Explore Zagori and Pindos Sierra

EXPLORE ZAGORI-PINDOS HIKE ON OLD MULE TRACKS IN THE RETREAT OF BEARS & WOLVES

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We organize unique day trips, weekend adventures, 7 day Itineraries or totally custom experiences combining destinations and activities based on your needs. In any case you can prolong your stay, add activities or choose a more relaxing version. The key word for us is customization.

We offer hiking/trekking at the mountain of the 12 gods, mountain Olympus which you can combine with sailing holidays in the North Aegean. Walk the ancient pilgrim paths and follow the footsteps that lead to the throne of Zeus.

You will be excited by the ancient donkey tracks and the cobbled roads in the picturesque villages of Olympus. Follow our suggestion and hike the famous mountain of the Gods. Slide on its waterfalls and swim in the river pools.

Pass by Olympus traditional villages mountain biking through the forest trails. Explore this mythic location. canyoning sea kayak climbing road bike Yours Sincerely

Explore Outside

THE SPINE OF GREECE EPIRUS MOUNTAIN RANGE AND THE AMAZING ZAGOROHORIA, A COMPLEX OF 46 PICTURESQUE TRADITIONAL VILLAGES

OVERVIEW

Epirus is the region of Greece with steep mountains, crossed by rivers ideal for rafting and mountain bike enthusiasts. Going from north to south, the mountain ranges are interrupted by fertile plains and valleys. The forests and highlands of Epirus are an ideal setting for cross country biking excursions. The pristine Mt Tymphi with its sprawling, virgin forests, the mountain lakes and the vertical mountain slopes is ideal for hiking in landscapes of breathtaking beauty. Its highest summit Gamila stands at 2,497 meters (c. 8,200 feet) and hosts very interesting flora and fauna in its high alpine meadows.

This mountain range becomes even more imposing with the Vikos gorge (with Voidomatis River) sharply defining its southwestern face, while the large ravine of Aoos river flanks its north-northeastern face. The Vikos gorge is a trench about 15 kilometers - 9 miles long, with almost perpendicular rock faces about 1,000 meters - 3,300 feet high.

The Vikos-Aoos national forest reserve is established in order to protect the unspoiled natural environment of the Tymphi mountain range as well as the two deep river ravines that enclose it. The nature reserve encompasses many altitude zones, creating many different micro-climates allowing for a huge variety of plant species to flourish in the relatively small area of the reserve, attracting also many animal species that find safe refuge there. Mountain biking is considered environmentally friendly and it is permitted within the nature reserve area.

HIGHLIGHTS

• River Rafting • Hiking-Trekking

• Climbing • Mt. Bike

• Fauna and Flora • Unique culinary experience

RAFTING AT ZAGOROHORIA weekend adven t u re

At the heart of Epirus, nestled among the steep and snowy slopes of Tymfi mountain range, you will find Zagorohoria National Park, one of the most beautiful and rich ecosystems in Europe. A complex of 46 picturesque traditional villages built in a magical setting which is waiting to be discovered! Its unique traditional architecture, the impressive stone mansions and the undulating, natural forested surroundings are the ingredients of an unparalleled destination that should not be missed!

Upon your arrival at Zagorohoria, We settle in Aristi village, at a luxurious traditional lodge, your accommodation for the weekend. The lodges are built amphitheatrically according to the local architecture and is made of stone and timber. All the rooms have a view of the unique gorge of Vikos and the towers of Astraka.

> Day 1: Rafting on Voidomatis-Vikos Gorge After breakfast, meet the expert guides at the hotel’s facilities who will provide you with the rafting gear. You will be transported in a comfortable minibus through Aristi village down to its traditional stone Bridge. When you arrive at the river the guides will explain the safety precautions before the rafting adventure begins!

The first day of your rafting trip you will descent one of Europe’s clearest and most beautiful rivers. A route of exceptional beauty, at a difficulty level of 2nd and 3rd degree, passing through Vikos Gorge (the deepest canyon in the world!), with the top part of the route being the descent of the waterfall in Klidonia’s bridge. The route starts from Aristi’s bridge and finishes in Klidonia. At the end of the route you will be transferred back to the hotel. Afterwards the time will be at your leisure to explore local villages and taste local cuisine.

> Day 2: Rafting on Aoos In the morning, after a delicious breakfast, we will launch the rafts again for a second day of our river expedition. Rafting becomes even more thrilling as you begin to use the skills and experience gained the day before which is a good preparation for a descent in a river with continual passages of 4th and 5th degree of difficulty, one of the most demanding rivers in Greece. Beginning from the stone bridge of Vovousa and terminating at the beautiful bridge of Konitsa. The route passes in between the second higher mountain of Greece (Smolikas 2,637m) and the mountain chain of Tymfi with the top summit - Gamila - reaching an altitude of 2.497m. After a hard paddling day, you deserve a visit at traditional village Konitsa and to its taverns. Relax and enjoy the way back to the hotel by watching photos of your rafting adventure.

