Hike, Kayak and Raft Greece's Wild North
Gallivant around Greece's best-kept secrets, exploring high peaks, gorges, forests and rivers in the Pindus Mountains
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking mountain guides, rafting guides and kayaking guidesHotel & Mountain hut
7 nights in boutique hotels and guesthouses, 1 night in a mountain refugeMeals
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
All your gear for kayaking and raftingSmall ‘Like-minded’ Groups
Solo-friendly by design, our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
Hike through Vikos Gorge, along hidden trails between Zagori villages and to the fabled mountain lake of Drakolimni
Explore ancient paths around the phenomenal rock formations and gravity-defying monasteries of Meteora
Raft through the lush ecosystem of the crystalline Voidomatis River, and take a dip in the emerald rock pools of Ovires
Sea kayak along the sun-drenched Athenian Riviera – an azure stretch of coastline on the fringe of Greece's capital
Key Information
Day 1
Arrive in Athens
Meet up with your host at Athens international Airport, then take in the sights of the metropolis as you are transferred to your hotel in a lively part of central Athens. Meet up with your fellow adventurers and head out to a local taverna for a welcome dinner and a chat through the adventure ahead of you. Go easy on the ouzo! There’s a cracking road trip first thing tomorrow.
Day 2
Road trip to Zagori region
Hiking
Driving
Tuck into breakfast at the hotel before hopping in the van and settling in for the drive north towards the Pindus Mountains. After few hours watching Greece go by out of the window, you’ll get your first taste of the stunning Zagori region. Head out for a hike at one of the area’s most famous spots – the Vradeto Steps – and on to Beloi, an incredible natural balcony with an unrivalled view of the Vikos Gorge. Descend a stone trail for an hour to end the hike at the village of Kapesovo. Enjoy dinner of local Zagori dishes and bed down ahead of a big hike day tomorrow.
Day 3
Cross Vikos Gorge
Hiking
Northern Greece is packed full of incredible hikes which fly a little below the radar. Vikos Gorge is up there with the best day hikes in Europe – its trails meander in the shadow of towering 1000m+ walls through the second-deepest gorge in the world (only the Grand Canyon is deeper). This is a truly wild ecosystem, providing a sanctuary to myriad wildlife including European brown bears. After breakfast, you’ll hop over to the village of Monodendri to set off into the heart of the gorge. 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. Enjoy a couple of breaks along the route to take in the surroundings before eventually tackling the big uphill section, to reach the gorge’s exit.
Day 4
Hike to Dragon Lake
Hiking
The Vikos Gorge warmed you up: now it's time for the biggest hike of the trip. Rise early, head towards Drakolimni to find the trailhead and set off uphill from here, eating into a good chunk of the ascent on your way to the Astracas Shelter at 1930m. You'll pass through dense forest areas before the landscape changes as you reach the alpine zone of Mount Tymphe. After four hours or so you’ll reach a shelter where you can stop for lunch before tackling the final push to Drakolimni. The views up here are some of the best found anywhere in Greece. Soak up this memorable spot as the light fades, then drop down to the mountain refuge for a well-earned dinner and sleep.
Day 5
Descend the mountain and relax at natural pools
Hiking
Wake up in this unique spot, sip a coffee taking in the solitude, then tackle an easy-going three-hour descent down the mountain. Back at the van, you’ll roll along to Konitsa, stopping en route at the natural pools of Ovires for a dip in the emerald waters. This quaint rural town at the foothills of Mount Trapezitsa sits right above the mouth of the Aoos Gorge. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore, take in the old single-arched stone bridge and enjoy the serenity of the beautiful River Aoos.
Day 6
Raft the Voidomatis River
Rafting
Driving
Today you'll head to the banks of the Voidomatis River to get kitted out for a rafting trip down this pristine natural wonder winding through Vikos-Aoos National Park. The Voidomatis is known for being one of Europe's cleanest rivers, testament to the wild and relatively untouched area that it flows through from the source in the Vikos Gorge. Navigate a series of fun Class I and II rapids – as far as rafting days go, this is lower on the adrenaline scale with more emphasis on exploring a magical wild place, stopping for swims in the inviting waters as you go. After a few hours on the water, you'll hop in the van for a couple of hours to reach your next adventure spot: the iconic UNESCO-listed site of Meteora. Settle in here and enjoy a delicious Greek dinner at a local taverna.
