Wild mountains and rivers adventure (Pindos - Lake Plastira - Zagori - Meteora - Athens)

Have you ever been to a place, unknown to most of the world, but so beautiful and magical, that you want to keep it secret for yourself, yet, at the same time, scream it out to the world? Have you ever thought of Greece as a place with wild and steep mountains, ideal for adventure holidays?

You simply have to join us on our “Wild Mountains & Rivers” adventure and discover the secret beauty of the Greek mainland through a range of outdoor activities! Traditional stone-made villages untouched by time, lush fir forests, alpine landscapes, magical lakes and rivers, arch stone bridges, delicious local food, and the hospitality of the local people are waiting for you to explore them! Plus you will have the chance to explore the UNESCO site of Meteora beyond the ordinary way!

During this 7day adventure in mainland Greece, you will have the chance to enjoy hydro-biking in a lake, hiking through beautiful mountain paths, rafting and horseback riding in the National Park of Northern Pindos, and last but not least, explore Aoos canyon via a spectacular Via Ferrata!

Take advantage of Greece’s mild weather and enjoy a weekly adventure beyond the beaten bath…

This adventure is also ideal for families who love active holidays and are looking to explore destinations through multiple outdoor activities and interesting cultural experiences suitable for the entire family!

Tour Highlights

• Discover Northern Pindos National Park, one of the most pristine areas in Greece
• Visit beautiful and unspoiled traditional mountainous Greek villages
• Explore the magical lake Plastira on a kayak or hydro-bike
• Enjoy horseback riding under the stunning Astraka towers in Zagori
• Climb the Vradeto steps and enjoy the stunning views over Vikos Gorge from Beloi viewpoint
• Go rafting in one of Europe’s cleanest rivers, Voidomatis
• Take a Via Ferrata and explore Aoos Canyon in an unforgettable way!
• Taste delicious local food and wines
• Follow the paths of the old monks and visit the cliff–top monasteries of Meteora
• Explore Athens and the Acropolis on a guided walking tour

Schedule:

Day 1: Athens - Lake Plastira - Meteora

On this first morning, your tour leader will pick you up either from your hotel or from a common meeting point in Athens city center and you will depart with directions to the dreamy Lake Plastira, a destination that harmonically combines serenity with adventure (approx. 4 hours driving distance). Upon arrival at the lake, you will enjoy a picnic lunch by the lakeside, before you set off on exploring the lake on a hydro-bike or canoe/kayak. You can also try your hands at archery!

Activity duration: approx. 1.5 – 2 hours, level of difficulty: easy

In the afternoon, you will head to Meteora, a UNESCO Worldwide Heritage Site and an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Greece (1:20hrs drive).  Upon arrival in Meteora, we will take you on a tour around this unique landscape, so you can get a first glimpse of the “stone forest”, and admire the rock pillars rising 400m over the ground and the monasteries built on top of them! We will make a couple of stops at some of the best viewpoints, so you can admire the breathtaking views and take your postcard-like photos.

Hotel check-in and dinner in one of the local restaurants will end this long, yet rewarding day.

• Meals: Picnic Lunch
• Accommodation 3*  Hotel in Meteora

Day 2: Hike Meteora & monasteries – Vitsa

What better way to wake up rather than to admire the spectacular sandstone rocks of Meteora, rising over 400 m above the ground? After breakfast, we will explore this unique landscape and the impressive clifftop monasteries beyond the ordinary way!

We will follow the ancient paths that the monks used to follow, through the steep rocks, visit some of the monasteries and other hidden gems of Meteora, and of course, admire the breathtaking views.

(Total Hike duration: 2.5 – 3 hours / Total activity duration, incl. the visit to the monasteries: 4 – 5 hrs / Level of difficulty: easy / Total Distance: 5-6km / Altitude difference: 280m)

After lunch in the great outdoors, you will board our car with the destination the stunning area of Zagori (approx. 2.5 hrs driving). The first destination will be the beautiful village of Monodendri, located at a height of 1.060m. From the square of the village, you will take the short hiking path to Agia Paraskevi church and enjoy the impressive views over Vikos Gorge! Visit Oxya viewpoint and the stone forest come next.

Hike duration: 1 hour, level of difficulty: easy

Early in the evening, you will check in at a traditional guesthouse in Vitsa village and enjoy a homemade dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse in Vitsa

Day 3: Vradeto steps, Beloi viewpoint & Zagori arch stone bridges

After breakfast, we will drive towards Kapesovo village. From there, following the beautiful stone trail of Vradeto steps, we’ll reach the highest village of Zagori, Vradeto (1450m), and 2km later at Beloi viewpoint (1650m), where we can enjoy striking panoramic views over the gorge!

After lunch, we will explore hiking some of the most important and beautiful arch-stone bridges in the area.

