Trekking in the Pindos Mountains and the Zagori Villages

6 days / 5nights

The region of Epirus boasts some of the most scenic green nature in the country. The Vikos Aoos National Park, in the area known as Zagori, is an ideal location for nature enthusiasts.

The Zagori is one of the most picturesque regions of Greece with many authentic, stone villages and magnificent views of the Pindos mountains. The region is a real paradise for hiking nature enthusiasts. The stunning peaks of Mt.Gamila and Astraka at altitudes above 2,000m, the dragon lakes, invite you for demanding hiking amongst rare and countless varieties of flowers. Vikos Gorge, listed as the deepest gorge in the world by the Guinness Book of Records, renowned for its natural beauty, crystal river pools in an unforgettable experience. The Vikos Gorge, with walls of up to 1 km in height, is also a site of major scientific interest, because it is in almost virgin condition, is a haven for endangered species and contains many and varied ecosystems.

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrival in Ioannina & Transfer to Monodendri (or Ano Pedina)

Meet in Ioannina with your guide and from there transfer to Epirus, to Monodendri or to the nearby Zagorian village, Ano Pedina. There will be one major transfer from the airport to the hotel. Settle in the hotel. Depending on time of arrival, we may visit the monastery of Agia Paraskevi, close to the edge of the gorge. O/N in a guesthouse. (D)

Day 2: Monodendri to Vikos and O/N in Papingo.

Walk to Mikro Papingo through the Vikos Gorge with its turquoise river-pools (5 to 6 hours). A classic trek in one of Europe’s finest canyons. Spectacular cliff walls tower up on both sides as we follow the riverbed downstream, or a small path alongside (4 hrs).  We end with a further 2 hours uphill beneath the towers of Papingo. We may cool off with a dip in the natural swimming pool of a nearby stream before settling into our rooms. O/N in pension. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Papingo to Mt Gamila Refuge and Dragon Lake (5 hrs)

Todays walk starts with 3 hours uphill from Mikro Papingo to the “Astraka” refuge on Mt. Gamila, at 1950m. Here we picnic and leave our packs for the afternoon walk to the first of the Dragon Lakes, an hour away across grassy uplands studded with flowers and (until July) some small snow pack. We return to the refuge for the night. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Loop walks on Gamila and Astraka’s summits (7 hrs round trip)

There are two summits that we can ascend in a loop walk, if we are fit enough and in a good shape: Mount Gamila at 2480m and Mount Astraka at 2436m. We may choose on the spot which of the two summits to climb from where we can enjoy the panorama over the plunging Aoos ravine. We return to the refuge for the night. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Walk down to Klidonia (6 hrs)

We walk down to Papingo and then to Kato Klidonia village one of the most beautiful stone arched bridges of the Balkans via the deserted hamlet of Klidonia. Spend the night in Konitsa or kleidonia in a guesthouse. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Travel to Ioannina

After breakfast, transfer to Ioannina.  

PRICE/ PERSON:660 € /person (for a group of 4 – 16 participants)

SERVICES INCLUDED:

•    Accommodation in double rooms on B/B basis in guesthouses (3 nights in Epirus) and in berths while on refuges (2 nights)
•     Trekking Hellas mountain guide day 1-6
•    Full board as mentioned in the program (On Day 1 only dinner and Day 6 only Breakfast)
•    Transfer from Ioannina to Monodendri
•    Transfer from Konitsa to Ioannina
•    Trekking activities as mentioned in the program.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

•    Personal expenses.
•    Drinks, beverages
•    Lunch on Day 1 & 6 and Dinner on Day 6
•    Optional gratuities to leader, guides and local staff.
•    Travel Insurance
•    Transfer to / from Ioannina

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