Viator lists 18 tours that enter Varlaam. We read the 18 that pass our review bar in full and recommend these 4.
These four shared tours enter three monasteries on a route that includes Varlaam when open. Local mornings from Kalabaka or Kastraki last four hours. Coach trips from Larissa station in Athens last 14 hours. Starting prices for the compared options range from €35 to €102 per adult. The Athens coach options include lunch.
Choose the morning with audio guides for hotel pickup and other languages. It allows a 45-minute Varlaam stop with up to 18 people. The panoramic minibus has English commentary for up to 20 people. Both also enter Great Meteoron and Rousanou when open. From Athens, choose the 08:00 coach with lunch for a 50-minute Varlaam stop. This option starts at €102 per person. The 09:00 coach with lunch suits a later start from €102 per person. Both take up to 35 people. Varlaam closes on Fridays. Check Thursday opening in winter. Bring cash for the separate monastery entrance fees. The guide stays outside.
Other stopsHermit cave views. seaside breaks. lunch.
Four main choices
01
Operator: Visit Meteora · · Up to 18 people
Local morning, three monasteries inside
The local morning with most reviews
Start
09:00
Duration
4 hours
Cancellation
Free, up to 24 h before
Pickup
Kalabaka or Kastraki accommodation pickup
Rating
4.8/5 from 77 reviews
The route allows a 45-minute Varlaam stop alongside visits to Great Meteoron and Rousanou when open. Up to 18 people share the tour. English commentary comes with audio in other languages.
Selected option
Meteora Monasteries Half-Day Small Group Tour with Transport
From €35 per adult · ages 12 to 99
3 of 6 inside: Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Rousanou; changes on closing days. Entrance fees paid in cash at the doors. Up to 18 people share the tour. Closed monasteries change the route. Friday's route omits Varlaam. For a winter Thursday, check that Varlaam is open before booking. Bring €5 in cash for each monastery. Live guiding is in English. Other languages use an audio guide. The guide stays outside the monasteries. Cover your shoulders. Women need a skirt below the knee. Men need long trousers and long sleeves.
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Photos from Visit Meteora
Hotel pickup helps if you're staying in Kalabaka or Kastraki. Look elsewhere if you want a live guide to lead you inside the monasteries.
Friday's route omits Varlaam. Bring cash for the extra entrance fees.
Operator: Meteora Thrones · Travel Center · · Up to 20 people
Morning minibus with English commentary
The morning with English commentary
Start
09:00
Duration
4 hours
Cancellation
Free, up to 24 h before
Transport
Air-conditioned minivan
Meeting point
Kalabaka or Kastraki hotel pickup
Rating
4.8/5 from 77 reviews
The minibus carries up to 20 people with hotel pickup in Kalabaka or Kastraki. Varlaam and Rousanou each get a 45-minute stop. There is a 50-minute stop at Great Meteoron.
Selected option
Meteora Panoramic Morning Small Group Tour with Local Guide
From €35 per adult · ages 13 to 99
3 of 6 inside: Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Rousanou; changes on closing days. Entrance fees paid in cash at the doors. Up to 20 people share the tour. Hotel pickup runs from 08:40 to 09:15. A closed monastery is replaced with an open one. Friday's route omits Varlaam. For a winter Thursday, check that Varlaam is open before booking. Bring €5 in cash for each monastery. The guide stays outside the monasteries. Cover your shoulders. Women need a skirt below the knee. Men need long trousers.
Photos from Meteora Thrones · Travel Center
Take this if English commentary suits you. For commentary in another language, choose the morning with audio guides.
The guide stays outside the monasteries. Closed monasteries are swapped, including Varlaam on Fridays.
Language: English.
03
Operator: Visit Meteora · · Up to 35 people
Athens coach, lunch and beachfront breaks
The Athens coach with most reviews
Start
08:00
Duration
14 hours
Cancellation
Free, up to 24 h before
Transport
Air-conditioned coach
Meeting point
Opposite Larissa station, Athens, 07:45
Rating
4.6/5 from 908 reviews
The coach from Athens allows a 50-minute Varlaam stop. The shared lunch option includes a meal in Kastraki and two beachfront breaks in Kamena Vourla. Allow 14 hours for a shared trip with up to 35 people.
Selected option
Shared Tour, Including Lunch
From €102 per adult · ages 13 to 99
3 of 6 inside; choices include Varlaam, St Stephen, Rousanou, Great Meteoron. Entrance fees paid in cash at the doors. Up to 35 people share the tour. Be opposite Larissa station by 07:45 for the 08:00 coach. The three monastery interiors vary with opening days. Friday's route omits Varlaam. For a winter Thursday, check that Varlaam is open before booking. Bring €5 in cash for each monastery. Lunch is included on this option. Brunch and dinner cost extra. The English-speaking leader stays outside the monasteries. An audio guide is available inside. Expect monastery stairs. Cover your shoulders and wear long trousers or a skirt below the knee as required.
