Customwalks: Guided walking tours in Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Turkey and Croatia.
Greece Meteora & Zagori Hiking Tour Write a review
Come and explore authentic Greece with us as we take you into the rugged north. We pick you up from Athens and transfer to dramatic Meteora. Our early evening hike takes you into this incredible landscape of softly molded cliffs and rock pinnacles surmounted by spectacularly perched medieval monasteries. Next we take you to Zagori, a remote region of the Balkans in Greece’s mountainous north. The 46 villages of Zagori are clusters of stone-built homes, churches and schools, all surmounted by slate roofs. Built by wealthy merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries but completely abandoned after WWII, the area has been forgotten until very recently. Families are returning to their ancestral homes and restoring them with love and care. The result is that the villages have not been marred by the “progress” and construction that has ruined so much of our collective heritage in the last 70 years. Zagori is also a hiker’s paradise. It contains two national parks and the region’s unspoiled stone villages are linked by an ancient web of spectacular trails. Impressive canyons, and pristine rivers also feature. In addition to the fantastic hikes, you will also have a half-day of rafting down a gorgeous turquoise river (easy rafting). Zagori is truly a wonderful and unknown part of Europe. However, this won't last forever so we recommend you come to visit this lovely, peaceful, unspoiled part of the Balkans before the word gets out!
Meteora & Zagori Tour Includes:
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Greece Meteora & Zagori Hiking Tour itinerary Request full itinerary
Independent arrival in Athens and check-in at our pre-booked hotel. Meet your guides at 6:30 p.m. at the hotel reception. We have a welcome drink and then move on to dinner at a super restaurant around the corner. Overnight Athens. Hotel and dinner included.
After breakfast we transfer by van to Meteora, the surreal and mystical land where nature’s grandeur and man’s quest for spiritual understanding come together. Centuries ago, medieval monks built impressive monasteries and humble hermitages atop steep limestone pinnacles and even within natural caves. From early Christian times the vertical cliffs of Meteora provided both protection and isolation for the men and women who came here for quiet reflection and spiritual enlightenment. We take you to visit one of the smaller monasteries that features impressive views as well as ancient frescoes. Later that afternoon, follow your guide on a memorable evening hike as the limestone spires are lit by the soft rays of the setting sun. Just as dusk falls we arrive back in the village and sit down for dinner in our hiking clothes at a lively taverna for the first of many excellent meals to come. Travel time to Meteora: 4.5 to 5.5 hours. The Hike: 8km/5 miles. Ascent 580m/1850 ft, Descent 580m/1850 ft. Duration: about 3 hours. Overnight Meteora. Hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
We leave the escarpments and rock towers of Meteora to transfer to Zagori, a region of pristine rivers, wild mountains, and isolated stone villages. We stop along the way in the picturesque town of Ioannina, which sits on the shores of Lake Pamvotis. Originally founded in Ancient Greek times, the town flourished in the late Byzantine period (13th–15th centuries), surrendered to the Ottomans in 1430, and finally was ceded to Greece in 1913. We stop here for a break and lunch before taking you into the Pindus mountains. We check into our charming boutique hotel in Dilofo and depart for our first hike in Zagori later in the afternoon to enjoy the cool air and the longer shadows. The track takes us up through the stone village of Kipi to the woods and then on to the neighbouring village of Tspelevo. Along the way we enjoy vast views over the folded landscape and discover a long-forgotten trading route. We arrive in Tsepelovo at dusk, to have dinner in the main square beneath a centuries’ old plane tree. A short transfer takes us back to Dilofo, our home for the next three nights. Overnight Dilofo. The Hike: 8.4km/5.5mi, Ascend 595m/1900 ft. Descent 292m/900 ft. Duration: about 3 hours. Travel time: 2 hours to Ioannina. 45 minutes to Dilofo. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hotel included.
