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 journey through Zagori.

After breakfast, we travel into the heart of Mount Tymfi and reach the mountain village of Vradeto. Here, Spyros and Violeta, the warm hosts of the local guesthouse, welcome us with a traditional meal before we set out on our first hike. We begin with a gentle walk to the Beloi viewpoint, where a panoramic view of the Vikos Gorge unfolds beneath us. Returning to Vradeto, we continue towards the village of Kapesovo along the famous Vradeto Steps (Skala Vradetou) — an impressive stone path of 1,200 steps that once served as the only connection between the two villages. In Kapesovo, there’s time to explore the cobbled lanes or simply relax in the village square, surrounded by views of the mountains. From here, we continue with a 1.5-hour walk to Tsepelovo, where we spend the night in one of Zagori’s most charming stone villages.

Today’s hike is easy and rewarding, taking us 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 to the village of Vitsa. From there, we continue to nearby Monodendri and spend the night at a friendly guesthouse.

Today we hike into the famous Vikos Gorge, listed in the Guinness Book as the deepest gorge in the world in proportion to its width. From Monodendri, we descend for about an hour along the 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 gradually leads us uphill beneath the dramatic Papigko Towers, guiding us to the mountain village of Papigko. We end the day here, where we spend the night in one of the most iconic villages of Zagori — having completed one of the most memorable crossings in the region.

Today is one of the highlights of the journey, as we hike to the Dragon Lake (Drakolimni), an alpine lake at 2,050 meters on Mount Tymfi. From Papigko, we walk about 30 minutes to the village of Mikro Papigko before beginning a three-hour ascent to the Astraka refuge. Here, we take time to rest and enjoy lunch in the high-mountain setting. In the afternoon, we continue for about an hour to reach Drakolimni, with impressive views of the surrounding summits. After visiting the legendary Dragon Lake, we return to Astraka Refuge for the night—surrounded by towering peaks and a sky ablaze with stars, in one of Greece’s most iconic alpine landscapes.

Our final day of hiking begins with an early departure across the Astraka Plateau, set between the two highest peaks of Mount Tymfi — Astraka and Gamila (meaning Camel-the jagged silhouettes of Gamilla and Astraka rise like resting camels against the sky). From here, the trail leads into the impressive Megas Lakos Gorge, one of the hidden corners of the mountain. After about four hours, we leave the gorge behind and cross the open pastures before reaching Vradeto, the highest village in Zagori. Here, a small glass of local tsipouro marks the completion of the Tymfi Loop. In the evening, we gather for dinner, drinks, and a warm farewell celebration.

This morning there is no rush, giving you time to rest or enjoy a relaxed start to the day. Late in the morning, we depart for Thessaloniki, arriving in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace or prepare for your journey 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.