Trekking in the Pindos Mountains and the Zagori Villages

Available Dates for 2012:
Sunday 24 June - Friday 29 June 2012
Sunday 26 August - Friday 31 August 2012
And any other date upon request for groups of 4 participants or more 

In Brief: The region of Epirus boasts some of the most scenic green nature in the country. The Vikos Aoos National Park, in the area known as Zagori, is an ideal location for nature enthusiasts.
The Zagori is one of the most picturesque regions of Greece with many authentic, stone villages and magnificent views of the Pindos mountains. The region is a real paradise for hiking nature enthusiasts. The stunning peaks of Mt.Gamila and Astraka at altitudes above 2,000m, the dragon lakes, invite you for demanding hiking amongst rare and countless varieties of flowers. Vikos Gorge, listed as the deepest gorge in the world by the Guinness Book of Records, renowned for its natural beauty, crystal river pools in an unforgettable experience. The Vikos Gorge, with walls of up to 1 km in height, is also a site of major scientific interest, because it is in almost virgin condition, is a haven for endangered species and contains many and varied ecosystems.


DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival in Ioannina & Transfer to Monodendri (D)
Meet in Ioannina with your guide and from there transfer to Epirus, to Monodendri. There will be one major transfer from the airport to the hotel. Settle in the hotel. Depending on time of arrival, we may visit the monastery of Agia Paraskevi, close to the edge of the gorge.
O/N in a guesthouse.

Day 2: Monodendri – Papingo (Approximate Hiking time: 6 hrs) (B,L,D)
Hike 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 a guesthouse.

Day 3: Papingo to Mt Gamila Refuge and Dragon Lake (Approximate Hiking time: 5 hrs) (B,L,D)
Todays hike 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 on Gamila and Astraka’s summits (Approximate Hiking time: 7 hrs round trip) (B,L,D)
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 Mikro Papingo (Approximate Hiking time: 3hrs) (B,L,D)
We walk down to Papingo and settle in our guesthouse. Free Afternoon
O/N in guesthouse

Day 6 Travel to Ioannina (B)
After breakfast, one group transfer to Ioannina. 

END OF SERVICES


SERVICES INCLUDED:

• Accommodation in double rooms on B/B basis in guesthouses (3 nights) and in berths while on refuges (2 nights)
• Trekking Hellas experienced guide
• Meals as mentioned in the program (Breakfast at guesthouses or refuge / Picnic Lunches / Dinners in local taverns or refuge)
• Transfer from Ioannina to Monodendri
• Transfer from Papingo to Ioannina
• Trekking activities as mentioned in the program

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

• Personal expenses.
• Drinks, beverages
• Lunch on Day 1 & 6 and Dinner on Day 6
• Optional gratuities to leader, guides and local staff.
• Travel Insurance
• Transfer to / from Ioannina City
  
• Anything not mentioned above

Please note that this itinerary is subject to change according to local and weather conditions, at the discretion of your tour leader.