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Monastery of Varlaam, Meteora

Monastery of Varlaam, Meteora: Our most recommended tours and activities

Thessaloniki: Full-Day Bus Trip to Meteora

1. Thessaloniki: Full-Day Bus Trip to Meteora

Embark on a full-day bus trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki. Explore this UNESCO world heritage site and admire the unique landscape. Depart Thessaloniki in the morning and journey to the amazing monastery complex of Meteora to visit 2 of the 6 holy monasteries, depending on their operating schedule. Get access to holy sites such as the women's Monastery of Agios Stefanos with its impressive wood-carved iconostasis, or visit the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, perched on the top of a rocky precipice over 400 meters high. Alternatively, discover the tower of the old preserved net at the Monastery of Varlaam, or explore the largest of the monasteries at the Monastery of Great Meteoron. Take in panoramic views of these incredible structures and the stunning landscape. Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in Kastraki, near the city of Kalampaka, before heading back to Thessaloniki.

Athens: Meteora DayTrip by Bus, English or Spanish & Lunch

2. Athens: Meteora DayTrip by Bus, English or Spanish & Lunch

Do you want to escape the Greek capital for the day and discover an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site? Look no further than the one day Meteora tour from Athens by bus including bus tickets and Greek Lunch. This once in a lifetime journey takes you to see all 8 monasteries - Hermit Caves and enter 3 of them, with an expert local guide leading you to breathtaking viewpoints and sharing fascinating stories along the way. Arriving in your destination approximately 12:49 noon. Departing in the morning at 08:28 am from Larissa Station, otherwise known as Athens Railway Station, the bus arrives at Kalabaka at 12:49 pm. The guide then waits to meet and greet you here in Kalabaka Train Station. Lunch included in the price : Ensure an unforgettable Meteora tour with an authentic taste of traditional Greek cuisine. Experience an all-inclusive journey , lunch during the trip. Don't miss it! Choose one plate and a Greek salad from our delightful 10 flavors if you wish also a vegetarian plate it is there for you. Enjoy your meal at our cozy table or on-the-go. Upon arrival in Kalabaka - Meteora from Athens, we've reserved the best bus stop under giant trees, overlooking the majestic landscape. Since the transport is conveniently arranged for you - including bus tickets to and from Kalabaka, and an air-conditioned bus to get around Meteora - you can enjoy the experience in the most stress-free manner possible. Not only is the bus ride to Kalabaka efficient, but it also allows you to soak up the enchanting countryside of Greece on the about four hour trip there and back. Revel in the gorgeous landscapes that unfold before your eyes and prepare yourself for the wonders of Meteora to come. You can even upgrade your seats to first class tickets (upon availability) Upon arrival, the four hour panoramic tour begins to see all monasteries and visit inside 3 of them (only by us) - Hermit Caves in small groups. The enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide accompanies you to the most awe-inspiring vistas, and explains the geological phenomenon and rich history of Meteora in remarkable detail. The monastery of Badovas where the last hermit monks lived over two centuries ago. Also we stop at the best points for memorable best photos. Have the opportunity to explore hidden gems and get the unbridled attention of the guide for the full duration - enabling you to learn the secrets of Meteora missed by most tourists without missing any part of the area. At the end of the experience, the guide bids you farewell at the Kalambaka Station as you make the late afternoon departure for Athens at 17:35 pm arriving in Athens at 21:57 pm. No other Meteora tour from Athens by bus gives you this level of immersion, meticulously organized into an all-inclusive package. Reserve your place today from a local company with 1000+ reviews on Get Your Guide , only by us , and gain exclusive access to uncover mysterious treasures, and snap up Instagram-worthy photos at secret spots only known by a select few. Make sure you bring your best camera because the photo-ops are endless. The monasteries, perched on the edge of cliffs and on top of rocky pillars, will literally take your breath away. Let us be your guide for the day and help you create moments that will be forever etched into your memory.

