Meteora Monasteries tour from Corfu with traditional local lunch

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora is a staggering geographical phenomenon and a place of immense religious significance. You'll sail from Corfu to mainland Greece and then head by coach through the highlands to Kalambaka town. From here, you'll visit two of the monasteries. Annita, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The valley bristles with natural sandstone rock pillars, many of which were once topped with monasteries. Today, only six remain, and thankfully the access has improved – 500 years ago, you'd have had to scale steep wooden ladders or even be hoisted up inside a net.'Witness the majesty of Meteora – a complex of gigantic vertical rock formations, which tower over Kalambaka. The six historic monasteries perched on top of the pinnacles are as otherworldly as they sound, with an added sprinkling of 007 glamour. A guided tour of two of these spectacular clifftop retreats will bring history to life. These sites are of massive spiritual importance to the Orthodox faith and still attract pilgrims from far and wide.If you're a Bond fan, you'll recognise Meteora – the dramatic landscape and monuments appeared in For Your Eyes Only. Annita says, ‘Words can't describe the magic of this area, the feeling of peace and calm – the incredible views. Meteora is definitely Greece at its most memorable.' Savour a typical lunch at a local restaurant in Kalambaka – in the shadow of Meteora – before making your journey back to Corfu over land and sea.