Day 7
Hike Meteora
Hiking
Driving
The Greek word 'Meteora' means 'suspended in the air' – an apt name for this incredible place, famous for its towering rock pillars and the monasteries perched impossibly on top of them. Today you'll hike along an ancient trail that was crafted by monks during the Middle Ages, back when the monasteries were still in use. The trail winds through stunning scenery to the summit of one of Meteora's tallest rock formations for the ultimate vista of one of Greece's must-see landscapes. Reaching this spot is a fitting end to your time in Northern Greece, and after the hike you'll settle in for the ride back to Athens.
Day 8
Sea kayaking on the Athens Riviera
Kayaking
No trip to Greece is complete without some time spent exploring its coastal gems. After a leisurely breakfast to let you catch your breath after all the adventuring of the past week, you'll head to the often-overlooked coastline outside of the capital. You're in for a day of sea kayaking along the Athenian Riviera, which runs between Piraeus and Cape Sounion. Paddle the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, hugging the coast to find hidden beaches for dreamy sea swims. Back in downtown Athens later in the afternoon, soak up the capital's atmosphere and head out for an evening walk through the charming Plaka district and enjoy a farewell dinner, to toast an incredible eight days of Greek galavanting. You have permission to indulge in the ouzo to your heart's content tonight!
*Please note: in the event of poor weather affecting the sea conditions, your host will arrange a canyoning outing in a region close to Athens, instead of sea kayaking on the Athenian Riviera.
Day 9
Farewell to Greece
Your adventure ends today after breakfast as your host transfers you to Athens Airport in time for your onward flight.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfast at the guesthouses will offer a wide selection of breads, fruits, yoghurt, muesli, plus Greek pies and cakes, tea, coffee and juice. The included dinners will be taken at traditional local tavernas with various classic Greek and regional options to choose from. Zagori pie is a must-try in the north, while gemista is a delight for vegans and vegetarians: plump, sun-ripened tomatoes and peppers stuffed with a flavourful mixture of rice, herbs, and vegetables which offers a taste of the Epirus region's culinary heritage. Not all dinners in the trip are included: eating out in Greece is a delight, and the spots you'll stay in throughout the trip will have lovely tavernas, cafes and restaurants for you to explore each evening at your own pace. You should budget €15-25 euros per dinner depending on how many courses you fancy, not including drinks.
On the days when lunch isn't included, you can buy a packed lunch ahead of each day's adventuring from the guesthouses or from local bakeries in the villages. You should budget €7-10 for each lunch not included.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form. Please note that vegan options can be limited in this part of Greece.
What is the accommodation like?
Athens
Your time in the Greek mountains is sandwiched by a night in Athens at the start and end of your trip. Hotel Arethusa will be your base, located in the old town of Athens which makes for a great launchpad to see some of the city's premier sights such as the Acropolis, Archeological Museum, Temple of Zeus, Plaka and many more. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en suite bathrooms (couples can request a double room).
Zagori Villages
During your time in the Zagori region you'll bunk down in a local, traditional guesthouse. Usually this will be the Taxiarches Hotel located in the village Aristi, or Guesthouse Selini in the mountain village of Vitsa. The guesthouses offer rustic Greek charm and hospitality, along with twin-share rooms with en suite bathrooms.
Dragon Lake
You'll bunk down in a mountain refuge for one night after your hike up to Dragon Lake area of the Pindus Mountains. Located at an altitude of 1950m, Astraka Refuge belongs to the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing and makes for a great overnight in this remote spot. You'll be sleeping in a mixed-sex dormitory – the refuge has different-sized dorm rooms ranging from eight to twenty beds. Your host will do their best to take the smallest dorm rooms possible, depending on availability and the size of the group. The refuge provides bedding, pillows and blankets, but you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag liner. The refuge has its own restaurant with good options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Konitsa
Konitsa is a picturesque village and your launchpad for rafting the Voidomatis River. The Grand Hotel Dentro awaits after your stay in the mountain refuge, offering a comfortable night with traditional rural Greek hospitality. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en suite bathrooms.
Meteora
Hotel Meteoritis is your stopover while exploring the stunning Meteora region. A newly built and very comfortable hotel with amazing views of the rock formations, you'll stay in twin-share rooms with en suite bathrooms.
