ave you even been to a place, unknown to most of the world, but so beautiful and magical, that you want to keep it secret for yourself, yet, at the same time, scream it out to the world? Have you ever thought of Greece as a place with wild and steep mountains, ideal for adventure holidays?
You simply have to join us on our “Wild Mountains & rivers” adventure and discover the secret beauty of the Greek mainland! Traditional stone-made villages untouched by time, lush fir forests, alpine landscapes, magical lakes and rivers, arch stone bridges, delicious local food and the hospitality of the local people are waiting for you to explore them!
Take advantage of Greece’s mild weather and enjoy a weekly adventure beyond the beaten path…
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ All taxes, fees and handling charges
✔ Trails Beyond tour leader for the whole trip, local guides & activity instructors
✔ Lunch
✔ Dinner
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✔ Breakfast
✔ TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee
✔ Private transportation for the whole trip, fuel consumption and tolls
✔ Cost for all activities included in the tour program and all the necessary equipment
✔ 6 days of accommodation in 3* hotels and traditional guesthouses, based on double occupancy
✔ Entrance fee to 1 Meteora monastery
✔ Transfer to/from Athens Int. airport on days 1 & 7
✖ International airfares
✖ Travel insurance - mandatory (we can arrange that for you, upon request)
✖ Hotel transfers to/from airports other than Athens airport or on different dates than day 1 & 7
✖ Any meals not specified in the itinerary, any beverages or alcoholic drinks during meals
✖ Optional activities that are not included in the day-to-day itinerary
✖ Other expenses of personal nature and gratuities (optional)
Departure & Return
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
Arrival in Athens - Exploring the city
1
Athens
Upon arrival in Athens International Airport, you are met and welcomed by our team. You transfer to your hotel and, since your fellow travel companions arrive in different times of the day, you have the day free to explore the city of Athens and its numerous cultural and historical places of interest, such as the Acropolis, the temple of Zeus, the unique Acropolis museum, the Ancient and Roman Agora. You can also walk around Filoppapou hill, visit the flea market in Monastiraki and enjoy a cup of coffee/tea in one of the beautiful cafes in Thisio.
*If you wish to enjoy a guided walking or bike tour of the city, please contact us.
Duration: 1 day
Athens – Lake Plastira - Elati
1
Plastiras Dam
Early in the morning, we depart with direction the dreamy Lake Plastira, a destination that combines harmonically serenity with adventure (approx. 4 hours driving distance). Upon arrival at the lake, we will enjoy picnic lunch by the lakeside, before we set off on exploring the lake on a hydro-bike or canoe/kayak.
Duration: 4 hours
2
Elati
Later in the afternoon, we depart for the beautiful mountainous traditional village of Elati. On our way there, we will make a stop at the beautiful arch stone bridge of Saint Vissarion, built in the 1527. You are free to enjoy a walk by the riverside, a refreshing tea/coffee by the bridge or buy herbs, honey and traditional drinks by local vendors. Once in Elati, you can explore the village, admire the traditional architecture of stone-made houses and enjoy the delicious local cuisine in one of the village’s family run tavernas.
[activity duration: approx. 1.5 hours, level of difficulty: easy]
Duration: 6 hours
Elati – Pertouli – Vitsa
1
Pertouli
After breakfast, we will drive to Pertouli meadows, a beautiful plateau, surrounded by mountains with dense forests, rivers and enormous fir trees, which we will explore while riding our horses! Coffee break, before we board our car with destination the stunning area of Zagori (approx. 2:50 hr driving).
Duration: 2 hours
2
Monodendri
In the afternoon, we will reach Monodendri village and we’ll first visit the Rizarios School of Handicrafts to find out how local women make traditional handmade carpets and textiles. We will also visit the Rizarios Photo Exhibition, where temporary photography collections are exhibited, as well as the original stereoscopic cameras that British photographers used to capture the first modern Olympic Games in Greece in 1896! We will then take the short hiking path to Agia Paraskevi church and enjoy the impressive views over Vikos gorge! Visit to Oxya viewpoint and the stone forest come next.
In the evening, we will check in at our traditional guesthouse in Vitsa village and enjoy homemade dinner.
[hike duration: 1,5 hours, level of difficulty: easy]
Duration: 4 hours
Vradeto steps, Beloi viewpoint & Zagoria arch stone bridges
1
Vradeto
After breakfast, we will drive towards Kapesovo village. From there, following the beautiful stone trail of Vradeto steps, we’ll reach the highest village of Zagori, Vradeto (1450m) and 2km later at Beloi viewpoint (1650m), where we can enjoy striking panoramic views over the gorge!
[hike duration: 3-4 hrs, level of difficulty: moderate]
Duration: 5 hours
2
Lazaridi Bridge
After lunch, we will explore hiking some of the most important and beautiful arch stone bridges of the area.
[hike duration: 2 – 4 hrs*, level of difficulty: easy to moderate]
*The tour of the arch stone bridges can be done in many different ways, it depends on the travelers’ fitness level and willing.
Dinner and overnight in Vitsa village
Duration: 4 hours
Crossing Vikos Gorge
1
Vikos Gorge
This morning, we will take one of the best and most impressive hiking trails in all the Zagori area! Starting from the village of Monodendri, we’ll hike all the way down into Vikos ravine, one of the deepest canyons in the world. We hike parallel to the stream, and walk right into the heart of the National Park. The surrounding environment is a paradise for nature lovers that can observe the rich flora and fauna. The gorge is shelter for a lot of wild animals, such as pray birds, bears and wild boars. We will have a nice break for snacks at the river’s springs, before the small steep ascend to Vikos village.
[Total Hike duration: 6-7 hours / level of difficulty: moderate]
From Vikos village, we transfer to Papigo village, for dinner and overnight.
Duration: 8 hours
Papigo (rafting) – Meteora
1
Voidomatis River
epare yourselves for rafting in one of the clearest rivers in Europe! Starting from the beautiful stone bridge of Aristi, we will cross the National Park of Vikos – Aoos, while rafting across Voidomatis river. This is an easy route, ideal for everyone, yet very impressive because of the river’s crystal clear waters and the surrounding natural landscape.
[Activity duration: approx. 2 hours in the water – 3.5 hrs total, level of difficulty: easy].
Alternative to rafting activity: try a horse riding tour in Papigo
Duration: 5 hours
2
Meteora
In the afternoon, we will depart with destination the UNESCO Heritage Site of Meteora, also called the “stone forest”. Upon arrival in Meteora, we’ll enjoy a sunset tour for beautiful views and photo shooting, before we check in to our hotel.
Duration: 6 hours
Meteora – Athens
1
Meteora
hat a better way to wake up rather than admiring the spectacular sandstone rocks of Meteora, rising over 400 m above the ground!
After breakfast, we will explore this unique landscape and the impressive top-cliff monasteries beyond the ordinary way! We will follow the ancient paths that the monks used to follow, through the steep rocks, visit some of the monasteries and admire the breathtaking views.
[total hike duration: 3 hours / distance: 6km / level : easy]
Duration: 6 hours
2
Athens
In the afternoon, we depart for our way back to Athens. For those of you having a late evening flight from Athens International Airport, you can be transferred straight to the airport or you can enjoy your last night in beautiful Athens, if you continue your vacations in Greece!
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
