Meteora & Zagori Hike

After breakfast we transfer by van to Meteora, the surreal and mystical land where nature’s grandeur and man’s quest for spiritual understanding come together. Centuries ago, medieval monks built impressive monasteries and humble hermitages atop steep limestone pinnacles and even within natural caves. From early Christian times the vertical cliffs of Meteora provided both protection and isolation for the men and women who came here for quiet reflection and spiritual enlightenment. We take you to visit one of the smaller monasteries that features impressive views as well as ancient frescoes. Later that afternoon, follow your guide on a memorable evening hike as the limestone spires are lit by the soft rays of the setting sun. Just as dusk falls we arrive back in the village and sit down for dinner in our hiking clothes at a lively taverna for the first of many excellent meals to come. Travel time to Meteora: 4.5 to 5.5 hours. The Hike: 8km/5 miles. Ascent 580m/1850 ft, Descent 580m/1850 ft. Duration: about 3 hours. Overnight Meteora. Hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Today, we leave behind the dramatic escarpments and rock towers of Meteora as we make our way to Zagori, a region renowned for its pristine rivers, wild mountains, and secluded stone villages. On our journey, we'll stop in the picturesque town of Ioannina, nestled on the shores of Lake Pamvotis. This town, steeped in history, was founded in ancient times, flourished during the late Byzantine period, and has seen influences from both the Ottoman Empire and modern Greece. We'll enjoy a break and lunch here before continuing our adventure into the Pindus mountains. Our destination is the charming village of Dilofo, one of Zagori's most beautiful and well-preserved treasures. We'll check into a lovely boutique hotel, a restored mansion brimming with character. In the late afternoon, embark on your first hike in Zagori, enjoying the long shadows and cooler evening air as we walk through Dilofo's cobbled lanes, into the woods, and on to the neighboring village of Vitsa. Along the way, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the folded mountains and valleys. We'll arrive in Vitsa at dusk for a delightful dinner, followed by a short van transfer back to Dilofo, our home for the next three nights. Overnight Dilofo. The Hike: 8.4km/5.5 mi, Ascend 595m/1900 ft. Descent 292m/900 ft. Duration: about 3 hours. Travel time: 2 hours to Ioannina. 45 minutes to Dilofo. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and hotel included.

After an abundant breakfast we transfer to the neighbouring village of Koukouli. From here we start a beautiful hike which features five amazing stone bridges that arch elegantly over the rivers of Zagori. Built centuries ago, by local craftsmen, the bridges are a testament to the once vibrant commerce that flowed through this former Ottoman province. After a 4-hour loop hike, sit down to lunch in the taverna in Koukouli in the shade of the ubiquitous ancient plane tree which adorns every village square. This afternoon you have some down time back at the hotel to relax then we transfer to another village to meet Elena, who welcomes us into her home and teaches the art of making filo pastry and traditional savory pies. Elena has spent years talking to the elders of the Zagori villages, collecting the oral history, culture, and recipes that are slowly disappearing. She shares her passion for and knowledge of the region with us over dinner. The Hike: 9,4 km Ascent 603m/1900 ft. Descent 602m/1900 ft. Duration: about 4 hours. Overnight Dilofo. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hotel included.

Today’s hike features one highlight more impressive than the next. From sepelovo village we hike to the start of the Vradeto Staircase: 1,200 steps that were carved from the living rock by master craftsmen 200 years ago. The switchbacks hang above the valley floor and climb 250 vertical meters over a distance of more than 1.5 kms. Our trail continues to Vikos Gorge: a wild and unexpected gorge that is the world’s deepest in proportion to its width. From Beloi lookout we take in the fantastic vista that plunges 500 m/1,600 ft straight down. Your lunch is prepared by Labros, a local shepherd-turned-cook who produces a delicious meal for you from his tiny kitchen in the village square. After lunch, we return to Dilofo for some well-deserved down time. Dinner in Vitsa or Dilofo village. The Hike: 11,8 km/7 miles Ascent 783m/2505 ft Descent 515m/1600 ft. Duration: about 4 hours.  Overnight Dilofo. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hotel included.

Today features a little "soft adventure" on the pristine Voidomatis River, whose emerald green waters meander through the southern section of the Vikos Gorge. The water is crystal clear and so clean that you can drink straight from the river. We float through the canyon and encounter a few easy rapids, which have just enough white-water to give a little thrill without any danger. After this refreshing break on the water, we return to land for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we have a short but very steep drive up out of the gorge to the start of our hike to Megalo Papigo. We leave on foot from Megalo Papigo to do a pleasant loop hike along ancient cobbled lanes via some exquisitely sculpted rock ponds. You will see what I mean.  The Hike: 4.7 km/3 miles, Ascent/Descent 164 m/524ft, Duration: about 2 hours. Overnight Megalo Papigo in another beautiful hotel in a restored mansion house. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hotel included.

Begin with a gradual descent this morning down to the river towards Voidomatis springs, while taking in enormous views of the rocky ramparts of the surrounding mountains. Stop for a break by the river where you can cool your feet in the inviting cold water before a gradual hike out of the gorge. Once again, magnificent views open up as we proceed to the village of Vikos. We gratefully sit down in the local tavern for yet another delicious meal of local delicacies. Return to Megalo Papigo this afternoon to explore its streets and alleyways or relax on the hotel terrace and take in the soft rays of the setting sun as they shed their golden light onto the impressive rock face of the “Astraka Towers.” Dinner is yet another feast of delicious local specialties. The Hike: 5.2 km (3.3 mi), Ascend 370m/1,184 ft, Descend 542m/1,734 ft. Duration: about 2.5 hours. Overnight Megalo Papigo. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hotel included.

A 1.5-hour transfer takes us to the airport at Ioannina for the 50-minute flight back to Athens (exact time depends on the season). There are usually several flights daily from the Ioannina airport to Athens, and it only takes an hour. In 2024, there is a scheduled flight at 11:30. There are also direct flights to European hubs with low-cost airlines during the high season (when our tours will run), so don’t forget to check carriers like RyanAir and EasyJet. Or, you can pick up a rental car here and continue to explore Greece on your own. Also, the famous island of Corfu is just a short bus ride and ferry hop away! Breakfast and transfer to Ioannina included. Onward travel is not included.

Please note: Some details of the itinerary may change according to the departure date of your tour. Whenever we run a tour we make new discoveries. Sometimes they are good discoveries, like a wonderful new trattoria, and sometimes they are bad, like a trail has been washed away. The result is that we sometimes change our itinerary to improve it by adding new wonderful elements to the tour or by removing something that does not work anymore. Rest assured, our goal is to always provide you with the best possible experience. We will advise you of any changes to the original itinerary prior to departure.