Accommodation

5 days of accommodation in 3* hotels and traditional guesthouses, based on double occupancy and 1 night in a mountain hut.

Meals

All meals as specified in the trip notes (6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners).

Guide

Trails Beyond tour leader/trekking guide for the entire trip.

Others

Trails Beyond tour leader/trekking guide for the entire trip. 5 days of accommodation in 3* hotels and traditional guesthouses, based on double occupancy and 1 night in mountain hut in a dormitory. All meals as specified in the trip notes (6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners). Pick up from your hotel on day 2. Transportation with a private vehicle for the entire trip, including fuel consumption and tolls. Entrance fees to one monastery in Meteora & Rizarios Photo Exhibition Center. Cost for all activities included in the tour program and all the necessary equipment. All taxes.

Transport

Transportation with a private vehicle for the entire trip, including fuel consumption and tolls.

Hygieneprotocol

YOUR SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY HEALTHY SMALL GROUPS At Trails Beyond we have always been proud for having some of the smallest group sizes in the industry, with an average of 8-10 travelers per group. When you join one of our guided tours, expect to travel in a “small group bubble”, where every member of your group has completed a declaration prior to travel, to state they are free of COVID symptoms and any known exposure and will be asked to take a temperature check in the first 12 hours upon arrival (unless different policies apply by the Greek government, such as the need to present a Negative PCR COVID-19 test). FAR FROM THE CROWDS Our aim has always been to show you Greece’s hidden gems and take you to the less touristy places, far away from the crowds. When you travel to remote villages or you sail across the Aegean Sea on our sailing yacht, you are naturally protected from packed places, therefore your exposure to COVID-19 is reduced as much as possible! OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Besides traveling to non-touristic areas, when you choose a Trails Beyond adventure, you will most probably engage into outdoor activities, such as hiking, rafting, kayaking, sailing, swimming etc., which keep you away from strangers and let you enjoy the fresh air! What a better way to travel in this new era?! PHYSICAL DISTANCING At all times on a trip we comply with local regulations on physical distancing and permitted group sizes. As a general rule, we follow the recommended guidelines of 1.5m/5ft apart from others. When necessary, we will make changes to itineraries to avoid crowds by visiting attractions or travelling outside of peak times. We understand that keeping physical distancing continuously between group members when on a trip would be difficult and impractical. This is why we have put temperature checks upon arrival in place for travelers and leaders as well as other COVID-19 protocols such as enhanced hygiene and sanitation to help reduce the risk of group travel (see below). PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION We use spacious, private vehicles restricted to your group members only. We also recommend travelers to use the same seat for all journeys in one day. The vehicles are carefully cleaned before and after every trip and daily throughout your trip. Hand sanitizers are available on board and travelers are recommended to use them each time they get on board. Same applies when your means of transport is a sailing boat. RELIABLE PARTNERS When it comes to our partners, whether it is the accommodation you will stay, the vehicle that will be used, your meal providers as well as our outdoor activities partners, we have personally assessed that all of them comply with the Health Protocols set by the National Public Health Organization. So, you can rest assured that both us and our partners are doing our best to keep you safe and healthy. TRAVEL PRIVATE In case you wish to minimize your exposure to others, then simply go private! Take your own family or group of friends, choose your preferred adventure and travel dates and leave the rest on us. We are proud to offer all our trips as private with a very low minimum number of participants (3-4 travelers). FLEXIBLE BOOKINGS We understand that sometimes plans change, nowadays more than ever! For this reason and because we don’t want this to obstruct you from booking your so sought-after holiday, we have implemented even more flexible bookings terms. You can now book with confidence and peace of mind and stop worrying about what’s next! INCREASED HYGIENE & SANITATION MEASURES Our guests’ health and safety has always been our top priority and our staff has been trained to follow specific hygiene and safety procedures. However, in the coronavirus times that we are all going through, we have implemented extra hygiene measures to protect our guests’ and staff’s health. •Use of face masks whenever we are in indoor spaces (such as in our vehicle, at a hotel’s reception etc), during meals’ preparation by our staff or when the local guidelines or guests request so. •Use of gloves when preparing meals, which are regularly changed. •Regular disinfection of surfaces whether you are on one of our land tours or on a sailing yacht (i.e. handles, doors, activity equipment, food preparation areas). •Readily sanitation equipment, such as face-marks, hand sanitizers, thermometer etc. You are asked to bring your own face covering and hand sanitizer, however, your tour leader will have some extra pieces available for your convenience. •Open windows to facilitate fresh air circulation.

