Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsMelinas Boutique Hotel in Kipi
This beautiful little guesthouse will welcome you with warm traditional decor and even warmer service from the family that runs it.
Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour
Prices
Highlights
Discover the spectacular Vikos Gorge in the Pindus Mountains
Spend 7 days exploring the Zagori region in northwest Greece on this self-guided walking holiday. This tour features hikes between the mountain villages of the impressive Vikos Gorge, one of the most impressive spots to explore by foot in all of Greece.
Spend your days hiking through dramatic cliffs and beside scenic rivers, and then enjoy the local Greek hospitality at the end of the day. During your walks, you’ll explore the enchanting stone bridges in Kipi, the Stone Forest of Mondendri, natural springs and pools, and of course, the incredible canyon itself. For a walking holiday in an awe-inspiring place, the Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour should be at the top of your list!
Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Discover the Stone Bridges of Kipi
When you arrive in Ioannina, you can take a taxi to Kipi or pre-book a transfer so that a driver will be waiting for you.
Tonight, you’ll stay in the village of Kipi, which is known for its remarkable stone bridges that arch over the rivers.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Kipi
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- None
Day 2 Follow the Voidomatis River
Your walk today will be along the lush pathways that follow the Voidomatis River. You’ll go from bank to bank a few times over ancient stone bridges.
After crossing the Misiou Bridge, you’ll walk through the village of Vitsa, which sits precariously at the edge of the gorge. Your walk will end in Monodendri, where you’ll be staying the next two nights.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Monodendri
- Distance
- 3 hours, 9km, 450m of ascent, 150m of descent
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 Short Walks from Monodendri
Today, you can choose to take one or all three short walks to some of the nearby stunning viewpoints.
The first walk leads to the ruins of the Agia Paraskevi monastery, which looks out over the Vikos Canyon. Then, you can take the famous walk through the strange forest of natural stone pillars to the Oxya viewpoint. Finish your day with the walk to the chapel of Agioi Apostoloi.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Monodendri
- Distance
- 4 hours, 11km, 430m of ascent, 430m of descent
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4 Descend into Vikos Gorge
Your trail today brings you down 400 metres to the bottom of the Vikos Gorge. You’ll spend the afternoon following the riverbed through the canyon—feel free to dip your feet or have a swim!
You’ll then ascend a cobbled path from Voidomatis springs to the village of Vikos. Spend the night in this authentic village that overlooks the gorge.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Vikos
- Distance
- 4.5 hours, 12.5km, 475m of ascent, 760m of descent
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5 Walk to Megalo Papingo
Once again, you’ll descend into the gorge and walk to the Voidomatis springs. You can choose to take a short detour to visit the monastery of Panagia tou Vikou.
Then, you’ll continue by the river until your path starts to zig-zag up the hill to Megalo Papingo. This village sits under the imposing limestone peaks of the Towers of Astraka.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Megalo Papingo
- Distance
- 2 hours, 5.3km, 450m of ascent, 530m of descent OR 2.5 hours, 6.3km, 475m of ascent, 760m of descent
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 6 Explore Villages and Rock Pools
Your walk begins through the villages of Mikro and Megalo Papingo. You’ll have the option to take a short loop to the “Kokkino Lithari,” or Red Rock, before hiking to the Rock Pools. These natural formations are the ideal spot to rest and enjoy a swim before returning to your hotel.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Megalo Papingo
- Distance
- 3 hours, 8.6km, 600m of ascent, 600m of descent
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7 Return to Ioannina
After you’ve enjoyed your breakfast and checked out of the hotel, you can take a taxi or pre-arranged transfer back to Ioannina.
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided walking tour of the Vikos Gorge is run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the time of year you choose to travel.