After an abundant breakfast we transfer to the neighbouring village of Koukouli. From here we start a beautiful hike which features five amazing stone bridges that arch elegantly over the rivers of Zagori. Built centuries ago by local craftsmen, the bridges are a testament to the once vibrant commerce that flowed through this former Ottoman province. After a 4-hour loop hike, sit down to lunch in the taverna in Koukouli in the shade of the ubiquitous ancient plane tree which adorns every village square. This afternoon you have some down time back at the hotel to relax then we transfer to another village to meet Elena, who welcomes us into her home and teaches the art of making filo pastry and traditional savoury pies. Elena has spent years talking to the elders of the Zagori villages, collecting the oral history, culture, and recipes that are slowly disappearing. She shares her passion for and knowledge of the region with us over dinner. Overnight Dilofo. The Hike: 9,4 km Ascent 603m/1900 ft. Descent 602m/1900 ft. Duration: about 4 hours. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hotel included.
Today’s hike features one highlight more impressive than the next. From sepelovo village we hike to the start of the Vradeto Staircase: 1,200 steps that were carved from the living rock by master craftsmen 200 years ago. The switchbacks hang above the valley floor and climb 250 vertical meters over a distance of more than 1.5 kms. Our trail continues to Vikos Gorge: a wild and unexpected gorge that is the world’s deepest in proportion to it’s width. From Beloi lookout we take in the fantastic vista that plunges 500 m/1,600 ft straight down. Your lunch is prepared by Labros, a local shepherd-turned-cook who produces a delicious meal for you from his tiny kitchen in the village square. After lunch, we return to Dilofo for some well-deserved down time. Dinner in Vitsa or Dilofo village. Overnight Dilofo. The Hike: 11,8 km/7 miles Ascent 783m/2505 ft Descent 515m/1600 ft. Duration: about 4 hours. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hotel included.
Today features a little "soft adventure" on the pristine Voidomatis River, whose emerald green waters meander through the southern section of the Vikos Gorge. The water is crystal clear and so clean that you can drink straight from the river. We float through the canyon and encounter a few easy rapids, which have just enough white-water to give a little thrill without any danger. After this refreshing break on the water, we return to land for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we have a short but very steep drive up out of the gorge to the start of our hike to Megalo Papigo. We leave on foot from Megalo Papigo to do a pleasant loop hike along ancient cobbled lanes via some exquisitely sculpted rock ponds. You will see what I mean. Overnight Megalo Papigo in another beautiful hotel in a restored mansion house. The Hike: 4.7 km/3 miles, Ascent/Descent 164 m/524ft, Duration: about 2 hours. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hotel included.
Begin with a gradual descent this morning down to the river towards Voidomatis springs, while taking in enormous views of the rocky ramparts of the surrounding mountains. Stop for a break by the river where you can cool your feet in the inviting cold water before a gradual hike out of the gorge. Once again, magnificent views open up as we proceed to the village of Vikos. We gratefully sit down in the local tavern for yet another delicious meal of local delicacies. Return to Megalo Papigo this afternoon to explore its streets and alleyways or relax on the hotel terrace and take in the soft rays of the setting sun as they shed their golden light onto the impressive rock face of the “Astraka Towers.” Dinner is yet another feast of delicious local specialties. Overnight Megalo Papigo. The Hike: 5.2 km (3.3 mi), Ascend 370m/1,184 ft, Descend 542m/1,734 ft. Duration: about 2.5 hours. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hotel included.
A 1.5-hour transfer takes us back to Ioannina where we say goodbye. We can drop you at the aiport for the short flight back to Athens, or you can rent a car from Ioannina airport and continue to explore Greece on your own. The popular island of Corfu is just a short bus ride and ferry hop away!. Breakfast and transfer to Ioannina included. Onward travel not included.
Activity Level 3+ = Moderate Plus:
In general: This is a Moderate tour for fit hikers who will find the walks a satisfying workout, while less-fit hikers will find them challenging but do-able and have a great sense of achievement at the end of the week.
