Hiking the Ancient Paths of Zagori & Meteora
Discover the ancient wonders and incredible natural beauty of Greece as you hike Zagori and Meteora
Guided
Hiking the Ancient Paths of Zagori & Meteora Overview
Discover the incredible Pindus Mountains of Greece on this once-in-a-lifetime guided walking adventure. The Hiking the Ancient Paths of Zagori & Meteora tour whisks you away from Athens and shows you the unbelievable natural beauty of the Greek mountains.
You’ll spend your days hiking in the spectacular Vikos Gorge and exploring the ancient villages and stone arch bridges around Zagori. Then you’ll take an overnight hike into the mountains to enjoy incredible views and beautiful alpine lakes. Your tour ends with some unbelievable hiking through the stone forest of Meteora. Take this amazing hiking tour to discover the beauty to be seen in Greece beyond the islands!
Trip highlights
Hike in the incredible Vikos Gorge to explore the ancient Vradeto Steps and stone arch bridges.
Follow secret ancient paths to discover the magnificent rock formations and monasteries at Meteora.
Climb to a spectacular alpine lake and spend an amazing night on the mountain at a rustic refuge.
Immerse yourself in Greek culture as you enjoy the local cuisine and learn about the history and legends of the area.
Day By Day Itinerary
Your tour starts with a transfer from Athens to Zagori where you’ll meet your guide for a short welcome meeting.
Stretch your legs with a walk to Monodendri, where you’ll spend some time exploring the village. You’ll stop at a handicraft school and photography exhibit to learn about the local culture. End your day with a short hike to take in the incredible view over the Vikos Gorge.
- Overnight Location:
- Guesthouse in Vitsa
- Distance:
- 1 hour
- Meals:
- Lunch, dinner
This morning you’ll start your hike from Kapesovo to the Vikos Gorge to see the incredible Vradeto Steps. After you visit the 16th century stone path you’ll climb out of the gorge to the viewpoint at Beloi. Enjoy the amazing views from the mountain meadows and then return to Kapesovo village.
The second half of your day will be a tour of the impressive ancient stone bridges of Zagori.
- Overnight Location:
- Guesthouse in Vitsa
- Distance:
- 6-7.5 hours, 16-20 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Take the transfer to Monodendri village to start your hike to the bottom of the Vikos Gorge. Today you’ll be walking one of the most beautiful paths through the gorge as you follow the river across the canyon floor. Have a relaxing picnic lunch by the river springs and take a refreshing swim if the weather is warm!
When you arrive in Vikos village your transfer will drive you to Papigo, where you’ll stay for the night.
- Overnight Location:
- Guesthouse in Papigo
- Distance:
- 6-6.5 hours, 12.5 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch
Your hike today is from Papigo village to the Astraka mountain refuge. The trail will be more challenging but offers incredible mountain scenery as a reward. As you hike through the mountains you’ll discover the glassy waters of Dragon Lake nestled in the green shoulders of the mountains. Stop for photos!
After a rest at this magical spot, you’ll finish your hike to your mountain refuge.
- Overnight Location:
- Astraka mountain refuge
- Distance:
- 6-6.5 hours, 11 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Enjoy your breakfast while watching the sunrise over the majestic mountain vista. Later, you’ll hike back to Papigo village for a second look at the amazing alpine landscapes as you descend.
In the afternoon you’ll visit the natural stone pools in Ovires, where you’ll stop for a picnic lunch. From here, a transfer will bring you to Meteora and take you on a short tour of the best viewpoints of the monasteries perched atop spectacular rock formations.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Meteora
- Distance:
- 2.5 hours, 6 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
This morning you’ll take a walk through the amazing rock formations that tower above the trails through the Meteora stone forest. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient monks as you walk the trails and visit a few of the spectacular clifftop monasteries.
In the afternoon you’ll take the 4-hour transfer back to Athens, where you’re free to explore the amazing city all evening.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Athens
- Distance:
- 3-3.5 hours, 5-6km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch
Although your tour officially ends after breakfast, if time permits you should get out and explore the ancient city of Athens before you have to depart.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
- Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Athens are not included but can be added as a supplement.
- Transportation for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour as outlined in the itinerary. This includes pick-up and drop-off from central Athens at the beginning and end of the tour. Transfers can be arranged from alternate airports if required.
- English-speaking tour leader and trekking guide
- Entrance fees to Rizarios Photo Exhibition
- Entrance fees to one Meteora monastery
Not included
- Flights
- Visas if required
- Meals, drinks, alcoholic beverages, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Optional activities
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel insurance
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 3/5. This is an active itinerary and the hikes included are mostly moderate with a few more challenging days. You should be able to hike up to six or seven hours per day to comfortably enjoy this itinerary, although some days only require 2 or 3 hours of hiking.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
You’ll meet the tour group in central Athens. You can fly into Athens International Airport (ATH). If you would prefer to fly to another airport, please request this at the time of booking.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
This tour ends in Athens, and you can fly out of Athens International Airport (ATH).
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Greece for hiking is between May and September when the weather tends to be warm and pleasant. Expect the hottest weather and heaviest crowds in July and August.
Why book Hiking the Ancient Paths of Zagori & Meteora with 10 Adventures?
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Experience a private trip led by a highly-vetted local guide taking you to places most travellers never see.
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Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
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