Thessaloniki, Papigo, Vikos Gorge, Voidomatis River, Ioannina
Zagori Hiking Adventure
Itinerary
09 days / 08 nights
1st day
Thessaloniki:
During the first day of your trip, you get a chance to explore the sights of downtown Thessaloniki. The impressive White Tower, the city’s most iconic landmark, along with the Museum of Byzantine Culture and the Archaeological Museum are all located conveniently within a minute’s walk from one another. For those of you who want to get a first culinary taste of Northern Greece, the nearby neighborhood of Ladadika is bustling with traditional tavernas and is popular year round. If you feel like immersing yourself further into the history and culture of Thessaloniki, there is the option of joining a walking tour that guides you through the main archaeological sites and areas of cultural interest. In the evening a welcome dinner takes place at a local taverna. As the chefs prepare delicious interpretations of traditional Greek dishes, we introduce you to the detailed schedule of activities and sightseeing opportunities the rest of your trip holds.
2nd day
Thessaloniki – Papingo:
Today we leave Thessaloniki for the great outdoors and our adventure begins. In the morning, we board our minibus, while our tour leaders briefly introduce the tour itinerary. Driving along the national highway; we head towards the historic city of Ioannina, where we have a short break in the city center, by the Pamvotis Lake. From there it is an hour drive to the mountain village of Megalo Papingo, which is going to be our base for the rest of the week.
3rd day
Hiking on mount Tymfi:
We leave at sunrise and hike uphill, along trails that lead above the tree line. Our first destination for the day is the Astraka peak, at an altitude of around 2400m. It takes 3 to 4 hours to arrive at the renewable energy powered, mountain refuge of Astraka, where we have plenty of time to relax and enjoy amazing views of the surrounding peaks and alpine valleys. Using the mountain refuge as our base, we set out to explore Mt Tymfi, hiking to various peaks and visiting the famous Drakolimni. The “Lake of Dragons” is an opal blue alpine lake that looks almost tropical in strong sunlight. The valley around the lake and the superlative mountain backdrop provide us with incredible photo opportunities. Depending on the season and the weather conditions, we have the option of climbing to the Gamila peak (2497m). Trekking over the peak, we can reach the 16th century Monastery of Panayia Stomiou, built on the steep cliffs, with magnificent views of the Aoos river gorge. At the end of the second day, we return to our Guesthouse in Papingo, using an alternate trail that passes through Agia Kyriaki and the Lapato peak.
4th day
Central Zagori Villages:
This day is dedicated to getting to know the scenic traditional mountain settlements that have survived for centuries in this part of the country. Villages full of history, unique architecture and distinct, yet delicious, local cuisine, abound on both sides of the gorge. An hour drive through the National Park takes us to the eastern mouth of the Vikos gorge and the village of Monodendri, where we enjoy magnificent morning views of the gorge from the Oxia lookout point. From there, we head towards the village of Kipi, where we have a chance to admire and walk across stone arch bridges, built centuries ago by exceptionally skilled local stonemasons. Our next destination is the village of Vradeto, where a short hike to the top of the gorge brings us to a natural balcony overlooking the valley within the gorge. There, we have plenty of time to unwind at an altitude of over 1000m, before we head back to our Guesthouse.
5th day
Crossing Vikos Gorge:
This day presents you with a chance to trek through the World’s deepest gorge. The trek through the Vikos canyon is a highlight of any trip to this part of Greece and an amazing experience for nature enthusiasts. Early in the morning we head to the village of Monodendri and walk down the path to the canyon’s base. From there it is a 6 to 7 hour trek, walking along the banks of one of the Voidomatis tributaries. Under the shadow of the gorges’ steep cliffs we have a short break for an energy snack, before we continue trekking towards the springs of the Voidomatis river. From there we head up, towards the village of Vikos or Megalo Papingo, depending on the route we choose to take.
6th day
Outdoor Activities at Voidomatis river:
This day is dedicated to river rafting, horseback riding and hiking. After breakfast, we gear up, grab our paddles and board the boats. We spend the next 2-3 hours going down the turquoise waters of the Voidomatis river, passing through an amazing landscape of diverse tree species. About halfway through, we leave our boats for a while to do a short hike to the small Byzantine church of Agioi Anargyroi. The Kleidonia stone bridge marks the end of our river adventure. Once there, we have a midday break by the river banks and head back to Megalo Papingo. Depending on the water levels, we have the opportunity to river trek back to the rafting starting point. Early evening, we saddle up and explore the green valleys and slopes around our base on horseback. For the next few hours we gallop through stunningly beautiful landscapes, guiding our horses through mountain trails.
7th day
Papingo – Ioannina – Thessaloniki:
Leaving Papingo behind us early in the morning, we drive through stunningly beautiful landscapes, towards Ioannina, Western Greece’s largest city. A place with rich history and an important trade hub in Byzantine times, the city is built on the hills around lake Pamvotis. We stretch our legs by the lake and visit the 15th century castle near the town center. After lunch, we take the national highway and head towards Thessaloniki. Arrive and transfer to hotel, overnight.
8th day
Thessaloniki:
Departure from hotel and transfer to Thessaloniki’s airport for your flight back home, having the best impression from your trip!
Operated with minimum participation of 15 persons.
Please note:
The above mentioned rates reflect cost and exchange rates etc. valid on November 2017. In case of any significant change, caused by tax increase, fuel surcharge etc. deriving from governmental laws, ASIT reserves the right to adjust the rates accordingly. The above rates are not valid if any special events find place, (ex. Congresses, conferences, National holidays, sport events etc.) Overnight tax when implemented, should be paid directly to the hotel upon arrival from the final client.
