7-Days Trekking in Zagori

Itinerary

• Day 1: Ioannina – Tsepelovo

Arrival at Ioannina airport. Meet your guide. Transfer by bus to Tsepelovo, where we spend the night.

• Day 2: Tsepelovo – Vradeto – Beloi – Tsepelovo

From Tsepelovo (1050 m) we start walking on an ascending path towards the highest Zagori village called Vradeto (1450m). Following a beautiful path, overlooking the riverbed of the Vikos Gorge, we arrive at the Beloy viewpoint (1650m). From there we can admire almost the entire Vikos Gorge and observe the beautiful paths, which we will follow the next day. We return to the village of Vradeto and continue downhill to the village of Kapesovo. We walk down the famous Vradeto Steps (a stone path built in the 16th century on the slopes of Vikos Gorge) and then we are transferred back to Tsepelovo. Overnight stay in a traditional pension in Tsepelovo. (4 hours)

• Day 3: Tsepelovo – Kipi – Koukouli – Vitsa

We descend to the trailhead of the Vikos Gorge, marked by a stone bridge built in the year 980 A.D., called “Paliogefyra”. We continue through a forest of beech and pine trees, where we will have the opportunity to observe traces of bears passing on our path. We will end our walk in the village of Kipi and have lunch at the local taverna. From Kipi we will walk up the stairs of Koukouli (stone steps like in Vradeto) and visit the center of this picturesque village. We walk down into the Vikos Gorge again, crossing the “Misiou” bridge and we take the old Vitsa steps up, to reach the villages of Vitsa and Monodendri, build right on the edge of the gorge wall. Overnight stay in a traditional pension in Vitsa. (5 hours)

• Day 4: Vitsa village – Vikos village

Early in the morning, we descend the old Vitsa stairs into the Vikos Gorge. Walking on the riverbed we will admire the rare varieties of wild birds and flowers, that have found shelter in the gorge. Right above our heads stand the impressive walls of the gorge, rising steeply and majestically to 1.000 or more vertical meters. After about 4 hours of walking, we will reach the Voidomatis river springs. Early in the afternoon, we will arrive in Vikos where we will spend the night in a hotel. (7 hours)

• Day 5: Vikos – Papigo

Following the old ascending path, we will be able to view the beautiful ravines around Papigo, in the distance. Above us, the “Towers of Papigo” are rising abruptly to treacherous heights. At the natural swimming pool in the village, we will have the chance to swim and then have a rest. Overnight stay in a traditional pension. (4 hours)

• Day 6: Papigo-Refuge-Dragon Lake-Papigo

We follow the mule trail, through juniper scrubs, above the tree line, to some flat countryside, continuing from there up to the hut on the Astraka Col (3 hours). Northward lie the Albanian mountains. After having lunch at the refuge, an optional walk will take place to the Tsoumani (Sarakatsani) sheepfolds and pastures up to the scenic Dragon Lake (2100m), perched on the edge of the northern escarpment of Mt Gamila (2497 m), one of the great peaks of the Pindos mountain range (narrow, rough, uphill stone paths) or/and return to Papigo. Dinner at a local taverna. Overnight stay in a traditional pension.

• Day 7: Papigo – Ioannina

Transfer from Papigo to Ioannina. Free day in Ioannina city to visit the unique island, which “floats” in the lake of Pamvotida. The lake features small fishing ports and a boating port. There is a regular boat service to Ioannina island. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the museums. Overnight stay in hotel in Ioannina.

• Day 8: Departure

The end of Trekking Zagori. Transfer to the Ioannina airport

Insurance

Participants should be covered by their own personal travel-health insurance prior to the trip. The personal insurance must at least cover medical expenses as well as air rescue and the cost of repatriation. We are not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour.