When you arrive at Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG), a private transfer takes you to your hotel. After settling in, you’ll have time to rest or explore the city, with the Kapani, the oldest and most vibrant open-air market just around the corner. In the afternoon, we walk together through the center of Thessaloniki, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a rich and layered history spanning over 2,300 years. We pass landmarks from the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times, while experiencing the lively streets of the city. We finish the day in a family-run tavern, sharing meze dishes and enjoying the flavors of Greek cooking. It’s a warm welcome and the moment when we begin sharing information about the week ahead on the North Trail.

In the morning we leave Thessaloniki and drive about three hours southwest to Meteora and the village of Kastraki. After settling into our hotel and recharged with a lunch, we set out on foot to explore this remarkable landscape. Our hike takes us through quiet forest paths up to the famous rocks, where we visit the monasteries of Varlaam and Great Meteoron. Here we see how these wonders of construction were built and learn about the daily life of the monks. From there, we walk back down to Kastraki, taking in the views of the valley along the way. The day ends with dinner in the village and a taste of Kastraki’s calm atmosphere.

After breakfast we leave Kastraki and drive north to the Zagori region, arriving at the village of Kipoi. The first bridge we visit before starting our hike is the Mylos bridge, where we fuel up with a picnic of local treats. We then set out on a three-hour walk along the Bridges, crossing several of Zagori’s beautiful stone bridges Trail - built between the 17th -19th centuries, and passing through quiet mountain scenery. The day ends in Monodendri, where we stay charming guesthouse. In the evening, we gather under the legendary plane tree of Monodendri, where stories echo through the stone square and the shade invites us to slow down

Today we set out to hike the Vikos Gorge, listed by the Guinness Book as the world’s steepest gorge. From Monodendri, we descend for about an hour through the Monodendri Steps to reach the riverbed at the bottom. We then follow the gorge floor for around four hours, walking through lush vegetation and experiencing the special microclimate that has made this canyon one of the richest in plant species in Europe. Depending on the season and the water level, we may also visit the Voidomatis spring, known for its crystal-clear waters, and take a refreshing dive. In the afternoon, the path leads us under the dramatic Papigko Towers, giant rock formations that rise above the landscape, before arriving in Papigko, the most iconic village of Zagori, where we spend the night.

Today we wake up early for what is often considered the highlight of the trip: the hike to Drakolimni, the Dragon Lake. We start our hike from Mikro Papigko and follow the uphill trail for about three hours to reach the Astraka Refuge, a mountain hut with wide views of the surrounding peaks. Here we take a good rest and enjoy lunch before continuing higher. From the refuge, it’s a little over an hour to the Dragon Lake, set in an alpine landscape at 2050m and surrounded by the rocky peaks of Mount Tymfi. Dragon Lake is a glacial gem where tiny “dragons”—alpine newts—glide through crystal waters, and wildflowers bloom in windswept meadows. This rare ecosystem offers a glimpse into life above 2,000 meters. In the afternoon we walk back the same way, stopping once more at the refuge for a short break, before descending all the way to Papigko for the night.

A more relaxing day lies ahead as we travel from Papigko to the Prespes Lakes and the village of Agios Germanos. At our welcoming guesthouse, we have time to settle in before heading out to explore the area. In the afternoon we travel to the lakeside village of Psarades. From here, a short walk brings us to a small monastery caved into the rocks. We then board a boat to explore the Askitaria, the caves and chapels where hermits once lived and left behind frescoes that date back to the 15th century. The day ends back in Agios Germanos with dinner at the guesthouse, enjoying the calm atmosphere of Prespes.

In the morning we set out for our last hike of the journey, walking up Mount Varnountas to the Potistres viewpoint. From here, the panorama stretches across the two Prespa lakes and the borders of Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia. On the way back, the views remain in front of us as we descend toward Agios Germanos. After some rest at the guesthouse, we spend the afternoon at the small island of Agios Achillios. Once home to a king and a saint, the island still preserves the remains of old Orthodox churches that date back centuries. At its highest point, as the sun sets, we gather for a group photo to mark the end of the North Trail tour. The day closes with a farewell dinner at the guesthouse, sharing one last evening together in the calm of Prespes.

We wake up without haste and enjoy breakfast before starting the drive back to Thessaloniki. We arrive around midday, and the rest of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city at own pace.

After breakfast, your journey with us comes to an end. We arrange your transfer to Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) for your flight home. Guests who wish can also extend their travels in Greece or join another Monopati Hike n’ Bike tour.