7 day Nature-Lover's Expedition : Lake Ziros - Acheron - Tzoumerka - Ambracian Gulf

Explore the enchanting Lake Ziros and the Acheron River through a series of adventures and activities in the beautiful region of Preveza. From hiking and kayaking on the Acheron River to exploring the Tzoumerka mountains and the magical cruise in the Ambracian Gulf, discover the ultimate nature experience with exceptional excursions. Learn more about the stunning landscapes, the variety of fauna, and the unique experiences the area offers to visitors. The itinerary is designed for guests to discover the diverse beauty of our region and enjoy authentic and unforgettable experiences.

Day 1

Arrival at the Airport and Transfer to the Accommodation - Free Time

Day 2

Hiking, Kayaking, and Picnic at Lake Ziros – Tour at Kokkinos Pylos (9.00-19.00)

Lake Ziros is an unexplored paradise. A small and idyllic lake of Preveza crowned by a dense lakeside forest. It is ideal for an easy exploration or a lazy day in nature. The lake will give visitors the opportunity to get to know the alpine landscape which is ideal for lovers of hiking, cycling, rowing. And the dense pine forest with tall oaks and eucalyptus trees will offer you the opportunity to explore nature.

The mysticism of nature in all its glory is revealed from wherever you are, facing the surface of the lake. A huge natural mirror reflected on the flat surface of the lakeside forest, the sunken trees, the opposite rocky shores and the sky. Its perimeter, alternating from flat ground to a rocky and steep uphill coast, crosses slopes with huge reddish cliffs and with excellent views of the lake

Initially, visitors will hike with the guide along the path that moves away from the lake and enters a golden yellow forest with greenish mountain slopes and red ravines until it reaches the unique geological phenomenon of Red Clay (Terra Rossa) that gives the feeling of being on another planet. Along the way, visitors will see very important archaeological sites such as the ancient Roman aqueduct of Nikopolis, the Paleolithic cave of Asprochaliko and ancient Vaties, about which the guide will explain everything. Then, visitors will hike around the lake on an idyllic path that highlights all the splendor of the natural beauty of the landscape.

There will be many ways for visitors to enjoy the lake, such as swimming in the clear waters or kayaking or even supping. All necessary equipment as well as any assistance will be provided by a trained professional. By kayaking, everyone will appreciate the peace and quiet of the lake.

After all activities guests will rest and relax enjoying a picnic in the forest. The picnic will include traditional delicacies and recipes as well as refreshing refreshments.

Day 3

Hiking and Kayaking in Acheron (8.00- 19.00)

During this tour you have the opportunity to experience the wildest sites of the Acheron with faster water flow and wilder vegetation. You can explore the less touristic part of the river while the guide will help you feel equipped for your adventure with personalized support from start to finish .You have the opportunity to see birds flying by your side and enjoy the vibrant ecosystem.

The hike starts from the village of Glyki, we move alongside to the river Acheron on the old path of Souliotes, we leave behind us the staircase of Tzavellena and continue towards the villages of Souli. On our left we will see Acheron which has carved the limestone rocks and created the imposing gorge. After 40 minutes we meet on our right the path that leads to the gates of Hades. We continue and in 15 minutes, the bridge of Dallas emerges, as we cross the bridge we see an old watermill and on our left the Tsangarian stream, then we enter the small gorge and soon we meet a small waterfall where we can stop for hydromassage. The return can be by the same path or through the riverbed.

Of course, kayaking on the river could not be missed from visiting Acheron.

Although the Acheron River is generally calm and suitable for all skill levels, the trained staff will conduct short training sessions ashore to familiarize participants with the equipment, how to position themselves in the kayak, and how to paddle the boat properly. They share life jackets and we all get into the water with our kayaks. The instructors then teach participants how to handle their kayaks in all directions. This is done at the base by the river, where the waters are calm and reminiscent of a lake, offering ideal conditions for some practice. As soon as everyone feels comfortable, our excursion begins. The lead guide leads the way, and it is important that everyone can control their own kayak. We travel on the river at a starting speed of 4 kilometers per hour. As we approach the sea, the speed gradually decreases. Our trip takes us to some of the most fascinating landscapes in the whole country. Feel free to bring a camera and take photos as you navigate your kayak through turquoise waters and encounter a variety, plants and animals. We provide a waterproof bag where you can store your camera safely throughout the trip.

Arriving at the village of Ammoudia we will go out into the Ionian Sea in order to explore the caves with our kayaks. After this exploration marks the end of our kayak trip, but you also have the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the Ionian Sea before our transfer arrives to take us back to the base.

Day 4

Excursion to Tzoumerka for Rafting on Arachthos River (8.00-17.00)

In the imposing Tzoumerka (Athamanic mountains) on the border of Epirus and Thessaly, in a natural setting of unparalleled beauty and charm lies an earthly paradise hidden in steep slopes, impressive gorges and deep shaded ravines with rushing waters. There is also the river Arachthos.

The emblematic Arachthos River flows through some of the most beautiful areas of Greece. It springs from northern Pindos and passing between the mountains, Lakmos and Mitsikeli flows into the Amvrakikos Gulf. Along the way, it crosses green and impressive gorges, giving children and adults unforgettable images and experiences.

