Cross Vikos Gorge

OVERVIEW

Duration: 4 Days

Group size: 4-10 people

Departure: Athens center

Meals: Snacks and meals are included in this trip

Level: Demanding

Altitude 2050m

Trip Introduction

This route takes place in the Vikos-Aoos National Park. It is an area of protected natural wealth, north of the city of Ioannina, in the region of Epirus. It was officially declared a national park in 1973 and is bordered northeast with the Pindus-Valia Calda National Park. The region is part of the European network of protected areas Natura 2000.

The National Park also includes the Tymfi mountain range, the Aoos River gorge and a number of traditional villages. The core of the National Park is the gorge of Vikos, the deepest gorge in the world, according to the Guinness Book. The imposing gorge is 20 km long (we will hike 15) and its depth is over 1,000 meters. We will also have the chance to see the mythical Drakolimni, an alpine lake at an altitude of 2,050 meters.

Finally, walking along a beautiful path, we will end up in the village of Konitsa where Via Ferrata begins.

Key highlights of this journey:

- Cross the gorge of Vikos
- Visit the alpine Dragonlake
- Via ferrata experience
- Steam bath in natural hot springs

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

For this trip a prior trekking experience is required. The hiking level for participants is demanding. We will be walking at least 6-7 hours per day, so having a strong stamina is definitely an advance. 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
Arrive at Monodendri village, cross Vikos gorge.

Meeting at the metro of Doukissis Plakentias to begin our journey, about 5 hours, towards the traditional village Monodendri . Today's day is quite interesting as we 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 7 hours, a 12 km distance, in order to reach the traditional village Mikro Papigko. Free time for everyone, for a tour in the village or for a visit and in the nearby village which is 20 minutes walk. We will set up the tents and afterwards we will taste excellent traditional local delicacies.

   Accomodation in tents       7 hours hiking

Hike to Dragon lake and sleep at the refuge house.

We will have an early start as we will be heading towards Dracolimni. We will be walking uphill and our first stop will be the Astracas shelter at 1930m. During the first part of our journey will be passing through forest areas. Soon enough, the landscape will change as we will be entering the alpine zone of Mt. Tymphe. The variation of the surrounding environment is something that we should take into consideration especially during the summer when the temperatures can be really high. Hopefully, on our path will find find three natural refreshing water sources. The journey till our first stop at the shelter will be approximately four hours. There, we will have lunch and some rest. After that we will hit the road again and we will walk for 1.5 hours until we reach our final destination, Dracolimni. The view up there is one of the most mesmerising views that someone can enjoy from the impressive greek mountain peaks. We return back to the refuge for dinner and rest.

   Accomodation in refuge house
           6 hours hiking

Descent the mountain, arrive at Amarantos village and enjoy a natural hot steam bath.

Today we will descent the mountain taking Davalitsa’s path. This path will take us through forest areas and after five hours walking we will reach our destination in Konitsa. Free time to explore the village. Our next stop is Amarantos village 45mins away from Konitsa, an isolated small village located on the mountains near the border with Albania. In the village there are hot springs which are unique to their species across Europe and we will have the chance to enjoy the therapeutic effects of steam. Dinner and overnight staying at the guesthouse, in a cozy family enviroment at an altitude of 1260m.

   Accomodation in guest house
           5 hours hiking

Cross Aoos river, via ferrata experience.

We will get up at 7am, have a light breakfast and head along the Aoos river to get where the Via Ferrata begins. You will be given all the necessary materials and a short demostration of how to use them. Via Ferrata's route takes about 6-7 hours. When the route is completed, we will rest on the banks of Aoos River. we will have a lunch and then we will get prepared for our journey back to Athens.
INCLUDES

What is included in the price

- Transportation from Athens to Monodedri village and return.
- Hiking Equipment (baton)
- Snacks during the hikes
- All meals (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners)
- English speaking guide
- Via ferrata equipment
- Camping equipment (tents, carrimats)
- Luggage transfer
- Raincoat (upon demand)
- All taxes
What is not included in the price

- Booking flights to Athens
- Travel insurance
- Sleeping bags
- 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
WHAT TO BRING
- Hiking shoes
- Headlamp
- Daypack or Backpack
- Water Bottle
- Extra clothes
- Waterproof jacket
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Swimsuit
- Towel
GALLERY
- VIKOS
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Overview

Duration:	Day tour
Group:	4-14 people
Meeting point :	Monodendri village
Level:	Moderate

Tour Overview

This very popular hike is devoted to the magnificent gorge of Vikos, the gem of Zagori and one of the most impressive and famous landforms in Greece. The classic gorge traverse is complemented by several small extras which make all the difference.

Ηighlights of this journey:

• Overview of the Gorge from hidden viewpoint
• THE gorge
• Ramonda serbica: the tropical little flower endemic to the Vikos Gorge
• Guided by an academic geomorphologist or collaborator with extensive local knowledge
• The Voidomatis karstic springs
• Theotokos abandoned monastery and chapel

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.

Tour details

Starting our walk from Monodendri, we will admire its grandeur from a well-hidden viewpoint nearby. Wondering how and when this monumental landform was formed? Well, how lucky to be guided by a geomorphologist with plenty of field research experience in this region. Nothing can be compared though with the unique experience of walking along the Vikos streambed, dwarfed by its gargantuan 1000m cliffs. 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.
Further ahead the abandoned monastery of Theotokos with its quaint little chapel built in 1773 and a bath in the nearby turquoise icy pools complete this experience of Vikos. Uhm, there is a short but weary last ascent to the hamlet of Vikos, perched on a rocky outcrop above the gorge. But the stunning views on the way up truly make up for it!

Hiking time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 13.5 km
Total Ascent/Descent: 350m/ 800m
Difficulty: Moderate

Included

What is included in the price

- Transfer back to the starting point of the hike
- Hiking Equipment (baton)
- Snacks during the hikes
- Guided by an academic geomorphologist or collaborator with extensive local knowledge
- All taxes

What is not included in the price

- International airfare and any airport taxes
- Travel insurance
- Meals
- Alcoholic beverages
- All other services that are not listed above