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  • OVERVIEW
      Duration: 7 Days
      Group: 6-14 people
      Departure: Athens
      Meals: Snacks and meals are included in this trip as indicated in the itinerary
      Level: Easy - Moderate

    Tour Overview

    This trip takes places in 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.

    We will hike Vikos gorge, one of the most impressive and famous landforms in Greece, attracting many visitors from all over the world. We explore Aoos Geopark with its majestic mountains, impressive gorges, diverse geological formations, rich and dense forests, crystal clear rivers and small fertile valleys.

    Ηighlights of this journey:
     
    - Discover Zagori traditional villages
    - Visit the Sanctuary of Dodoni
    - Hike Vikos gorge
    - Hike Vradeto steps, a very old stone structure trail with stunning views
    - Explore the  famous stone bridges of central Zagori
    - Rafting in the calm and crystal clear waters of Aoos river
    - Explore Aoos Geopark
    - Hike along Voidomatis river side
    - 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

    DAY1 Button 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


    DAY2 Button

    Ioannina, Sanctuary of Dodoni - Zagori

    Today, we drive towards Ioannina. Built around the lake of Pamvotis and part of the Ottoman – Turkish empire until 1912, it comprises one of the most beautiful and unique cities in Greece. We will take a walk around the medieval castle and the ancient mosques overlooking the serene lake waters, followed by a relaxing stroll by the waterfront. 
    We will then visit the Sanctuary of Dodoni, the most important religious centre for northwestern ancient Greece, closely related to the cult of Zeus, father of the gods. It’s situated in a lovely, peaceful green valley overlooked by the twin peaks of Mount Tomaros. Dodoni was known for its famous oracle, traditionally considered as the most ancient one in Greece and referred to by Homer in his epics.  
    A short drive will then take us to Zagori and our guesthouse for tonight.

    Meals included: Breakfast,


    DAY3 ButtonBeloi viewpoint – Vradeto steps – Stone bridges

    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". The old cobblestone staircase of Vradeto is one of the most impressive and well preserved staircases found in Epirus. A true masterpiece of the famous Konitsa stonemasons’ craft, born out of necessity and patience. It brings you up to the highest of the Zagori villages, the tiny picturesque hamlet of Vradeto at 1340m. From there we will continue 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.

    After descending Vradeto Steps we will continue our day with a gentle and very beautiful circular hike around the famous stone bridges of central Zagori. Most of them were built more than two centuries ago by the unrivalled stone masons of those times and still arch gracefully over the streams and rivers of the area. On the way we will also explore Kipi and Koukouli villages , both of which are famous for their typical Zagorian architecture.

    Dinner with local dishes and overnight stay at the guesthouse in one of the Zagori villages.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner


    DAY4 Button   Vikos gorge crossing.

    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. We may have already admired the magnificent gorge from Beloi viewpoint but walking along the streambed, dwarfed by its gargantuan 1000m cliffs, is undoubtedly a unique experience. 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.

    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.

    Dinner and overnight stay at guesthouse in Aristi village

    Meals included: Breakfast


    DAY 5  Walk across Voidomatis river – Visit Konitsa village and hike in Aoos Geopark.

    Today we explore a part of Voidomatis river. 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 we will 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.
    After this exhilarating experience it’s time to relax and wander around Konitsa, a quaint rural town located at the foothills of Mt Trapezitsa right above the mouth of the Aoos Gorge. We 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. We will also take 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. 
    We cannot miss have a relaxed walk inside Aoos Geopark along Aoos river.
    Our final destination for today is a cosy guesthouse located in the woods and next to the river where we will raft the day after. There is also the option of the tree houses, very comfortable with their own wc. Time to relax and enjoy the nature of the place or have a walk across the river. 

    Hiking time: 3 hrs

    Meals included: Breakfast

    DAY 6  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 we will start our journey back to Athens. Check in at the hotel.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Snack lunch


    DAY 7

      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

  • INCLUDES

    What is included in the price

    - Transfer with private mini van from Athens to Zagori and return to Athens
    - All transportations during the trip .
    - Accomodation based on double occupancy (6 nights)
    - Rafting in Aoos river
    - Hiking Equipment (baton)
    - All meals as indicated in the itinerary (6 breakfasts, 2 dinners)
    - NomadsPath english speaking guides/tour leader throughout the trip
    - Luggage transfer
    - All taxes

    What is not included in the price

    - International airfare and any airport taxes
    - Travel insurance
    - Any meals not mentioned in the program
    - 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

    Accomodation

    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.

    One night we will stay in refuge style accomodation next to the river. The group will be set up in rooms with bunk beds and shared facilities.

    Single rooms are available in the hotels 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

 

Discover Zagori & Aoos Geopark

PRICE FROM
€ 1.260
1 Adult


Duration: 7 Days
Departure: From Athens


FLEXIBILITY

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