What to expect
Dramatic views
Marvel at UNESCO-listed Meteora
Charming Greek Villages
Explore the picturesque village of Vitsa
Four Centre Hiking Break
Corfu, Vikos Gorge, Meteora & Vitsa
Scenic beauty
Experience the iconic Vikos Gorge
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About this trip...
- Airport transfers
- Ferry to/from Corfu - Igoumenitsa
- Twin/double room for single use
- Breakfast & dinner daily. Evening meals in local Tavernas.
- 1 x picnic lunch
- Fruits, local sweets & mineral water during hikes
- Welcome drink
- 8 fully guided hikes with experienced English-speaking guide including transfers
- 1 hour private boat trip Liapades - Paleokastritsa
- Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrive Corfu
Day Two: Corfu to Mainland Greece - Agia Triada & Meteora’s Trinity Trail
Our first day paints a vivid picture of the journey from Corfu to the mainland, offering both excitement and stunning views. After breakfast we head to the port to catch our ferry to the mainland, where we enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Ionian Sea, with beautiful views of both Corfu and the mainland. After arriving at the port of Igoumenitsa, we take the Via Egnatia, the modern highway of which follows the ancient Roman road, passing through tunnels and over bridges with snow-capped mountains and wild rivers in the background. We arrive in Kalambaka around lunchtime and have time drop off our bags at the hotel and grab a light lunch before heading out on the afternoon hike.
- Overnight Monastri Guesthouse, Kalambaka: Three-star Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Day Three: Kastraki & Beyond
Today’s hike is a fascinating blend of natural beauty with rich historical and spiritual significance. The hike begins on a narrow, paved road leading to the village of Kastraki, providing a gentle introduction to the day's adventure. After reaching Kastraki, the trail starts ascending. The climb takes about 30 minutes, winding through an extraordinary landscape of towering rock formations. As you climb, you'll be surrounded by massive rock pillars, the kind that Meteora is famous for. The scale of these natural formations is captivating, offering a glimpse into an ancient world. The trail continues through dense forests, creating a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. Along the way, you'll encounter caves and caverns where hermits once lived in isolation. These caves were once home to ascetic monks, who sought solitude in this remote and spiritual setting.
- Overnight Monastri Guesthouse, Kalambaka: Three-star Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Day Four: Vlaghava & Meteora
After breakfast, we take our bus to the village of Vlaghava for the start of today’s hike. The hike begins on a summit near Vlaghava, just outside the Meteora area. The descent from here is gentle, allowing you to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and surroundings. The only sound is the echo of your footsteps in the tranquil silence. The peacefulness, combined with the natural beauty around us, creates a sense of pilgrimage. Along the trail, you might spot buzzards circling high above, keeping watch. Beneath the shade of beech trees, shy Hermann’s tortoises may be hiding, adding a touch of wildlife to the serene landscape.
- Overnight Monastri Guesthouse, Kalambaka: Three-star Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Day Five: Aoös National Park
Today we check-out of our hotel and take our bus to the Aoös National Park. This protected area is home to the scenic Vikos gorge and the quaint Zogoria villages. The hike begins in Oxia where we will see our first breathtaking view of Vikos Gorge, one of the most impressive canyons in the world. The gorge’s vastness makes for a perfect place to capture a stunning photo that truly highlights the scale and beauty of the landscape. The hike from Oxia leads us through the remarkable Stone Forest, a geological wonder characterized by smooth, stacked towers of slates. Formed over millennia by the forces of wind and weather, these formations create a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape.
- Overnight Archontiko Zarkada Hotel, Monodendri or similar: Three-star Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Day Six: Vitsa to Dilofo
After breakfast, we take a short bus ride to Vitsa , a picturesque village where the architecture reflects a deep connection with the natural environment. The dolomite and limestone mansions' distinctive grey slate roof tiles and solid oak wood balconies create a timeless aesthetic that perfectly blends into the surrounding landscape. Our hike begins from the main square, beneath the large plane tree with a descent down the Vitsa Steps. This ancient stone stairway winds its way down the mountain flanks, offering a scenic and sometimes steep route into the valley below.
- Overnight Archontiko Zarkada Hotel, Monodendri or similar: Three-star Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Day Seven: Vikos Gorge Hike
Today we make an early start and take our bus to the hamlet of Vikos. Our route takes on a steep, zigzagging descent into the gorge. This section requires focus, but the anticipation of what lies ahead makes it exciting. At the Panagia Springs, about an hour or so into the hike, there's a welcome opportunity to refill water bottles with cool, fresh mineral water. This natural spring offers a brief respite before delving deeper into the gorge where we walk along the Voidomatis stream. Depending on the season, the stream presents different challenges and delights.
- Overnight Archontiko Zarkada Hotel, Monodendri or similar: Three-star Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner
Day Eight: Ioannina, Dodoni back to Corfu
After breakfast, the day begins with a journey to the town of Ioannina, the vibrant capital of Epirus, set beautifully around Lake Pamvotida. Due to its strategic location, Ioannina has long served as a bridge between the East and West. Historically, it thrived as a multicultural town, where Christians, Muslims, and Jews coexisted peacefully, enriching the city’s culture and history. A leisurely stroll through Ioannina's old town reveals its secrets and heritage sites. Among the notable landmarks, we will visit the Fethiye Mosque, a testament to the city's Ottoman past, and the Aslan Pasha Mosque, now a museum showcasing Ioannina’s diverse history.
- Overnight Odysseus Hotel, Paleokastritsa: Three-star Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Day Nine: Paleokastritsa & Liapades
Our last day begins with a visit to the charming village of Giannades, a hidden treasure on the well-travelled island of Corfu. The village, tucked away from the usual tourist routes, is a picturesque setting to begin our hike. The trail undulates gently through diverse landscapes, with the scenery rapidly shifting between olive groves, cypress trees, and rolling hills. After a peaceful hike, we reach the scenic village of Liapades. Time seems to slow down here, as the village retains its timeless charm, with Venetian manor houses, narrow cobbled streets, and a sleepy, old-world atmosphere. A break in the main square offers the chance to relax, enjoy a coffee, or perhaps chat with the friendly locals.
- Overnight Odysseu Hotel, Paleokastritsa: Three-Star Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Day Ten: Depart Corfu
Today we check-out of our hotel for our onward flight Transfer hotel → airport: 50 mins Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation
Walking the Greek Canyons, Monasteries and Coves
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Hat & gloves
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
- Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
- Climate Crisis Resilience Tax – €5 per night, payable locally
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel.