Hiking Zagori And Meteora
Duration
8 days
Airports
Arrival and departure: Athens - International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos
Transportation
Plane, minivan
Available in
English & Spanish (according to availability)
There are beautiful places in the world that are hidden, not in the headlines, and you hardly hear about them. This is how the Zagori region in Epirus, Greece can be described. Traditional villages, stone paths, arched bridges and untouched natural beauty. Join us as we explore the secret trails of the Pindos National Park / UNESCO Geopark, hear about the area’s myths and legends, and inspect the flora and animals. Also, don’t miss out on seeing Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and following in the footsteps of ancient monks. If you are an experienced hiker or just enjoy nature and mountains and have a basic fitness level, these hiking vacations are great if you want to see a less-known side of Greece and you will be surprised at how mountainous our country is. During the trip we will:
- Hike through the Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world
- Explore traditional picturesque stone villages untouched by time
- Cross historical arched stone bridges
- Hike to the mythical alpine lake of the Dragon “Drakólimni” at 2,050m
- Observe the flora and fauna of the Vikos and Aoos National Park
- Follow the trails of the ancient monks and walk to the Meteora monasteries
- Taste the delicious typical cuisine and experience the hospitality of the local people
By Trip Tailors
Precio por persona desde 1.050€
* 2 nights in Athens at 3 * hotel or similar with breakfast
* 4 nights in 3 * hotels and hotels with charm and 1 night in the Astraka refuge according to the program (sleeping bag is required)
* Regimen as indicated in the day-day program (7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners)
* Transfers Airport – hotel – airport in Athens
* Entrance to one of the Meteora Monasteries and the Rizarios photo exhibition
* Accompanying mountain guide in Spanish
* Assistance upon arrival in Athens
* VAT
* Transportation during the tour according to the program
* Transportation of luggage on trekking days
* All the necessary equipment for the trekking days
* Drinks during meals
* Travel insurance
* Tips and extras
* Flights to/from Athens
* Meals not specified
- ITINERARY
Your steps
1
Athens
2
Athens – Kapesovo – Vradeto – Beloi – Vitsa
3
Stone-Made Bridges & Villages
4
Monodendri – Papigo (Crossing Vikos Gorge)
5
Papigo – Alpine Dragon Lake (Drakolimni) – Refuge Of Astraka
6
Nafplio – Epidauro – Atenas
7
Meteora - Athens
8
Athens - end of trip
DAY 1
Athens
Refuge Of Astraka -Papigo – Meteora Optional activities: Explore here our tours Accommodation: Athens
DAY 2
Athens – Kapesovo – Vradeto – Beloi – Vitsa
Early in the morning, after having breakfast, we set off for the impressive Zagori area (approx. 5 hours by car). When we arrive, we’ll enjoy a picnic before embarking on our first hike. Starting at Kapesovo, we will walk towards the Mezaria stream and then up, along the spectacular Vradeto stairs (a stone route erected in the 16th century on the cliff of the canyon), to the highest settlement in Zagori, Vradeto (1340 m). Following a lovely trail through the meadows, we arrive at the Beloi viewpoint (1400m), where we can take in panoramic views of the gorge. We make our way back to Kapesovo through the settlement of Vradeto. Duration
Duration: approx. 3: 30-4hrs / Distance: 11.4km
* Depending on the time of year the tour takes place, in case it gets dark before 18:30, we will offer alternative activities/hikes in the afternoon and we will do this hike the next day (day 3). Once the hike is finished, we will transfer to a family-run guesthouse in Vitsa where we will spend the next 2 days and enjoy homemade dinners! Meals included: breakast, snack, dinner Accommodation: Traditional hotel in Vitsa| Reference point | Altitude | Time elapsed | Total distance |
| Kapesovo Village | 1.150 m | 0 m | |
| Vradeto stairs | 1.060 m | 20′ | 1.100 m |
| Vradeto Village | 1.340 m | 1:15′ | 3.300m |
| Mpeloi Viewpoint | 1.400 m | 2:00′ | 5.300m |
| Reverse turn | 3:50′ | 10.600m |
DAY 3
Stone-Made Bridges & Villages
¡Una ruta que nos recordará la historia y los viejos tiempos!
Después de desayunar, vamos a seguir una ruta por los bosques de Zagori donde vamos a explorar pueblos hechos de piedra y puentes arqueados históricos.
Comenzando desde el pueblo de Vitsa (980 m de altitud), seguiremos el bonito sendero empedrado de los escalones de Vitsa que nos llevarán hasta el primer puente de piedra, el puente de Misios (740 m). Luego seguiremos los pasos de Koukouli y llegaremos al pintoresco pueblo de Koukouli para una breve visita (elevación de 890 m). Descendiendo de otro sendero, la siguiente parada será el espectacular puente de arco de piedra de Kokoris, uno de los más famosos y fotografiados de la zona.
