Upon arrival at Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG), a private transfer takes you to your hotel. After checking in, you'll have a little time to rest or explore on your own before our walk. In the afternoon, we stroll together through the historic heart of Thessaloniki, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its layers of history come alive as we pass ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman landmarks, while the lively Kapani market and surrounding streets reveal the city's everyday flavors and rhythm of life. We finish the day gathered around a table in a family-run tavern, sharing meze dishes and discovering the traditions of Greek cuisine. It's a warm welcome, and the perfect beginning to your ride into Valia Calda and on through Zagori.

Breakfast behind us, we head for Metsovo — a mountain town where stone architecture, Vlach heritage, and sweeping views come together at 1,160 meters. Once a gathering place for the nomadic Vlach people, Metsovo still carries that legacy in its buildings and its everyday rhythm today. We settle into our stay at Katogi Averoff, one of Greece's most legendary wineries, before getting acquainted with our e-bikes on an easy warm-up loop around town, taking in stunning views over Metsovo and the surrounding peaks to ease us into the days ahead. We close the day at a restaurant renowned for the wines of the region — a fitting toast to Metsovo's winemaking heritage.

Leaving Metsovo on our bikes, we ride toward Aoos Springs Lake, Greece's highest large lake at 1,343 meters. We follow its northern shore for around 15 km, then stop for a picnic lunch of local specialties right by the water. From here, the trail winds through fir and beech forest — home to some of Greece's last wild brown bears — climbing toward Chuka Rosa, the "Red Peak." The road then carries us down into Vovousa, a small, remote village split in two by the Aoos River and known for its 18th-century stone bridge — where we spend the night and share dinner at a local tavern.

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 of Tymfi's peaks, 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.

Today we leave our bikes behind and continue on foot — an easy, rewarding hike across rivers, villages, and forested landscapes. We start from Tsepelovo and follow a quiet forest road to the village of Kipoi. At the old mill beside the Milos Bridge, we pause for a rustic picnic featuring homemade delicacies from Zagori, including the famous pies. After lunch, the trail continues through a birch forest as we cross more stone bridges, each with its own story. The day ends at the Vitsa Steps, a cobbled path leading down to the village of Vitsa, where we spend the night. In the evening, we gather for dinner under Vitsa's famous plane tree in the central square, a landmark known throughout Zagori.

Today we hike into the famous Vikos Gorge, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the deepest gorge in the world in proportion to its width. From Monodendri, we descend for about an hour along cobbled steps that lead to the canyon floor. For the next four hours, the trail follows the riverbed through the heart of the gorge, surrounded by steep cliffs and wild nature. In the afternoon, the path climbs gradually beneath the dramatic Papigko Towers, leading us to the mountain village of Papigko. We end our journey here, in one of the most iconic villages of Zagori, with a farewell dinner at a cozy taverna serving fresh, garden-grown produce — a fitting close to one of the most memorable crossings in the region.

There's no need to rush this morning — take your time to relax or ease into the day at your own pace. We set off for Thessaloniki late morning, arriving in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is yours: you can explore the city a little more, or simply enjoy some free time before your trip home.

Approximately three hours before your flight, a private transfer will take you from your hotel to Thessaloniki International Airport. For some, this marks the end of the journey, while others may continue their travels in Greece or join another adventure with us. If you wish to extend your stay, we are happy to help with ideas or connections to explore more of the country.