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GETTY - Woman traveler enjoying spectacular Meteora landscape in Thessaly, Greece. Photo: Getty # 695936772
5.0
| 20 reviews

Hike, Kayak and Raft Greece's Wild North

8 nights
Moderate

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, local, English-speaking mountain guides, rafting guides and kayaking guides

Hotel & Mountain hut

7 nights in boutique hotels and guesthouses, 1 night in a mountain refuge

Meals

All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Transfers

Airport transfers and everything in between

Equipment

All your gear for kayaking and rafting

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

5.0
| 20 reviews
Awesome trip, as much for the food as the hiking. The guides really made it
October 2024
Drew
Awesome trip, as much for the food as the hiking. The guides really made it
October 2024
Drew
Eudaimonia!
October 2024
Nathan D.
The forgotten majestic wilderness of Northern Greece
September 2024
Al K.
The forgotten majestic wilderness of Northern Greece
September 2024
Al K.
The forgotten majestic wilderness of Northern Greece
September 2024
Al K.
The forgotten majestic wilderness of Northern Greece
September 2024
Al K.
The forgotten majestic wilderness of Northern Greece
September 2024
Al K.
A hike between great food experiences
September 2024
Darren C.
A hike between great food experiences
September 2024
Darren C.
A hike between great food experiences
September 2024
Darren C.
A hike between great food experiences
September 2024
Darren C.
A hike between great food experiences
September 2024
Darren C.
Excellent tour - a hidden adventure wonderland
September 2024
Sarah L.
Excellent tour - a hidden adventure wonderland
September 2024
Sarah L.
Excellent tour - a hidden adventure wonderland
September 2024
Sarah L.
Excellent tour - a hidden adventure wonderland
September 2024
Sarah L.
Excellent tour - a hidden adventure wonderland
September 2024
Sarah L.
Excellent tour - a hidden adventure wonderland
September 2024
Sarah L.
Excellent tour - a hidden adventure wonderland
September 2024
Sarah L.
Great trip
July 2024
Katie
Great trip
July 2024
Katie
Great trip
July 2024
Katie
Great trip
July 2024
Katie
Great trip
July 2024
Katie
Great trip
July 2024
Katie
So much more than just hiking!
June 2024
Clare W.
So much more than just hiking!
June 2024
Clare W.
So much more than just hiking!
June 2024
Clare W.
So much more than just hiking!
June 2024
Clare W.

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

Athens Skyline, Greece. Photo: https://www.canva.com/photos/MACR5eOIyN8-skyline-of-athenth/

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

GETTY - Man at a lookout point overlooking Vikos Gorge, Greece. Photo: Getty # 1342702719

Hiking

2.5hrs · 5km · 110m up · 470m down

Driving

5hrs

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

Vikos Gorge, Greece. Photo: Canva image - https://www.canva.com/photos/MAD55AO_16M-vikos-gorge-zagoria-greece/

Hiking

5-6hrs · 13km · 650m up · 800m down

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

HOST - Trekkers at Dragon Lake in the Pindus Mountains, Greece. Photo: Host/Nomads Path

Hiking

6-7hrs · 11.5km · 1450m up · 500m down

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

HOST - People swimming in the Aoos River in Northern Greece. Photo: Host/Nomads Path

Hiking

3hrs · 6km · 925m down

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

HOST - Raftingn on the Voidomatis River, Greece. Photo: Host/Nomads Path

Rafting

3hrs · 6km

Driving

2.5hrs

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

GETTY - Hikers at a lookout point in Meteora, Greece Photo: Getty # 1365326192

Hiking

4-5hrs · 7km · 200m up · 200m down

Driving

4hrs

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

HOST - Sea kayaking the coast on the Athenian Riviera. Photo: Host/Nomads Path

Kayaking

4hrs · 6km

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

Acropolis Athens Sunset Greece
Canva - https://www.canva.com/photos/MAETqAUWo2Y-city-with-high-rise-buildings-under-orange-and-blue-sky/

Your adventure ends today after breakfast as your host transfers you to Athens Airport in time for your onward flight.

Alternatively, you can opt to extend your time in Greece and join our Island Hopping in the Cyclades adventure visiting the islands of Naxos, Tinos and Koufonisia.

The Area

map

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 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 19:00. If you're catching a later flight, you should allow one hour for the airport to hotel transfer – ideally, you should aim to arrive in Athens no later than 18:00.

On Day 9, your host will provide a group transfer to arrive back to Athens International Airport at 12:00.

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.

The departure dates of this trip are scheduled to coincide with our Greek Island Hopping Adventure in the Cyclades adventure, so once you've visited the mountains, you can go and relax on the islands - all in one holiday!

