THE ZAGORI CIRCUIT TRAIL

DAY 1

ARRIVAL AT THESSALONIKI

Upon arrival at Thessaloniki SKG International Airport, a private bus will transfer you to your hotel, where you can take a short break from the journey or leave your luggage and start exploring the city. In the early afternoon a licensed guide will accompany you on a short city tour (3 hours). You will walk through the historic part of the city and enjoy the unique combination of periods, from ancient Greek to Roman and Ottoman, and have the opportunity to explore the flavors of the city at the Kapani food market. After the walking tour, your tasting journey will resume with a welcome meze dinner at a local tavern.

DAY 2

THESSALONIKI-VRADETO-TSEPELOVO

After breakfast we will travel to the heart of Mount Tymphi, to the village of Vradeto. Spyros and Violeta, owners of the local guesthouse, will be waiting for us with a traditional meal . After lunch we start our hike on the Pindos mountain with an easy and short route. We start walking to the observation point of Belos, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the Vikos gorge. We return to Vradeto and head towards the picturesque village of Kapesovo (1 hour) via the famous steps of Vradeto (Skala Vradeto). In Kapesovo we can take some time to explore the village or just relax in the central square with its spectacular views. From Kapesovo we have a 1,5 hour walk to Tsepelovo, where we spend the night.

DAY 3

TSEPELOVO-BRIDGES TRAIL-VITSA

An easy and educational hike today. The day's route crosses rivers and streams, villages and forests. We start our hike from Tsepelovo and through a dirt road we reach the village of Kipoi. There, at the old mill next to Milos Bridge, we will enjoy a picnic with home-made treats. After lunch we will continue our hike through a birch forest to the famous bridges of Zagori. At the end of the trail, the Vitsa Steps will lead us to the village of Vitsa and the unique Land Beyond Conference Center that will host us for the night.

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 descent to the bottom of the canyon through the Monodendri Steps, we will walk approximately for 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.

DAY 5

PAPIGKO-DRAKOLIMNI-REFUGE

This is the most exciting day of the week as we will visit the magnificent Dragonlake (Drakolimni), an alpine lake at an altitude of 2.050m. We walk towards the village of Mikro Papigko (30 min) and then we ascend for the next 3 hours to Astraka refuge. There, we will have plenty of time to rest and have lunch. After lunch we continue our hike to the Drakolimni (about an hour). We return to the refuge where we will spend the night.

DAY 6

REFUGE-VRADETO

This is the last day of hike. We depart early in the morning and through the plateau of Astraka located between the two highest peaks of Tymfi, Astraka and Gamila, we enter the impressive gorge of Megas Lakos. After about 4 hours of hiking we will exit the gorge and find ourselves strolling through the pastures of Vradeto. At Vradeto, we share a bottle of tsipouro as a small reward for completing the challenging Tymfi Loop Trail. Dinner, drinks and ...party time!

DAY 7

VRADETO-THESSALONIKI

This morning there is no rush, so you can sleep a little longer .Late in the morning we leave for Thessaloniki. Early in the afternoon we will return to Thessaloniki and you are free to spend the rest of the day as you wish.

DAY 8

THESSALONIKI-SKG

Approximately 3 hours before your flight, a private transfer is arranged for you.