Not included:

Insurance

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Others

International airfares. Travel insurance (which we can arrange that for you). Airport transfer on day 1. Air ticket from Athens to Ioannina (if you choose to fly there). Any meals not included in the trip notes. Beverages and alcoholic drinks during meals. Optional activities that are not included in the day-to-day itinerary. Other expenses of personal nature and tips.

Flights

International flights are not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrival In Athens
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival In Athens

Welcome to Athens!

Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, you can either make your way to your hotel (or we can arrange a private transfer for you). Since your fellow travel companions arrive at different times, you will have the day free to explore Athens, one of Europe’s most important cities!

Your hotel is conveniently located downtown, allowing you to take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque neighborhoods ofPlaka, Monastiraki and Thissio. You can visit the UNESCO site ofthe Acropolis with the Parthenon, explore the Acropolis Museum, pass by the Parliament House and wander through the National Gardens. Don’t forget to hike up Philopappou Hill, offering superb views of the Acropolis and the city, or simply explore the city, look for souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant town with its numerous bars & restaurants.

Optional activities can be arranged for today, such as a guided walking tour of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, an e-bike tour to explore the city’s major highlights, or even a food tour etc., depending on your preferences.

A welcome briefing is scheduled for early evening when everyone has arrived, giving you the chance to get to know your guide and fellow travel companions. Optional group dinner.

Meals included: On your own

Overnight: 3* Hotel in Athens city center
Day 2 Day 2: Athens – Kapesovo – Vradeto Steps – Beloe Viewpoint – Vitsa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Athens – Kapesovo – Vradeto Steps – Beloe Viewpoint – Vitsa

Early in the morning of day 2 (around 8:00 – 8:30am) your tour guide will pick you up, and you will board our private minivan with destination the stunning region of Zagori (approx. 5.5 hrs drive from Athens)*.

Upon arrival, we will enjoy a quick outdoor snack for lunch, before we set off for our first hike! Starting from the village of Kapesovo, we will hike down to Mezaria stream and then ascend via the beautiful Vradeto steps (a stone path built in the 16th century at the cliff of the gorge) towards the highest village of Zagori, Vradeto (1340m). From there, following a beautiful path through the meadows, we will arrive at Beloe viewpoint (1400m), where we can enjoy panoramic views of the gorge. We return to Vradeto village and from there back to Kapesovo village.

Total Hike duration: 4 hours / Distance: 10.6km / Elevation gain/loss: +720m / -720m / Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

Depending on the time of the year the tour takes place, in case it gets dark earlier than 18:30pm, we will offer alternative activities/walks this afternoon and reschedule this hike for the following day (day 3). After completing this hike, we will transfer to Vitsa village, where we will check in at a family-run guesthouse. Here we will spend the next 2 days and enjoy homemade dinner!

*if you prefer to avoid the long drive from Athens to Zagori, you can opt for a one-hour flight from Athens to Ioannina National Airport. Our team will then pick you up and head to the Zagori villages (around a 45 min car ride).

Meals included: Snack lunch, dinner

Overnight: Traditional guesthouse in Vitsa village
Day 3 Day 3: Zagori Arch Stone Bridges & Stone-Made Villages
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Zagori Arch Stone Bridges & Stone-Made Villages

Following a rich homemade breakfast, today we will explore hiking some of the most beautiful historic arch stone bridges of the area, passing by traditional stone-made villages along the way.

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

Starting our journey from the Village of Vitsa (980m altitude), we will follow the charming stone-paved trail of Vitsa steps, leading us all the way down to the first arch stone bridge, Misios bridge (740m). Continuing along the Koukouli steps, we will reach the quaint village of Koukouli for a brief visit (890m elevation). Descending via another trail, our next stop will be the arched stone bridge of Lazarides, located near Kipi village. Next come the bridges of Myli, Plakidas (a three-arch stone bridge) and lastly the spectacular arched stone bridge of Kokoris, one of the area’s most famous and photographed landmarks.

This hike is very flexible and can be customized in many ways, with your tour guide making adjustments accordingly.

