Zagori Highlights

Zagori Highlights

Experience an unforgettable tour in a mountain paradise!

ACTIVE PERIOD
May - October
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
3
DURATION
3 days
Zagori Highlights
Price from €308
PRICE FROM € 308 - DECLARE INTEREST

Overview

This tour is designed for hiking enthusiasts and takes you to two of the most impressive places of the Vikos Aoos National Park.

On the Zagori Highlights tour, will cross the legendary Vikos Gorge, the deepest canyon worldwide in proportion to its width. Definitely a spectacular sight! It is accessible from several points, including the gravity-defying cliff-face monastery of Agia Paraskevi at its southern end and the ridge-top village of Vikos at the other. The landscape of the 20 km long gorge is extremely diverse and is characterized by abrupt changes in altitude. The Vikos Gorge has been carved over millions of years by the Voidomatis River, a tributary of the Aoös River. As it splits the mountain in half, its slopes expose rock formations of limestone and dolomite, dating back to 150 million years . Its vertical cliffs rise up to a height of 1700 meters.

Our second spectacular hike is from Mikro Papingo village to the mountain hut “Astraka” at 1.950 m. and to a fascinating alpine lake. Enveloped in myth and local tales about strange creatures, this blue gem decorates the alpine meadows just below the peak of Mt. Tymphi (2.497 m). The stunning alpine lake called by locals dragon lake (drakolimni in Greek), is believed to be a remnant of the Ice Age. According to Greek mythology however, it was home to two dragons who were caught in an endless fight against each other. Legend says that the rocks they threw against each other are the ones scattered around the lake to this day.

Day 1
Arrival in Ioannina & Transfer to Monodendri
Day 2
Hiking in Vikos Gorge
Day 3
Papingo to mountain hut and Dragon lake hike

Activities / Schedule

Arrival in Ioannina & Transfer to Monodendri

Arrival in Ioannina airport, welcome by our guides and transfer to Monodendri village (1-hour drive). Settle to your hotel and dinner.

(Optional and depending on your arrival time you may visit the Monastery of Saint Paraskevi, an abandoned monastery situated on the edge of Vikos Gorge. The monastery founded at 1413-1414, consists of a small stone-built chapel, the oldest preserved in Zagori, and offers panoramic views to the gorge.)

Driving Duration: 1 hour

Overnight in Monodendri

Hiking in Vikos Gorge

We start the hike at the village of Monodendri and after 45 minutes we enter the Vikos gorge. We will need approximately 4 hours until we reach the springs of Voidomatis and another hour until we reach the village of Vikos.

The landscape of the 20 km long gorge, 12 km οf which belonging to the Vikos – Aoos National Park’s core zοne, presents a diverse relief and is characterized by abrupt altitudinal changes. Steep slopes and precipitous rocky cliffs dominate in the middle and higher zones respectively. The gorge has been carved over millions of years by Voidomatis River.

Hiking Duration: 6-7 hrs

Overnight in Mikro Papingo

Mikro Papingo to Mt. Gamila refuge and Dragon lake

Today’s hike 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 hike to the Dragon Lake, an hour away across grassy uplands studded with flowers and (until July) some small snow pack. This is a long hiking day and we eventually return back to Mikro Papingo for our transfer back to Ioannina or to another destination.

Hiking Duration: 8-9 hrs

Important Info

In a glance

CURRENCY
TIMEZONE
UTC+02:00 (EET)

Highlights

  • Discover beautiful architecture in the picturesque traditional villages.
  • See the alpine newts in the alpine lake
  • Hike the world’s deepest canyon
  • Discover the beauty of Voidomatis springs
  • Observe the impresive dolomites rock formations‎

Price

Self Guided Mode:

  • 308€/person for 8 participants
  • 330€/person for 7 participants
  • 348€/person for 6 participants
  • 365€/person for 5 participants
  • 384€/person for 4 participants
  • 430€/person for 3 participants
  • 518€/person for 2 participants


Fully Guided Mode:

  • 354€/person for 8 participants
  • 371€/person for 7 participants
  • 402€/person for 6 participants
  • 446€/person for 5 participants
  • 479€/person for 4 participants
  • 560€/person for 3 participants
  • 715€/person for 2 participants

General Information

Trekking Hellas offers and array of hikes and active experiences all over Greece. Our team also creates tailor made tours and activities, so feel free to contact us if your preferences and needs are not met by our programs. We will help you design the prefect vacation for you! 

Equipment

  • Large, comfortable rucksack (40 – 50 liters) with padded straps and waist belt, internal frame preferred; waterproof liner recommended keeping 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 poly-cotton not denim).
  • Sweatshirts or T-shirts for walking, at least one with long sleeves and collar (against sunburn).
  • Sunglasses, towel, sun hat or cap, sun block.
  • Your own personal water bottle. As part of our environmental policy and actions, we are committed to eliminating the use of plastic water bottles.
  • Wash bag and simple first aid kit (plasters or blister kit, aspirin or similar, antiseptic).
  • Photographers: bring your cameras.
  • Walking sticks

Reviews

Zagori Highlights

Experience an unforgettable tour in a mountain paradise!

Price from €308

DECLARE INTEREST

FAQs

What should I bring with me?

  • What is listed above in Gear section

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