Epirus Adventures

Zagori Villages & Stone Bridges Hike

<p>Zagori is known for its traditional network of footpaths, built to connect its 46 villages until the state constructed the modern roads. Starting from the village of Vitsa, we will walk to several iconic and impressive stone bridges of the area, built in the 17th-18th century and usually known by the benefactor name’s who paid for their construction.</p><p><br></p><p>Our Zagori hike starts from Vitsa, where we will visit the villages of Koukouli, Kipoi, and Dilofo, through Vitsa’s Steps which lead into the Vikos Gorge.</p><p><br></p><p>During our hike, we will have the opportunity to visit the Lazaridis museum in the picturesque village of Koukouli. The museum was created by Kostas Lazaridis, who collected all the rare flora of the Vikos gorge with great care. At the museum, we will have the opportunity to discover rare collections of plants that grow on the canyon’s rocks and learn about the “Doctors of Vikos”. Then we will head towards Kipoi and Dilofo village, crossing the old paths with the most famous stone bridges. Finally, in Vitsa, our beautiful hike will come to an end.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 October 2023

Hiking in Vikos Gorge

<p>Hiking in Vikos Gorge is one of the most famous activities for the visitors of Zagori. A “must-do” activity for your bucket list!</p><p><br></p><p>Crossing of Vikos Gorge, in Zagori, is a fascinating hike in one of the most stunning gorges of Europe. The Vikos Gorge is part of the 12,600 hectares Vikos-Aoos National Park and has been listed in the Guinness book of records as the deepest canyon worldwide in proportion to its width. It is a spectacular sight! The landscape of the 20 km long gorge is exceptionally diverse and is characterized by abrupt changes in altitude. The Vikos Gorge has been carved over millions of years by the Voidomatis River,a tributary of the Aoos River. As it splits the mountain in half, its slopes expose limestone and dolomite rock formations, dating back to 150 million years. Its vertical cliffs rise to a height of 1700 meters.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 October 2023

Zagori Adventure Off-Road & Cooking Experience

<p>Explore the traditional stone bridges of Zagori and enjoy a cool shower at the waterfall of Iliochori, on a magnificent off-road route with a cooking experience.</p><p><br></p><p>An excursion with a 4×4 vehicle for lovers of off-road routes that includes many of the beautiful villages of Zagori and combines the traditional stone bridges with a unique experience in the forests and nature of Zagori.</p><p><br></p><p>Our excursion starts with the destination of the traditional stone bridges of Zagori, starting with the most famous, the bridge of Kokkori and the bridge of Plakida or Tritoxo.</p><p><br></p><p>After being in the village of Kipoi, we will enter the forest in a unique off-road route, reaching the Vikaki ravine. There we will see the beginning of the Vikaki ravine, enjoy the unique landscape of nature and the old stone bridges that connected the villages.</p><p><br></p><p>Next stop in Tsepelovo square for a break and coffee or juice.</p><p><br></p><p>Then we will head to Iliochori. After reaching the village, we will hike to the waterfall, and in 25 minutes, we will be in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the area. We will enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of the natural pool created by the waterfall, and then we will take the way back.</p><p><br></p><p>The next stop is Gyftokampos, where we will cook traditional food by the stream, get some strength and return.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 December 2023

Alpine Dragon Lake Hike

<p>Alpine Dragon lake hike is one of the most famous hiking routes in Greece whichcombines the incredible view of the peaks of Tymfi with the enchanting natural landscape.</p><p><br></p><p>The Dragon Lake of Mount Tymphi (known as Drakolimni) is located in an environment of limited nutrients, wide variations in sunlight during the summer and the winter months, and acute fluctuations in temperature have turned the Dragon lake of Mt Tymfi into a truly unique ecosystem.</p><p><br></p><p>Their waters are home to the Alpine Newt, a striking amphibian that has been around for thousands of years. It is approximately 10-12 cm long with an impressive orange-red color in the lower part of its body. And indeed resembles a tiny dragon! From here, we take in the breathtaking views! To the north is the Smolikas mountain range and the Aoos Valley, and to the east is the impressive Mount Gamila. Then we head back to Mikro Papigo, following the same route.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 October 2023

Bread Baking Cooking Class in Zitsa

<p>Come to share the passion and joy of baking during a personalized bakery experience! You and your friends, family, or colleagues can learn to make sourdough bread (and your starter), traditional Greek pies, and tasty savory treats with the artisan baker of Zitsa. Depending on the day and time of your experience, you will have the opportunity to learn personal recipes and master techniques for a wide variety of our handmade baked goods, from our renowned sourdough bread created with our starter to traditional Greek cookies and pitas.</p><p></p><p>The baker will take you through the baking process from the very beginning – choosing the right high-quality ingredients – all the way through to tasting the finished products. You will learn why certain ingredients are added at specific times, how water and air temperature affect the outcome, and why we make certain loaves of bread or cookies for specific Greek holidays and traditions.</p><p><br></p><p>After the lesson, the baker will host you for a late lunch at their farmhouse, in which you will partake in the lovely goodies you have made, plus some local cheeses, wine, and other classic village dishes.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 October 2023

Flegga Lakes Hike

<p>Two beautiful small natural lakes are located in the alpine meadows of Flegga. The mountain ridge separates the region of Ioannina from the region of Grevena. The mountain range’s highest peak is Flega, at 2,159 meters, part of the Valia Calda National Forest. To the south is the artificial lake of Aoos. The twin lakes of Fleggas, at an altitude of 1,960 and 1,940 meters, are only 100 meters apart. The lakes act as communicating vessels, with the lowest one overflowing to the Arkoudorema of Valia Calda. On our hiking route, we come across large Black Pines and centuries-old white pines, some standing bare, struck by lightning. Large populations of the rare alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris) also find refuge in the alpine lakes.</p><p><br></p><p>We leave our vehicles a little above the Mavrovouni refuge in a beautiful valley. We follow the path that leads us to the top of Fleggas. We cross stands of White Pines and Black Pines while the view toward the artificial lake is breathtaking. Gentle route without steep points and significant altitude differences. Arriving at the top, we can admire the fantastic view from 2,159 meters. Then, we descend to the two “pits”, where the water from the rains and snow collects, forming the two lakes. For our return, we follow the same route.</p>

Offer valid until: 31 October 2023