On rare occasions your host may arrange a different property, of similar style and standard, for your group to stay in. Any changes will be advised by your host in their pre-departure communications to the group.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking and be aware this does not cover the night at Astraka Refuge, as only dorm rooms are available here.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Athens International Airport
16:00 on Day 1
Ends
Athens International Airport
12:00 on Day 9
Transfers
On Day 1, your host will meet you on arrival at Athens International Airport at 16:00 (4pm) for the included group transfer downtown to your hotel in the Plaka district of Athens' old town. Your guide will do a welcome briefing before dinner at around 7pm. If you're catching a later flight, you should allow 1hr for the airport to hotel transfer and ideally you should aim to arrive in Athens no later than 6pm.
On Day 9, your host will provide a group transfer to arrive back to Athens International Airport at 12:00. Group airport transfers are included if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 9; if you are arriving a few days earlier or departing a few days later, your host can arrange private airport transfers for an additional fee – see Optional Extras for prices.
Travel options
Athens International Airport is a major international hub, with daily direct flights from airports across the UK, Europe and east coast of North America.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- All of your kayaking and rafting gear
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Daypack (20-30 litres)
- Waterproof liner or drybags for kitbag/rucksack
CLOTHES
- Lightweight down jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Warm hat
- Light gloves
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sleepwear
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Sandals
OTHER
- Sleeping bag liner for the mountain hut
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre (or x2)
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Double/Twin room in Athens
Payable Before Departure
Double/Twin room in Athens
… Per Night
Single room in Athens
Payable Before Departure
Single room in Athens
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Private airport transfer - each way
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - each way
…
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 183kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
This adventure involves up to six hours of hiking per day, so you'll need to be happy spending full days on your feet. This will sometimes mean uneven trails with a decent chunk of elevation gain to manage. Some of the hikes involve river crossings, so bring waterproof hiking shoes and/or a pair of sandals with ankle straps. The hardest day will be Day 4 with nearly 1500m of elevation to get through to reach Drakolimni; however, the group will take it steady with plenty of stops and the epic scenery is quite the distraction if you find your legs hurting towards the end! The rafting is easygoing, rated Class I-II depending on water levels, and you won't need any experience.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion, but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
€5 EUR per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
The drinking water in Greece is perfectly safe, so you'll be able to fill up at your guesthouse and at refill points during the hikes. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle or bladder with you.
The months of May, June, September and October are by far the most pleasant to visit most parts of Greece. In Zagori and Meteora in these months, daytime temperatures average between 20°C/68°F and 28°C/82°F and most days are clear and sunny with low chances of rainfall. In the early and late season months of May and October it can get chilly at night in this mountainous part of Northern Greece, so bring adequate layers. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can reach 40°C/104°F. These months are also the busiest months in terms of visitors, so we only run trips in early July and right at the end of August into September, to make sure you have the best conditions possible.
It's possible to leave excess luggage in Athens at the start of this trip and collect it when returning to Athens on Day 8. Please discuss this with your host in advance.
We recommend checking out the country specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
If adverse weather affects the planned hikes in the higher elevations of the Pindus Mountains, there are ample alternatives in the region which your guide will pivot to based on the forecast and their knowledge of the region. In the event that poor weather affects the sea conditions for your kayaking excursion on Day 8, your host will arrange a canyoning outing instead, in a region close to Athens.
No. You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daysack to carry personal items during each day of activity.
On the Athenian Riviera coastline you'll be paddling in two-person sit-in kayaks.
You'll have one main tour guide who will guide the hikes throughout the itinerary. You'll have additional guides join the group for the rafting and kayaking excursions.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.
We've got your back
Guaranteed to run
All our trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details
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Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details
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We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details
Full financial protection
To give you complete peace of mind we’re backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details
Tried & Trusted
We’re rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 900 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.
Connect before you go
You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details
DEPARTURE DATES
Sunday • 19th May 2024
to Monday • 27th May 2024
FLASH SALE - Only 1 spot left at 10% off
Sunday • 9th June 2024
to Monday • 17th June 2024
FLASH SALE - Only 1 spot left at 15% off
Sunday • 7th July 2024
to Monday • 15th July 2024
FLASH SALE - Only 3 spots left at 5% off
Sunday • 8th September 2024
to Monday • 16th September 2024
FLASH SALE - Only 1 spot left at 15% off
Sunday • 22nd September 2024
to Monday • 30th September 2024
FLASH SALE - Only 2 spots left at 15% off
Sunday • 6th October 2024
to Monday • 14th October 2024
FLASH SALE - Only 2 spots left at 15% off
