Discover the ancient wonders and incredible natural beauty of Greece as you hike Zagori and Meteora
Discover the incredible Pindus Mountains of Greece on this once-in-a-lifetime guided walking adventure. The Hiking the Ancient Paths of Zagori & Meteora tour whisks you away from Athens and shows you the unbelievable natural beauty of the Greek mountains.
You’ll spend your days hiking in the spectacular Vikos Gorge and exploring the ancient villages and stone arch bridges around Zagori. Then you’ll take an overnight hike into the mountains to enjoy incredible views and beautiful alpine lakes. Your tour ends with some unbelievable hiking through the stone forest of Meteora. Take this amazing hiking tour to discover the beauty to be seen in Greece beyond the islands!
Highlights of the Hiking the Ancient Paths of Zagori & Meteora
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Hiking the Ancient Paths of Zagori & Meteora Itinerary
Day 1 Your Adventure Starts in Zagori
Your tour starts with a transfer from Athens to Zagori where you’ll meet your guide for a short welcome meeting.
Stretch your legs with a walk to Monodendri, where you’ll spend some time exploring the village. You’ll stop at a handicraft school and photography exhibit to learn about the local culture. End your day with a short hike to take in the incredible view over the Vikos Gorge.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Vitsa
Distance: 1 hour
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Discover the Ancient Paths
This morning you’ll start your hike from Kapesovo to the Vikos Gorge to see the incredible Vradeto Steps. After you visit the 16th century stone path you’ll climb out of the gorge to the viewpoint at Beloi. Enjoy the amazing views from the mountain meadows and then return to Kapesovo village.
The second half of your day will be a tour of the impressive ancient stone bridges of Zagori.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Vitsa
Distance: 6-7.5 hours, 16-20 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Canyon Hike to Vikos
Take the transfer to Monodendri village to start your hike to the bottom of the Vikos Gorge. Today you’ll be walking one of the most beautiful paths through the gorge as you follow the river across the canyon floor. Have a relaxing picnic lunch by the river springs and take a refreshing swim if the weather is warm!
When you arrive in Vikos village your transfer will drive you to Papigo, where you’ll stay for the night.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Papigo
Distance: 6-6.5 hours, 12.5 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4 Alpine Hike to Dragon Lake
Your hike today is from Papigo village to the Astraka mountain refuge. The trail will be more challenging but offers incredible mountain scenery as a reward. As you hike through the mountains you’ll discover the glassy waters of Dragon Lake nestled in the green shoulders of the mountains. Stop for photos!
After a rest at this magical spot, you’ll finish your hike to your mountain refuge.
Overnight Location: Astraka mountain refuge
Distance: 6-6.5 hours, 11 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Visit the Ovires Pools and Amazing Meteora
Enjoy your breakfast while watching the sunrise over the majestic mountain vista. Later, you’ll hike back to Papigo village for a second look at the amazing alpine landscapes as you descend.
In the afternoon you’ll visit the natural stone pools in Ovires, where you’ll stop for a picnic lunch. From here, a transfer will bring you to Meteora and take you on a short tour of the best viewpoints of the monasteries perched atop spectacular rock formations.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Meteora
Distance: 2.5 hours, 6 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Meteora Stone Forest Walk
This morning you’ll take a walk through the amazing rock formations that tower above the trails through the Meteora stone forest. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient monks as you walk the trails and visit a few of the spectacular clifftop monasteries.
In the afternoon you’ll take the 4-hour transfer back to Athens, where you’re free to explore the amazing city all evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Athens
Distance: 3-3.5 hours, 5-6km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7 Tour Concludes in Athens
Although your tour officially ends after breakfast, if time permits you should get out and explore the ancient city of Athens before you have to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This guided tour is run as a mixed group on a scheduled departure. Private departures are available on request.
Prices below are per person:
Accommodation on the Hiking the Ancient Paths of Zagori & Meteora Tour
This tour is based in guesthouses, hotels, and mountain refuge accommodations. Hotels on this trip are 3-star, and you’ll be staying in traditional local guesthouses. The one night you spend in a mountain hut is in a dormitory-style room with shared accommodations.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $195 USD to have a private room where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Guesthouse in Vitsa
Enjoy the local hospitality at a traditional guesthouse where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in Greek culture.
Guesthouse in Papigo
Enjoy the local hospitality at a traditional guesthouse where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in Greek culture.
Mountain Refuge, Astraka Refuge
Spend the night on the mountain at the Astraka Refuge, where you’ll enjoy a warm meal and share a dormitory-style room.
Hotel in Meteora
Discover famous Mediterranean hospitality during your stay at a comfortable 3-star hotel in a great location.
Hotel in Athens
Discover famous Mediterranean hospitality during your stay at a comfortable 3-star hotel in a great location.
What’s Included in the Hiking the Ancient Paths of Zagori & Meteora Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Athens are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour as outlined in the itinerary. This includes pick-up and drop-off from central Athens at the beginning and end of the tour. Transfers can be arranged from alternate airports if required.
Also Included
- English-speaking tour leader and trekking guide
- Entrance fees to Rizarios Photo Exhibition
- Entrance fees to one Meteora monastery
Not included
- Flights
- Visas if required
- Meals, drinks, alcoholic beverages, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Optional activities
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel insurance
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiking the Ancient Paths of Zagori & Meteora
Trails Beyond has been leading adventures in Greece since 2013. Bringing local expertise combined with global experience, Trails Beyond is a boutique tour operator with itineraries that go beyond the conventional. Trails Beyond has a special expertise in sailing, and offer a unique vantage point to those who want to soak up all that Greece has to offer.
Learn MoreHiking the Ancient Paths of Zagori to Meteora Route Map
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