Photos from Visit Meteora
This suits an Athens stay with a full day to spare. Take the 09:00 coach if you'd rather leave later.
The three interiors change with opening days, including Varlaam's Friday closure. Brunch and dinner cost extra.
Shared options · From-price per adult, ages 13 to 99
Exact option
Entry included
From
Shared Tour without lunch
Group Day Trip: This day trip option is in a shared tour and does not include meals
€87
Extended Stay with Overnight
2-DAY TOUR: If a single day feels too rushed, consider booking the 2-day tour with an overnight stay for a more enjoyable experience.
€168
Private Tour(Shared transfer)
Private Day Trip: This private day trip is only for your party (except for the transfer from Athens which is in a shared bus) Lunch is not included
€140
Shared Tour, Including LunchCompared above
Group Day Trip with Lunch: Lunch includes a main dish, a seasonal salad, bread, and water.
€102
04
Operator: Meteora Thrones · Travel Center · · Up to 35 people
Nine o'clock Athens coach with lunch
The Athens coach that leaves at nine
Start
09:00
Duration
14 hours
Cancellation
Free, up to 24 h before
Transport
Air-conditioned coach
Meeting point
Opposite Larissa station, Athens, 08:45
Rating
4.6/5 from 556 reviews
The 09:00 coach from Larissa station allows a 45-minute Varlaam stop. Great Meteoron and St Stephen are the other interiors when open. The English tour with lunch takes up to 35 people.
Selected option
TOUR IN ENGLISH WITH LUNCH
From €102 per adult · ages 13 to 99
3 of 6 inside: Great Meteoron, Varlaam, St Stephen; changes on closing days. Entrance fees paid in cash at the doors. Up to 35 people share the tour. Be opposite Larissa station by 08:45. The return is around 22:45. Closed monasteries change the route. Friday's route omits Varlaam. For a winter Thursday, check that Varlaam is open before booking. Bring €5 in cash for each monastery. The live guide stays outside the monasteries. An audio guide is available inside. Expect monastery stairs. Cover your shoulders and wear long trousers or a skirt below the knee as required.
Photos from Meteora Thrones · Travel Center
This works if you want a later start from Athens. Take a local morning tour if you're already staying in Kalabaka or Kastraki.
The return to Larissa station is around 22:45. Friday's route misses Varlaam.
Shared options · From-price per adult, ages 13 to 99
Exact option
Entry included
From
TOUR IN SPANISH WITH LUNCH
Group in Spanish with Lunch: Choose this option for SHARED GROUP Meteora Tour in SPANISH including LUNCH + SHARED Bus Tranfer from/to Athens
€102
TOUR IN SPANISH WITHOUT LUNCH
SHARED TOUR IN SPANISH: Choose this option for SHARED GROUP Meteora Tour in SPANISH + SHARED Bus Tranfer from/to Athens.
€87
TOUR IN ENGLISH WITH LUNCHCompared above
Lunch included Group in English with Lunch : Choose this option for SHARED GROUP Meteora Tour in ENGLISH including LUNCH + SHARED Bus Tranfer from/to Athens
€102
TOUR IN ENGLISH WITHOUT LUNCH
GROUP TOUR IN ENGLISH: Choose this option for SHARED GROUP Meteora Tour in ENGLISH + SHARED Bus Tranfer from/to Athens.
€87
Other formats
Other formats that serve the same day: private cars, multi-day trips, combinations.
The private trip with Theopetra Cave · EASYEXPERIENCES
The private trip with Theopetra Cave
Start
07:30
Duration
13 hours
Cancellation
Free, up to 24 h before
Transport
Air-conditioned vehicle
Pickup
Hotel pickup
Rating
5.0/5 from 2 reviews
Choose this private Athens trip if you want Theopetra Cave alongside the monasteries. The route allows 60 minutes at Varlaam and also enters Great Meteoron and St Stephen.
Selected option
group with max 4 guests
From €800 per group · ages 0 to 120
Entrance fees paid in cash at the doors. Choose the option for up to four guests. The price is per group. Closed monasteries change the route. Friday's route omits Varlaam. For a winter Thursday, check that Varlaam is open before booking. Bring €5 in cash for each monastery. Cave admission and lunch cost extra. Lunch is around 14:30. Bring a snack. You need a moderate level of fitness. Cover your shoulders. Women need a skirt below the knee. Men need long trousers.
Photos from Easyexperiences
5.0/5 · 2 reviews
Language: English.
