Varlaam Monastery Greece Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Meteora , Greece

Varlaam Monastery Greece Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Active

(3 reviews)

1h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover a world of faith and serenity with this self-guided walking tour of the Monastery of Varlaam in Greece! Perched high atop a cliff, this majestic monastery holds fascinating history dating back centuries. Learn about the saints who built it against the odds, explore the meaning of its icons, and marvel at awe-inspiring art, architecture, and views. This tour immerses you in history, Orthodox traditions, Byzantine art, and contemplation.

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline.

This audio tour does not use GPS, so the stories won't play automatically according to your location. The stories are organized in a suggested order to take the tour - please swipe through each story to listen as you travel along the route. You can also play all stories from the 'Story List' if you wish to skip ahead or listen to earlier stories again.

Available options

Varlaam Monastery Greece Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

What's included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone

Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!

Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!

Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.

Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!

Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!

Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.

Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

Detailed itinerary

Start climbing the monastery’s 126 stairs as you listen. Be sure to pace yourself as you climb. There’s no rush to get to the top! This ancient holy site has centuries of history and spiritual significance behind it, and our tour will cover it all.

Note: The tour is over 1+ miles long, with more than 23 audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.

This audio tour does not use GPS, so the stories won't play automatically according to your location. The stories are organized in a suggested order to take the tour - please swipe through each story to listen as you travel along the route. You can also play all stories from the 'Story List' if you wish to skip ahead or listen to earlier stories again.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

What's not included

Entrance fee for Varlaam Monastery

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.

How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.

Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.

Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you

Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour.

For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.

Your password can be used on the same number of devices as travelers booked. Enter the same password on each device.

Meeting point

Begin from Monastery of Varlaam, Meteoron, Kalampaka 422 00, Greece. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Important notes

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for “Action Tour Guide”
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have Wi-Fi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem

2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don’t wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.

3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• Bring headphones for the best experience on your walking tour.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!

4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-315-291-0634
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com

About Meteora

Meteora is a unique geological and historical site in Greece, famous for its stunning rock formations and historic monasteries perched atop towering pillars. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking views and a rich cultural heritage that attracts visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

Meteora Monasteries

A complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries built on top of natural sandstone pillars, dating back to the 14th century.

Historical/Religious Half to full day €3-€5 per monastery

Meteora Hiking Trails

Scenic trails offering stunning views of the rock formations and monasteries.

Nature/Adventure 2-4 hours Free

Kalambaka

A charming town at the foot of the Meteora rocks, known for its traditional architecture and local cuisine.

Cultural Half day Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pita

A savory pie filled with various ingredients like spinach, cheese, or meat.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Souvlaki

Grilled meat skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.

Snack Contains meat

Dolmades

Grappe leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Caving Wine tasting Dining at local tavernas Strolling through Kalambaka Old Town Visiting monasteries Exploring historic towns

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This is the best time to visit Meteora, with pleasant weather and clear skies ideal for hiking and sightseeing.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Greek
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

EET (GMT+2), EEST (GMT+3) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Meteora is a safe destination with low crime rates. Standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when hiking alone
• Use reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport • 220 km from Meteora

By train

Kalambaka Station

By bus

Kalambaka Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are infrequent and may not cover all areas. Taxis are a better option for convenience.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kalambaka Kastraki

Day trips

Trikala

30 km from Meteora • Half day

A historic town with a mix of Ottoman and Greek architecture, known for its traditional markets and local cuisine.

Larissa

60 km from Meteora • Full day

A major city with a rich history, offering a variety of museums, parks, and dining options.

Festivals

Meteora Festival • July Easter Celebrations • March/April (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the monasteries early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Hike the Meteora trails for stunning views and a unique perspective of the rock formations.
Try local dishes like 'pita' and 'souvlaki' at traditional tavernas in Kalambaka.
Pack comfortable hiking shoes and a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
Stay in Kastraki for a quieter experience and easy access to hiking trails.