Hiking in Zagoria & Meteora (Thessaloniki, Zagoria, Monodendri, Vitsa Vradeto, Bell, Vikos Gorge, Drakolimni, Meteora) 7 DAYS by bus

Stone buildings in the wild mountainous nature of Greece are unique destinations awaiting you to be discovered. You will visit unique geological phenomena that will offer you unforgettable experiences in the major attractions such as the Vikos Gorge, River Aoos and the throat of the massive Tymfis. Your tour includes 6 nights at a hotel of your choice with breakfast, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, transfers, captain and local guides for the activities.

Highlights: Papigo (Mount Carmel, hiking Drakolimni), Mount Olympus (Litochoro, climbing to the throne of Zeus, hiking on the blades of the Muses)


DAY 1: THESSALONIKI - ZAGORIA
Our hiking adventure starts from Thessaloniki, from where we transfer to Zagori area by bus. We set off for Monodendri, where we will visit the Rizarios School of Handicrafts and learn how women make handmade textiles and weavings. We will then take the short hiking path to Agia Paraskevi church and the impressive cliff-hanging trail that follows! Oxya viewpoint and the stone forest come next.  (Hike duration: 2 hrs). Dinner and overnight in traditional guesthouse in Vitsa.
DAY 2: VIKOS – VRADETO - KAPESOVO
After a good breakfast, we start our hiking day from the village of Kapesovo down to Vikos gorge and then upwards, through the beautiful Vradeto steps (stone path built in the 16th century at the slopes of Vikos Gorge) towards the highest village of Zagori, Vradeto (1450m). From there, following a beautiful path at the rims of Vikos Gorge, we arrive at Beloi viewpoint (1650m), where we can enjoy panoramic views over the gorge.
We return to Vradeto village and from there back to Kapesovo village.
After a quick snack outdoors, we will visit the 4 most important and beautiful arch stone bridges of Zagoria (Kontodima, Plakida, Kokori and Misiou bridges) and we’ll return to VItsa village through the famous Vitsa steps (similar to the Vradeto steps stone trail). (Hike duration: 5-6 hours. Dinner and overnight in traditional guesthouse in Vitsa.
DAY 3: VIKOS – MONODENDRI - PAPIGO
Today we will hike in one of the most beautiful, impressive and rewarding hiking paths in the area! We will transfer to Monodendri village, from where we will descend down to Vikos gorge, said to be one of the deepest gorges in the world.  Walking parallel to the river, it will take us about 6 hours to cross the canyon. Traversing the ravine, we can admire the rare varieties of wild birds and flowers that have found their habitat in Vikos-Aoos National park. We will make a stop at the river springs to relax. Depending on the season, you can also swim in the river! Early in the afternoon we arrive at Vikos village where we are picked up by our mini bus and transferred to Papigo village for dinner and overnight stay. (Hike duration: 5.5 – 6 hours). Dinner and Overnight in traditional guesthouse in Papigo 
DAY 4: Hiking to the Alpine Dragon lake
Our hiking exploration for today is quite demanding, yet truly fulfilling!
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we start from Papigo village our ascending hiking route towards the Astraka refuge. The surrounding alpine scenery will captivate you for sure! After a short break for coffee and relaxation, we continue until the beautiful “Dragon Lake”, situated at 2100m altitude. The view of this magical landscape will definitely reward you after a long hiking day. Tonight we will stay overnight at the mountain refuge of Astraka, after we enjoy a homemade dinner. (Hike duration: 6 - 6.5 hours). Dinner and overnight: Astraka mountain refuge (please bring with you a sleeping bag or liner).
DAY 5: ASTRAKA – PAPIGO – METEORA
After breakfast at the mountain refuge, we will start our descending way back to Papigo village. This is our last day in the Zagori area, so we cannot leave without making a stop at the natural swimming pools in Ovires. During the summer months, you can also enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of the river! We’ll enjoy a delicious pick nick lunch by the riverside, before we depart with destination the UNESCO Worldwide Heritage site of Meteora. Upon arrival in Meteora, we’ll enjoy a short, yet funny, hiking trail before we check in to our hotel. (Hike duration: 4 hours). Dinner and overnight in 3* Hotel in Meteora.
DAY 6: Hiking Meteora
What a better way to start your day than admiring the spectacular rock pillars of Meteora stone forest? After breakfast, we will explore this unique landscape on foot, following the hiking paths of the ancient monks and we’ll visit some of the top-cliff monasteries of the area. In the afternoon, we will return back to our hotel.
DAY 7: METEORA – THESSALONIKI
In the morning, we take our mini bus and drive to Thessaloniki. Free time in the city, depending the time of the flight, and transfer to the airport
PACKAGE INCLUDE
- 5 days of accommodation in 3* hotels and traditional guesthouses, based on double occupancy and 1 night in a mountain refuge
- Trails Beyond tour leader for the whole trip and trekking guide
- All meals as indicated on the trip notes (6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners)
- Car transfers for the whole trip, fuel consumption and tolls
- Entrance fees to Meteora monasteries
- Cost for all activities included in the tour program and all the necessary equipment
- Transfer from/to Athens airport
- 5 hiking days on moderate to steep trails
- All taxes
PACKAGE NOT INCLUDE
- Any flights to Athens or from Athens are not included in the tour price
- Travel insurance is not covered in the tour price.




PRICE PER PERSON IN DOUBLE ROOM

Single supplement 40%