Terrain: Rolling to hilly terrain with frequent steep ascents and descents. The "+" indicates that they also involve more rugged, rocky, or steep terrain than the standard 3-rated tours.
Actual walking time: Between 3-5 hours per day, mostly in the morning but also in the afternoon.
Distances: Usually 8 - 12 kms (5 - 7 mi) per day. Max distance 16 kms (9 mi).
Surfaces: Trails are a mix of compact earth or dirt track, gravel roads, and rocky, uneven wooded trails. You will also encounter centuries' old stone stairways and rocky steps.
Footing: Good, but you have to pay attention to where and how you place your feet. Proper hiking shoes with thick soles with good treads are required. Sport sandals, running shoes and tennis shoes are not adequate.
Specifics: The terrain is often rugged but not technically difficult. Most of the trails are rocky and some involve short sections of scree (loose rock), with some steep ups and downs on uneven terrain. Trails are often in the sun, and we walk between 6 - 16 km (4 - 10 mi.) every day.
Hiking Poles: Highly recommended but not required, and if you habitually use hiking pole you will regret it if you don’t have them.
Compared to the Cinque Terre: The Cinque Terre is the perfect example of a 3+ rated tour. Our most common comment about the Cinque Terre walk and other tours rated 3+ is “More challenging than I expected but I am glad I did it”.
Other: This tour is appropriate for “sporty and fit” first-time hikers who enjoy walking and have good balance. People with hip and knee issues might find a 3+ tour challenging because of the terrain and the duration of the hikes.
Moderate Plus Tours: Amalfi is the easiest of this group, then Dolomites Lite, followed by the Cinque Terre, Sardinia, Northern Greece Meteora & Zagori, and Andalusia.
Getting There: the trip starts in Athens, which is easily accessible via international flights.
Air: Athens airport receives both domestic and international flights, through European hubs such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Munich and Brussels.
Getting Away at the End of the Trip: the trip ends after breakfast on the morning of Day 8 in the city of Ioannina, which has flight connections to Athens or other European hubs via the major carriers (Aegean, Olympic) as well as low-cost airlines like Ryan Air and Easy Jet. We can also arrange transport back to Athens at the end of the trip.
If you book a trip with us you will receive detailed information about how to get to and from the trip, and of course you can e-mail us with any questions.
5My wife and I offer nothing but kudos for our just-completed Zagori Hiking Tour, our 3rd Custom Walks experience and perhaps our favorite. This "undiscovered" northern mountainous region of Greece is a special place not even many Greeks have experienced. Our guides, Nefeli and Alex, were terrific--both were highly knowledgable about the cultural and natural history of the region, and as usual, our travel mates were all wonderful and interesting people. The mountain scenery is dramatic, including the spire-top settings of the Meteora monasteries. The occasional jingling of sheep's bells was pure music as we approached beautiful historic villages constructed from locally quarried stone. We heartily recommend this tour without reservation!
5Zagori and Meteora was our second Customwalks tour this year and it won't be our last. An amazing adventure into an unspoiled, remote and mountainous part of Greece. We thoroughly enjoyed hiking through the forests, crossing arched stone bridges, staying in beautiful locations and great food. Ancient monasteries perched high on natural pillars of stone, and the picturesque hillside villages never failed to impress us each day. We felt immersed into a unique part of Greek culture. Another highlight was visiting a farm where we helped to prepare various dishes for our dinner. A big thanks to our guides, Alex and Nefeli who were so helpful, informative and fun to be around. They are the best! Don't hesitate to enjoy this trip.
5We had a fabulous time on this trip, we had never visited this part of Greece before, we are very glad to have experienced it with our wonderful guides Nefeli and Alex. The scenery was breathtaking, the accommodation was unique and the food was delicious. We enjoyed all the walks, as well as the opportunity to learn how to cook some authentic Zagorian cuisine, and the rafting experience was great fun despite us never having done it before. This trip exceeded all our expectations- we loved it!
