Hiking excursion at Zagori and Meteora (7days)

Unknown to most of the world, yet so beautiful and unspoiled, Zagori area is the ultimate hiking destination in Greece! Traditional stone made villages, arch stone bridges and pristine natural landscapes will offer you an unforgettable weekly hiking adventure in Zagori! Plus, do not miss the chance to visit the UNESCO Worldwide Heritage Site of Meteora and follow the hiking trails of the ancient monks!

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, join us and explore on foot the secret paths of Vikos – Aoos National Park and Meteora, learn more about the myths and stories of the area, observe the unique flora and fauna, taste the delicious local cuisine and listen to the stories of the local villagers.

Tour Highlights

• Hike through Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world
• Explore the picturesque, untouched by time, stone – made villages of Zagori, wonder around their narrow cobbled streets and admire the traditional architecture
• Cross historical arch stone bridges
• Hike to the mythical alpine Dragon Lake at 2.100m!
• Admire the panoramic views over Vikos Gorge and take beautiful photos from Beloi viewpoint (1.650m altitude)
• Observe the rich flora and fauna of Vikos – Aoos National Park
• Follow the paths of the ancient monks and hike to the top-cliff Meteora monasteries
• Taste delicious local food and experience the hospitality and warmth of the local people

Day 1: Athens - Monodendri - Vitsa

Our hiking adventure starts from Athens (or from Thessaloniki, upon request), from where we transfer to Zagori area by car* (around 5 hrs from Athens). You are met and welcomed by our team and your group leader explains briefly the trip details.

We then set off for the village of Monodendri, where we will visit the Rizarios School of Handicrafts and learn how women make handmade textiles and weavings. We will also visit the Rizarios Photo Exhibition, where temporary photography collections are exhibited, as well as the original stereoscopic cameras that British photographers used to capture the first modern Olympic Games in Greece in 1896! We will then take the short hiking path to Agia Paraskevi church and enjoy the impressive views over Vikos gorge! Oxya viewpoint and the stone forest come next.

(Total Hike duration: 1 hrs / level of difficulty: easy)

* You can optionally fly from Athens to Ioannina national airport (1hr flight), from where our team will pick you up and head to Zagori villages by car (around 50 min driving distance).  In case you wish to fly to another Greek airport, please contact us, so we can arrange your transfer to Zagoria villages.

• meals included Snack lunch, Dinner                             
• accommodation at Traditional guesthouse in Vitsa

Day 2: Vradeto steps - Beloi viewpoint & Zagoria stone bridges

After a good breakfast, we start our hiking day from the village of Kapesovo down to Vikos gorge and then upwards, through the beautiful Vradeto steps (stone path built in the 16th century at the slopes of Vikos Gorge) towards the highest village of Zagori, Vradeto (1340m). From there, following a beautiful path at the rims of Vikos Gorge, we arrive at Beloi viewpoint (1450m), where we can enjoy panoramic views over the gorge. We return to Vradeto village and from there back to Kapesovo village.

After a quick snack outdoors, we will visit some of the most important and beautiful arch stone bridges of Zagoria, dating back to the 16 – 18th centuries.

• Kapesovo – Vradeto- Mpeloi (return trail)

(Hike duration: 3.5-4 hours / Level of difficulty: moderate)

• Arch stone Bridges tour (o/w or r/w)

*The tour of the arch stone bridges can be done in many different ways, we may hike to all of the bridges or do parts by car (it depends on the travelers’ fitness level and willingness to do parts or all of it, it is a quite flexible trail)

(Hike duration: 2-3.5 hours / Level of difficulty: easy to moderate)

(Total Hike duration: 6-7.5 hours / Level of difficulty: easy to moderate)

• meals Breakfast, Snack lunch, Dinner     
• accommodation at Traditional guesthouse in Vitsa

Day 3: Crossing Vikos Gorge

Today we will hike in one of the most beautiful, impressive and rewarding hiking paths in the area! We will transfer to Monodendri village, from where we will descend down to Vikos gorge, said to be one of the deepest gorges in the world.  Walking parallel to the river, it will take us about 6 hours to cross the canyon. Traversing the ravine, we can admire the rare varieties of wild birds and flowers that have found their habitat in Vikos-Aoos National park. We will make a stop at the river springs to relax and eat our snacks. Depending on the season, you can also swim in the river!

Early in the afternoon we arrive at Vikos village where we are picked up by our mini bus and transferred to Papigo village for dinner and overnight stay.

• Monodendri – Vikos Gorge – Vikos (o/w)

(Total Hike duration: 6 hours / Level of difficulty: moderate to challenging)

• meals Breakfast, Snack lunch     
• accommodation at Traditional guesthouse in Papigko

Day 4: Hike to the Alpine Dragon lake

Our hiking exploration for today is quite demanding, yet truly fulfilling!

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we start from Papigo village our ascending hiking route towards the Astraka refuge. The surrounding alpine scenery will captivate you for sure! After a short break for coffee and relaxation, we continue until the beautiful “Dragon Lake”, situated at 2100m altitude. The view of this magical landscape will definitely reward you after a long hiking day.

Tonight we will stay overnight at the mountain refuge of Astraka, after we enjoy a homemade dinner.

• Mikro Papigo – Astrafa refuge – Dragon Lake – Astraka refuge (r/w)

(Hike duration: 6 – 6.5 hours / Level of difficulty: moderate to challenging).

• meals Breakfast, Snack lunch, Dinner   
• accommodation at Mountain refuge

Day 5: Astraka descend - Papigko - Meteora

After breakfast at the mountain refuge, we will start our descending way back to Papigo village. This is our last day in the Zagori area, so we cannot leave without making a stop at the natural swimming pools in Ovires. During the summer months, you can also enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of the river!

We’ll enjoy a delicious pick nick lunch by the riverside, before we depart with destination the UNESCO Worldwide Heritage site of Meteora. Upon arrival in Meteora, we’ll enjoy a sunset tour for beautiful views and photo shooting, before we check in to our hotel.

• Astrafa refuge – Mikro Papigo (o/w)

(Total Hike duration: 2.5 hours / Level of difficulty: moderate)

• meals Breakfast, Pick nick lunch, Dinner   
• accommodation at 3* Hotel in Meteora

Day 6: Hiking Meteora - Athens

What a better way to start your day than admiring the spectacular rock pillars of Meteora stone forest? After breakfast, we will explore this unique landscape on foot, following the hiking paths of the ancient monks and we’ll visit some of the top-cliff monasteries of the area.

In the afternoon, we will return back to Athens and you will be transferred at your hotel.

(Total Hike duration: 3 – 3.5 hours / Level of difficulty: easy to moderate/ Total Distance: 6km / Altitude difference: 280m)

• meals Breakfast, Lunch   
• accommodation at 3* Hotel in Athens

Day 7: Departures

This is the last day of our weekly hiking adventure. Depending on your flight schedule, you are free to explore Athens, continue your holidays in Greece or make your way to the airport.

• meals - Breakfast