Overview
Itinerary
Location
Gallery
Dates
Difficulty
Duration
Group
A self-guided hike in the heart of the Greek mountains and the hidden gem of the Zagori villages. You will have the opportunity to explore the history, culture and nature of the region as you walk from village to village over stone bridges, forest footpaths, gorges and ridges. Throughout this journey, you are the guide!
The impressive Vikos Gorge
Dragon Lake – an alpine treasure
Famous stone arched bridges
Zagori – a traditional settlement, part of the Unesco Cultural Landscape
Orthodox churches and monasteries
Herb pies and tsipouro!
6 nights accommodation (based on double occupancy)
All Transfers From Day1 to Day8
Luggage Transfer
GPS device with the route
International airfares
Personal insurance
A private taxi will take you from the city of Ioannina to the village of Tsepelovo (1 hour). A room is reserved for you at the Gouris guesthouse. You can relax to the vibes of the village and enjoy a dinner in the central square.
Tsepelovo-Gouris Guesthouse
In the morning a car will transfer you at the village Vradeto, the highest in Zagori. From there you can take the path to the view point Beloi (30 min) which offers you an amazing view of the Vikos Gorge. Return to Vradeto and through the famous Vradeto steps you will descent into the Mezaria canyon and further to the picturesque village of Kapesovo (1 hour), where you can have lunch or coffee at the main square with its spectacular view. A trail will lead you to Tsepelovo (1,5 hour) and back to your guesthouse.
Tsepelovo-Gouris Guesthouse
Hike Distance
12
Duration
4
Ascend
430
Descend
685
After breakfast you start walking from south from Tsepelovo. A dirt road takes you to the village of Kipoi, where you can have some rest, lunch or coffee. You continue walking in the trail that crosses the famous traditional stone bridges of Zagori through a forest of birch and beech trees. After crossing the Misios bridge you will start ascending to the village of Vitsa via the Vitsa Steps. There, a room at the unique Land Beyond Conference Center is booked for you.
Vitsa-Land Beyond
Hike Distance
18
Duration
4
Ascend
795
Descend
830
This is a relaxed day as no hiking is planned. After you enjoy a leisurely morning at Land Beyond you can visit the old monastery of Prophitis Elias (15 min), or/and walk to the village of Monodendri (15 min). There you can visit the textile museum of Rizario School or the monastery of Agia Paraskevi. You can also taste the delicious pies you can find at the central square of the village. Overnight in Vitsa.
Vitsa-Land Beyond
After breakfast you will descend from Monodendri to the bed of the Vikos Gorge (1 hour), the steepest gorge in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. You walk for the next 4 hours through the gorge, where you can observe the different small ecosystems that can be found there. The footpath leads you to the village of Papigo (2 hours). Overnight at Saxonis guesthouse.
Papigko-Saxonis Guesthouse
Hike Distance
14.5
Duration
6
Ascend
1115
Descend
1325
This is the most exciting day of the whole tour, as you will hike up to the Astraka plateau. You start walking early in the morning and continue uphill for the next 3 hours, up to the Astraka refuge. There you can rest and enjoy a coffee or lunch with a panoramic view of the mountains around you. Dragon Lake (Drakolimni), the highlight of the week is just about an hour away. After completing your visit to the lake, you will start the descent to the guesthouse in Papigo.
Papigko-Saxonis Guesthouse
Hike Distance
18.5
Duration
8
Ascend
1450
Descend
1450
A taxi will take you to Ioannina. Extension of the tour is possible upon request.
659 € / Person