Si no hay agua estacional en el arroyo, podemos caminar a través del arroyo Vikakis para encontrar a continuación los puentes de arco de piedra de Plakidas, Myli, Pitsioni y en adelante el puente Lazarides cerca del pueblo de Kipi.
Vuelta al pueblo de Vitsa, llegada a nuestro hotel, descanso y cena. Duration: aprox. 4:30hr / Distancia: 12-15km / Desnivel: +/- 300-500m Meals included: breakast, snack, dinner Accommodation: Traditional hotel in Vitsa
DAY 4
Monodendri – Papigo (Crossing Vikos Gorge)
¡Este es uno de los caminos más hermosos, impresionantes y gratificantes en la zona y se considera una de las gargantas más profundas en todo el mundo!
Nos trasladaremos al pueblo de Monodendri, desde donde descenderemos al desfiladero de Vikos. Caminando paralelo al río (con varios ascensos y descensos por terreno accidentado), nos llevará unas 6 horas cruzar el cañón.
Atravesando el barranco, podemos admirar las raras variedades de aves salvajes y flores del Parque Nacional de Pindos
Haremos una parada en los manantiales del río para relajarnos y comer nuestros bocadillos. Dependiendo de la temporada, ¡también puedes nadar en el río!
Temprano en la tarde llegamos al pueblo de Vikos donde nos recoge nuestro minibús y nos trasladamos al pueblo de Papigo para cenar y pasar la noche. Duration: approx. 6 – 6,5 hours Meals included: breakast, snack, dinner Accommodation: Traditional Hotel in Papigo
| Reference point | Altitude | Time elapsed | Total distance |
| Monodendri Village | 1.050m | 0 m | |
| Vikos Gorge | 700m | 45′ | 2.000 m |
| Klima Bridge | 610m | 2:45′ | 5.300m |
| Voidomatis river springs | 600m | 5:15′ | 10.400m |
| Papigo Village | 750m | 06:00′ | 12.500m |
DAY 5
Papigo – Alpine Dragon Lake (Drakolimni) – Refuge Of Astraka
Today’s route will take us up to Dragon Lake and then to Astraka’s shelter. It’s a challenging, yet rewarding, journey! Without a doubt, the alpine landscape will captivate you! Continue to the lovely «Dragon Lake,» which is located at an elevation of 2050 meters. After a hard day of hiking, the beauty of this stunning scenery will undoubtedly repay you.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we start from the village of Papigo our ascending trek towards the Astraka refuge (approximately 3 hours of trekking, 1,000 m of ascent).
We will continue to the beautiful "Dragon Lake", located at 2050m altitude. The sight of this magical landscape will definitely reward you after a long day of hiking.
Return to Astraka’s shelter to enjoy the views and the sunset. Dinner at the shelter.
Duration: approx. 6:30hr (incl. resting on the lake)
Meals included: breakast, snack, dinner
Accommodation: Astraka refuge
| Reference point | Altitude | Time elapsed | Total distance |
| Mikro Papigo Village | 980m | 0 m | |
| Astraka Refuge | 1950m | 3:00′ | 6.000 m |
| Drakolimni | 2050m | 4:20′ | 8.800m |
| Return to Astraka refuge | 1950m | 05:40′ | 11.600m |
DAY 6
Refuge Of Astraka -Papigo – Meteora
Today we will go back to the town of Papigo (descending route).
Duration: approx. 2:30hr / Distance: 6km
Before arriving in Papigo, we will stop at the Ovires Natural Lakes (or Kolymbithres): a lovely ravine with foam-shaped boulders that form little ponds.
Free time in Papigo to eat lunch at one of the family-run restaurants/cafés and departure for Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will have free time in Papigo (about 2.5 hours by vehicle).
Free time in Papigo to eat lunch at one of the family-run restaurants/cafés and departure for Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will have free time in Papigo (about 2.5 hours by vehicle).
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Meteora
DAY 7
Meteora - Athens
Today we are going to explore the unique landscape of Meteora on foot and admire the spectacular 400-meter high sandstone rocks. We are going to follow the ancient paths used by the monks, through the steep rocks, visit one of the monasteries and enjoy the beautiful views!
Duration: max. 5:00hrs (incl. visits to Monasteries) / Distance: 6km
Lunch in Meteora and departure to return to Athens (approx. 4.5 hours by car)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Athens
DAY 8
Athens - end of trip
Breakfast and at the appointed time transfer to Athens airport to board your return flight.
