THE NORTH LOOP TRAIL

DAY 1

SKG-THESSALONIKI

On arrival at SKG a private bus will transfer you at your hotel. Early in the afternoon a short city tour (3h) is arranged for you. This way you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of the history and mix of cultures of Thessaloniki. After the city tour, a welcome meze-dinner is waiting for you at a small neighborhood tavern, where you can taste local delicacies and have a detailed explanation of the week ahead.

DAY 2

THESSALONIKI-METEORA

Early in the morning we depart for Meteora, a 3- hour drive to the south-west of Greece. After some rest and lunch we will explore on foot the unique area of Meteora monasteries. We are going to hike to the top of the Rocks and visit the monasteries of Varlaam and Great Meteoron through a forest of birches.

DAY 3

METEORA-KIPOI-VITSA

After breakfast we hop on the van, our destination being Zagori area and the village of Kipoi. On this day we’ll have a short hike of about 3 hours through the traditional stone bridges of Zagori. During our short pause for rest we will have the chance to taste some local products, at a picnic next to an old mill. Last stop of the day is the village of Vitsa, where we overnight at the convention center The Land Beyond.

DAY 4

VITSA-VIKOS GORGE-PAPIGKO

Today we hike into the famous Vikos Gorge, the steepest gorge in the world according to Guinness Book After 1- hour descend to the bottom of the canyon through the Monodendri Steps, we will walk approximately 4 hours along the riverbed. The last part of the day’s hike is the demanding one, as for 2 hours we will walk uphill and under the famous Papigko Towers, to the village of Papigko where we will spent the night at the Saxonis guesthouse

DAY 5

PAPIGKO-DRAKOLIMNI-PAPIGKO

Today we wake up early as this day is the most demanding yet the most exciting of our entire trip. We will visit the emblematic Drakolimni (Dragon Lake). After a half -hour hike from Megalo Papigko to Mikro Papigko, we start walking uphill for the next 3 hours, towards the Astraka Refuge. At the refuge we can get some rest and have lunch. From that point Drakolimni is just 1.15’ away. Early in the afternoon we start walking downhill towards Papigko and back to our hotel.

DAY 6

PAPIGKO-AGIOS GERMANOS

Following the two previous demanding days, this is a relaxed one. We wake up and have breakfast at our own pace. Before noon we depart for the Prespes Lakes area and the village of Agios Germanos, a three-hour drive . On arrival you are free to have lunch or take a nap, and during the afternoon we will visit the Askitaria, monk’s caves with frescoes from the 15th century

DAY 7

AGIOS GERMANOS-PRESPES

Today we will hike to Mount Varnountas and the Potistres viewpoint (5 hours in total), which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the two lakes of Prespa and the tri-border. For those who prefer to relax this can be a leisurely day and we can recommend some local activities. In the afternoon we will visit the small island of Agios Achillios, where we can walk around the island and visit the old Orthodox churches that have been standing there since the 10th century. Agios Achillios offers a fantastic sunset view to conclude our excursion

DAY 8

AGIOS GERMANOS-THESSALONIKI

We wake up without haste and after breakfast we take the road back to Thessaloniki. We will be at the city around midday. Free for the rest of the day.

DAY 9

THESSALONIKI-SKG

Depending on your departure time, you will be transferred to the SKG international airport