Telephone: +44 (0) 1722 322 652 Email: [email protected]

Greece: The – 5 nights Stone villages and mountains

https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/greece-the-vikos-gorge/greece-the-vikos-gorge-5-nights/

Route Summary

At a glance

5 nights. Extra nights in any accommodation and a night in , plus nights in for rest and relaxation recommended. Itinerary can be adjusted to suit flights and transfers.

How much walking?

Full days: 10-15km per day, 3½-6½ hrs walking. Using shortening options: Only available in , where you can choose your walking to suit.

Max. Grade:

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This walk concentrates on the jewel in the crown of northern Greece – mountainous (also known as Zagoria), famed for its traditional stone villages and the “deepest gorge in the world”.

Route Highlights

● Zagori and its unspoilt stone villages ● The walk to the Dragon Lake ● The Vikos Gorge (all 12km and 900m deep of it) ● Overnighting in a refuge at 2000m (optional!) ● Ioannina, Ali Pasha’s seat, and its dramatic lake (add-on)

We Recommend

Consider nights in Corfu at either end of the walk, or stop off for a night in Ioannina, an underestimated, lively Greek city with a beautiful old quarter and dramatic lakeside setting. Spend extra days at Papingo just relaxing, and doing some short local walks.

Grading

Full days: 10-15km per day, 3½-6½ hrs walking. Using shortening options: Only available in Papingo, where you can choose your walking to suit. Medium-hard: Good paths, though signage often poor, so careful attention to our written route directions required; steep ascents and descents. Average cumulative uphill stretches (CUSs) 790m per day (500m-1030m), 1430m if walking to Dragon Lake. Highest point on route: 2,000m.

GPX file available for handheld GPS or smartphone App.

Important note: Times given for each day are walking times for an “average” walker and exclude stops. “CUSs” stands for “Cumulative Uphill Stretches” and measures the aggregated ascents in each day, expressed in metres of climb. See “Walk Grading” for more information.

page 2/8 When to go

The best months to walk: May, June, July, September

Other possible months: August, October

While we can offer this from the beginning of May, the best time to go is in June and July, when the foliage is still fresh. Mid-July can be a problem with the Zagori mountain races taking most available accommodation (please avoid 23-26 July 2021 and 22-25 July 2022). August and early September can be hot, and you may be able to catch autumn foliage in late October. Early May and October walkers will not be able to stay at the refuge, nor (possibly) walk up to it or to the Dragon Lake because of lying snow (early May).

Use the calendar below to see in more detail the best times to walk.

Please note: date ranges shown are for a 'normal' year. While Covid-19 restrictions remain, please contact us to discuss your plans and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in

Arrive in Kapesovo after a transfer from Ioannina, and settle in at Joanna's lovely merchant house. Have a look around the quiet old stone village, maybe pay a visit to Elli's craft shop and look forward to a good dinner and a sound sleep.

Day 2 - The Beloi circuit

For your first Zagori walk, a magnificent climb up the Vradehto steps will cause you to marvel at the engineering skills of 19th century , even while under the control (relatively benign in these parts) of their Ottoman overlords. It’s a tough climb but easy underfoot, and leads you to the quiet village of Vradehto (church, plane tree, taverna and all). From there a well trodden path winds over to Beloi, where your first real view of the Vikos Gorge is obtained. (Easy-medium: 3½ hrs, 10km, CUSs 500m)

Day 3 - Kapesovo to Monodendri

Your second Zagori walk takes you down from the village of Kapesovo, along a narrow woodland path (steep and scrambly at times), to the first river bridge just below Kipi. From here an easy path leads you up to the Koukouli, where you can refresh yourself at the taverna, before descending to the upper end of the Vikos gorge – just a taster here of what is to come. The final stretch is up the “ Steps” (steep and long, but will complete your training for the big day tomorrow) to the gorge-side village of Vitsa en route to Monodendri where you will rest for the night. (Medium: 4½ hrs, 11km, CUSs 530m). Alternatives: Ask your hosts for a lift with the luggage (we suggest a €5 tip but it is not obligatory) to the bridge at Kipi.

Day 4 - The Vikos Gorge

This is a real highlight of your walk, and the drama will be unforgettable. Descend the Monodendri steps to the bottom of the gorge. From then it is a delightful and lengthy valley bottom walk on a well-used path, with opportunities for bathing in season, before exiting at the extraordinary river eruption at the Voidhomatis Springs (another swim?). Then the sting in the tail – a climb up to your next overnight stop in the village of Papingo. ( Hard: 6½ hrs, 17km, CUSs 700m). Alternatives: None - except to ride with the luggage.

page 3/8 Day 5 - Papingo to the Astraka Refuge and the Dragon Lake

Your climax after the Gorge consists of a major 1000m ascent on an excellent path up to the Astraka refuge where, if you have remembered your toothbrush and sleeping bag liner, you can opt to stay (dorms, book ahead before setting off to be on the safe side, €17 plus board, pay locally, no refund for missed night at Papingo), or return to Papingo for the night. It’s a 9 hour walking day if you include the Dragon Lake and return to Papingo, so staying at the refuge is more relaxing. (Hard: 4 hrs, 7 km, CUSs 1030m to refuge, 2½ hrs, 6 km, CUSs 350m to Dragon Lake and back, 2½ hrs descent to Papingo). Alternatives: Try our optional shorter walk, or just stay and relax around the pool; or wander up to the swimming ponds above Papingo to cool off.

Travel Information

ARRIVING BY AIR

Corfu is the best airport with the most flights, though is a good but seasonal option. Ioannina is the nearest airport to Zagori (Vikos Gorge) and has two daily flights from only. Intercontinental connections via Athens (or other European hubs) to Ioannina.