From Athens: Full-Day Meteora Tour by Train with Greek Lunch

3. From Athens: Full-Day Meteora Tour by Train with Greek Lunch

Redeem your train e-tickets (they will be delivered to you via email after your booking) for the 08:28 AM morning train departure from the Central Railway Station of Athens (Stathmos Larisis) to Kalambaka. Enjoy a scenic train ride in the beautiful countryside and admire the landscapes of mainland Greece. At noon, arrive at Kalambaka’s train station, where your local tour guide will be waiting for you holding a signboard with your name. You will then board to a comfortable minibus to begin an unforgettable journey to this true wonder called Meteora. During this guided tour you will have the opportunity to see all the majestic magnificent monasteries of Meteora and admire the interior of three of them. Explore some of Meteora’s most spectacular hidden gems like the ancient hermit caves, the Chapel of Doupiani, and the magnificent St. George Mandilas cave. You will also discover the “secret” side of Meteora, like the truth about why the hermits settled in these imposing caves a thousand years ago and how the monks achieved the impossible. Last but not least, you will have the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and capture some amazing photos that you will cherish forever. In the afternoon, visit a local restaurant in the picturesque town of Kalambaka (exclusive to this activity) and enjoy a traditional Greek lunch which includes a salad, a main dish of your choice (multiple options), bread, and water (vegetarian options are also available). After lunch, get transferred to Kalambaka’s train station to catch the train back to Athens. You will arrive in Athens at approximately 09:57 PM.

Athens: Meteora Highlights Tour with Optional Train Tickets

4. Athens: Meteora Highlights Tour with Optional Train Tickets

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora on a half-day tour that is designed for people coming from Athens or Thessaloniki by train. Stay connected in a vehicle with Wi-Fi. Learn about the history, architecture, and spirituality of Meteora's monasteries from your guide. Meet your local guide at the Kalabaka Train Station upon your arrival at 12:49. Find your guide easily as they will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name, Then, hop aboard a comfortable vehicle and make a short stop before the tour starts for lunch (not included in the price) . Begin your tour to see Meteora and all six of its active monasteries. Explore on your own inside three of them with this unique opportunity that is exclusive to the local partner. Stop for plenty of photo opportunities and at many secret spots that only locals know. At the end of your tour, relax on your transfer back to the train station before your train departs back to Athens or Thessaloniki.

Meteora: Afternoon Monasteries Sunset Tour

5. Meteora: Afternoon Monasteries Sunset Tour

Join this extraordinary sunset tour to Meteora from Kalabaka or Kastraki and fully experience this true marvel. Take in characteristic monasteries and ancient rock formations. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll learn all about Meteora’s history and myths. The tour starts with a convenient pickup directly from your hotel via a minibus. Then, your guided tour officially starts. Along the trip, you'll have the opportunity to see all 6 of the must-see monasteries and admire the interior of one of them. You'll also get to see some of Meteora’s most spectacular hidden gems, like the ancient hermitages of Bandovas, the Byzantine Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, and the picturesque old district of Kalabaka. Last but not least, you will enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views, capture some amazing photos and witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets you will ever see.

Kalabaka: Meteora Private Day Tour with a Local Guide

6. Kalabaka: Meteora Private Day Tour with a Local Guide

Experience the unique Unesco World Heritage site of Meteora. Take in the stunning views from the hill-like rounded boulders. Discover the 6 Holy monasteries with the chance to visit inside 2-3 of your choice. Visualize how the first monks established one of the biggest monastic communities in Greece on top of these unique rocks. Walk around the special site, which is still home to several monks in residence. Start your tour in the morning and be picked up from your hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraka. Travel towards the cliff-top monasteries comfortably and safely in a luxurious mini-bus or car. See the best viewpoints and make plenty of stops on your short walks. Learn about the geological phenomenon that occurred to form these impressive rocks.

Kalabaka: Meteora Small-Group Hiking Tour w/ Monastery Visit

7. Kalabaka: Meteora Small-Group Hiking Tour w/ Monastery Visit

The ideal way to experience Meteora’s unique beauty and interesting rock formations is by walking, as it is the only way to really observe the impressive rock formations and strange patterns. On a half-day guided hike, you will be taken up close to these structures and led directly to the best vantage points in the area. After being transported from Kalampaka, the hiking tour begins from Kastraki Square, continuing to Dupiani Hermitage. Pass below the ruined Pantokratoros Monastery on the north side of Dupiani's rock, arriving at the Ypapanti Monastery and the ruins of St. Dimitrios, a monastery destroyed by the Ottomans in 1808 during a local uprising. From there, the trail leads all the way up to the impressive Great Meteoro and Varlaam monasteries, 2 of 6 total Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the area, all part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the grounds, and afterward, go down from Varlaam to St. George the Madilas to see the place where the local children climb with only a rope to dedicate offerings to St. George.

