7 Days Central Greece Land Rover Safari

Evritania is situated at the crossroads of the country, the expansive region of Central Greece is rugged and authentic, offering lush mountains and rural charm that are not to be missed. With its towering alpine peaks, Evritania often is referred to as the "Switzerland of Greece."

This mountainous land was once a refuge for Greeks escaping Ottoman rule, but since then it has evolved into a wildlife sanctuary.

Hikers and adventurers can explore green forests on trails that wander past tiny mountain villages to the highest peaks of the Velouchi Mountains.

Old churches and monasteries dot the mountains and overlook steep gorges where water enthusiasts hop in their rafts, canoes, and kayaks to try to tame the rushing Karpenisiotis, Krikelopotamos, and Tavropos rivers.

The best way to explore Evritania is within our Land Rover Safari Tours and often the only option for reaching the more remote villages

Highlights

  • Visit the famous monastery of Prousos
  • Trekking from Proussos Monastery to Mavri Spilia
  • River Trekking in "Panta Vrechi" Gorge
  • Land Rover Safari to Agrafa - The best views in Greece
  • Lake Plastira Kayaking Adventure
  • Visit the floating cliffs of Meteora
  • Athens free day to see the treasures of Ancient Acropolis or to get a day cruise to the fabulous Greek Islands.


The Program

Day 1  - Arrival
Arrival from country of origin, Transfer from the airport to the central Hotel in Athens, short briefing and free afternoon to visit Plaka for romantic dinner under Acropolis and overnight.

Day 2 - Athens- Karpenisi  Proussos Monastery Trekking
Our Land Rover Safari to Central Greece begins early in the morning from Athens. Vehicle pick up, briefing on equipment and morning departure for Karpenissi. We will have a stop at Sirius Bridge before heading north to reach the town of Lamia. Drive up to Tymfristos mountain which will lead us to our accommodation in traditional village of Korysxades. Break for light snack and coffee at the central square of the village.

• Trekking from Proussos Monastery to Mavri Spilia

We visit the famous monastery of Panagia Proussiotissa, situated since the first years of 9 th century. The landscape is admirable and respectable. We continue with a nice trekking from the monastery of Proussos to the area of Mavri Spilia (Black Cave). The trek follows a charming, well-defined path surrounded by soaring fir trees, chestnut trees and crosses traditional wooden bridges.

• Rappelling to Mavri Spilia (optional)

As the trek draws to an end, rappel down into Mavri Spilia Gorge with the aid of special equipment on a 7 m waterfall. This is one activity that's bound to remain unforgettable, pumping your adrenaline levels sky-high. Back to our hotel, dinner in a traditional tavern and overnight.

-Day trip duration: ~ 3.5 hours | 100 % on-road | Total distance covered: ~300 km
-Trekking Duration: ~2 hours | Altitudinal difference: 350m

Day 3 – Land Rover Safari & River Trekking in "Panta Vrechi" Gorge
We kick off from Karpenissi heading for the village of Aniada. From there following the dirt track that leads through dense fir forest we reach the foothills of Mt. Kaliakoudas, near the mountaineering shelter at an altitude of 1,800m. From there we head down to the village of Doliana through the forest road. Following a small, riverside path we reach one of nature's miracles known as Panta Vrechi, with its towering waterfalls.

• River Trekking in "Panta Vrechi" Gorge

Light snack and coffee before we reached the waterfall after a short walk through a small gorge. The spot is accessible only when the water temperature is high enough. Return to our hotel after dinner in a traditional taverna at Krikello village, 15 km away from Karpenissi.

-Day trip duration: ~ 5 hours | 30 % on-road, 70 % off-road | Total distance covered: ~140 km
-River Trekking Duration: ~ 1hour (weather and water temperature permitting)

Day 4 – Land Rover Safari to Agrafa - The best views in Greece
Depart for the area of Agrafa via dirt roads, driving in the river bed of Tavropos and Agrafiotis river. Both rivers spring from Agrafa -
Passing by Viniani bridge we make a photo stop. Light snack and coffee at Agrafa village before we reach Tavropos lake and Plastira dam.
The word Agrafa literally translates to "unwritten" or uncharted- because the area and its population were not recorded in the Sultan's tax register thanks to its remoteness. An area of exceptional natural beauty, which remains pristine. Dinner and overnight at a traditional guesthouse, overlooking the magnificent lake of Plastira


-Day trip duration: ~ 5 hours | 10 % on-road, 90 % off-road | Total distance covered: ~120 km

Day 5 - Lake Plastira Kayaking adventure
This morning we will have a Kayaking tour of Lake Plastiras and have a swim in its warm waters. With our two-seater's kayaks we will visit the little Islands and fjords of the lake and play among the trees that is sunken into the water. Plastira lake is surrounded by beech and fir forests and offers an exciting off road driving experience.
Heading North West we reach the picturesque village of Elati, situated in one of the most beautiful mountain areas of Greece. After catching our breath with a light snack and a coffee, we pass through the Forest of Koziakas Mountain and arrive in Kastraki, witch including 4/6 of the Meteora region in its area. Is noted for its rugged natural beauty and for its magnificent rock formation. Night stop in a Traditional guesthouse and dinner in a taverna.

-Day trip duration: ~ 3 hours | 50 % on-road, 50 % off-road | Total distance covered: ~100 km
-Kayaking duration: ~ 2 hours (weather permitting)


Day 6 - Floating cliffs of Meteora - Return to Athens
The superior floating cliffs of Meteora will be one of the first things you see today accompanied by a landscape of cliffs and monasteries built inside them. 'Suspended in the air' (the meaning of Meteora in Greek), these monasteries represent a unique artistic achievement and are one of the most powerful examples of the architectural transformation of a site into a place of retreat, meditation and prayer. Lunch in a traditional tavern and afternoon departure to Athens. Arrive to the central Hotel in Athens and overnight.

-Day trip duration: ~ 4 hours | 100 % on-road | Total distance covered: ~350 km


Day 7 - Athens Free Day
Free day for sightseeing around Athens. See the treasures of the ancient Athens and Acropolis or take a day cruise to the fabulous Greek islands of Hydra, Poros and Egina for a relaxing day on the sea.
Overnight in a central Hotel in Athens.
 

Day 8 - Departure
Transfer from your central Hotel in Athens to the airport and departure.

Total distance ~ 1000 km


Trip Info

 The best way to explore Evritania is within our Land Rover Safari Tours and often the only option for reaching the more remote villages.
Join us for an unforgettable week with many outdoor activities. Old churches and monasteries dot the mountains and overlook steep gorges where water enthusiasts hop in their rafts, canoes, and kayaks to try to tame the rushing Karpenisiotis, Krikelopotamos, and Tavropos rivers.
You will discover a different, authentic Greece, with the help of our Land Rovers driving by expert English speaking guides.

Ideal for everyone, including youth groups, single participants and even families, since our cooperating hotels and apartments offer a great accommodation for families too.

Our aim is to complete the activity as described in our Itineray but our priority is safety. Excessive rain or snow fall, deeper than expected river beds, damaged terrain, rapidly worsening weather or any other conditions which might endanger the activity will be dealt with on the spot and alternative routes will be chosen.  Frequent visits to the area guarantee vast flexibility in completing the activity irrespective of any unforeseen factors.