HIKING TRAILS AT ZAGOROCHORIA A footpath network more than 100km long connects the Zagori villages. Most important of them is the national path O3, which passes through rivers, gorges, caves, alpine lakes and more than 20 summits higher than 2000 meters. The largest part of Timfi Mountain is part of Vikos-Aoos National park, biotope with rare species of fauna as well as unique endemic plants.

1st Hiking rout

Vikos Gorge Start from Monodendri village walk through the amazing Vikos Gorge and finish at beautiful Vikos village.

2nd Hiking rout

Astraka refuge - Drakolimni (Mt. Timfi) We start from the picturesque Mikro Papigo and we hike up to Astraka refuge. After a small/big brake we go on for another hour and a half to Drakolimni Lake. We return from the same path back to Mikro Papigo, where we can ease off for the day and enjoy local delicacies either at Mikro Papigo or at the near village of Papigo.

WHITE WATER RAFTING AT ZAGORIA 8 days Adventu re

HIGHLIGHTS

• 3 river routes • Hiking Vikos Gorge • Astraka - Drakolimni • Culinary events, Local cuisine at its best • Cultural exploration > Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Aristi Upon arrival in Thessaloniki’s airport, you will be transferred to Zagorochoria, We settle in Aristi village, at a luxurious traditional lodge, your accommodation for the weekend. The lodges are built amphitheatrically according to the local architecture and is made of stone and timber. All the rooms have a view of the unique gorge of Vikos and the towers of Astraka. > Day 2: Rafting on Voidomatis-Vikos gorge After breakfast, meet the expert guides at the hotel’s facilities who will provide you with the rafting gear. You will be transported in a comfortable minibus through Aristi village down to its traditional stone Bridge. When you arrive at the river the guides will explain the safety precautions before the rafting adventure begins!

The first day of your rafting trip you will descent one of Europe’s clearest and most beautiful rivers. A route of exceptional beauty, at a difficulty level of 2nd and 3rd degree, passing through Vikos Gorge (the deepest canyon in the world!), with the top part of the route being the descent of the waterfall in Klidonia’s bridge. The route starts from Aristi’s bridge and finishes in Klidonia. At the end of the route you will be transferred back to the hotel. Afterwards the time will be at your leisure to explore local villages and taste local cuisine. > Day 3: Hiking in the Vikos gorge Enjoy a nutritious breakfast; and gear up for a hiking adventure. You will transfer to Monodendri Village. Meet the guides and learn about the Guinness record that Vikos gorge owns. From there it’s 6 hours hike to Vikos and the springs of Voidomatis river.

Define the cold water and swim in the crystal blue lagoon. At the end of the trail a lunch at a local tavern, will definitely help to regain our power. Transport back to the hotel with a minibus. > Day 4: Rafting on Aoos In the morning, after a delicious breakfast, we will launch the rafts again for a second day of our river expedition. Rafting becomes even more thrilling as you begin to use the skills and experience gained the day before. A good preparation for a descent in a river with continual passages of 4th and 5th degree of difficulty, on the

most demanding river of Greece. Beginning from the stone bridge of Vovousa and terminating at the beautiful bridge of Konitsa The route passes in between the second higher mountain of Greece (Smolikas 2,637m) and the mountain chain of Tymfi with the top summit - Gamila - reaching an altitude of 2.497m. After a hard paddling day, you deserve a visit at traditional village Konitsa and to its taverns. Relax and enjoy the way back to the hotel by watching photos of your rafting adventure. > Day 5: Astraka Refuge - Drakolimni Today you will be picked up at the hotel for a guided trekking trip up the Tymfi mountain. You will have a snack at Astraka refuge before continuing our trip to Drakolimni, a lake at 2000 m. Swimming in the lake is only for the bold ones but relaxing at its bunks is for everyone. We head back to the refuge for a quick meal and start our descent to Papigo village. A hard trekking day must be rewarded with a good dinner at Papigo’s local taverns and a greek coffee with local deserts. We return to our hotel at late afternoon. > Day 6: Tzoumerka Breakfast and last minute photos at lush Aristi. Transfer to Tzoumerka, Pramantas village. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

The proud, imposing Tzoumerka mountain chain stands in a wild area which remains untouched by the modern civilization. Deep gorges, bare rocks, rich natural environment, impetuous rivers and traditional settlements are some of the characteristics that compose a scenery of unique wild beauty. The greatness of nature meets history and tradition and life follows nature’s call, far from the noise and stress of the urban areas.On the steep slopes of Tzoumerka mountains are Tzoumerkochoria vil-

lages which are built like aeries. Old churches, pre industrial civilization monuments (threshing floors, watermills and water rollers), as well as well-known stone bridges, impress every visitor.Tzoumerka mountains have entered the European network Natura 2000. A sightseeing tour to the area can be arranged (additional cost).