Prices below are per person:
Departure from March 24th to May 28th:
- Solo traveller in a single room: $975USD
- Price per person staying in single room (group of 2+): $850USD
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room (group of 2): $825USD
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room (group of 3): $525USD
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room (group of 4+) $450USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room (group of 3+): $425USD
- Price per person sharing quadruple room (group of 4+): $425USD
Departure from May 29th to July 14th:
- Price per person staying in single room (solo traveller): $895USD
- Price per person staying in single room (group of 2+): $795USD
- Price per person sharing a double or a room (group of 2): $475USD
- Price per person sharing a double or a room (group of 3): $425USD
- Price per person sharing a double or a room (group of 4+): $425USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room (group of 3+): $375USD
- Price per person sharing a quadruple room (group of 4+): $375USD
Departure from July 15th to October 31st:
- Solo traveller in a single room: $975USD
- Price per person staying in single room (group of 2+): $850USD
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room (group of 2): $825USD
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room (group of 3): $525USD
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room (group of 4+) $450USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room (group of 3+): $425USD
- Price per person sharing quadruple room (group of 4+): $425USD
Accommodation on the Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour
This tour is based in 3-star guesthouses and B&Bs. All the accommodations offer comfortable rooms with traditional hospitality.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
Night 2-3
See Tripadvisor ReviewsZarkadas Archontiko in Monodendri
The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable at this charming family-run hotel. It also has a little pool and a quiet terrace for you to enjoy.
Night 4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsForis House in Vikos
This cozy B&B offers a comfortable room in tiny Vikos. Be sure to visit the restaurant a short walk away, which is run by the same family as the hotel!
Night 5-6
See Tripadvisor ReviewsSaxonis Houses in Megalo Papingo
This traditional hotel is adorned in the typical Zagorian style and is the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventures in Papingo.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s Included in the Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts are included in this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Kipi and after the tour in Papingo are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for your luggage between hotels is included. The transfers to your starting hotel, and from your final hotel to the airport are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Also Included
- 24-hour emergency telephone assistance
- Route guide and maps in English
- Digital routes for GPS or mobile devices
Not included
- Tourism tax to be paid locally at each hotel (amounts range from 0.50 to 3 EUR per room per night)
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as included
- Guide services
Optional Extras
- Additional night in Kipi
- Transfers or bus tickets:
-
- Transfer from Athens Airport to Athens bus station, and KTEL bus ticket to Ioannina
- KTEL bus ticket between Ioannina and Athens
- Transfer from Athens bus station to Athens Airport
- Bus ticket Ioannina to Thessaloniki
- Transfer Thessaloniki bus station to Thessaloniki Airport
- Transfer Ioannina Airport or bus station to hotel in Kipi
- Transfer from hotel in M. Papingo to Ioannina Airport or bus station
- Additional nights at any of the accommodations along the way
Frequenty Asked Questions about Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour
How hard is the Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour includes moderate walks up to 4 hours per day on hilly paths. The trails are mostly well-maintained and are occasionally on cobbled tracks.
Do I need a visa to travel to Greece?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Are meals included on the Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour?
6 breakfasts are included in this tour.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Kipi to start this tour?
To get to Kipi, you can arrive at the Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG) or Athens International Airport (ATH). From there, you can take public transportation to Ioannina and then a taxi to Kipi. You can pre-book your transportation for any leg of the journey from Athens or Thessaloniki.
Is the Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour guided?
No, this is a self-guided tour. You will be provided with route maps and a destination guide in English.
Where does the Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour end?
This tour ends in Papingo, where you can take a taxi or a pre-arranged transfer to the Ioannina bus station. From Ioannina, you can take the KTEL bus to either Athens or Thessaloniki.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Greece?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Greece?
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.
When is the best time to travel to Greece for this tour?
The best time to travel to Greece for this walking tour is from April to October. Spring, summer, and early fall have warm, dry days, perfect for hiking.
Reviews
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Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
4.9
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What travellers say
Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
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Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
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Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
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Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
When can I do this tour?
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Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour includes moderate walks up to 4 hours per day on hilly paths. The trails are mostly well-maintained and are occasionally on cobbled tracks.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Local guide
Maria
Athens, Greece
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