the rocks and the windlasses are used only for hauling up provisions.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hiking-Trekking-Climbing • Mt. Bike • Vertical rock pillars and the majestic view • Fauna and Flora • Unique culinary experience If you find yourselves in the area of Meteora to admire the rock formations, you can probably notice certain figures climbing slowly to the top. You should not think they are out of their minds. They are just people loving to climb, seemingly defying the law of gravity.

I T I N E R A R Y

> Day 1: Kastraki – Meteora Trekking Upon arrival at Kastraki you will encounter a breathtaking site of impressive monasteries “balanced” on massive detached stone pinnacles, 400 meters above the ground.

MetEora is one of Christianity’s holiest places as well as a landscape of outstanding natural beauty. Thousands of visitors fl ock to this place every year, attracted by the daunting size of the rock formations where timelessness and beauty prevail, while they seek spiritual enlightenment far away from the earthly bustle. In 1988 Metéora was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The “stone forest” of Meteora is a perfect combination of natural and manmade landscape, practically inducing a sense of the transcendent. Feel the aura of the contemplative seclusion of monastic life, and admire a truly unique natural landscape or to marvel at the outstanding architecture of the monasteries, the so-called “architecture of awe”.

In the past, monks had to climb steep rocks to reach the monasteries but today you can follow the steps cut into the rock. Trek through winding stone paths and gaze at a unique geological phenomenon formed as a result of a chain of erosions and geological changes over a period of 15 million years. Reach the Monastery of Metamorfosis built on the Meteora’s biggest rock and admire the most important frescoes of the Macedonian School. Spent some time visiting the kitchen, the nursing home and the Holy Table while you can see a valuable collection of manuscripts, icons and holy relics.

In any case you can prolong your stay, change your destination, add activities or choose a more relaxing version.

I T I N E R A R Y

> Day 2: Climbing the Rock Pillars of Meteora Nothing better than waking up under the shade of Meteora rock pillars, thinking about the climbing you are about to do. The activity of climbing is being practiced for ages in the area. In ancient times the inhabitants of ancient Aeginio found shelter in these rough rocks (i.e. Agia) in order to be protected by the attacks of various bandits and pirates.

Later at the 9th century A.D. many caves were used as hermitages by the monks.

Many of these caves could only be reached by means of climbing. Athanasios Meteoritis, founder of the Monastery Megalo Meteoro with two monks and the help of a local man skilled in climbing, climbed up on a rock called “The Flat Rock� where the monastery is situated today. Archaeological fi ndings indicate many climbing ascents in the past while legends reveal a story of a woman off ering her veil to Saint. George as a gift in return for treating her wounded husband. Every year since then, young men climb the steep route that leads to the ruined hermitage, changing the old scarves, off ered by local people, with new ones.

Meteora rocks off er many climbing routes for all skills. Follow your guide to one of them depending on your level. Either climb one of the historic ascents or test your skills as a promising beginner. Whether you are a believer, a spiritual seeker or a cultural traveler, this emotive place will off er you the opportunity to commune with nature, taking you on an unforgettable journey in the most profound sense of the word.

The key word for us is CUSTOMIZATION.

HIKING & TREKKING

Daily adventures 1. Kastraki - Ypapanti A lovely hike from the beautiful Kastraki village towards the western complex of Meteora. Ascent to the Holy Spirit and you will admire the old hermitages of the monastic community of Meteora. After catching our breath we continue following a beautiful path which will lead us to the hideout of the rebel monk Euthymiou Vlahava and will also meet the nests of a unique species of vulture named “Asproparis”.

Ascent: 550m Duration: 4 hours Difficulty: Easy

2. Koka Roka - Adrahti - Kastraki A trekking path which meanders in the central and wild volume of Meteora. Passing between the huge towers Alyssou and Sourloti making it sometimes necessary to use your hands. A unique experience that few people have ever tasted.

Ascent: 450m Duration: 4-4 ½ hours Difficulty: Medium

3. Pertouliotika Livadia - Koziakas Starting from the green meadows of Pertouli way up the forest slopes of Koziakas. Fair enough to say that the surroundings remind you of Switzerland, because of its rich Alpine vegetation. From the top of Koziakas you can admire the immense panorama of Greek mountains such as mountain Olympus and the Agrafa mountain complex.

Ascent: 800m Duration: 5 hours Difficulty: Easy

4. Paleochora - Triggia Starting our hiking trip from the beautiful village of Palaiochori we reach the wells of the river and through the beautiful alpine meadows on the tops of Triggia where the view of the surrounding mountains and Meteora is breathtaking. Take your time to picture the numerous wildflowers.

The abundance of water amazes even the most demanding visitor.

Ascent: 900m Duration: 5 hours

ROCK CLIMBING

Built your Skills!