Places of interest: • Tsouka monastery in Elliniko • Viliza monastery in Matsouki • Plaka monastery in Raftaneous • The stone Plaka bridge in Arachthos • Aghia Paraskevi monastery in Pramanta • Kipina Kalarriton monastery • “Anemotripa” cave in Pramanta • NATURA 2000 areas > Day 7: Araxthos-Kalaritikos Time to go rafting. Gear up and head for Arachtos river. Arachthos gorge - Arachthos canyon - Lower Arachthos. Magnificent routs throughout Araxthos with many alternations in lands and difficulty level of the river. Passages of second, third and fourth degree of difficulty through gorges and canyons with caves and small waterfalls. After the finish of the activity we head back to the hotel and get ready for gastronomic exploration. > Day 8: Depart After breakfast and a kiss goodbye we transfer you to the airport for you home bound flight.

PINDOS TREKKING 9 days

> Day 1 Arrival at the airport and as soon as we meet we get transferred at beautiful Metsovo. > Day 2: Aoos Lake - Flega Pick (2.157m.) - Arkoudorema - Vovousa (8-9 hours) We start the hiking from the beautiful lake of Aoos and we continue ascending for the pick of Mavrovouni-Flega (2157m.) and from there right at the heart of Pindus national park also known as Valia Kalda. This national park is in mainland Greece, situated in an isolated mountainous area at the periphery of West Macedonia and Epirus, in the northeastern part of the Pindus mountain range. We will continue after our brakes and “take a picture� stops and through Arkoudorema (bear stream) we reach the village of Vovousa where we settle for the night. > Day 3: Vovousa-Laista (5 hours) From Vovousa we ascend towards the narrow passage of Morfa (1534m.) and follow the cobbled trail path used by merchants of the old age. After a while we reach Laista where our bus will be waiting to transfer us to Vrisohori where we will settle for the night.

> Day 4: Pades-Drokolimni Smolika-Kerasovo (7 Hours) We cross river Aoos and head to the 2nd highest mountain in Greece Mt. Smolikas where we look upon the beautiful lake and the alpine surroundings. We continue with a descend to Agia Paraskevi where we gaze at Mt. Grammos and the majestic view. At Kerasovo a mini bus will be waiting to transfer us to Konitsa. > Day 5: Rest day at the Traditional village of Konitsa Free day for rest or other activities like river rafting! We will visit the Holy Monastery Molivdoskepastou. > Day 6: Konitsa - Moni Stomiou - Davalista - Drokolimni - Astraka Refuge (10 hours) We cross the bridge of Konitsa hiking towards Moni Stomiou from where we start our ascend to Tymfi Mountain. From the rigid Davalista’s route we have view of the Astraka massif. We make a rest stop at Drokolimni (at 2000m. the highest in the Balkans) and from there at the refuge where we settle for the night.

> Day 7: Astraka Refuge-Tsepelovo (6-7 Hours) At the heart of Tymfi with the Astraka Massif at our right and the Gamila pick (2497m.) at our left we follow the plateau trail and start descending towards picturesque central Zagori and the stone village of Tsepelovo. Our mini bus will transfer us to Monodendri for the night. > Day 8: Monodendri-Vikos canyon-Vikos Our Last day at the spine of Greece, Pindos mountains. The best closure with Vikos canyon world famous and in the Guinness book of records. The gorge is a trench of about 15 kilometers - 9 miles long, with almost perpendicular rock faces about 1,000 meters - 3,300 feet high. Aft er our hike at the canyon we fi nish at the village of Vikos and we settle at the nearby village of Aristi. > Day 9: Depart or continue...

Aft er this great Hiking trip why not go on a sailing trip at the Ionian sea just a few hours away from Zagorohoria your skipper will be waiting. Stretch your legs and prepare to dive into crystal clear waters. Contact us for more information, this holiday combination is a well kept secret.

In any case you can prolong your stay, change your destination, add activities or choose a more relaxing version.

The key word for us is CUSTOMIZATION.

GEAR UP • Backpack • Sun protection • Trekking footwear • Windproof/waterproof membrane • Light pants and short pants

• Base layer, fleece • T-shirt (2) • Underwear (2) • Flashlight • Trekking poles

CONTACT US Adventure Travel Company Hello@exploretheoutside.com Mob. 0030 6936781260 Fax. 0030 2311241752 Prespes, Greece www.ExploreTheOutside.com