Night 1-2
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.
Zagori Trekking Tour
Prices
Highlights
Spend 6-days walking and trekking in the Pindus Mountains of Northwestern Greece
The Zagori area is one of the best walking regions in Greece. Discover this remote wonderland for yourself on the 6-day self-guided Zagori Trekking Tour.
Starting out in the mountain village of Papingo, you’ll enjoy a beautiful loop trail around the rushing Voidomatis River. This thrilling adventure also invites you to discover the alpine zone of Astrakas with a 2-day trek, where you’ll stay in a mountain hut and explore incredible landscapes like the alpine Dragon Lake. Later in the trek, you’ll cross sprawling meadows, following ancient shepherds’ paths to the village of Tsepelovo as the summits of Gamila (2,500m) and Astrakas soar high above in the background. Peer down into the dramatic Vikos Gorge from the Beloi viewpoint and walk down the winding ‘steps of Vradeto’ on the trail connecting Vradeto with Kapesovo. To end the tour, you’ll walk along the Vikos river where you’ll discover an array of famous arched stone bridges from the 18th-century near Kipi where your adventure ends.
With so much to explore in the Pindus Mountains, why not extend your trip by adding on the Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour, making for a brilliant 12-day adventure in total!
You can book this 6-days tour in the Alpine zone of the Zagori region as a stand-alone package or in connection with our Zagori: Vikos gorge trip, making it a total of 12 days.
Zagori Trekking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Papingo
After your arrival at Ioannina Airport, transfer to Papingo (can be booked in advance). During the last part of the ride, the road ascends through a series of impressive hairpin bends, making for a beautiful drive. Your overnight stay is in the village center in a traditional mansion.
We recommend booking an additional night in Papigno to allow ample time to explore this charming village and enjoy a walk to the view point of Kokkino Lithari, Mikro Papingo and the Kolymbithres.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Papingo
- Distance
- 8.6km, 600m of ascent
- Meals
- None
Day 2 Walk to Ano Klidonia via Klidonia and Voidomatis River
It is a very pleasant hike from Papingo to the village of Ano Klidonia today! The route is made up of long flat stretches on an easy trail, allowing you ample opportunities to fully enjoy the beautiful views of the valley and the Towers of Astraka. You’ll descend to the arched bridge near the village Kato Klidonia, from where you enter the valley of the Voidomatis River. The path along the river is mostly flat and walking under the plane trees is very pleasant. Your walk ends at the Aristi bridge today.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Papingo
- Distance
- 16.5km, 320m of ascent
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 Dragon Lake and Astrakas Hut Trek
This morning it’s time to pack up for a brilliant adventure, taking a few items (and a sleeping bag liner) with you to make the 2-day hike across the high Astrakas plateau.
Via Mikro Papingo you climb the 1000m up on an excellent path to the Astrakas Hut. After lunch at or near the refuge, you walk further up through captivating alpine scenery to reach Dragon Lake, situated at 2,050m. The lake is aptly named after the Alpine newts (dragons) who abound here. Looking out across the lake, you’ll witness remarkable, breath-taking views over the Aoos Valley that plunges deep down below.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Astrakas Hut
- Distance
- 14km, 1,400m of ascent
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4 Trek the Astrakas Plateau
You’ll leave the Astrakas Hut behind this morning to cross the alpine meadows between the peaks of Astraka and Gamila. This area is home to livestock and chamois. Further south you descend to the gorge Megas Lakos, a very deep gorge that connects to the Vikos gorge and measures more than 600m in depth! A final descent takes you to Tsepelovo where your luggage is waiting for you. Time to relax at the cozy village square after an adventure filled 2-day trek.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Tsepelovo
- Distance
- 13.5km, 400m of ascent
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5 Highlights of Zagori Walk to Kipi
On this last walking day of the trip, you’ll enjoy a beautiful hike to take in some of the highlights of this stunning region. You first ascend to a higher plain and then follow an old, cobbled foot path to the viewpoint of Beloi, said to offer the best views over the Vikos Gorge!
Later, in the small village Vradeto, enjoy a break at a traditional café here to re-fuel. The village is also well-known for its Vradeto steps, a steep zigzagging paved path between Vradeto and Kapesovo. After a stop in Kapesovo you’ll descend through shady forest to the Vikos River and follow the river until you reach Kipi. Don’t forget to visit some of the stone arched bridges, such as the unique three-arched bridge of Plakida!
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Kipi
- Distance
- 17.1km, 750m of ascent
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 6 Depart
After breakfast your adventure in Zagori comes to an end. It’s a great idea to book an extra night in Kipi to explore all that it has to offer.
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Zagori Trekking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided walking tour in Greece is always run as a self-guided tour for your group only and the price depends on your travelling dates and the type of room you choose.
Please note that in some hotels those who choose to share a quadruple room might be provided two double rooms instead.
The prices below are per person.
Departures from May 20th to July 9th:
- Price per solo traveller: $775USD
- Price per person staying in a single room: $650USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $595USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $350USD
- Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $350USD
Departures from July 10th to October 11th:
- Price per solo traveller: $825USD
- Price per person staying in a single room: $695USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $475USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $375USD
- Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $375USD
Accommodation on Zagori Trekking Tour
This tour is based in hotels, guesthouses and a mountain hut. Hotels on this trip are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy. Solo travellers might be required to pay an additional supplement.
Night 3
Astrakas Mountain Hut
This rustic mountain hut grants its guests a true alpine experience with dormitory bunk beds and delicious hot meals.
Night 4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsParoraia Villa in Tsepelovo
Guests will enjoy their stay at this 18th-century restored mansion, a stone villa featuring stylish rooms and a wide range of modern amenities.
Night 5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsMachalas Hotel in Kipi
A welcoming guesthouse in Kipi featuring a cozy taverna.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s Included in the Zagori Trekking Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included throughout the tour.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes two luggage transfers (between Megalo Papingo and Tsepelovo; and between Tsepelovo and Kipi). You will be in charge of any other transfers needed. For the hike to the Astrakas Hut you need to take limited luggage with you, including a sleeping bag liner and pillowcase and small hiking towel.
Also Included
- 24-hour telephone assistance, just a phone call away
- Detailed road book in English
Not included
- Any personal transfers not mentioned as ‘included’
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance fees and visits to monasteries and monuments
- Travel insurance
- Guide services
- Tourist tax (paid locally, between 0.5 and 2 EUR per night)
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
Frequenty Asked Questions about Zagori Trekking Tour
How hard is the Zagori Trekking Tour?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. Although the longest walk is 17.1km, some days the elevation is significant, which might make this trek a little challenging.
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, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. 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 Zagori Trekking Tour?
5 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover biking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Ioannina to start this tour?
You can opt for a flight to Thessaloniki, Athens, Preveza (charter) or Ioannina (by domestic flight from Athens).
Is the Zagori Trekking Tour in English?
This tour is not guided; however, all the route information will be provided in English.
Where does the Zagori Trekking Tour end?
The tour ends where it starts, in Ioannina.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to North Macedonia or Greece?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for North Macedonia or 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.
Reviews
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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
15 ratings
Written Reviews
There are no written reviews yet.
15 total ratings, 0 with reviewsPrices
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.
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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 4 / 5. Although the longest walk is 17.1km, some days the elevation is significant, which might make this trek a little challenging.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Local guide
Maria
Athens, Greece
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