Hiking excursion at Zagori and Meteora (7days)

Unknown to most of the world, yet so beautiful and unspoiled, the Zagori area is the ultimate hiking destination in Greece! Traditional stone-made villages, arch stone bridges, and pristine natural landscapes will offer you an unforgettable weekly hiking adventure in Zagori! Plus, do not miss the chance to visit the UNESCO Worldwide Heritage Site of Meteora and follow the hiking trails of the ancient monks!

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, join us and explore on foot the secret paths of Vikos – Aoos National Park and Meteora, learn more about the myths and stories of the area, observe the unique flora and fauna, taste the delicious local cuisine and listen to the stories of the local villagers.

Tour Highlights

• Hike through Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world
• Explore the picturesque, untouched by time, stone–made villages of Zagori, wander around their narrow cobbled streets, and admire the traditional architecture
• Cross historical arch stone bridges
• Hike to the mythical Alpine Dragon Lake at 2.100m!
• Admire the panoramic views over Vikos Gorge and take beautiful photos from Beloi viewpoint (1.650m altitude)
• Observe the rich flora and fauna of Vikos – Aoos National Park
• Follow the paths of the ancient monks and hike to the top-cliff Meteora monasteries
• Taste delicious local food and experience the hospitality and warmth of the local people

Day 1: Arrival in Athens

Welcome to Athens!

Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, you will either make your way to your hotel (or we can arrange a private transfer for you). Since your fellow travel companions arrive at different times, you will have the day free to explore Athens, one of  Europe’s most important cities!

Your hotel is conveniently located down town, allowing you to take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque neighborhoods of Plaka, Monastiraki and Thissio. You can visit the UNESCO site of Acropolis with the Parthenon, explore the Acropolis Museum,  pass by the Parliament House and wander through the National Gardens. Don’t forget to hike up Philopappou Hill, offering superb views of the Acropolis and the city or simply explore the city, look for souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant town with its numerous bars & restaurants.

Optional activities can be arranged for today, such as a guided walking tour of the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum, an e-bike tour to explore the city’s major highlights, or even a food tour etc., depending on your preferences.

A welcome briefing is scheduled for early evening when everyone has arrived, giving you the chance to get to know your guide and your fellow travel companions. Optional group dinner.

• meals included: On your own                       
• accommodation: 3* Hotel in Athens city center

Day 2: Athens - Kapesovo - Vradeto steps - Beloe - Vitsa

Early in the morning of day 2 (around 8:00 – 8:30am) your tour guide will pick you up, and you will board our private minivan with destination the stunning region of Zagori (approx. 5.5 hrs drive from Athens)*.

Upon arrival, we will enjoy a quick outdoor snack for lunch, before we set off for our first hike! Starting from the village of Kapesovo, we will hike down to Mezaria stream and then ascend via the beautiful Vradeto steps (a stone path built in the 16th century at the cliff of the gorge) towards the highest village of Zagori, Vradeto (1340m). From there, following a beautiful path through the meadows, we will arrive at Beloe viewpoint (1400m), where we can enjoy panoramic views of the gorge. We return to Vradeto village and from there back to Kapesovo village.

• Kapesovo – Vradeto steps – Vradeto village – Beloe viewpoint (return trail)
• Hike duration: 4 hours / Distance: 10.6km  / Elevation gain/loss: +720m/ -720m /
• Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

Depending on the time of the year the tour takes place, in case it gets dark earlier than 18:30pm, we will offer alternative activities/walks this afternoon and reschedule this hike for the following the day (day 3).

After completing the hike, we will transfer to Vitsa village, where we will check on at a family run guesthouse. Here we will spend the next 2 days and enjoy homemade dinners!

* If you prefer to avoid the long drive from Athens to Zagori, you can opt for a one-hour flight from Athens to Ioannina National Airport. Our team will pick you up and head to Zagori villages (around a 45 min car drive).  In case you wish to fly to another Greek airport, please contact us, so we can arrange your transfer to the Zagori villages.

• meals: breakfast, snack lunch, dinner     
• accommodation: traditional guesthouse in Vitsa

Day 3: Zagori stone bridges & stone-made villages

Following a rich homemade breakfast, today we will explore hiking some of the most beautiful historic arch stone bridges of the area, passing by traditional stone-made villages along the way.