Dinner and overnight in Vitsa village

• Kapesovo – Vradeto- Mpeloi (return trail)

Hike duration: 3.5-4 hours / Hiking Distance: 10.6km / Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

• Arch stone Bridges tour (o/w or r/w)

*The tour of the arch stone bridges can be done in many different ways, we may hike to all of the bridges or do parts by car (it depends on the travelers’ fitness level, it is a quite flexible trail)

Hike duration: 1.5-3 hours / Distance: 5 – 10 km / Level of difficulty: easy 

Total Hike duration: 6-7.5 hours / Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

• Meals: Breakfast, Snack Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation Traditional guesthouse in Vitsa

Day 4: Papigo: rafting & horseback riding

Prepare yourselves for rafting in one of the clearest rivers in Europe! Starting from the beautiful stone bridge of Aristi, we will cross the National Park of Vikos – Aoos, while rafting across the Voidomatis River. This is an easy route, ideal for everyone, yet very impressive because of the river’s crystal clear waters and the surrounding natural landscape.

Activity duration: approx. 1.5 hours in the water – 3.5 hrs total / Level of difficulty: easy

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a nice horseback riding experience in the area around Papigo village. Among the village’s cobblestone paths or the large agricultural fields and small dirt footpaths, we will take you on a fun horse ride around this impressive landscape! Route and duration depend on your experience, but no previous experience is required.

Activity duration: approx. 1 hour / Level of difficulty: easy

• Meals: Breakfast, Snack lunch
• Accommodation: Traditional guesthouse in Papigo

Day 5: Via Ferrata in Aoos River/canyon

Get ready for a unique, unforgettable experience today, since you will explore the spectacular Aoos River in an absolutely different and fun way! Just north of Papigo and Mt Tymfi, lies the scenic canyon of Aoos, run by Aoos River and surrounded by majestic mountains, such as Smolikas and Tymfi mountains.

Our activity will start from Konitsa's old bridge, which will captivate your eyes! A 45min hike parallel to the river will take us to the beginning of the via ferrata. Two bridges will cross our path, a small one in Gravos of 6-7m in length, and a longer one, Aoo’s Thibetan, 17m long and 35m are high! Several impressive climbs follow, on steel ladders and vertical rock, 60-70m above the water. About halfway we will find some hiking trails, boasting beautiful scenic landscapes and we will end up back at the historic bridge of Konitsa.

**Via Ferrata is a very special activity with an extreme character that does not require prior experience. An average level of fitness is required, however, one must not be afraid of heights. The minimum age to participate is 16 years old**

Activity duration: approx. 4 – 5 hrs, level of difficulty: easy to moderate

In case you are traveling with young children or you are not confident with heights, we can alternatively offer a hike following a similar route in Aoos Canyon. Starting also from the old bridge of Konitsa, we will hike to Moni Stomiou, a historical monastery built in 1774 in between two steep mountain slopes. The path is easy and beautiful and will take you to the monastery in approx. 90min of the hike. We will follow the same trail back to Konitsa Bridge.

Total Hike duration: 3 – 3.5 hours / Distance: 10km return way / Level of difficulty: easy

In the summer months, you can enjoy a revitalizing swim in the fresh waters of Aoos River!

• Meals: Breakfast, Snack Lunch
• Accommodation: Traditional guesthouse in Papigo

Day 6: Rogovos natural pools – return to Athens

Today you will, unfortunately, have to say goodbye to this wonderful, pristine part of Greece! But before you do so, we will take you to a nearby well-kept gem. Just a 10min walk from Papigo village lies a gorgeous small canyon, Rogovos. The stream running down the canyon forms some beautiful natural pools around the unique rock formations. In the summertime, you may even dare to dive in the freezing waters!

We will then depart for our trip back to Athens (approx. 5.5 hrs drive), which you will reach early in the evening (around 18:00 pm). We will drop you off at your hotel and you will have the evening free to enjoy the city the way you wish.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: 3* Hotel in Athens

Day 7: Athens & Acropolis Guided tour - Departures

This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of Athens city and the archaeological site of Acropolis, a UNESCO Worldwide Heritage Site and the landmark of Athens. You will meet your tour guide in the morning at a designated meeting point and join a superb historical tour. Walk by the Greek Parliament, Syntagma Square, the National Gardens, the Temple of Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch, ending at the Acropolis site. Entering on the south slope of the Acropolis, you’ll visit the Dionysus Sanctuary and Dionysus Theater before you walk up the slope leading to the Acropolis monuments. Panoramic views of the city and insight information in Athens’ ancient history will complete your wonderful active holiday in Greece!

Tour duration: approx. 3.5 hrs (you will finish around 12:00 – 13:00 pm).

An afternoon transfer will take you to Athens int. airport to catch your flight back home. End of adventure!

• Meals: Breakfast