Kalambaka Train Station: Meteora Tour with Optional Lunch

8. Kalambaka Train Station: Meteora Tour with Optional Lunch

Discover Meteora with a daily tour departing from Kalabaka Train Station. Enjoy a guided experience that explores all six monasteries from the outside, and three from within. Discover hidden gems like the ancient Chapel of Doupiani and the St. George Mandilas cave with a passionate local. Catch the morning train to Kalabaka. After the scenic train ride through the beautiful Greek countryside, you will arrive at Kalabaka’s train station, where a tour guide will be waiting for you holding a signboard with your name. Jump into a comfortable Limo minibus and begin an unforgettable tour in Meteora. Learn Meteora's other side, like the truth about why the hermits settled in these imposing caves over a thousand years ago. Then, find out just how the ancient monks achieved the impossible. Take every opportunity to see stunning panoramic views and capture amazing photos. Afterwards, head back to the train station (or at a nearby local restaurant if the optional lunch is selected), where you'll have some free time before your train's departure.

Meteora: Private Photo Shoot with Professional Photographer

9. Meteora: Private Photo Shoot with Professional Photographer

Hire a professional photographer to take pictures of you and your friends or your family and anjoy a lifetime experience at Meteora. Your team will be ready to help you and provide you with some good tips that you can always use when wanting to take better pictures. Simply inform your guides about your special requests and they will arrange everything for you. Your guides will pick you up from your hotel at a pre-determined time, and will take you to the best locations for photographs. You will be presented with various spectacular backdrops consisting of rocks and monasteries, and depending on the session that you choose you will stop at between 3-6 spots. After about 2-4 days you will be sent 40 edited photos for the 1 hour option, or 80 edited photos for the 2 hour option.

Meteora: Hike & Fly _ A whole Experience

10. Meteora: Hike & Fly _ A whole Experience

At Meteora Fly Adventures you will experience unforgettable, lifechanging Hike & Fly moments that can improve your mental and physical health. Our company provides a unique combination of adventures for all ages offering competitive and convenient prices and complying with all the required safety protocols. The Program Hiking Time -9:00 Meeting, Briefing & Hiking Start The hike begins from the the Monastery of Saint Nicolas. Then crosses through the immense rock formations to reach the northern side of Meteora. Over that side, we will reach the hidden monastery of Ypapanti and the ruins of St. Dimitrios. Afterward, you will visit the monasteries of Great Meteoron or Varlaam and finally you’ll walk down the old footpath that passes from the magical and mysterious Dragon Cave. -13:00 End of Hiking Tour Flying Time -17:00 - 19:00 Meeting at the Take off - Landing spot (**the exact time will be arranged depending the weather, the group size and the sunset time**) After we set agree the meeting time and the means of tranportation we gather at the take off field. After a short briefing, you are ready to fly. Put your seatbelt on and prepare for take off!! Tandem motorized paragliding gives you an amazing sense of freedom. Once in the air, most people are surprised at how relaxed they feel. Experience the most breath – taking activity by enjoying the beautiful landscape of Meteora’s Rock forest, a Unesco World Heritage Monument from above, in a unique way. Feel the adrenaline of a motorized powered paragliding flight, sitting on a powered paratrike vehicle, driven by a certified pilot. You will take off and ascend above the Rock Forest and the land below, seeing the same rocks and monasteries which the same morning were wondering!! 20:00-21:00 End of flight experience & fairwell

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What people are saying about Monastery of Varlaam, Meteora

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,274 reviews

Pickup location in the city centre was convenient. Trip to Meteora took 3 hours drive and the tour guide explained about the history along the way.

Excellent guide, Natalie gave us a lot of information and made the trip very enjoyable. Punctuality and plenty of time to visit monasteries

Very Nice easy hike and the guide was very knowledgable and nice Highly recommended to see the place from the Top

Guid was very knowledgeable. She made the trip a smooth one. Thank you.

המדריך מאוד נחמד והסביר הרבה על יוון סלוניקי ומטאורה