Category: Greece

15 october: flight to thessaloniki – bus to Kalambaka (meteora) 

Meet at Malpensa Airport (or alternative airport) in the late morning, check-in formalities, and takeoff. Arrive in Thessaloniki, then transfer by private bus to Kalambaka, a village beneath the Meteora. Check in to our hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

16 october: walking tour of the monsteries

After breakfast, we’ll set off on a circular hike to visit and admire the main monasteries of Meteora. This site has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it doesn’t take long to understand why… Although it’s very touristy, it remains a magical and mystical place, with these ancient monasteries built in unimaginable positions on steep cliffs, almost hidden by the incredible nature of these rock formations. An unforgettable day of this trek! We’ll visit two monasteries: Agia Triada and Roussanou, then climb the rock of Agios Pneuma with breathtaking views of Kastraki and the Meteora monoliths!
We’ll then complete the loop and return to Kalambaka, where we’ll relax for a bit before dinner at a taverna. Overnight stay.
Distance: 12.5km
Walking time: 4-5h
Elevation gain/loss: +577m/-562m 

17 october: from meteora to zagori – monodendrI

Breakfast. Departure at 9:00 a.m. by private bus, which in about 2.5 hours takes us to the heart of Zagori, to the charming village of Monodendri. We are in one of the most remote areas in Greece. This splendid mountain village at the gateway to the Vikos Gorge is truly a captivating place. After checking into our hotel, we set off on a hike to Oxya, one of the most spectacular viewpoints of the Vikos Gorge. The view from this vantage point will leave us speechless; before us lies the immensity of this canyon, the deepest in the world relative to its width. Return to Monodendri, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.
Distance: 7,7km
Walking time: 2-3h
Elevation gain/loss: +/-300m

18 october: tour of the local villages and stone bridges

Breakfast. Today we’ll visit some of the typical villages of this Zagori region. Once populated and active, the area is now gradually abandoned, a clear sign of this rugged and isolated landscape. However, the villages are splendidly preserved, and we’ll have the opportunity to admire the skill of the craftsmen, renowned throughout Greece and beyond for their wisdom and ability in building imposing stone houses and bridges. Our circular tour, with many ups and downs, touches many of the most traditional and beautiful Zagori villages. Passing through silent forests covered with blooming cyclamens, we reach several characteristic villages: Dilofo, Kipi, and Koukouli, crossing the bridges of Missios, Kokkori, and Plakidas. We return to Monodendri via Vitsa, for dinner and an overnight stay.
Distance: 18km
Walking time: 6h di cammino
Elevation gain/loss: +- 772m

19 october: Kapesovo – Vradeto – Beloi viewpoint

Breakfast. Minibus transfer to Kapesovo, where today’s hike begins. We’ll ascend to Vradeto via the eponymous “Skala,” one of the most daring stone stairways that zigzags its way up and takes us straight to the village. After a short break, we’ll climb further to Beloi, another vantage point overlooking the Vikos Gorge with absolutely breathtaking views! We’ll return to Kapesovo by the same route, but we’ll walk back to Monodendri, passing through Kapesovo and Vitsa. Dinner and overnight stay.
Distance: 18,2km
Walking time: 7h di cammino
Elevation gain/loss: +817m/- 927m

20 october: monodendri – Mikro Papigo (vikos gorge crossing)

Breakfast. We’re off on one of the most exciting and wild excursions in Greece: crossing the entire Vikos Canyon! This gorge is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the deepest in the world relative to its width. We’ll descend a steep staircase that leads to the canyon’s entrance, and from there, we’ll traverse the entire length of the canyon on a 15km long up-and-down path, immersed in a fantastical, surreal natural environment, almost reminiscent of a setting from “The Lord of the Rings.”
It’s incredible to walk through the dense, moss-covered forests at the base, flanked by impressive vertical walls up to 1,000 meters high, and in some sections the base of the gorge is only a few dozen meters wide. The final stretch, which opens onto the Pindus Mountains, climbs steeply towards the stunning village of Mikro Papigo, beneath the imposing karst towers of Astraka. Hotel check-in and dinner.
Distance 15,3km
Walking time: 6hr di cammino
Elevation gain/loss: +850/-920m 

21 october: Mikro Papigo – Astraka refuge (optional Drakolimni lake)

Breakfast. Today we’ll enjoy an alpine stage, climbing to the Astraka refuge, located at 1,950 m above sea level. Lunch is available at the refuge.
If we still have energy, we’ll continue to visit Lake Drakolimni (2,050 m), located in a stunning basin with views of the
Pindos mountains and neighboring Albania! We’ll descend the same way we came, return to the hotel, have dinner, and spend the night.

Note: This stage will be carried out subject to weather conditions; in adverse weather conditions, a shorter alternative route will be offered.
We recommend the climb to the lake; it’s an enchanting spot and well worth the effort.
However, those who aren’t up for it can wait at the refuge (which provides food and drinks, and has a panoramic terrace for relaxing).
Return hike to/from Astraka Refuge 
Distance 11,5km
Walking time: 5h
Elevation gain/loss: +-950m.
 
Full hike to/from Astraka Refuge and Drakolimni Lake
Distance: 17km
Walking time: 7h
Elevation gain/loss: +-1350m

22 october: rafting on voidomatis river

23 october: return flight via corfù 

Breakfast. Around 8:15 a.m., we depart by private minibus to Igoumenitsa, where we take the ferry to Corfu (1.5 hours). In the early afternoon, we fly from Corfu to Milan Bergamo Airport. End of tour.

Guida del trekking: Marco Carletto

Note: Excursions may be modified due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

difficulty level:

Challenging. The hike covers an average distance of 15-17 km with average elevation gains of 700-800 m (modest elevation gains in Meteora, while in Zagori, the elevation gain is significant, reaching 1,300 m in the final stage at Lake Drakolimni). It doesn’t present any technical difficulties, but good stamina and endurance are required. Not suitable for beginners or those with limited physical condition.
The average walking time is 5-6 hours per day, including stops.

group size

Max. 14 participants

trail info:

The hike follows well-marked and maintained forest and mountain trails. Some sections of the canyon can be slippery during rainy days (limestone rocks), making progress difficult. The alpine trails are well-maintained and paved.

required hiking gear:

Hiking boots with treaded soles, preferably ankle-high. A 25-30L daypack (you’ll receive a detailed packing list), suitable clothing, including hiking pants (NO JEANS!) and technical shirts that dry quickly. You’ll receive a packing list before departure.

Climate:

Ideal for hiking with pleasant, relatively warm days, highs between 22°C and 25°C. Cool mornings and evenings. Possible showers or seasonal thunderstorms.