During Rafting in Arachthos we follow a relatively easy route of about 10 km, which is suitable for beginners… young & old. We encounter flow with continuous waves, intense turns and passages of 2nd – 3rd degree. We cross the most beautiful part of the river that starts from the Politsa Bridge in Ampelochori and ends at the famous Plaka Bridge. About halfway through our route we do not miss the opportunity to visit and dive in the natural lake formed by the twenty-meter Klifki Waterfall. The entrance to the narrow Arachthos Gorge is imposing with vertical slopes 700 meters high. Along the way we come across dozens of springs gushing from the rocks with crystal clear and potable water. At the exit of the Gorge, at the end of the route we pass by the largest single-arch bridge in the Balkans, the Plaka Bridge.

After our pleasant adventure on the river, lunch follows in a traditional tavern with a magnificent view of the serene mountains of Epirus. There we will rest, enjoy the authentic flavors of Epirus and let the wonderful view make our minds travel.

Day 5

Dolphin Cruise in Amvrakikos Gulf (9.00-14.00)

Enjoy a cruise that highlights the enchanting nature, history, gastronomy and Greek hospitality.

This tour of the Amvrakikos Gulf includes a guided tour on ecological and historical elements of the ecosystem and the wider area, observation of the wildlife of the Amvrakikos Gulf and mostly, the dazzling bottlenose dolphins and the Caretta-Caretta turtles. Then there is a stop for swimming and a buffet of  freshly cooked meal, which includes mainly local and seafood dishes accompanied by a cool refreshment or drink under the bright summer sun.

Day 6

Birdwatching Hike in the Wetlands of Amvrakikos Gulf (8.00-16.00)

Starting the route from the embrace of the city of Preveza, to the heart of the Amvrakikos Gulf National Park, our path will lead us to landscapes of immense beauty, combined with a huge variety of flora and fauna and of course avifauna that will simply amaze us. It is enough just to consider that in the area we can see about 300 different species of birds….

The first stop in this whole adventure is the Tsopeli lagoon, just 10 minutes from Preveza. Here, depending on the season, we can observe flamingos (Phoenicopterus), ducks (Ducks), herons (Herrons) and with a little luck we will admire the emblematic Dalmatian pelican, with its 3 meters wingspan, which comes to the lagoon for food and rest. An alternation of colors awaits us in the next place we will visit. From the turquoise water of the lagoon and the endless blue of the Amvrakikos Gulf, our eye will be filled with green and our lungs with oxygen in the riverside forest of Agios Varnava. There is also the only church of the same name in Greece, which is dedicated to Apostle Varnava, founder of the Church of Cyprus, originally built in 1149 by Constantine Magistros Maniakis and rebuilt in 1833 by Costas Papachristos and his son Demetrios.

Continuing the route, in the next half hour, the scenery will again change. The “director” here has set up, spread better, in front of our feet and for as long as our eyes can see, the largest pure reed bed in the Balkans and one of the largest in Europe, the reed bed of Pomegranate. It goes without saying that birdwatching continues with ducks, herons, flamingos, waders (Wanderer birds), falcons (Fulica atra), cormorants (Phalacrocorax pigmeus) and with a high probability to enjoy predators patrolling their own airspace, being the real top predators of the place. Raptors such as Buzzards (Buteo buteo), Harriers (Circus aeruginosus), Snake Eagles (Circaetus gallicus), the rare winter visitors Spotted Eagles (Aquila clanga) and the even rarer Screaming Eagle (Aquila pomarina) that visits us in summer. Here, in complete silence, we may have the honor and luck to hear the call of the male Hetaurus (Botaurus stellaris), a rare cryptic heron, which has the reed bed as its breeding place.

Now we are in the heart of the National Park and for greater connection with mother nature we will start a hike, quite easy, about 6 km, from the village of Strongyli to the village of Vigla. The route is flat and dirt. In the next 2 kilometers we will meet the cave of Agios Vlassis, which for many years was used as a hermitage, where the adventurous who will climb an uphill path to get there, will enjoy wonderful views up to the Amvrakikos Gulf. In a short distance and now in the middle of the route we can rest in the courtyard of the church of Panagia Rodia which also has the nickname “Rodon to Amaranton”. Along the way, perhaps the most difficult point will be deciding what will steal our eye the most. The mountain, Mavrovouni, on one side or the lagoon on the other? Mavrovouni with the typical vegetation of asphakes (Phlomis fruticosa), oaks and holly trees is a suitable place for predators that roost there at night but basically use it to occupy key positions of supervision and facilitation in their flight that requires warm updrafts. On the other hand, the lagoon offers us rich avifauna, with ducks, Dalmatian pelicans, falcons, cormorants, seagulls, herons, flamingos and other species of the area. Most of them are usually observed towards the end of the route, in the area of Agios Georgios, where the waters become even shallower and we can see many species of migratory waders. We will have binoculars with us that will facilitate birdwatching, but we are still so close to all that all we need to do is move without noise that will disturb them.

The final destination, but also a tasty reward, for the completion of all this adventure, is the traditional fishing village of Koronisia, with the local taverns, offering the wonderfully delicious specialties of the area whose main characteristic is that the raw material, fish, shellfish, shrimps, are very fresh since they are caught daily in the Amvrakikos Gulf and lagoons.

Day 7

Departure and return with sweet, unforgettable memories!