• Arch stone Bridges tour (o/w or r/w)
• Hike duration: 4 – 5 hours / Distance: 12 – 15km / Elavation: +/- 300-500m /
• Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

Starting our journey from the Village of Vitsa (980m altitude), we will follow the charming stone-paved trail of Vitsa steps,  leading us all the way down to the first arch stone bridge, Misios bridge (740m). Continuing along the Koukouli steps, we will reach the quaint village of Koukouli for a brief visit (890m elevation). Descending via another trail, our next stop will be the spectacular arch stone bridge of Kokoris, one of the area’s most famous and photographed landmarks.

If there is no seasonal water in the stream, we can walk through Vikakis stream to find the arch stone bridges of Plakidas, Myli, Pitsioni and onwards Lazarides bridge near Kipi village.

This hike is very flexible and can be customized in many ways, with your tour guide making adjustments accordingly.

• meals: breakfast, snack lunch, dinner
• accommodation: traditional guesthouse in Vitsa

Day 4: Crossing Vikos Gorge

Today we will hike on one of the most breathtaking, impressive and rewarding hiking trails in the region! We will begin the day with a transfer to Monodendri village, from where we will descend to Vikos Gorge, renowed as one of the world’s deepest gorges.  Walking alongside the river (with several ascents and descents on uneven terrain), it will take us about 6 hours to cross the canyon. Traversing the ravine, we will have the opportunity to admire the rare varieties of wild birds and flowers that have found their habitat in Northern Pindos National park. We will take a break at the river springs to relax and enjoy our snacks. Depending on the season, you can also swim in the refreshing river!

• Monodendri – Vikos Gorge – Vikos (o/w)
• Hike duration: 6-6.5 hours / Distance: 14km / Elevation gain/loss: +1.150m / -1.430m /
• Level of difficulty: moderate to challenging

Early in the afternoon we arrive at Vikos village where we are picked up by our minibus and transferred to Papigo village for dinner and overnight stay.

• meals: breakfast, snack lunch
• accommodation: Traditional guesthouse in Papigo

Day 5: Hike to the Alpine Dragon Lake - Astraka Mountain Refuge

Our hiking exploration for today is quite demanding, yet incredibly rewarding!

In the early morning, following breakfast, we will begin out ascent from Papigo village to the Astraka refuge (approx. 3hrs hike, with a 1.000m ascent). The surrounding alpine scenery is sure to captivate you! After a brief pause for lunch and relaxation, we continue until the beautiful “Dragon Lake”, situated at an elavation of 2050m altitude. The views over the Dragon Lake and the surrounding mountains and peaks of Greece will undoubtly reward you after a full day of hiking.

• Mikro Papigo – Astraka refuge – Dragon Lake – Astraka refuge (r/w)
• Hike duration: 6 – 6.5 hours / Distance: 11km / Elevation gain/loss: +1.450m / -450m /
• Level of difficulty: moderate to challenging

Tonight, we will stay overnight at the Astraka Mountain Refuge, where homemade dinner awaits.

• meals: Breakfast, Snack lunch
• accommodation: Mountain refuge (dorm)

Day 6: Astraka Refuge descent - Papigo - Meteora

Begin your day early to witness the beautiful sunrise – you won’t regret it! Following breakfast at the mountain hut, we will start our descent way back to Papigo village, a journey of approximately 2.5 hrs (6km). This marks our last day in the Zagori region, and we can’t bid farewell without making a visit to the natural pools in Ovires. During the summer months, you may even take a refreshing swim in the cold river waters!

• Astraka Refuge – Mikro Papigo (o/w)
• Total Hike duration: 2.5 hours / Distance: 6km / Elevation gain/loss: – 1.000m /
• Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

Lunch can be enjoyed at one of the family run restaurants and cafes, before we depart with destination the UNESCO Worldwide Heritage site of Meteora. Upon arrival in Meteora, we will enjoy a short tour (by car) to a couple of scenic viewpoints, allowing you to admire the striking views and take postcard-perfect photos, before checking into our hotel.

• meals: breakfast
• accommodation : 3* hotel in Meteora

Day 7: Hiking Meteora & monasteries - Athens

What better way to start your day than by admiring the spectacular rock pillars of Meteora stone forest? After breakfast, we will explore this unique landscape on foot, tracing the ancient monks’ hiking hiking paths  and visiting some of the cliff-top monasteries in the area.

• Total Hike duration: 3 – 3.5 hours / Total Distance: 5-6km / Altitude difference: 280m /
• Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

In the afternoon, we will return to Athens (estimated time of arrival around 18:00pm). Depending on your holiday plans, we can either drop you off at the airport if you wish to catch your flight, or in Athens city center in case you are staying longer.

• meals: breakfast, lunch
• accommodation : on your own