This Land Rover Safari and Trekking Tour covers most of the North
Pindos area. We drive you to Metsovo via asphalt and we pass by Aoos
Lake, until we reach a view point of the impressive Vikos gorge (the
second highest in the world). We head for Vovousa village offroad, to
have lunch in a traditional taverna. The route includes the villages of
eastern Zagori Tsepelovo, Flabourari and Vrisohori.
Highlights
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Land Rover Safari in "off the beaten tourist paths" of Pindos
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Hikking to the famous Dragon Lakes
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Vikos Gorge trekking, in one of Europe's finest canyons.
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3 overnights in high class, stone build guesthouses, at Zagorohoria Villages
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1 overnight in Mt. Gamila Refuge
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3 overnights in a central Hotel in Athens.
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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 – Papingo (B,L,D)
Our Land Rover Safari to Zagori Villages begins early in the morning
from Athens. Vehicle pick up, briefing on equipment and morning
departure for a spectacular crossing of the new bridge at Rio. We will
have a few leisurely stops for photos, light snacks and coffee before
heading north to reach the town of Ioannina and further our destination.
Check in and relaxing free afternoon at Papingo, in one of the 46
villages of Zagori. Dinner and overnight in a very charm, stone build
guesthouse.
-Day trip duration: ~ 6 hours | 100 % on-road | Total distance covered: ~450 km
Day 3. Vikos Gorge Trekking (B,L,D)
Ask any Greek to name five beautiful gorges of Greece and the first response will be "The Vikos."The Vikos Gorge comes first because of its beautiful interconnecting footpaths of many levels of expertise that link stone villages tucked into folds of mountains. And a cool breeze that drifts through the tree-shaded Vikos gorge makes it possible to hike all summer, even when the rest of Greece is baking under blazing August sun.
We start our day with a short Transfer to Monodendri Village where the Trek to Papingo trough the Vikos Gorge begins. A classic Trek in one of Europe's finest canyons. Spectacular cliff walls tower up on both sides as we follow the riverbed downstream, or a small path alongside (Duration: ~ 4 hrs from 1050m down to 550m). We end with a further uphill (Duration: ~2 hrs from 550m up to 1050m) beneath the towers of Papingo. We may cool off with a dip in the natural swimming pool of a nearby stream before settling into our rooms. Overnight in a guesthouse at Papigo.
-Hiking Duration: ~6 hours | Distance ~12km | Altitudinal difference: 500m
Day 4. Land Rover Safari in Pindos (B,L,D)
Today with the help of our Land Rovers you'll cross one of the most
beautiful areas of Pindos. We drive you to Metsovo via asphalt and we
pass by Aoos Lake, until we reach a view point of the impressive Vikos
gorge (the second highest in the world). We head for Vovousa village
offroad, to have lunch in a traditional taverna. The route includes the
villages of eastern Zagori Tsepelovo, Flabourari and Vrisohori.After some demanding "off the beaten tourist paths" through Rivers and creeks with crystal clear waters, alpine lakes, stone built villages and virgin forests a vast network of dirt roads will bring us back to Papigo for dinner and overnight.
-Day trip duration: ~ 5 hours | 50 % on-road, 50 % off-road | Total distance covered: ~120 km
Day 5. Papingo to Mt Gamila Refuge and Dragon Lake (B,L,D)
Todays hike starts uphill from Mikro Papingo to the "Astraka" refuge on Mt. Gamila.(Duration: ~ 4 hrs from 1050m up to 1950m).
Here we picnic and leave our packs for the afternoon walk to the first
of the Dragon Lakes, an hour away across grassy uplands studded with
flowers and (until July) some small snow pack. We will overnight in the
refuge of Astraka.
-Hiking Duration: ~5 hours | Distance ~ 8km | Altitudinal difference: ~ +900m
Day 6. Walk down to Mikro Papingo and back to Athens (B,L)
We walk down back to Papingo for launch (Duration: ~ 3 hrs from 1950m down to 1050m) and early afternoon departure to Athens. Overnight in the central hotel of Athens.
-Hiking Duration: ~3 hours | Distance ~ 8km | Altitudinal difference: ~ -900m
Day 7. Athens Free Day (B)
Free day to choose one of our day trips and excursions 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.
Trip Info
The
region of Epirus boasts some of the most scenic green nature in the
country. The Vikos Aoos National Park, in the area known as Zagori, is
an ideal location for nature enthusiasts.- This trip offers the chance to experience North Greece magnificent mountain scenery.
- Routes have been chosen to showcase the best of the natural in Pindos Mountain. Terrain will include footpaths and mountain terrain, which can be rocky and loose in places, and sloped ascents and descents.
- The walks are moderate in grade, and require an average level of fitness.