Private guiding Looking to master a specific skill or accomplish a particular goal or maybe you just want the instructor to yourself. Regardless of the reason or the size of your party, we can set up a private lesson or guiding tailored to your needs and schedule.

Family rock climbing adventures for kids and parents Get out with the family and try something new!

Family rock climbing programs are a great way to experience the thrill and adventure of rock climbing, under the close supervision of a certified climbing guide. These programs can be customized to meet the needs and experience level of your family. Our guides will make a fun and exciting day by providing everyone young and old with an experience they will never forget. All equipment is provided including helmet, harness, climbing shoes, ropes and all technical climbing equipment.

If you’re looking to learn a new sport or just get outside for the day to try something new.

Family climbing programs are for families with kids ages 15 and younger. Parents must be present and participation is encouraged.

Family climbs are booked by private arrangement and can be customized to fit the needs of your family. Please call for availability and to set-up your very own climbing adventure.

1 day accelerated school DESCRIPTION

We’ll cover all the basics including harnesses, shoes, helmets, ropes, basic technique, and working around a climbing site. The objective of this clinic is to get new climbers quickly familiar with the sport and to gain trust in the climbing system.

3 days accelerated school DESCRIPTION

This concentrated program takes beginning climbers through crucial topics. After these three days, you will have the knowledge, skills and variety of experience to think and respond to challenges on the cliff as a true climber. It’s a perfect way to cover a lot of vertical ground, and save some money at the same time!

Topics Covered Over 3 Days Include: • Proper gear selection • Common climbing knots • Belay technique • Body position and footwork • Communication and terminology • Gaining trust in the climbing system • Route selection

#1 Discover rock climbing This is a beginner rock climbing class. No prior experience is necessary.

Description If you’ve never rock climbed, or have been climbing indoors at a rock gym, this program is for you. We’ll go over the fundamentals of climbing and focus on giving you the knowledge to become a skilled and confident rock climber. You’ll learn about the relevant equipment, knots and terminology, and then we’ll move right into belaying, body position, footwork and working around the climbing site. The bulk of the day is spent putting these new skills to use on the cliff, with each climber able to get in a few climbs and descents. You will come away knowing what it is like to be a fully engaged and responsible member of a climbing party, and with a good measure of actual climbing time on the rock.

#2 Apply your skills Description Now that you’ve completed Rock Climbing 101, you’re ready to really put those skills to use on the cliff. We’ll build off your basic climbing knowledge and focus on application: when is it best to use one technique rather than another? Which gear is most appropriate for which situation? Is it best to steer toward the cracks, or stick with the footholds on the face? All these issues can be addressed while getting in some great climbing, and we can add pitches of different character or difficulty as we go, depending upon your needs.

FOR ALL SCHOOL PROGRAMS Included Students will be outfitted with all technical equipment for this course. You are welcome to bring your own equipment but it will be subject to approval by your guide.

• Climbing shoes • Harness • Helmet • Ropes and all technical climbing gear

Not Included Students will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather.

Pack a lunch and snacks for the day. Water bottle should be filled before arriving.

• Lodging • Meals • Transportation • Personal gear and clothing

CLIMB IN METEORA

1. Basic Rock Climbing Course The course includes the first vertical climbing steps that will help you discover the unique climbing world of Meteora towers. Always with the safety offered by mountain guides and assistant instructors learn about equipment, knots and climbing safety.

Duration: 4 hours

2. Basic Rock Climbing Course In this course we deal only with Rappel technique and safety issues. Once we finish with these, we are ready to start and complete a climbing route on the vertical world of Meteora.

Duration: 4 hours

3. Classic multipeach Climbing Easy climbing and ascent to the tower of Ntoumpiani from where we can enjoy a unique panoramic view of the western complex of Meteora.

Duration: 3-3 ½

4. Classic multipeach Climbing If you want to admire the wall paintings that are on the Great Agia there is only one way. Of course with climbing. Experienced guides will lead you safely to the highest rock pillar of Meteora a high altitude experience same to being in an airplane.

Duration: 4 hours

MOUNTAIN BIKE

Kalithea-Aoos lake

DISTANCE

DURATION

TRACK

ASCENT

34 km

3 hours

Forest road

500 m

Katara-Tripotama

DISTANCE

DURATION

TRACK

ASCENT

43 km

3 ½ hours

Forest road & main road

860 m

Pertouliotika livadia-Neraidohori

DISTANCE

DURATION

TRACK

ASCENT

40 km

2 ½ hours

Forest road

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Kria Vrisi - Glikomilia - Koromilia

DISTANCE

DURATION

TRACK

ASCENT

35 km

3 ½ hours

Forest road

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CONTACT US Adventure Travel Company Hello@exploretheoutside.com Mob. 0030 6936781260 Fax. 0030 2311241752 Prespes, Greece www.ExploreTheOutside.com