Overview
This 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
You will cross the impressive Vikos gorge, localated in the heart of the National Park. You will hike up to a magnificent alpine lake (known as dragon lake) and have the chance to stay overnight in the mountain refuge.
You 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. You will stay at the picturesque stone villages of Zagori, a masterpice of tradional architecture, ideal for those seeking relaxation and tranquility.
Finally you 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 traditional villages in the area of Zagori throughout the journey
– Hike Vikos gorge
– Hike Vradeto steps, a very old stone structure trail with stunning views
– Explore Aoos gorge
– Ηike along Voidomatis river
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.
Today you arrive in Athens and as there not any activity included this day you can have a short walk tour in the lively area of downtown Athens and go for a dinner in a local tavern.
Travel to Zagori area, hike Vradeto Steps and visit local villages
Drive towards Zagori region and arrive at 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.
Once you arrive in Vradeto village you continue a path to reach the Beloi viewpoint. A rocky balcony stands right on the lip of the magnificent Vikos Gorge, some 800m above the riverbed, offering top-class views.During the hike we will visit Beloi, a natural balcony that offers the best and most imposing view of Vikos Gorge.
Then you will descent the steps for about an hour and you will arrive at the village of Kapesovo. You will end up at Koukouli village for overnight
Hiking time: 3 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast,
Cross Vikos gorge, visit local villages
After breakfast, you will move towards the traditional village Monodendri Today’s day is quite interesting as you 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 6 hours, a 12 km distance, in order to reach the traditional village Vikos.
It is a long route over remote, inaccessible terrain that should not be taken lightly. On a hot summer’s day, arriving at the startling plane-shaded springs of the Voidomatis near the end of the route is really unforgettable. The crystal clear drinkable water gushes between the rocks at the riverside to form the beautiful Voidomatis River. A bath in the turquoise icy pools will definitely cool you down before making the last ascent to the hamlet of Vikos village, perched on a rocky outcrop above the gorge.
Overnight in Aristi village.
Hiking time: 6 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast
Hike up to the alpine Dragon lake, and sleep at the refuge house.
This is one of the most visited trails on Mt Timfi and is truly a classic. And for good reason: it is the easiest and shortest way to the legendary Drakolimni Lake (Dragon lake) and at the same time the main access route to the Astraka Refuge, the only one on the mountain. Even if the first part of the trail is a bit weary, when one reaches the mountain refuge a whole new world unfolds at one’s feet. This breathtaking alpine landscape, carved out by glaciers over thousands of years, is a splendid foretaste of the hidden beauties lying within these mountains.
After aprox 3 hours you will arrive at the mountain refuge where you can have a rest there. However, you will need to walk for 1.5 hour more until you reach your final destination, Dracolimni. The view up there is one of the most mesmerising views that someone can enjoy from the impressive greek mountain peaks. Overall it is is a demanding hike that requires a very good level of fitness.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Astraka mountain refuge.
Hiking time: 5-6 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast
Descent the mountain, Visit Konitsa village
After breakfast we will start our descent of the mountain from the same path we hiked from Papigko village. On your way to Konitsa village you can have a stop at Ovires natural swimming pools. A truely beautiful and fairly quiet place. In the summer you can enjoy a swim and refresh in one or more of the area’s pools or under the small waterfalls. After the stop at Ovires natural ponds, you arrive at Konitsa village. You can wander around Konitsa, a quaint rural town located at the foothills of Mt Trapezitsa right above the mouth of the Aoos Gorge. You can’t miss the old single-arched stone bridge over the Aoos River – a true masterpiece of the local stone masons’ craft and the landmark of Konitsa.
Your final destination for today is a cosy guesthouse located in the woods and next to the river where you will raft the day after.
Hiking time: 2-3 hrs
Rafting at Aoos river – Travel back to Athens
After breakfast at the guesthouse, it is time to explore Aoos river!
An ideal, for beginners or families, relaxing rafting descent in the crystal clear waters of Voidomatis river, ranked as the cleanest river in Europe, in the heart of the National Park of Vikos.
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 you can start your journey back to Athens. Check in at the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Included
What is included in the price
– Accommodation in local hotels in double rooms
– Luggage transfer
– 3 breakfasts
– GPS tracks
– Pre-departure information pack
– 24/7 telephone support
What is not included in the price
– International airfare and any airport taxes
– Travel insurance
– Transfer from/to Ioannina airport on day 1 and 6
– Guide services
– Lunches and dinners
– Drinks and beverages
– Anything else not mentioned in the “included” section
Extras
You can customize the trip the way you want. Contact us and we will make it for you.
Optional extras
- Transfer arrangement from/to Ioannina airport
- Single Room Supplement
- Additional nights before, during or after the walk
- Extra activities (Via Ferrata, river trekking, rafting)
Essential info
What to expect in this trip
Average walking time per day: 3-4 hrs
Maximum walking : 6 hrs
Luggage transfer will be arrange every time hotel is changing. Local trasnfer also arranged when is needed.
Availability
This self guided tour is available from April to October. Consider high temperatures during July and August, however many hikes are in shaded forest and leaving early in the morning makes it possible to accomplish the walks.
Food and water in Greece
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.
All the places on this trip have drinkable water from the tap to fill your personal water bottles.
Weather in Greece
The weather in Greece during May to September is characterized by warm days. Average temperature in high summer could be 27 degrees
What to bring with you
- Hiking shoes
- Headlamp
- Daypack or Backpack
- Water Bottle
- Extra clothes
- Swimingsuit (in case you may choose Rafting as optional activity)
- Towel
- Waterproof jacket
- Hat
- Sunscreen
Photos
