Epirus in north-western Greece is a mountainous, relatively wet and thickly vegetated part of the country with its own strong culture. The region hides also Vikos gorge, one of Europe’s finest canyons. With some exceptions, walking (about 6 hours per day) is on well-defined paths; mostly in fir forest and open moor land above the tree line. This tour is recommended for fit participants.
Trip Summary:
Day 1 - Travel to Monodendri (or Ano Pedina) and short walk. Your meeting with your guide is at the town of Ioannina. Transfer to Monodendri (1 hr) or to the nearby Zagorian village, Ano Pedina. We will visit the monastery of Agia Paraskevi, close to the edge of the gorge. Rest of the day free. O/N in a guesthouse.
Day 2 - Monodendri to Vikos and o/n in Papingo. Walk to Mikro Papingo through the Vikos Gorge with its turquoise river-pools (5 to 6 hours). A classic trek in one of Europe’s finest canyons. Spectacular cliff walls tower up on both sides as we follow the riverbed downstream, or a small path alongside (4 hrs). We end with a further 2 hours uphill beneath the towers of Papingo. We may cool off with a dip in the natural swimming pool of a nearby stream before settling into our rooms. O/N in pension.
Day 3 - Papingo to Mt Gamila Refuge and Dragon Lake (6 hrs). Todays walk starts with 3 hours uphill from Mikro Papingo to the “Astraka” refuge on Mt. Gamila, at 1950m. Here we picnic and leave our packs for the afternoon walk to the first of the Dragon Lakes, an hour away across grassy uplands studded with flowers and (until July) some small snow pack. We return to the refuge for the night.
Day 4 - Loop walks to Gamila or Astraka summits (7 hrs round trip). There are two summits that we can ascend in a loop walk, if we are fit enough and in a good shape: Mount Gamila at 2480m and Mount Astraka at 2436m. We may choose on the spot which of the two summits to climb from where we can enjoy the panorama over the plunging Aoos ravine. We return to the refuge for the night.
Day 5 - Walk down to Klidonia (6 hrs). We walk down to Papingo and then to Kato Klidonia village one of the most beautiful stone arched bridges of the Balkans via the deserted hamlet of Klidonia. Short transfer (5-10minutes) to Konitsa and O/N in guesthouse.
Day 6 - Konitsa to Mt. Smolikas refuge, refuge to Agia Paraskevi (6-7 ˝ hrs). A gentle day to recover and see some town life. In the morning we shop and visit to Konitsa town, before transferring to the village of Palioselli (1 hour) for a light lunch. Then we climb through fir forest to the Naneh refuge at 1650m, and settle in. 3 hours walk, up the mountain just above the tree line, is the Dragon Lake at 2200m,. The energetic ones can make a side trip up to the visible 2637m peaks, with views encompassing Corfu and Mt. Olympus on a clear day (1˝ hours return). O/N in refuge.
Day 7 - Travel to Ioannina. We catch an early bus to Konitsa, and another on to Ioannina, to arrive around noon. Those who wish can visit the beautiful old town or the island in the lake where Ali Pasha lived. After a final tavern lunch the trip ends.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- €720 for 6-8 participants;
- €950 for 4-5 participants;
- €1200 for 2-3 participants.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Greece
Hiking & Trekking
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