Hike duration: 4 – 5 hours / Distance: 12 – 15km / Elevation: +/- 300-500m / Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

Meals included: breakfast, snack lunch, dinner

Overnight: Traditional guesthouse in Vitsa
Day 4 Day 4: Crossing Vikos Gorge
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Crossing Vikos Gorge

Today, we will embark on one of the most breathtaking, impressive, and rewarding hiking trails in the region! We will begin the day with a transfer to Monodendri village, from where we will descend into Vikos Gorge, renowned as one of the world’s deepest gorges. Walking alongside the river (with several ascents and descents on uneven terrain), it will take us about 6 hours to cross the canyon. Traversing the ravine, we will have the opportunity to admire the rare varieties of wild birds and flowers that have found their habitat in Northern Pindos National Park. We will take a break at the river springs to relax and enjoy our snacks. Depending on the season, you can also swim in the refreshing river!

Early in the afternoon we arrive at Vikos village where we are picked up by our minibus and transferred to Papigo village for dinner and overnight stay.

Hike duration: 6-6.5 hours / Distance: 14km / Elevation gain/loss: +1.150m / -1.430m / Level of difficulty: moderate to challenging

Meals included: breakfast, snack lunch

Overnight: Traditional guesthouse in Papigo
Day 5 Day 5: Hike To The Alpine Dragon Lake – Astraka Mountain Refuge
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Hike To The Alpine Dragon Lake – Astraka Mountain Refuge

Our hiking exploration for today is quite demanding, yet incredibly rewarding!

Mikro Papigo - Astraka Refuge - Dragon Lake - Astraka Refuge (r/w)

In the early morning, following breakfast, we will begin ourascent from Papigo village to the Astraka refuge (approx. 3hrs hike, with a 1.000m ascent). The surrounding alpine scenery is sure to captivate you! After a brief pause for lunch and relaxation, we continue until the beautiful “Dragon Lake”, situated at an elevation of 2050m. The views over the Dragon Lake and the surrounding mountains and peaks of Greece will undoubtedly reward you after a full day of hiking.

Tonight, we will stay overnight at the Astraka Mountain Refuge, where a homemade dinner awaits.

Hike duration: 6 – 6.5 hours / Distance: 11km / Elevation gain/loss: +1.450m / -450m / Level of difficulty: moderate to challenging

Meals included: breakfast, snack lunch

Overnight: Bed (Dorm) in Mountain Hut
Day 6 Astraka Refuge Descent - Papigo - Meteora
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Astraka Refuge Descent - Papigo - Meteora

Astraka Refue - Mikro Papigo (o/w)

Begin your day early to witness the beautiful sunrise - you won’t regret it! Following breakfast at the mountain hut, we will start our descent back to Papigo village, a journey of approximately 2.5 hrs. This marks our last day in the Zagori region, and we can’t bid farewell without a visit to the natural pools in Ovires. During the summer months, you may even take a refreshing swim in the cold river waters!

Lunch can be enjoyed at one of the family-run restaurants or cafes, before we depart with destination the UNESCO Worldwide Heritage site of Meteora. Upon arrival in Meteora, we will enjoy a short tour (by car) to a couple of scenic viewpoints, allowing you to admire the striking views and take postcard-perfect photos, before checking into our hotel.

Total Hike duration: 2.5 hours / Distance: 6km / Elevation gain/loss: - 1.000m / Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight: 3* Hotel in Meteora
Day 7 Day 7: Hiking Meteora – Athens
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Hiking Meteora – Athens

What better way to start your day than by admiring the spectacular rock pillars of Meteora stone forest? After breakfast, we will explore this unique landscape on foot, tracing the ancient monks’ hiking paths and visiting some of the top-cliff monasteries in the area.

In the afternoon, we will return to Athens (estimated time of arrival around 18:00pm). Depending on your holiday plans, we can either drop you off at the airport if you need to catch your flight, or in Athens city center if you are staying longer.

Total Hike duration: 3 – 4 hours / Total Distance: 5 - 7km / Elevation gain/loss: +280m / - 280m / Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

7 days tour

Hiking Zagori & Meteora

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Hiking Zagori & Meteora

Day 1: Arrival In Athens

Day 2: Athens – Kapesovo – Vradeto Steps – Beloe Viewpoint – Vitsa

Day 3: Zagori Arch Stone Bridges & Stone-Made Villages

Day 4: Crossing Vikos Gorge

Day 5: Hike To The Alpine Dragon Lake – Astraka Mountain Refuge

Astraka Refuge Descent - Papigo - Meteora

Day 7: Hiking Meteora – Athens

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