The private car with Delphi · Greece Experience Tours
The private car with Delphi
Start
06:00 to 08:00
Duration
12 hours
Cancellation
Free, up to 24 h before
Pickup
Hotel pickup
Rating
5.0/5 from 2 reviews
Choose this private car trip for up to four people if you want Delphi alongside the monasteries. It allows 60 minutes at Varlaam and also enters Rousanou and Holy Trinity.
Selected option
Mercedes Private Tour to Meteora Monasteries and Delphi
From €240 per adult · ages 0 to 99
Entrance fees paid in cash at the doors. The price is per person. Closed monasteries change the route. Friday's route omits Varlaam. For a winter Thursday, check that Varlaam is open before booking. Bring €5 in cash for each monastery. Delphi admission and lunch cost extra. Airport pickup or drop-off costs extra. Give this tour a miss during pregnancy. Cover your shoulders. Women need a skirt below the knee. Men need long trousers.
Photos from Greece Experience Tours
5.0/5 · 2 reviews
Languages offered: Greek, English.
Before choosing a tour
How much do these tours cost?
Starting prices for the four recommended options range from €35 to €102 per person. Both local morning tours start at €35. The 08:00 coach starts at €102 with lunch. The 09:00 coach starts at €102 with lunch. Both Athens trips also have options without lunch, from €87 and €87. Monastery entry costs extra.
Can I go inside Varlaam on a Friday?
No. Varlaam is closed every Friday. All four tours run that day with a different monastery route. Choose another day if Varlaam is the reason for your trip. Check its opening before booking a Thursday visit between November and March.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 4 hours for a local morning or 14 hours for either shared Athens day trip. The 08:00 coach allows 50 minutes at Varlaam. The other three tours allow 45 minutes. That time covers the whole stop. The 09:00 coach returns to Larissa station around 22:45.
Will I be picked up from my hotel?
The morning audio tour picks up at hotels and Airbnbs in Kalabaka or Kastraki. The panoramic morning tour collects from hotels there between 08:40 and 09:15. Both Athens coaches meet opposite Larissa station on Deligianni Street. Be there by 07:45 for the 08:00 coach or 08:45 for the 09:00 coach. Travel to that meeting point yourself.
What is included in the tour price?
All four trips include transport and a local guide. Each visits three monastery interiors. The guide stays outside the monasteries. Entry fees are paid separately in cash at each door. Bring €5 for each monastery. Lunch comes with the recommended 08:00 coach and 09:00 coach options. Meals cost extra on both local morning tours.
Can children and babies join these tours?
Yes. All four trips accept children. The morning audio tour uses ages 0 to 2 for infants and 3 to 11 for children. The panoramic morning tour and 09:00 coach take infants aged 0 to 3 and children aged 4 to 12. The 08:00 coach takes ages 0 to 12 as children. Infant seats are available on the panoramic tour and 08:00 coach. Infants sit on an adult's lap on the 09:00 coach. Children travel with an adult.
Will I need to climb stairs?
You need to climb stairs to enter Varlaam. There are no lifts. Skip these visits if you cannot manage steps. Wear comfortable shoes. Cover your shoulders. Women need a skirt below the knee. Men need long trousers. They also need long sleeves for the morning audio tour.
What happens if it rains or I need to cancel?
Rain does not automatically stop the panoramic morning tour or the 08:00 coach. Both can still be cancelled for bad weather. Bring clothing for the weather. If you cancel any of the four tours, do it at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancelling later brings no refund.
Which tour should I choose for a first visit?
Choose the morning audio tour if you're staying in Kalabaka or Kastraki. Up to 18 people share the trip. It enters Great Meteoron and Rousanou alongside Varlaam when open. English commentary comes with audio in other languages. From Athens, choose the 08:00 coach if a 14-hour day suits you. Its Varlaam stop is 50 minutes.
Do I need a tour if I already have a car?
You can drive to the monasteries yourself. There are free car parks below them. A car lets you choose your own time at Varlaam. Take the panoramic morning tour if you'd like English commentary and transport between stops. Without a car, both local mornings include hotel pickup in Kalabaka or Kastraki. The Athens trips include return coach travel.
Going independently
Can I visit Varlaam without a tour?
Avoid Fridays. Check Thursday opening from November to March. From Athens, change from train to bus at Paleofarsalos. Check the monastery bus timetable at Kalabaka bus station. Taxis wait outside the railway station. Pay at Varlaam's door in cash. Bring €5 for entry.
Hotel pickup on the Kalabaka and Kastraki morning tours. Return coach transport on the Athens trips. A local leader explains the monasteries from outside.
I write and edit everything on this site: the monasteries and the days they close, the trains, the tickets, and the tours.
For this page I read the tour listings and compared what each option includes and what it costs.
Closing days and entrance fees come from the notices at the monastery gates, cross-checked against two published timetables at every build. Tour prices, inclusions, group sizes and review counts come from the listings and carry the date they were read.
