Epic North Greece Hike - Olympus, Meteora & Zagori (Fully guided)

This morning, we embark on a hike along trails known only to the locals, leading to Meteora’s iconic cliff-top monasteries. Our journey begins at St. Nicolas Monastery in Kastraki village, following the ancient paths once used by the monks as they navigated the towering rock formations.

We pass beneath the ruins of Pantocrator Monastery on the north side of Dupiani Rock and then wind through a lush forest to reach the abandoned and restored Monastery of Ypapanti and the ruins of St. Dimitrios. From there, the trail ascends, and a short climb brings us to the cliff-top monasteries of Varlaam and Great Meteoro, where we visit one of them.

Our descent to Kastraki follows the ancient monk’s path, passing the Cave of St. George Mandila, where climbers traditionally hang their scarves each year. Along the way, we enjoy amazing panoramic views from the rock summits while our professional mountain guides share insights into the rich history and geological significance of this extraordinary area.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Difficulty level: 1
• Distance: 7.2km
• Altitude: 615m.
• Ascend/Descend: 320m.

After our rewarding walk, we will visit one of the famous monasteries before we depart to the region of Zagori and Pindos Aoos National Park.

Overnight Zagori (Monodendri or Vitsa).

This wonderful circular hike is an ideal way of exploring the hidden gems of Central Zagori!

Zagori is well known for its traditional network of footpaths, which were built to connect its 46 villages, until modern roads were opened. Starting from the village of Kipi, we will walk on several iconic and impressive stone bridges of the area, built in the 17th-18th century. During our hike, we will have the chance to visit Lazaridi’s museum, located in the picturesque village of Koukouli. The museum is housed at the house of its creator, Kostas Lazaridis, who with a lot of care gathered all the rare flora of Vikos gorge. In the museum, we will have the opportunity to discover rare plant collections that grow on the canyon’s rocks and to learn about the ‘Doctors of Vikos’. Then we will head towards Kipi village, following the very old stone path of Koukouli, also known as "Koukouli Steps". In Kipi, our beautiful hike will come to an end.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty level: 2
• Distance: 7km
• Ascend:160m
• Descend:160m
• Terrain:‎ footpath, cobblestone path

Overnight Zagori (Monodendri or Vitsa).

Enjoy a fascinating hike in one of the most beautiful gorges of Europe.

Vikos Gorge is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Greece. The gorge consists of limestone and dolomite formations, dating back to 150 million years ago and vertical walls extending up to a height of 1700 meters. The gorge is part of the 12,600 hectares Vikos-Aoos National Park and has been listed in the Guinness book of records as the deepest canyon worldwide in proportion to its width.

The hike starts from Monodendri village with a 45 minute descend until we reach the river bed. The trail is ascending and descending surrounded by steep mountain tops and dense forests of deciduous trees and 1800 plant species. Before ascending to Vikos village, we will visit Voidomati’s springs, Greece’s cleanest and coldest river, with an average all year temperature of 8,5°C. If you are brave you might want to try the experience of a very refreshing dive in the crystal clear waters during summer months! The hike finishes at Vikos village, after a 1-hour ascent from Voidomatis springs.

• Duration: 7 hours
• Difficulty level: 3
• Distance: 12,5 km‎
• Elevation gain: 825 m ‎
• Terrain:‎ cobblestone path, footpath

Overnight Zagori (Monodendri or Vitsa).

We end our discovery in Zagori with a relaxing rafting descent in the crystal clear waters of Voidomatis river, in the heart of the National Park of Vikos – Aoos. 

Voidomatis River rises in Vikos gorge and follows an impressive waterway wreathed with age-long plane trees that border its bed and traditional stone bridges over the waters. Voidomatis River joins its crystal clear waters with those of Aoos River, in Konitsa’s plain.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty level: 2
• Grade: 2/6 WW
• Distance: 6,7 km