EMPIRE THE UNKNOWN GREECE: Tsepelovo, Vradeto, Bell Gardens, Cocoon, Vitsa, Vesce, Papigo, Drakolimni, Ioannina 8 DAYS by bus

​To get know better the soul of Greece, you should definitely hike in nature. Enjoy the spectacular view of a monastery clinging to the cliff or swim in hidden beaches, discover unknown archeological sites by your self, monasteries, villages on Mountains. The landscape changes on the same route in a few kilometers after and convert a hike in Greece in a memorable experience. Complete package that includes 7 nights’ accommodation in hotel with breakfast, 5 meals, 6 diners, transfers and a leader.

​Highlights: Tsepelovo (Agios Nikolaos), Trekking in Vikos Gorge, Kapesovo & Vradeto, Birdwatching and plantwatching to Vikos Gorge, Mikro & Megalo Papigo (Swimming in natural Vathres), Trekking Drakolimni, Ioannina (Cave of Perama, Ancient Theatre of Dodoni)


Day 1 - Arrive in Tsepelovo
On arrival you will be picked up and transferred to Tsepelovo for your overnight accommodation. From Ioannina transfer time 1 hour and from Preveza 3 hours. Wander around the village where you can admire the old mansions decorated wooden balconies, a feature of this timber-producing locality. The recently restored Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos contains interesting frescoes. Accommodation: Your first two nights are spent in a comfortable small pension in this typical Zagorian village.
Day 2 - Tsepelovo - Vradeto - Beloi - Tsepelovo
From Tsepelovo, you walk towards the highest village in Zagoria called Vradeto, from where the beautiful path at the edge of the Vikos gorge leads to a great viewpoint at Beloi. From here you can look right over the Vikos in all its resplendence and see the paths that you will be following tomorrow. Return to Vradeto village continuing downhill to Kapesovo village heading down the famous steps of Vradeto – a stone path built in the 16th Century on the slopes of the Vikos. Transfer back to Tsepelovo for your second evening.
Day 3 - Tsepelovo – Kipi – Koukouli – Vitsa - 14 km/8.5 miles, 4.5 h
An easy descent to where the Vikos gorge starts, which is marked by a stone bridge dating back to 980 called the “Paliojefira.” Continue through a forest of beech and pine trees, where you might see evidence of bear pugmarks on the path. You end up in the village of Kipi. From here you walk up the “Koukouli Steps” and visit the centre of this picturesque village. From here walk down into the Vikos gorge again crossing the “Misiou” bridge and climb the Vitsa stairs and reach the villages of Vitsa and Monodendri that are built at the edge of the gorge. Accommodation: The stone-built guesthouse where you stay offers traditionally decorated rooms with views of Mount Mitsikeli.
Day 4 - Vitsa – Vikos
Early in the morning descend the old Vitsa stairs into the Vikos ravine. Traversing the ravine you can do a bit of bird and flower watching, as there are quite a number of rare species that have taken refuge into the gorge. Early in the afternoon you will arrive in Vikos village and be transferred to your hotel, where you will overnight.
Day 5 - Vikos – Papingo
After a short transfer back to Vikos village, to the start of the walk, you follow the old up-hill path, which traverses the beautiful ravines to Papingo Village. Above the Towers of Papingo skyrocket inaccessibly into the sky. At the village’s natural swimming pool, you will have time for a dip and a break before heading to your accommodation. The twin villages of Megalo (Big) and Mikro (Little) Papingo huddle below the great limestone buttresses called the "Towers of Papingo" on the north side of the Vikos Gorge. Accommodation: Tonight you stay in a small pension in Mikro Papingo.
Day 6 - Papingo – Astraka hut – Dragon Lake
Head on uphill, up Mount Astraka. The footpath up to the hut is also a mule track or route leading from the Papingo villages to various high level grazing pastures which are the traditional territory of two or three local Sarakatsani shepherding families. There are four springs along the way. From here optional ascent to Dragon Lake at 2100m, before returning to overnight at Mikro Papingo.
Day 7 - Walk back to Papingo, and then transfer to Ioannina
After breakfast walk to Mikro Papingo the same way you came up yesterday, it should take about 2 hours. Return to your accommodation to pick up baggage and take the prearranged transfer to Ioannina which will take approx. 1.5 h. A tour of Ioannina old quarter and citadel is worthwhile. For those who want to take home souvenirs or gifts, a local specialty is silver and filigree jewellery. Dinner and overnight to Ioannina.
Day 8 - Transfer to the airport
Depending on your flight times, there may be time for further sightseeing or souvenir buying before your transfer by minibus to Ioannina airport.
PACKAGE INCLUDE
- 7 nights accommodation in village pensions
- 7 breakfasts,  7 dinners
- Transfer from Ioannina to the start of the tour (and back at the end of the tour)
PACKAGE NOT INCLUDE
- Travel insurance is not covered in the tour price


 
  
 
PRICE PER PERSON IN DOUBLE ROOM 

Single supplement 40%