On arrival at Ioannina (airport, bus station or hotel) you will meet your guide and be driven to your guest house in Vitsa, a picturesque village in Central Zagori. Overnight Vitsa.
- Meals: Dinner.
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Deep canyons, clear rivers, mountain lakes, stone bridges, monasteries & picturesque villages are only some of the highlights of this trekking tour through one of the most remote areas of Greece.
Activity code: GRTRV01
Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging. [Participants should be in good physical condition with some hiking experience.]
Duration: 8 Days
Deep canyons, rivers, mountain lakes, stone bridges, old monasteries and picturesque villages are only some of the highlights of this trekking tour through one of the most remote areas of Greece. The villages of Zagori, in north west Greece, are extremely beautiful and are well-known for their cobbled paths and traditional villages, all constructed with local stone by the famous stone masons of Epirus, considered the finest in the country. Zagori is a part of the massive Pindos Mountain Range and is defined by Mitsikeli Mountain to the south west and the Aoos River to the east.
The Vikos Gorge is not only the deepest in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, but it also boasts the cleanest water in all of Europe. It is home to over 1800 different plant species.
One of the many rewards you will find on this tour is the overnight stay at the Astraka Mountain Refuge, located almost 2000 metres above sea level. The magnificent views and the Dragon Lake will remain etched in your memory for years to come.
This walking holiday is available as part of a Small Group or Private Journey and is one of our most popular suggestions for an exploration of the remote Zagori region of Epirus in northern Greece. The Zagori region is simply beautiful and peaceful and a true taste of Greece "Off the Beaten Track"; you will experience the incredible Vikos Gorge, the Dragon Lake and the traditional villages and stone bridges. Our official mountain guides know the area and the people very well which adds significantly to the experience, not just during the day's walking but also in the villages and at the accommodation we use. Overall this is a hiking lover's dream and has something for everyone.
Our treks in Greece include all meals, accommodation and comfortable transport, as well as an excellent licensed English-speaking mountain guide. Your guide will make every effort to show you a variety of good quality Greek dishes during your holiday - our team loves their food, too.
Suggested equipment for your trekking holiday:
Extra Information
Please note that this tour is subject to change at the discretion of the tour leader, according to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
Services at the Mountain hostels include: bunk beds, pillows / pillow cases and blankets. There is also a restaurant, showers (only cold water) and toilets. Guests are welcome to carry their own bed linen / sheets and towels for personal usage.
Why not extend your stay with a relaxing few days (or longer) on one or more of Greece's beautiful islands or on Greece's beautiful and varied mainland- please ask us for further information or suggestions!
Available as a small group tour on dates below or as a private booking
Itinerary
On arrival at Ioannina (airport, bus station or hotel) you will meet your guide and be driven to your guest house in Vitsa, a picturesque village in Central Zagori. Overnight Vitsa.
After breakfast you will be driven to Vradeto, the starting point of today’s hike, located at an altitude of 1340m/4396ft - it's the highest village in the area.
Your first stop on today's hike will be Beloi; the best views of the gorge can be enjoyed from this spot. From Vradeto walk down the famous stone staircase and on to the quaint village of Kapesovo for a short break.
After your break continue your journey through Kapesovo with its traditional stone houses and narrow streets and enter an oak forest while walking downhill towards the gorge. A short distance after entering the gorge you will come across a very old stone bridge and then it's a climb up the stone staircase of Vitsa which leads to the village and your hotel.
According to the Guinness Book of Records the Vikos Gorge is the world's deepest canyon in proportion to its width. Today will be spent exploring this beautiful gorge.
Starting from the village of Monodendri follow the hiking trail into the gorge and after six hours of moderate walking through lush vegetation, you'll reach the village of Vikos. Overnight Vikos.
After breakfast there will be a 30 minute walk to reach the Voidomatis Springs. Enjoy the views from Red Rock before arriving in the picturesque village of Mikro Papigo.
After breakfast start hiking from the village of Mikro Papigo through mountainous terrain to reach the mountain hut of Astraka, situated at an altitude of 1950m [6397 ft].
After a lunch break at the hut, continue your hike to the Dragon Lake, set on the edge of a cliff at an altitude of 2000m [6562 ft], enjoying the magnificent view to the peaks of the Pindos Mountains. After a refreshing swim return to your hut for the overnight stay.
From the mountain hut it's a downhill hike to the Monastery of Stomio, built in 1774. Then you'll walk into the gorge of the Aoos River where there will be the opportunity for a refreshing swim.
At the end of your walking tour you'll reach the famous stone bridge of Konitsa. The Arched Bridge, built between 1823 and 1871, with a height of 20 metres and a width of 40 metres is one of the biggest in the Balkan area. Overnight stay in Konitsa.
After breakfast you'll walk along a pathway, in the shade of willow and plane trees, beside the Voidomatis River. It is reputed to be the cleanest river in Europe and you can drink any time from it during your walk.
In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local taverna next to the lake in Ioannina. Overnight Ioannina.
After breakfast, you'll be transfered to Ioannina Airport for your return flight.