4.6I was amazed by the hiking trails in Pindus Mountains of northwestern Greece. It is one of the hiking world's best kept secrets. I loved jagged limestone mountains combine with centuries old stone villages and historical elements. Meteora is an awe-inspiring collection of sandstone monoliths with centuries- old monasteries perched on top of them. Dimitri was a very knowledge and helpful guide. The hikes are not difficult. The tour was well organized, lodging was 5 star starting from Athens to the last day in Papigo. I highly recommend Customwalks and loved Meteora & Zagori trip.
5Beautiful hiking trails still largely undiscovered by tourists, not too difficult, most of the time, so that you can let yourself be enveloped by the scenery, the fragrance of the herbs, the colors of the wild flowers, the songs of the birds. When not on the trails, healthy home cooked meals made with local food are served always in generous quantities, sometimes by an unusual cook, like a man who is also a healer. All the inns were restored traditional houses. At Megalo Papigo, the windows of my room opened on incredible rock formations. Our guide, Dimitris, has a deep knowledge of the area besides being a skilled guide who always "has your back."
5I travel a lot on hiking tours and have to say that my trip with Customwalks to Meteora and Zagori was one of the best I've ever taken. Very well organized, with marvelous, unique lodging and excellent Greek food. And the hikes were amazing. Zagori, in the north of Greece, is a little known wonderland - the most incredible scenery, a well established trail system, and not overrun with tourists (like way too many hiking locations.) Our guide, Dimitrious, was so knowledgeable, experienced, and just absolutely a compete gem. Highly recommend Customwalks, and this tour!
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5A tremendous trip in September 2019 with Customwalks in Greece. Dimitris was our guide and Brett was with us as well. The hiking was wonderful and our lodgings were the best that I have seen on any similar trip. The food... just marvelous! I loved meeting in Athens and spending a full day there before heading off to the mountains. I have hiked all over the world and this was one of my favorite trips. Dimitris was a wonderful guide and I would happily do another trip with him in Greece. It was fun to spend time with Brett - since this was a new trip at the time he came along to help with making sure that all went well. The memory of this trip helped me get through the pandemic!
5Nearly a decade had passed since I last traveled with Customwalks. What a great way to get reacquainted. This region of Greece is quite special and Brett and Dimitris managed to make it feel even more special. The hiking was varied; a day on the river a nice diversion; delectable food; and lovely accommodations all blended to make this a trip I'd highly recommend. Once the world opens up again I'd consider this one of the top places to visit.
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My wife and I offer nothing but kudos for our just-completed Zagori Hiking Tour, our 3rd Custom Walks experience and perhaps our favorite. This "undiscovered" northern mountainous region of Greece is a special place not even many Greeks have experienced. Our guides, Nefeli and Alex, were terrific--both were highly knowledgable about the cultural and natural history of the region, and as usual, our travel mates were all wonderful and interesting people. The mountain scenery is dramatic, including the spire-top settings of the Meteora monasteries. The occasional jingling of sheep's bells was pure music as we approached beautiful historic villages constructed from locally quarried stone. We heartily recommend this tour without reservation!
by Steve R.
Zagori and Meteora was our second Customwalks tour this year and it won't be our last. An amazing adventure into an unspoiled, remote and mountainous part of Greece. We thoroughly enjoyed hiking through the forests, crossing arched stone bridges, staying in beautiful locations and great food. Ancient monasteries perched high on natural pillars of stone, and the picturesque hillside villages never failed to impress us each day. We felt immersed into a unique part of Greek culture. Another highlight was visiting a farm where we helped to prepare various dishes for our dinner. A big thanks to our guides, Alex and Nefeli who were so helpful, informative and fun to be around. They are the best! Don't hesitate to enjoy this trip.
by Clark S
