Hike and Raft in Greece's Meteora and Zagori

Meet up with your host in Athens and hop in the van, settling in for the road trip north. Tuck into lunch on a scenic stretch of the coastal road before continuing on to Meteora, where you'll catch your first glimpse of the iconic rock formations as they come into view. Check into your guesthouse and head out to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site – your guide will lead you to some lesser-known viewpoints over this incredible landscape, before finding the best sunset spot. Head to a Greek taverna for dinner before a well-earned night's sleep.

Hit the trails straight after breakfast, starting in the foothills of Doupiani Rock, beneath the old ruins of the abandoned Pantokrator Monastery. The trail takes you to the northern slopes of Meteora, the hidden monastery of Ypapanti and the ruins of St Demetrius. Descend along an ancient trail that was used for centuries by monks. In the afternoon you'll hit the road again, stopping for a late lunch in Kalambaka before continuing west towards Zagori and the Vikos Aoos National Park. Reach your next base at the mountain village of Monodendri, settle in and head out for a walk around the village, before diving into a Greek taverna for dinner.

Explore the beautiful trails of the Vikos Aoos National Park after breakfast, setting off from the village of Vradeto. You'll hike all the way to the Beloi lookout, where there are panoramic views of the Vikos Gorge. Hike on to the village of Kapesovo via the famous Vradeto steps. Head to the bridge of Kokkoris near the village of Kipoi and continue on to the bridge of Misios along an amazing trail. In the late afternoon, you’ll have some downtime to unwind in the village of Monodendri before dinner.

Today's the big one. A six-hour hike will take you through the world's deepest gorge – Vikos Gorge, in the heart of the Pindos Mountains, an area of high biodiversity. Hit the trailhead and hike all the way down to the canyon’s base, following one of the Voidomatis River's tributaries, flanked by the huge walls of the gorge. Stop for a riverside lunch and enjoy a (cold) swim before tackling the big uphill section, to reach the gorge’s exit. Tuck into a well-earned feast back in Monodendri and toast to your efforts.

Time to see this spectacular part of Greece from a different vantage point. Hop in the van for a ride to the bridge of Kleidonia, on the banks of the Voidomatis River. Set off on foot along a trail which heads uphill through the thick, evergreen forest towards the bridge of Aristi. Reach your host's rafting base and get kitted out to hit the water. The Voidomatis is a relatively calm flowing river rated Class I-II, known as one of the cleanest in Europe, with perfectly clear waters. You'll stop along the way for dreamy swims in the river before tackling some of the bigger rapids for an adrenaline hit. Head back to Monodendri for another Greek feast for dinner and perhaps a shot of tsipouro.

Bid Monodendri farewell with one last breakfast at your rustic base before packing up and hitting the road for the drive back to Athens. Stop en route at the city of Ioannina on the shores of Lake Pamvotis for a walk around the old town, a visit to the 15th-century castle and a spot of lunch. Continue back to Athens in the afternoon, where your adventure comes to an end.