Zagori Villages & Vikos Gorge Hiking

Upon your arrival, you'll be whisked away to the quaint village of Tsepelovo, where you'll spend the night in a cozy pension. Take a leisurely stroll around the village, admiring the beautifully decorated wooden balconies of the old mansions and the fascinating frescoes at the restored Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos.

Kickstart your day with a scenic hike to Vradeto, the highest village in Zagoria. From here, follow the path along the edge of the stunning Vikos Gorge to Beloi viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the gorge and the paths you'll be exploring tomorrow. Continue your journey to Kapesovo village, descending the famous 16th-century stone steps of Vradeto. Return to Tsepelovo for a restful evening.

Embark on an easy descent to the start of the Vikos Gorge, marked by the ancient Paliojefira Bridge. Wander through a lush forest of beech and pine trees, keeping an eye out for bear tracks. Arrive in the charming village of Kipi, then ascend the Koukouli Steps to the village center. Continue your journey into the Vikos Gorge, crossing the Misiou Bridge and climbing the Vitsa stairs to reach the villages of Vitsa and Monodendri. Enjoy a restful night in a traditional stone-built guesthouse with stunning views of Mount Mitsikeli.

Start your day early with a descent into the Vikos Ravine, a haven for birdwatching and flower spotting. By afternoon, you'll reach the village of Vikos, from where you'll be transferred to Aristi for the night. Your accommodation is a charming 2-star hotel built in traditional local style, offering homemade local dishes.

After a short transfer back to Vikos, you'll follow the old uphill path through beautiful ravines to Papingo Village. Take a refreshing dip in the village's natural swimming pool before heading to your accommodation in Mikro Papingo. Don't miss the chance to marvel at the towering limestone buttresses known as the 'Towers of Papingo'.

Today's adventure takes you uphill to Mount Astraka. After a 3-hour ascent, you'll reach the Astraka Hut, a traditional shepherding hut. If you're up for more adventure, you can opt to climb further to Dragon Lake. Spend the night at the Astraka Hut, where all supplies are brought up by mules and horses.

After breakfast, descend back to Papingo and pick up your baggage for the transfer to Ioannina. Explore the city's old quarter and citadel, or take an out-of-town excursion to the Perama Cave or the ancient Dodoni Theatre. Don't forget to pick up some local silver and filigree jewelry as souvenirs. Your accommodation will be in the old walled part of the town or in the town center.