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Traditional villages, hilltop monasteries and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Zagori region.
START / FINISH - Athens (or Thessaloniki)
Activity code: GRFDEP01
Duration: 9 Days/8 nights
This popular self-drive holiday takes you on a full tour of the lesser-explored regions of central and north-western mainland Greece, focusing particularly on the beautiful region of Epirus. Your itinerary can also include some of the most iconic locations along the way such as Delphi and Meteora combined with some simply stunning scenery. Epirus is a relatively remote and certainly lesser-travelled part of Greece.
You can begin in Athens and make the journey there and back via the world-famous site of Delphi and the monasteries of Meteora; similarly, starting from Thessaloniki you can visit Meteora and either Mount Olympus or ancient sites such as Vergina to break the journey to or from Epirus.
This is our recommended route and a very popular one, it is a tried and trusted itinerary allowing you plenty of time to enjoy the countryside as you travel. If you are looking for any modifications then we will be very happy to discuss a completely tailor made itinerary. All we would need to know would be approximate dates of travel, what standard of hotel you would prefer, and if there are any particular areas or classical sites which you would like us to include (or to exclude!) in your itinerary. Your holiday can be as active or leisurely as you please. Staying one night at each stop allows the maximum amount of sightseeing; two or more nights will allow you to do side trips, whilst staying in one place will give you the opportunity to relax and explore the local area.
Why not extend your stay with a relaxing few days (or longer) on one or more of Greece's beautiful islands - please ask us for further information or suggestions!
Not included: Overnight Stay Tax of 0.50 to 4 Euros per room or apartment per night, which is payable locally - the amount varies according to the category of the accommodation (i.e. most self catering and 1-2 star hotels = 0.50 Euros, 5 star hotels = 4 Euros).
Itinerary
Collect your rental car upon arrival and drive to your hotel in Athens. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this vibrant city.
* if you don't fancy driving from the airport we could arrange a private transfer and have the car delivered to your hotel the following morning.
Leave the city behind and drive via the charming mountain village of Arachova to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi, once considered the centre of the Ancient World. The site sits in a glorious location on the slopes of Mount Parnassus.
Your journey today will take you through small villages on your way to stunning Meteora and its monasteries.
These hermitages form one of the truly breathtaking sights on earth. Sitting on top of huge granite rocks they offered security and solitude to the faithful during times of persecution, particularly at the end of the Byzantine period and the start of Ottoman rule over Greece. Of the original 24 monasteries only a handful are still open.
A beautiful drive up into the mountains to visit Metsovo, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Greece. Tradition is kept alive in its artisan crafts: distinctive woodcarvings, hand woven fabrics and folk art as well as cheese making (the smoked cheese is particularly tasty) and a robust red wine.
Above Metsovo is the magnificent 'Politses' plateau with Alpine scenery, forests of beech, fir and pine and man-made Lake Aoos.
A morning drive down to Ioannina, capital of Epirus, built on the shores of Lake Pamvoti.
Continue on to Zagorochoria, 46 traditional settlements which form a distinct geographical and cultural region, one of the country's richest in animal and plant life.
We will recommend several villages to visit in the area, depending on whether or not you would like to go walking.
Spend the day enjoying the scenery in the Vikos Gorge National Park, the deepest and longest canyon in Europe. You might like to go for a dip in the Voidomatis River or walk to the beautiful Spiliotissa Monastery. If time permits take a detour up to the village of Konitsa, just 12 km from the border with Albania.
Leaving this magical area behind drive down through spectacular scenery to Karpenissi, built on the foothills of Mount Timfristos. This town is an ideal starting point for excursions to nearby traditional villages like Korischades, with its excellently preserved stone houses, Mikro and Megalo Horio, Proussos, Domnitsa and Agrafa (its surroundings offer many secluded paths for walking).
Free time in Athens until your flight departs.
Drive to Athens Airport and drop off your rental car *
* or you could drop off the car the previous evening and have a private transfer back to the airport.
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