Your journey begins with a private transfer from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to your hotel in the city center. After settling in, there’s time to rest or to wander through the Kapani Market, one of the city’s oldest open-air markets, full of colors and local life. Later, we explore iconic landmarks such as the White Tower, the Roman Forum, and the Rotunda. The day concludes with a traditional meze dinner, introducing you to Thessaloniki’s famous culinary scene—renowned as Greece’s true foodie capital.

After breakfast, we set out for Metsovo, a picturesque town that blends traditional architecture, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking nature. Once home to the nomadic Vlach people, Metsovo sits at 1,160 meters and is known for its alpine charm, preserved stone architecture and traditions. After settling into our guesthouse, we’ll get acquainted with our bikes and head out on today’s ride: a 16 km loop on the Ursa Trail — the route of one of Greece’s most renowned mountain running races. The ride circles Metsovo with wonderful views of the town and the surrounding peaks. Later in the afternoon, we’ll enjoy dinner in a local tavern.

Today we leave Metsovo by bike and head towards Aoos Springs Lake, the largest high-altitude lake in Greece (altitude 1343m). We cycle along the northern shore for about 15 km before stopping for a picnic lunch with traditional specialties by the water. From there, the route takes us into fir and beech forests, climbing steadily toward Chuka Rosa (Red Peak). Later, we follow the road that brings us to the village of Vovousa, a remote village, uniquely split by the Aoos River and home to a striking 18th-century stone bridge, where we spend the night and enjoy dinner in a local tavern.

After breakfast, we set out by bike to explore the Valia Calda. The route takes us through a variety of landscapes — wide alpine meadows, shaded forests, and streams that cut across the valley floor. This area once hosted nomadic shepherds, and traces of their presence can still be seen in the valley. We pause here for a simple lunch and some time to rest before making our way back to Vovousa. The day ends with a warm evening in the village, with dinner by the Aoos River.

This morning we leave Valia Calda and head toward Morfa Pass, a scenic mountain crossing that opens the way to Zagori. The ride takes us from forested slopes up to open views before descending toward the stone villages of the region. On the way we stop at Gyftokampos, an area covered with tall firs and robola pines, where the Sarakatsaniki Stani open-air museum brings to life the traditions of the Sarakatsani, a nomadic shepherd tribe. Wooden huts and sheepfolds here tell the story of their seasonal movements and simple mountain life. By afternoon we reach Tsepelovo, a charming village known for its stone mansions, cobbled alleys, and authentic mountain atmosphere, where we will spend the night.

Leaving Tsepelovo, we follow forest roads that lead us toward the heart of Zagori. The route takes us past Kipoi, Koukouli, and Dilofo, villages known for their stone houses and quiet charm. Along the way, we cross some of Zagori’s most famous arched bridges, built centuries ago to connect communities across rivers and gorges. Midday we pause for lunch before continuing our ride. By late afternoon we reach Vitsa, a village set above Vikos Gorge. In the evening, we gather in the square under the old plane, to celebrate the journey with a traditional dinner.

Our final morning begins with breakfast in Vitsa and a last moment under the plane tree in the village square, sharing memories of the journey in the mountain air. From here, a private transfer returns us to Thessaloniki, carrying with us the impressions of forests, rivers, stone villages, and the spirit of the Bear’s Trail.

Three hours before your flight, a private transfer will take you from your hotel to Thessaloniki (SKG) airport. If you choose to continue your travels in Greece, we will be happy to suggest other beautiful destinations— or even connect you with another of our tours.