Excursion to Western Zagori (transfer from Thessaloniki) on Dec. 10-11

Hiking in Western Zagori!!

Zagorochoria, traditional villages, built in the area of ​​the mountain complexes of Tymfi, Pindos and Mitsikeli, are an ideal place for hikers and nature lovers.

On this excursion we will have the opportunity to visit some of the 46 traditional villages that are scattered in the foothills of Pindos.

Western Zagori is the part that stretches west of Tymfi and includes Ano and Kato Pedina, Vitsa, Monodendri, Viko, Aristi and Mikro and Maggio Papigo, picturesque villages with a backdrop of wild natural beauty.

Characteristic of the area is the unique natural relief (Vikos – Aou national park, Vikos gorge, Astraka peak, Voidomatis river).

The program in detail:

Saturday 10 Dec.

We depart on Saturday morning at 7.00 from Everest, Voulgari, with intermediate stops at 7.15 at the statue of Venizelos and 7.30 at One Salonica.

We start our journey towards Zagorochoria (about 5 hours).

An intermediate stop will be made in Grevena (Strata) for refueling, coffee, etc.

Our first stop of a few minutes entering the area of ​​Zagori is the Aristi Bridge, a single-arched bridge built in 1923 from cement as the previous stone one collapsed.

We leave behind the concrete bridge and Voidomatis and go uphill. Already from the first turn, the nature, the general view of the peaks of Tymfi advocate a day rich in images and emotions.

Our next stop is the impressive swimming pools or obires located between the villages of Megalo and Mikro Papigo, at an altitude of 980 m. These are pits formed by the natural flow of the water of the stream and look like small ponds. The stream of Rogovos, which originates from the westernmost peak of Mount Tymfi, Lapatos, has eroded the ground creating this unique landscape.

Our first hike will start from the village of Mikro Papigo and initially we will move on a downhill path, which is mostly wooded. To our left we admire the impressive view offered by the impressive "Astraka Towers". On our right we enjoy the impressive view towards the green gorge of Voidomatis. After approaching the dolomitic formations of the canyon, we enter the Vikos canyon. Here we meet the sources of the Voidomatis river, one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. After taking a rest break, we continue our hike towards the village of Vikos, on an uphill path for about 1 hour. From Vikos, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular view of the gorge and the "Astraka Towers".

Route details: Length 7.5km, altitude difference 850m, duration 3.5 hours.

Vikos is also the village where we will spend the night.

Sunday 10 Dec.

After we wake up and have our breakfast we start for our morning hike.

Our hike will start early in the morning (8:00) to cross the most popular and well-known route to Zagori: crossing the ravine of Vikos that starts from the village of Vikos and ends in Monodendri.

The Vikos gorge is located at the core of the Vikos-Aoos National Park, an area that is one of the most important ecosystems of the country due to its rare flora and fauna. It is approximately 11 kilometers long and is crossed by a stream that at the exit of the gorge becomes the beautiful Voidomatis River, with its crystal clear and clear waters.

Route details: Route length: 12.5 km, altitude difference 700m, duration 6.5 hours.

At the end of our walk we will have lunch at Monodentri.

Return to Thessaloniki in the evening refreshed and filled with the wonderful images and sensations that the Epirotian nature gave us.

Remarks:

• Mountain weather is difficult to predict and can change at any time.
• We make sure to have appropriate clothing and changes of clothes without overdoing it, so that we don't burden ourselves with additional weight during our journeys.
• Everyone should take care according to their needs for the snacks, meals and liquids they will need during the route.

Price 120 euros/person.