Hiking / Trekking the Highlights of Zagori villages at Ioannina, Greece

Experience our 4 - days hiking tour and get to know the highlights of Zagori villages in one of the most beautiful mountainous areas of Greece

4 3 Difficulty Trekking 265,00 € Starting From / Person

Holiday Overview

Our multi day hiking / trekking tour takes place at Zagori, a region and municipality in the Pindus mountains in Ioannina region of northwestern Greece. The seat of the municipality is the village Asprangeli. It covers an area of about 1,000 square kilometers and contains 46 villages known as Zagori villages (or Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria).

The Zagoria area is shaped like an upturned equilateral triangle: The southern corner of the triangle contains the provincial capital, Ioannina, the south-western side is formed by Mount Mitsikeli (1,810m) and the Aoos river. Mount Tymfi constitute the northern side. The south-eastern side runs along the Varda river to Mount Mavrovouni (2,100m) near Metsovo.

During this hiking / trekking activity we will cover more than 30 kilometers in beautiful alpine landscapes, will come across springs with cool water and will enjoy the incredible views of the surrounding area.

You can also combine this tour with our Rafting in Voidomatis daily activity!

Holiday Outline

DAY 1 Arrive Monodendri

DAY 2 Vikos Gorge

DAY 3 Papigo - Astraka Refuge

DAY 4 Astraka Refuge - Tsepelovo

Read the full itinerary

Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive Monodendri

Arrive at the beautiful village of Monodendri.

DAY 2

Vikos Gorge

Our day starts from the village of Monodentri and we go to the amazing gorge of Vikos (the deepest gorge according to the Guinness book of world records). After we pass through the village, we will find the entrance of the path (Monodentri steps) that will lead us to the core of the gorge (1.5 km downhill, elevation difference of 375 m). For the next 9 km we will hike to different elevation rates in a wonderful place with big laminated stones. We will always have the Vikos river at our right hand side. Upon request, we can visit the springs of Voidomatis River that flow underground. Finally, we will take the path that will take us to the village of Vikos.

Estimated Walking Time: approx. 6-7 hours.

Distance 12 km.

DAY 3

Papigo - Astraka Refuge

At the foot of Tymfi (altitude 980m.) is the village of Mikro Papigo that will be the starting point of the second day of our hiking tour. After the village, we will climb the well - marked trail that will lead us to the mountain shelter of Astraka. The climb is relatively smooth and has an altitude of 1000 m. We will spot springs of fresh water and a good place to take a rest and enjoy the view. The shelter of Astraka is located at the end of the path, with an altitude of 1950 m, where we will spend the night.

Estimated Walking Time: approx. 3-4 hours.

Distance 5.6 km.

Mountain shelter of Astraka - Tymfis Dragon Lake (optional)

After we arrive at the shelter, we can optionally visit the Alpine Lake (Dragon Lake) of Tymfis and spot the Alpine Tritons (Ichthyosaura alpestris - Small Dragons) that live at an altitude of 2010 m. The distance between the Dragon Lake and the refuge is about 2.75 km and the route offers amazing views.

Estimated Walking Time: approx. 1.5-2.5 hours.

Distance 5.6 km.

DAY 4

Astraka Refuge - Tsepelovo

The last day of our tour starts on a path with a slight downhill and then goes up to 2000 m. There, we will find the peaks of Astraka and Gamila. In the small plateau, the water creates Loutses (small ponds), the most characteristic one is called Loutsa Rompozi. Afterwards, in about one hour, we will meet Gkailotrypa (deep gorge of 200 m. without an apparent opening). Passing Mega Lakos gorge we will begin to descend for Tsepelovo and shortly before arriving, we will pass beautiful meadows that stand out from the limestone of Tymfi.

Estimated Walking Time: approx. 7 hours.

Distance 14.5 km.

Holiday Information

Participation fee:

For 1 pax	860.0 €
For 2 - 3 pax	510.0 €
For 4 - 5 pax	360.0 €
For 6 - 7 pax	315.0 €
For 8 - 9 pax	290.0 €
For 10 - 11 pax	275.0 €
For 12 - 16 pax	265.0 €

Minimum number of participants: 1 person

Meeting point and time: At Monodendri village, at the arranged time

Implementation period: end of May to October

Difficulty level: 3rd degree

Participation terms: Fulfillment of participation document, prepayment of participation fee, physical and mental health.

Suitable for ages: 8-80 years

Services included: Two overnight stays at 3 - star hotels or traditional guest houses up on the mountain (bed & breakfast) and one overnight stay at refuge according to program ( bed & breakfast), HB supplement (3 dinners, water included), The rates are per person sharing double / twin, All the transfers according to the itinerary, Expierienced English speaking local guide, Third party insurance, All the taxes

Not Included: Personal expenses, Drinks at dinners, Overnight Taxes , Anything not mentioned clearly above, Transfer to / from Monodendri.

Extra services:

F/B supplement: 30€ / person ( 3 lunches or Lunch Pack )
SGL / Supplement : 45€ / person
TRPL Reduction : 18 € / person

What participants should have with them:
Please try to travel as light as possible; remember that you must carry everything you bring on all the days' walk.
* Large, comfortable rucksack (40-50 litres) with padded straps and waist belt, internal frame preferred; waterproof liner recommended to keep clothing, etc. dry inside.
* Sturdy, worn in trekking shoes
* Good waterproof top with hood
* Warm clothes, both for windy / cold daytime conditions and for the cool evenings (fleece tops or similar)
* Shorts and long trousers for walking, preferably quick-drying material (cotton or polycotton not denim)
* Sweatshirts or T-shirts for walking, at least one with long sleeves and collar (against sun-burn)
* Sheet sleeping bag or similar (e.g. duvet cover), for the overnights in the refuge, although blankets will be available.
* Sunglasses, towel, sun hat or cap, sun block
* Penknife
* Water bottle
* Wash bag and simple first aid kit (plasters or blister kit, aspirin or similar, antiseptic)
* Photographers: bring your cameras
* Torch (head torch if you have one)
* Walking sticks

NOTES:
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the tour leader, according to local and weather conditions.

Photo Gallery

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Participation fee:

For 1 pax	860.0 €
For 2 - 3 pax	510.0 €
For 4 - 5 pax	360.0 €
For 6 - 7 pax	315.0 €
For 8 - 9 pax	290.0 €
For 10 - 11 pax	275.0 €
For 12 - 16 pax	265.0 €