Overview
This 7 days tour takes places in the Vikos-Aoos National Park, the most untouched area in Greece, north of the city of Ioannina, in the region of Epirus. The relative small human impact, the rare flora and fauna of the area, and thanks to its wild and unspoiled nature makes this place unique in Greece
We will cross the impressive Vikos gorge, localated in the heart of the National Park and we will hike up to a magnificent alpine lake (known as dragon lake) and we will have the chance to stay overnight in the refuge house on the mountain.
We will visit Zagori a mountainous region of stunning beauty, one of the most strictly protected areas in Greece. As the region remained cut off from the rest of the country for decades, you will not find here signs of massive tourism. We will stay at the picturesque stone villages of Zagori, a masterpice of tradional architecture, ideal for those seeking relaxation and tranquility.
Finally we will go for rafting in Aoos river, ranked as one of the cleanest rivers in Europe and enjoy the stunning nature of the area while paddling through turquoise crystal clear waters.
Ηighlights of this journey:
– Visit 8 traditional villages in the area of Zagori and around throughout the journey
– Hike Vikos gorge
– Hike Vradeto steps, a very old stone structure trail with stunning views
– Rafting in the calm and crystal clear waters of Aoos river
– Hike up to the amazing dragon lake
– Taste traditional local food
Physical Condition & Experience Requirements
For this trip a prior hiking experience is required. It is recommended for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before any hike.
Itinerary
ITINERARY
Arrive in Athens, check in at the hotel and dinner in a local tavern.
You will meet our guide in Athens, waiting for you at the hotel. As there not any activity included this day we will have a short walk tour in the lively area of downtown Athens, go for a dinner in a local tavern. and have a tour briefing from the guide.
Meals included: Dinner
Travel to Zagori area, hike Vradeto Steps and visit Beloi viewpoint
After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and we drive towards Zagori region. Today’s hiking starts from the village of Vradeto the highest village in the area, built at an altitude of 1340m. Until 1974 the village was connected to the rest of the world only by the famous “Vradeto steps”, an impressive stone structure using the “native” stone above the Vikos Gorge.
During the hike we will visit Beloi, a natural balcony that offers the best and most imposing view of Vikos Gorge.
We will descent this stone trail for about an hour and we will arrive at the village of Kapesovo.
Dinner with local dishes and overnight stay at the guesthouse in one of the Zagori villages.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross Vikos gorge
After breakfast, we will move towards the traditional village Monodendri . Today’s day is quite interesting as we will cross the imposing gorge of Vikos. It is located in the heart of the National Park of Vikos-Aoos, A magnificent area with great ecological value. A feast of flora and fauna, Vikos is one of the few wildlife shelters in Europe. We will hike for about 7 hours, a 12 km distance, in order to reach the traditional village Vikos, perched on top of the canyon. We will enjoy breathtaking views and then it is time to luch at the local tavern of the village.
Dinner with local dishes and overnight stay at the guesthouse of Aristi village
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hike up to the alpine Dragon lake, and sleep at the refuge house.
We will have an early start as we will be heading towards Dracolimni. We will be walking uphill and our first stop will be the Astracas shelter at 1930m. During the first part of our journey will be passing through forest areas. Soon enough, the landscape will change as we will be entering the alpine zone of Mt. Tymphe. The variation of the surrounding environment is something that we should take into consideration especially during the summer when the temperatures can be really high. Hopefully, on our path will find find three natural refreshing water sources. The journey till our first stop at the shelter will be approximately four hours. There, we will have lunch and some rest. After that we will hit the road again and we will walk for 1.5 hours until we reach our final destination, Dracolimni. The view up there is one of the most mesmerising views that someone can enjoy from the impressive greek mountain peaks. We return back to the refuge for dinner and rest.
Meals included: Breakfast
Descent the mountain, transfer to Konitsa village
After breakfast we start our descent from the mountain along the same path we took from Papigko village. We take the van and we drive to the village of Konitsa, a quaint rural town located at the foothills of Mt Trapezitsa right above the mouth of the Aoos Gorge. Free time to explore the village, swim in the river Aoos and have lunch.
We can’t miss the old single-arched stone bridge over the Aoos River – a true masterpiece of the local architecture.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rafting at Voidomatis river – Travel back to Athens
Today it is time for a relaxing rafting descent in the crystal clear waters of Voidomatis river, ideal, for beginners or families,
Enjoy the stunning nature of the area while paddling through turquoise crystal waters. Without any technical difficulties during the rafting, is definitely an experience that should not to be missed by anyone.
After the activity ends we will start our journey back to Athens. Check in at the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Snack lunch
Departure Day
Our adventure ends today after the breakfast. For those who have a flight back to their country we wish them to have a pleasant and safe journey. For those who continue their holidays in Greece we are sure that they will enjoy wherever they go.
Meals included: Breakfast
Included
What is included in the price
– Transfer with private mini van from Athens to National Park Vikos-Aoos and return to Athens
– .
– Accomodation (6 nights)
– Hiking Equipment (hiking sticks)
– All meals as indicated in the itinerary
– NomadsPath english speaking guides/tour leader throughout the trip
– Public liability insurance
– Luggage transfer
– All taxes
What is not included in the price
– International airfare and any airport taxes
– Travel insurance
–
– Alcoholic beverages
– Additional expences as a result of leaving the tour earlier
– Additional expences as a result of staying longer
– All other services that are not listed above
Accomodation
Accommodation
During this journey we will stay in cozy family run hotel, ranked as 3 star. The accommodation will be based on double occupancy and if you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex.
For two nights we will stay in mountain refuges.Those are dormitory style with shared facilities.
Single rooms are available for a supplementary cost. Free wifi is available in most of the hotels
Essential Info
Essential information for your trip
Food and water in Greece
Greek food is absolutely excellent and very healthy. It is a huge part of Greek culture. The colourful Mediterranean diet of tasty dishes alongside a fantastic range of fresh vegetables and salads, the excellent ingredients, the lengthy procedure involved in preparing the food, the culture of sharing dishes with others, eating with friends or with the family, it is social event where you get to share a lot more than just food.
Breakfasts will be taken at the overnight guesthouses, buffet style and usually they offer bred, jam, honey, local yogurt, traditional homemade pies, fresh juices, coffee and tea.
Dinners usually include starters, fresh salad and of course local recipes and delicatessens.
All the places on this trip have drinkable water from the tap to fill your personal water bottles. Please check with the tour leader at the various location
Passport and Visas
Citizens from EU and from UK do not need a visa to visit Greece.Also, USA passport holders do not require a visa.
Weather in Greece
The weather in Greece during May to September is characterized by warm days.
What to bring with you
- Hiking shoes
- Headlamp
- Daypack or Backpack
- Water Bottle
- Extra clothes
- Swimingsuit
- Towel
- Waterproof jacket
- Sleeping bag (is required for the mountain refuges)
- Hat
- Sunscreen
Photos
