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

 Koukouli village - Vradeto steps

Arrive at Ioannina airport and take a taxi to Koukouli village. Once checked in at the hotel, you will be transferred to the village of Vradeto, the highest village in Zagori, built at an altitude of 1340m. Until 1974 the village was connected to the rest of the world only by the famous "Vradeto steps". The old cobblestone staircase of Vradeto is one of the most impressive and well preserved staircases found in Epirus.
If time is permitted you can take the path that leads to Beloi view point, a  rocky balcony which stands right on the lip of the magnificent Vikos Gorge, some 800m above the riverbed, offering top-class views. Otherwise you take the path and descend the steps for about an hour, and you will arrive at the village of Kapesovo. You can stop and wander around in this tiny village and then continue to Koukouli village for the night.

Hiking time: 2,5 - 3 hrs

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Koukouli village - Stone bridges - Vitsa

From Koukouli you descend to the Voidomatis river. On your way you cross the old Misiou stone bridge, famous in central Zagori. It was built among other stone bridges in the area, more than two centuries ago by the stonemasons of those times and still arch gracefully over the streams and rivers..

From that point you continue via the Skala of Vitsa a stone-built staircase, one of the most beautiful old paths of Zagori, which connects Vitsa with Kapesovo and Koukouli. On your way it's worth going a little off the route, and visit the small church of Agios Nikolaos to admire  the view of the area. Skala,  was built in 1868 and is kept in very good condition even in our days. The path  ascends to the gorge-side village of Vitsa where you will rest for the night

Hiking time: 3 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast,

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Monodendri - Cross Vikos gorge

In the morning you will be transferred to Monodendri village. This day is devoted to the limestone gorge of Vikos, one of the most impressive and famous landforms in Greece, attracting many visitors from all over the world. The path is nowadays clear, making this traverse feasible for anyone in fairly good physical condition. Still, it is a long route over remote, inaccessible terrain that should not be taken lightly.

At the exit of the path our transportation waits for a short ride to Aristi village.

Hiking time: 6 hrs

Meals included: Breakfast

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   Aristi village - Voidomatis river walk - Konitsa

From Aristi take the road that leads to Voidomatis river, a 30min walk. Today we explore
An easy and short route of exceptional natural beauty along the riverside. The unfolding landscape is unique in the richness of unspoiled nature. Plane trees, willows and oaks cast a shadow on the hikers, and the turquoise waters of the river accompany them all the way until the end.
Halfway, you can visit the abandoned monastery of Agioi Anargyroi, built in 1658. An ideal hiking route for the summer, which can be combined with swimming in the cold, clear blue waters of the river.
You will end up at Kleidonia bridge. From there, you will be transferred to Konitsa, a quaint nearby rural town located at the foothills of Mt Trapezitsa right above the mouth of the Aoos Gorge.

Hiking time: 2-3 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast

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  Explore Aoos gorge

Today in the morning you can have a walk along the cobbled lanes of upper Konitsa to see the old two-storey stone residences with their beautiful gates and visit the Hamko’s fortified residence.

Afterwards,  move down to the famous old single-arched stone bridge over the Aoos River - a true masterpiece of the local stonemasons craft and the landmark of Konitsa.  From this point you cannot miss a relaxed walk inside Aoos Geopark along Aoos river towards the Stomiou monastery and enjoy breathtaking views over the gorge.

Return back to Konitsa.

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  Departure day - Transfer to Ioannina

Your walking holiday in Zagori comes to an end today after breakfast. Easiest and fastest way to return to Ioannina is by taxi but you can also take the local bus.

Meals included: Breakfast

 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

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)

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