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 3

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Mountain hut · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5 – Day 6

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 9

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Greek food, Gemista. Photo: GettyImages-1185881706

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?

Parnon Hotel, Athens, Greece: Host Picture
Athens

Your time in the Greek mountains is sandwiched by a night in Athens at the start and end of your trip. Your hotel will be located in the centre 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).

The hotels used vary depending on the departure date but are all of a similar good standard, your host will advise the exact arrangements for your trip two weeks before, properties such as Hotel Parnon, Chic Hotel, Athens Way Pop Art Hotel and B21 Residence.

Taxiarches Hotel
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.

Astraka refuge, Greece
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.

Grand Hotel Dentro in Konitsa
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.

Hotel Meteoritis
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.

This trip has been rated as Moderate

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 tackle to reach the top of 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. The kayaking on the last day is also suitable for beginners.

Some general exercise (strength, cardio, flexibility) in the weeks building up to your trip will go along way to enjoy this trip.

What will I need to carry?

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.

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.

Jessica M.(October 2024)
Nikos and Hermes were wonderful

Nikos and Hermes were wonderful guides, they had so much energy and enthusiasm. Nothing was too much trouble and they led the group well. This part of Greece is so beautiful and untouched, would highly recommend.

Chi H.(October 2024)
Great trip!

This trip to Northern Greece was an amazing experience. The breathtaking landscapes, well-organized itinerary, and our fantastic guides, Nikos and Hermes, made it truly memorable. They went above and beyond, ensuring we were well fed and entertained with activities like hiking and sea-kayaking. While the last hotel could have been better, the overall experience was excellent, and I’d highly recommend it!

Nicola E.(October 2024)
Life Affirming Experience in Greece as you have Never Seen It

This trip was absolutely incredible...Our guides Nikos and Hermés went over and above to accommodate for the groups needs, provide fun and lots of insight and information into the fascinating places we visited! The areas we visited were breathtaking and I had no idea Greece had landscapes like this. The accommodation was comfortable and the food out of this world. The itinerary was managed and balanced well with a range of activities and flexibility to give the group the best experience. I came away with new friends and some amazing memories. Couldn't recommend this trip enough 🙏

Drew(October 2024)
Awesome trip, as much for the food as the hiking. The guides really made it
Awesome trip, as much for the food as the hiking. The guides really made it
Awesome trip, as much for the food as the hiking. The guides really made it

This trip was the perfect mix of active and relaxing. Northern Greece is so incredibly beautiful, and the guides were incredibly knowledgeable. Nikos in particular went out of his way to make sure that everyone was (very) well fed, with delicious food, and that everyone's needs were well catered for. The group was a great mix of people too. Couldn't have hoped for better.

Nathan D.(October 2024)
Eudaimonia!
Eudaimonia!

An absolutely wonderful trip - a great adventure of hiking, rafting, sea-kayaking, cuisine (so much Greek food!) and camaraderie. As an opportunity to discover a road less taken in northern Greece with a wonderful bunch of travelling companions; I couldn't recommend it enough. A final shout out must go to Nikos and Hermes, our guides for the week. Hype men, cuisine connoisseurs, wildlife gurus, DJs, night-life experts and all round legends both.

Jonathan W.(October 2024)
Review

Trip was generally excellent and well planned

Nikos and Hermes were really conscientious guides who couldn’t do enough for us. Was very impressed. Even bringing home prepared food at times which was a lovely touch.

Only minor issues

  1. I think that the B21 hotel in Athens wasn’t good enough.

  2. Nikos insisted we needed to bring backpacks rather than other soft bags. Don’t think that was necessary.

  3. Would have been good to have a get to know you introduction session at the start.

But as I say really minor.

Would come on another mba trip.

Hervé P.(September 2024)
busy all week

good organization, full week. Average atmosphere despite the presence of the guides. Disappointed by the last hotel

Al K.(September 2024)
The forgotten majestic wilderness of Northern Greece
The forgotten majestic wilderness of Northern Greece
The forgotten majestic wilderness of Northern Greece
The forgotten majestic wilderness of Northern Greece
The forgotten majestic wilderness of Northern Greece
The forgotten majestic wilderness of Northern Greece

A outstanding chance to walk the path less taken in Northern Greece. Very attentive guides going the extra mile to cater for a diverse ability group in an amazing and forgotten area. The UNESCO villages and stunning gorge walks were complemented with some whitewater rafting down what was nothing short of a magical. from Athens to the mountain refuge the local food was generous and of a high culinary standard. It’s a trip where friends and great memories are made.

Darren C.(September 2024)