Zagori Trekking Tour
Spend 6-days walking and trekking in the Pindus Mountains of Northwestern Greece
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Zagori Trekking Tour Overview
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.
Trip highlights
Adventure in Greece’s remote wonderland of Zagori, enjoying scenic walks and a 2-day trek across the Astrakas Plateau.
Visit and stay in sleepy mountain villages where you’ll be welcomed with friendly hospitality and can enjoy local specialties.
Take in wondrous views over the famous Vikos Gorge from the advantageous Beloi Viewpoint.
Stay in cozy locally-owned hotels and spend one night in a rustic mountain hut surrounded by brilliant alpine scenery.
Day By Day Itinerary
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 5 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 5 nights are included throughout 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.
- 24-hour telephone assistance, just a phone call away
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Luggage Transfers
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
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
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 4 / 5. Although the longest walk is 17.1 km, some days the elevation is significant, which might make this trek a little challenging.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
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.
5 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover biking. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can opt for a flight to Thessaloniki, Athens, Preveza (charter) or Ioannina (by domestic flight from Athens).
This tour is not guided; however, all the route information will be provided in English.
The tour ends where it starts, in Ioannina.
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.
Why book Zagori Trekking Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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