CORFU AIRPORT:

Land by: (for direct mainland transfers)

11:00 for bus -Ioannina + final leg taxi to Kapesovo (13:00 if overnighting in Ioannina).

14:00 for taxi transfer direct Igoumenitsa-Ioannina or Kapesovo.

Return flight earliest: (for direct mainland transfers) – depends on start point and mode of transport: 16:00

No time limits if overnighting in Corfu.

PREVEZA and IOANNINA AIRPORTS:

Taxi transfers only, so no time limits.

Flight information can change rapidly and not all flights run daily. Please do check directly with the airlines’ websites or Skyscanner (see below) before finalising any booking with us. Do not book your flights until we have confirmed that we have provisionally reserved accommodation for you.

For up-to-date schedules and flights from all airports check Skyscanner.

See “Getting to the start of the walk” below for transfer information.

ARRIVING BY TRAIN OR BUS

Neither Corfu nor Zagori are accessible by train.

page 4/8 The Greek bus network is comprehensive and excellent value. Comfortable long-distance buses connect Corfu (via Igoumenitsa), Ioannina (for Zagori/Vikos), Athens, and even . Contact us for more information.

ARRIVING BY CAR

For the adventurous, drive down through – alternatively ferry from to Igoumenitsa. Park in Kapesovo on edge of village (own risk, quiet). Taxi back at end included. Save cost of initial taxi from Ioannina.

Getting to the start of the walk

CORFU AIRPORT:

A taxi into Corfu town or to the port (for direct Zagori transfers) takes ten minutes.

Ferries from Corfu town to Igoumenitsa (mainland) daily, approx every 90 minutes, take 90 mins – 2 hrs. Tickets locally €10 (€15 return) per person, car €40.

Public bus Igoumenitsa to Ioannina (1½ hrs – €10) then taxi to Kapesovo (45 mins – prebooked and included), and return taxi Papingo to Ioannina (1 hr – prebooked and included).

OR: Pre-bookable taxis: Igoumenitsa to Zagori (Kapesovo) 1½ hrs, Papingo to Igoumenitsa 2½ hrs

PREVEZA and IOANNINA AIRPORTS:

Taxi transfers only to Zagori:

Preveza to Zagori (Kapesovo) – c. 2 hrs

Zagori (Papingo) to Preveza – c. 2½ hrs

Ioannina to Zagori (Kapesovo) – 50 mins

Zagori (Papingo) to Ioannina – 1 hr

Note: This route is also suitable for self-drive (car hire from Corfu, Preveza or Athens).

Full transfer advice, including timetables, is provided in your Walkers’ Pack. Contact us if you would like additional pre-booking information.

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Where You'll Stay

A lovely range of accommodation. Really personal experiences in Zagori – Elli and Joanna and their father will look after you well at Kapesovo in their merchant’s house. At Papingo stay with Vasili and Angelique in the friendliest of houses (Saxonis), or upgrade to an architectural gem of a restored collection of houses (Avragonio – Konstantinos’ father Petros is an architect).

Night 1 & 2 Kapesovo – Guest House Thoukididis (dinner, B&B)

Wonderful recreation of a Zagori merchant's house.

Night 3 Monodendri – Vikos Hotel (B&B)

Zagorian hospitality in a traditional stone house in the centre of Monodendri.

Night 4 & 5 Papingo – Saxonis (B&B)

Traditional stone house in the heart of the village.

page 6/8 Night 4 & 5(Upgrade) Papingo – Avragonio (B&B)

Gorgeous range of traditional restored houses in dramatic setting.

Consider nights in Corfu for rest and relaxation. We have two lovely hotels in the heart of the old town that we can book for you – Hotel Bella Venezia (below left) and the Hotel Siorra Vittoria (below right). Contact On Foot for prices.

Ioannina, the ancient seat of Ali Pasha, is also worthy of at least a night’s stay. Hotel Metropolis (below) in the city centre is a modern hotel with a warm welcome. Contact On Foot for prices.

Prices

Price: £695

Total 5 nights in double/twin room, all breakfasts, 3 picnics and 2 evening meals, taxis between Ioannina town/bus station/airport and Kapesovo/Papingo, luggage transfers; full Walkers Pack with route directions, maps, transfer and background information; local telephone support.

All prices are per person unless otherwise indicated, and are based on a standard booking in May. Prices may vary seasonally and a fixed price will be given to you before you commit.

Single Room Supplement (SRS): From £165 Lone Traveller Additional Supplement (LTAS): From £200 Large Party Saving (LPS): Groups of more than 2 people (on an identical itinerary, on the same booking and booked at the same time) – discount of at least £25 per person Maximum party size: 10

page 7/8 Add Ons

Extra nights in any hotel: Contact On Foot (seasonal pricing) Night(s) in Corfu: Contact On Foot (seasonal pricing) Night(s) in Ioannina: Contact On Foot (seasonal pricing) Further night(s) in Papingo: Contact On Foot (seasonal pricing) Taxis between Igoumenitsa and Vikos (to replace taxis to/from Ioannina and public buses): Supplement from £105 per taxi (Igoumenitsa – Kapesovo), £105 (Papingo-Igoumenitsa). Prices shown for 1-3 pers. Other routes on application. Sending Walkers Packs to addresses outside the UK: £10-£40 (per pack, location dependent) Guiding by Geo Zagori in Vikos area (priced per group): From £105 per day (1-8 pers.) for first two days. For full Vikos area guiding prices contact On Foot Holidays.

On Foot Holidays Telephone: +44 (0) 1722 322 652 Griffin House, Malthouse Lane, Email: [email protected] Salisbury, SP2 7RF, United Kingdom

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