Explore the remote Pindos mountain range of Zagoria, Greece and search out the famous Dragon Lake, shrouded by ancient myth, perfect for passionate nature-lovers looking to relax and unwind. The Zagoria Exploration adventure takes you for a week in the heart of Pindos mountain range, Greece, where the stone villages of Zagoria are located. Zagorochoria are 46 villages that flourished between the 16th and 18th century. We walk along the network of footpaths that traditionally connected the villages, pass the stone bridges, cross the deepest gorge in the world, listen to the sound of rivers and eventually reach the high plateau of mountain Tymfi elevating over 2000m and reaching the famous Dragon Lake. The blue-gem Dragon Lakes are surrounded by myths and are a remote spot for complete relaxation and appreciation of nature.

Day 1

Arrival Day. Join the tour at Koukouli village and the Guesthouse. The village is located high up in the mountains and we will have the chance to enjoy the tranquillity that nature can offer us. Today, we will check-in, settle down in our new surroundings and enjoy dinner all together.

Day 2

We explore the heart of Central Zagoria. We cross the valleys along the rivers, pass the stone bridges and walk the old footpaths which have connected the stone villages for many centuries. This is where we grasp the real essence of what Zagoria is made of.

Day 3

Today we start climbing higher on the slopes. A mini-bus will transfer us at the start of the route. Entering the Selato gorge and steadily gaining height, we reach the village of Kapesovo which hides on a small plateau above hanging cliffs. We then climb the famous Vradeto Stairway, a 300-year-old paved mule path; a vertical climb up the sides of the Mezaria gorge. At the end of the day, we reach the Beloe view point where we gain our first view over Vikos gorge. A mini bus will transfer us back to the Guesthouse.

Day 4

This is the day, we cross Vikos gorge, which is one of the most esteemed hikes in Greece. It is an unspoiled place with a great diversity of flora and fauna. In the heart of the gorge is the source of the Voidomatis which is the cleanest river in Europe. This is a long day’s hike on the floor of the gorge, crossing dry river beds engulfed by the dense foliage. A mini bus will transfer us back to the Guesthouse.

Day 5

A mini-bus transfer will bring us higher up at Mikro Papigko village. Today we enter the mountainous zone. We will cross sub-alpine grasslands, valleys and plateaus by exploring Tymfi Mountain, eventually reaching the highest point of the day at the alpine lake; Drakolimni at 2050m. At the end of the day, we will make our home at the mountain hut of Astraka, which is located at 1930m altitude.

Day 6

Today we cross the main body of Tymfi mountain! We walk through the alpine landscape, next to the impressive vertical cliffs of Astraka peak via a rugged rocky route. On the way we will cross Megas Lakkos, the biggest branch of Vikos gorge which stands out as a great scar on the land. A mini bus will transfer us back to the Guesthouse.

Day 7

A mini-bus transfer us at Vikos village from where we enter Voidomatis gorge. Our target is to reach Voidomatis River and follow the path that goes along its banks, through the vast Plane forest in an unforgettable magical atmosphere. The land which we cross today has had human presence for the past 20,000 years. Evidence of human presence can be found in several caves from before the last ice age. There is an optional rafting excursion (not included) if you prefer a different activity.

Day 8

Our adventure is ending after breakfast. Sad times. But you'll look back on the epic adventure, having explored some of natures finest mountains and lakes and feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready for your next adventure.