- Visit the historic center of Athens and share your time among cultural and social experiences.
- Private guided tours of Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum, under the guidance of well-known experts.
- Explore Meteora, massive pillars of rock, and a handful of monasteries at the summit, listed as one of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Walk through history at the cobblestone-paved streets of the old city of Ioannina.
- Discover Zagorochoria, an immaculately preserved region of traditional villages spread along the ridges of Europe’s deepest canyon, the Vikos Gorge.
- Dine on flavorful regional specialties.
- Stay in boutique hotels that enhance local & authentic feel without sacrificing luxury.
Journey Highlights
What to Expect
Northwest part of Greece is gifted with the most dramatic terrain of the country. Our selected destinations lye in the sprawling impenetrable Pindus Mountains. Meteora, literally meaning “suspended in the air”, is world famous for the stunning rock pillars that stand impressively up to 700 meters height. The monasteries build by monks six hundred years ago on the top of these rocks, create an one and only synthesis of nature and man. Moving northern to Pindus is the magnificent 12-km long Vikos Gorge-probably the world’s deepest-a national park filled with forests, waterfalls and ice-cold mountain lakes, surrounded by the Zagorohoria’s immaculate stone villages. Zagori region is considered among the purest & untouched in Europe. South of these mountains, Ioannina is a city with character, unfolding around a placid lake.
The trip begins in Athens. Ancient and modern, with equal measures of grunge and grace, bustling Athens is a heavy mix of history and edginess. Iconic monuments mingle with first-rate museums, lively cafes and al fresco dining, and its downright fun. A day visit central Athens will give you the opportunity to marvelsome some of the key remaining wonders of Ancient Greece civilization and with the private assistance of our experts to understand the deeper influence of the ancient Greek culture.
Next travel to Meteora region, one of the largest and most important complexes of Greek Orthodox monasteries in Greece. You will explore the monasteries, which represent a unique artistic achievement and are one of the most powerful examples of the architectural transformation of a site into a place of retreat, meditation and prayer, a testament to the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. The region is a major religious, hiking, photography and even filming destination due to its dramatic scenery coupled with monasteries and spiritual monks.
Driving towards Zagori region you will pass by the city of Ioannina, a bustling little city and the capital of Epirus province, which faces sheer mountains erupting behind Lake Pamvotis. Ioannina was always multicultural, dominated mainly by Christian, Islamic and Jewish influences and is famous throughout Greece for its silverwork. After exploring the city you will continue your drive towards Zagori. The Zagorochoria’s 46 traditional stone-and-slate villages, tucked into the Pindus range, offer atmospheric accommodation, crisp alpine air, sublime views and myriad local legends.
Over the next couple of days you will explore the 12km-long, 900m deep Vikos Gorge bisecting the Zagorochoria, the world’s deepest Gorge according to the Guinness, and you will stroll around on the cobblestone alleys of Megalo and Mikro Papingo villages, which are declared traditional settlements. Hike the Skala (stairs) of Vradeto with breathtaking views to the gorge of Vikos and you raft the Voidomatis river, which has been characterized as one of the cleanest rivers in Europe as it does not face any environmental issues. Take a cooking lesson and learn how to make the traditional pies, the area is famous for.
OTHER EXPERIENCES YOU MAY LIKE
Amazing Mani and Monemvasia
Boating in Cyclades
Charming Thessaloniki
