Discovering Zagori
Zagori region is part of the Pindos Mountain Range and one of the most picturesque regions in Greece. Zagori consists of 45 traditional villages and is a real paradise for hiking nature enthusiasts.
The stunning peaks of Mt.Gamila and Astraka at altitudes above 2,000m with the dragon lakes, invite you for demanding hiking amongst rare and countless varieties of flowers. Vikos Gorge, listed as the deepest gorge in the world by the Guinness Book of Records, famous for its unique natural beauty and crystal-clear waters is a real wilderness challenge.
This trekking tour covers is a village – to – village tour of moderate difficulty where you can discover the most impressive spots and landscapes of Zagori.
Day 1: Arrival Ioannina – Monodendri
Arrival in Ioannina and direct transportation to Monodendri village at the heart of Zagori.
Day 2: Monodendri – Vitsa – Dilofo – Kipi – Monodendri
Morning transportation to Vitsa village. Paths between old stone houses lead us to the starting-point of our hike. After an hour and a half we meet Dilofo, a village that has still kept its traditional character. We continue to Kipi, famous for the old stone-made bridges that surround it. In Kipi we meet our transportation and return back to Monodendri for overnight stay.
Day 3: Monodendri – Vikos Gorge – Aristi
Today we walk into Vikos Gorge. We start by visiting the monastery of Agia Paraskevi, balanced on an eagle’s nest point over the gorge. We continue downhill, through the river’s dry bed in the beginning, climbing a bit on the banks later on. The round stones that litter the gorge keep growing, until they reach gigantic, unclimbable proportions, silent witnesses of a turbulent past. We exit at Vikos village and we are transferred to Aristi for overnight stay.
Day 4: Aristi Bridge – Klidonia Bridge
This walk actually covers the last, but not less impressive part of Vikos Gorge. A hike through the shades, by the river side, a chance for a deep at the crystal clear waters of the river!
We start our walk at the heart of the Aoos National Park, under the bridge of Aristi. We walk by the bank of Voidomatis River and we continue through woods. On our way we have the opportunity to admire the rare varieties of wild birds and flowers of the area. The walk ends at Klidonia Bridge. Transportation back to Aristi for overnight stay.
Day 5 Aristi – Mikro Papingo
Morning transportation to Vikos village. We enter again at the Gorge and as soon as we reach the river bend, we follow the old up-hill path to Papingo. On our way we admire the incredible views of the surrounding “Towers of Papigo”. In about 2 hours we reach Mikro Papingo for overnight stay. In the afternoon, optional walk to the natural swimming pools between Mikro and Megalo Papingo.
Day 6: Mikro Papingo – Dragon Lake – Mikro Papingo
We start walking from Mikro Papingo. We follow the uphill path that offers us great views of the impressing landscape. After about 3 hours we reach the mountain refuge of Astraka, where we can have a rest stop for a while. We continue our hike up to the Dragon Lake. We admire the breathtaking views and we bring in mind the myth of the Dragons….
We return from the same path to Mikro Papingo for overnight stay.
Day 7: Mikro Papingo – Ioannina
Morning transportation to Ioannina city. After check-in at hotel, the rest of the day is at your disposal to explore the city of legends and silver crafts.
Day 8: Departure
Departure day. End of trip
Included in the package
- Detailed route notes and map
- Land transportation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Luggage transfers according the itinerary
- Accommodation in local hotels in double rooms
- 5 packed lunches
- 6 dinners on our hotels
Not included in the package:
- Entrance fees for museums and archaeological places
- Lunch at days 1, 7 and 8, dinner at days 7 and 8.
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and beverages during meals
- Anything not mentioned as “included in the package”
*** Please note that different transportation arrangements at the beginning or at the end of your trip can be made under request