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The region of Epirus presents an austere, alpine landscape one wouldn’t expect to find in Greece, while conserving some Mediterranean mildness. Largely unexplored and untouched by tourism, preserving stone built villages hidden among deep forests and steep valleys. Ancient ruins, impressive Byzantine churches and fortresses bear witness to the rich cultural history of the region, while the hundreds of paths which cross the high mountains offer hikers the possibility to enjoy landscapes not seen by many.
Thessaloniki
Lost amid the stunning towering and rocky mountains of region Epirus, Zagori remains a paradise hidden to most tourists; a shelter made of stone, whose color characterizes the houses and villages, of old trees and of the purest waters.
Many villages are scattered throughout the region; picturesque villages, once rich, as Papingo, Kapesovo, Vradeto, feature traditional houses, connected by roads and bridges, built by renowned local stonemasons, who left traces of their work worldwide.
Then there is the great spectacle of nature: the Voidomatis River, one of the cleanest and coldest throughout Europe, the imposing peaks of Astraka and Gamila mountains. Art and nature embrace Zagori, offering an impressive spectacle and an unforgettable experience!
Among the most impressive visits of the tour are:
Arrival at Thessaloniki airport and departure for Ioannina, the capital of the region of Epirus, a picturesque and lively city on the shore of lake Pamvotis. Depending on the flights schedule, and available time, brief visit of the castle area of Ioannina and time at leisure in the city. Transfer from Ioannina to Kipi, in the region of Zagori, accommodation in the hotel, dinner and overnight stay at Kipi.
First encounter with the landscape of the National Park of Epirus: from Kipi we follow the ancient paths that follow the course of river Voidomatis and bring us to the picturesque villages of Vitsa and Dilofo. In the afternoon, return to Kipi. Dinner and overnight.
Dist.10Km, Difference in level.250m, approx.6h.
Departure from Kipi towards one of the most spectacular scenery in the world: the “Vradeto steps” carved on the rock! Until recently the Vradeto steps was the only way to access the village of Vradeto. We also visit the picturesque village of Beloi, that offers a marvelous panorama over the river Vikos gorge. Return to Kipi, dinner and overnight stay.
Dist.10km, Difference in level.700m, approx.2h.
Early morning departure from Kipi to cross the canyon of Vikos towards the village of Papingo. Nice trail through the beautiful natural landscape of the region. Along the way, we meet spectacular stone bridges and ancient monasteries perched among the rocks. Upon arrival at Papingo, accommodation in the hotel, dinner and overnight stay at Papingo.
Dist.14km, Difference in level 500m, approx.7h.
Day dedicated to the discovery of the beauties of the most characteristic villages of Zagori: we start hiking from Papingo and, passing by the sources of river Voidomatis, considered the purest in Europe, we reach the small village of Vikos. Afterr the hike, return to Papingo, dinner and overnight stay.
Dist.5km, Difference in nivel 500m, Approx.2h.
From Papingo we start following the path towards the picturesque villages of Klidonia and Aristi. Along the way, we can admire not only the exuberant nature and the traditional stone bridges, but also the small monastery of Agioi Anargiroi, from the seventeenth century. Return to Papingo, dinner and overnight stay.
Dist.15km, Difference in level 300m, approx.4h.
Departure from Zagori. Before taking the road to Thessaloniki, if the flight schedule allows, we visit Kónitsa and Ganadiò, called “Mastorochoria”, villages of the masters, where the most skilled stone workers came from, who were called to work even on the construction of the White House in the US. Arrival in Thessaloniki by afternoon and transfer to the airport for check-in and return flight.
