On arrival at Ioannina airport you will meet your guide and be driven to your guest house in Vitsa, a picturesque village in Central Zagori. Overnight Vitsa.
- Meals: Dinner.
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Explore the remote beauty of Zagori on this guided trekking holiday through deep gorges, mountain lakes, and traditional stone villages. Visit the Vikos Gorge, hike to Dragon Lake, and wander cobbled streets in villages crafted by the master stone masons of Epirus. With expert guides, comfortable mountain refuges, and local cuisine included, this journey offers an immersive and unforgettable experience in northern Greece.
Activity code: GRTRV01
Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging. [Participants should be in good physical condition with some hiking experience.]
Duration: 8 Days
Venture into one of the most remote and striking regions of Greece on this expert-led trekking holiday through Zagori, in north-western Greece. Known for its dramatic canyons, rivers, mountain lakes, stone bridges, monasteries, and cobbled villages, this area offers a truly immersive walking experience amidst some of the country’s most unspoilt scenery.
The Zagori villages are celebrated for their cobbled streets and traditional stone architecture, crafted by the renowned stone masons of Epirus. Nestled within the Pindos Mountain Range, Zagori is defined by Mitsikeli Mountain to the southwest and the Aoos River to the east, providing a diverse and rugged landscape for exploration.
One of the highlights of this tour is the Vikos Gorge, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the deepest gorge in the world. Its crystal-clear waters are among the cleanest in Europe, and its slopes are home to over 1,800 plant species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Another unforgettable experience is the overnight stay at the Astraka Mountain Refuge, perched at nearly 2,000 metres above sea level. From here, you will enjoy panoramic mountain views and the chance to visit the serene Dragon Lake, a setting that remains etched in memory long after your journey ends.
This walking holiday is available as a Small Group or Private Journey and is one of our most popular itineraries for exploring the off-the-beaten-track beauty of Epirus. Our official licensed mountain guides bring the region to life, not only on the trails but also in the villages and local accommodations, sharing insights into local culture, traditions, and cuisine. Meals, accommodation, and comfortable transport are all included, with an emphasis on high-quality Greek dishes enjoyed throughout the tour.
Whether you are hiking through gorges, crossing stone bridges, or wandering traditional villages, this holiday offers something for every walker and nature lover. The combination of spectacular scenery, cultural immersion, and expertly guided trekking makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Group Size: Minimum 2 persons, maximum 8 persons
Age Limit: Minimum age 14; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Accommodation: Mountain hostels with bunk beds, pillows, blankets; restaurants, showers (cold water), and toilets. Guests may bring personal sheets/linen and towels if preferred
Inclusions: All meals, accommodation, transport, and licensed English-speaking mountain guide
Please Note: The itinerary may be adapted at the discretion of the tour leader according to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Why not extend your holiday with a few relaxing days on one of Greece’s islands or elsewhere on the mainland — we can advise on options to complement this adventure.
Available as a small group tour on dates below or as a private booking
Single supplement: £ 175 per person
Itinerary
On arrival at Ioannina airport you will meet your guide and be driven to your guest house in Vitsa, a picturesque village in Central Zagori. Overnight Vitsa.
After breakfast you will be driven to Vradeto, the starting point of today’s hike, located at an altitude of 1340m/4396ft - it's the highest village in the area.
Your first stop on today's hike will be Beloi; the best views of the gorge can be enjoyed from this spot. From Vradeto walk down the famous stone staircase and on to the quaint village of Kapesovo for a short break.
After your break continue your journey through Kapesovo with its traditional stone houses and narrow streets and enter an oak forest while walking downhill towards the gorge. A short distance after entering the gorge you will come across a very old stone bridge and then it's a climb up the stone staircase of Vitsa which leads to the village and your hotel.
According to the Guinness Book of Records the Vikos Gorge is the world's deepest canyon in proportion to its width. Today will be spent exploring this beautiful gorge.
Starting from the village of Monodendri follow the hiking trail into the gorge and after six hours of moderate walking through lush vegetation, you'll reach the village of Vikos. Overnight Vikos.
After breakfast there will be a 30 minute walk to reach the Voidomatis Springs. Enjoy the views from Red Rock before arriving in the picturesque village of Mikro Papigo.
After breakfast start hiking from the village of Mikro Papigo through mountainous terrain to reach the mountain hut of Astraka, situated at an altitude of 1950m [6397 ft].
After a lunch break at the hut, continue your hike to the Dragon Lake, set on the edge of a cliff at an altitude of 2000m [6562 ft], enjoying the magnificent view to the peaks of the Pindos Mountains. After a refreshing swim return to your hut for the overnight stay.
From the mountain hut it's a downhill hike to the Monastery of Stomio, built in 1774. Then you'll walk into the gorge of the Aoos River where there will be the opportunity for a refreshing swim.
At the end of your walking tour you'll reach the famous stone bridge of Konitsa. The Arched Bridge, built between 1823 and 1871, with a height of 20 metres and a width of 40 metres is one of the biggest in the Balkan area. Overnight stay in Konitsa.
After breakfast you'll walk along a pathway, in the shade of willow and plane trees, beside the Voidomatis River. It is reputed to be the cleanest river in Europe and you can drink any time from it during your walk.
In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local taverna next to the lake in Ioannina. Overnight Ioannina.
After breakfast, you'll be transfered to Ioannina Airport for your return flight. We can arrange transfers to other airports at an extra cost.
