National Park Vikos-Aoos tour

Package Overview

This 7 days tour takes places in the Vikos-Aoos National Park, the most untouched area in Greece, north of the city of Ioannina, in the region of Epirus. The relative small human impact, the rare flora and fauna of the area, and thanks to its wild and unspoiled nature makes this place unique in Greece
We will cross the impressive Vikos gorge, localated in the heart of the National Park, and listed in Guiness as the deepest gorge in the world. We will hike up to a magnificent alpine lake (known as dragon lake) and we will have the chance to stay overnight in the refuge house on the mountain.

We will visit Zagori a mountainous region of stunning beauty, one of the most strictly protected areas in Greece. As the region remained cut off from the rest of the country for decades, you will not find here signs of massive tourism. We will visit and stay at some of the picturesque stone villages of Zagori, a masterpice of tradional architecture, ideal for those seeking relaxation and tranquility.

Finally we will go for rafting in Voidomatis river, ranked as one of the cleanest rivers in Europe and enjoy the stunning nature of the area while paddling through turquoise crystal clear waters.

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Athens, check in at the hotel and dinner in a local tavern.

  You will meet our guide in Athens, waiting for you at the hotel. As there not any activity included this day we will have a short walk tour in the lively area of downtown Athens, go for a dinner in a local tavern. and have a tour briefing from the guide.

  • Themes Food and Drink
• Day 2 : Travel to Zagori area, hike Vradeto Steps and visit local villages

  After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and we drive towards Zagori region. Today's hiking starts from the village of Vradeto the highest village in the area, built at an altitude of 1340m. Until 1974 the village was connected to the rest of the world only by the famous "Vradeto steps", an impressive stone structure using the "native" stone above the Vikos Gorge.
  During the hike we will visit Beloi, a natural balcony that offers the best and most imposing view of Vikos Gorge.
  We will descent this stone trail for about an hour and we will arrive at the village of Kapesovo. We have free time to explore the village and enjoy a lunch with local delicatessens. We will then move to Dilofo, the nearby village where we will end our day.
  
  Meals included: Breakfast, Snack lunch, Dinner

  • Themes Hiking
• Day 3 : Transfer to Monodendri village, cross Vikos gorge, visit local villages

  After breakfast, we will move towards the traditional village Monodendri . Today's day is quite interesting as we will cross the imposing gorge of Vikos. It is located in the heart of the National Park of Vikos-Aoos, A magnificent area with great ecological value. A feast of flora and fauna, Vikos is one of the few wildlife shelters in Europe. We will hike for about 7 hours, a 12 km distance, in order to reach the traditional village Vikos, perched on top of the canyon. We will enjoy breathtaking views and then it is time to luch at the local tavern of the village.
  We will then drive a 30min distance to Papigko village where we will have free time to walk around and spend the night.
  
  Meals included: Breakfast, Snack lunch, Dinner

  • Themes Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks, Hiking
• Day 4 : Hike up to the alpine Dragon lake, and sleep at the refuge house.

  We will have an early start as we will be heading towards Dracolimni. We will be walking uphill and our first stop will be the Astracas shelter at 1930m. During the first part of our journey will be passing through forest areas. Soon enough, the landscape will change as we will be entering the alpine zone of Mt. Tymphe. The variation of the surrounding environment is something that we should take into consideration especially during the summer when the temperatures can be really high. Hopefully, on our path will find find three natural refreshing water sources. The journey till our first stop at the shelter will be approximately four hours. There, we will have lunch and some rest. After that we will hit the road again and we will walk for 1.5 hours until we reach our final destination, Dracolimni. The view up there is one of the most mesmerising views that someone can enjoy from the impressive greek mountain peaks. We return back to the refuge for dinner and rest.
  
  Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Themes Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks, Hiking
• Day 5 : Descent the mountain, arrive at Amarantos village and enjoy a natural hot steam bath.

  We will have an early start as we will be heading towards Dracolimni. We will be walking uphill and our first stop will be the Astracas shelter at 1930m. During the first part of our journey will be passing through forest areas. Soon enough, the landscape will change as we will be entering the alpine zone of Mt. Tymphe. The variation of the surrounding environment is something that we should take into consideration especially during the summer when the temperatures can be really high. Hopefully, on our path will find find three natural refreshing water sources. The journey till our first stop at the shelter will be approximately four hours. There, we will have lunch and some rest. After that we will hit the road again and we will walk for 1.5 hours until we reach our final destination, Dracolimni. The view up there is one of the most mesmerising views that someone can enjoy from the impressive greek mountain peaks. We return back to the refuge for dinner and rest.
  
  Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Themes Spa / Wellness, Hiking
• Day 6 : Rafting at Voidomatis river - Travel back to Athens

  After breakfast at the guesthouse, it is time to explore Voidomatis river!
  An ideal, for beginners or families, relaxing rafting descent in the crystal clear waters of Voidomatis river, ranked as the cleanest river in Europe, in the heart of the National Park of Vikos.
  Enjoy the stunning nature of the area while paddling through turquoise crystal waters. Without any technical difficulties during the rafting, is definitely an experience that should not to be missed by anyone.
  After the activity ends we will start our journey back to Athens. Check in at the hotel.
  
  Meals included: Breakfast, Snack lunch

  • Themes River Rafting
• Day 7 : Departure Day

  Our adventure ends today after the breakfast. For those who have a flight back to their country we wish them to have a pleasant and safe journey. For those who continue their holidays in Greece we are sure that they will enjoy wherever they go.

  • Themes Group

Inclusions

• EP (No Meal)
• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• Transfers
• Private Guide
• Transfer with private mini van from Athens to National Park Vikos-Aoos and return to Athens
• All transportation during the trip .
• 6 nights accommodation (5 nights in hotels/traditional guest houses based on double occupancy, 1 night in mountain hut, dormitory style)
• Rafting in Voidomatis river / Necessary equipment
• Hiking Equipment (baton)
• Snacks during the hikes
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary (6 breakfasts, 4 dinners, 4 lunches)
• Two NomadsPath english speaking guides/tour leaders throughout the trip
• Luggage transfer

Exclusions

• International airfare and any airport taxes
• Travel insurance
• Any meals not mentioned in the program
• Alcoholic beverages
• Additional expences as a result of leaving the tour earlier
• Additional expences as a result of staying longer

Price & Rates

Booking Cut-off time

• 20 Days

Min & Max. PAX

• Min : 3, Max : 14

Terms & Conditions

This Tour is Offered by

• Pallados Athinas 48
• XXXXXX8730 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@nomadspath.gr View Mail ID

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