Botanical Program

Discover the wealth of Greek fauna in Zagori

Zagori casts a spell to the visitor from the very first moment. The eye travels to the lavishly green hills, the snow-covered tops and the hidden stone villages. In the very heart of it, the visitor will be impressed with the local architecture, the remarkable cuisine and the immense natural beauty which is the true essence of the area. This program is ideal for nature-lovers and flower enthusiasts and a true gem for those who choose their vacation off the beaten path.

Day 1: ARRIVAL-TRANSPORTATION. Arrival in the airport and transfer to Kipi village in Central Zagori via Ioannina city, the capital of Epirus. Transfer in the hotel and welcome dinner. During your stay, optional visit in the Folk Museum of Agapios Tolis.

Day 2: KIPI-KOUKOULI-KIPI. Walk from Kipi (the beginning of the Gorge) to Koukouli and back to Kipi village. This walk offers incredible views of the famous stone bridges of the area, visit of the botanical museum of Lazarides and the opportunity to see some of the rarest indigenous wild orchids and liliums ( Fritillaria Graeca, Urginea Maritima, Iris Germanica, Orchis Italica are some of the beautiful and rare species we will see) of the area. Return to Kipi and overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 3: VRADETO-MPELOI-TSEPELOVO. Transfer in Vradeto and hike to Mpeloi viewpoint of Vikos Gorge and return back to Vradeto village for lunch and some rest while we enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Early in the afternoon we continue our hike to the infamous Vradeto Stairs. Our transportation vehicle will wait at the end of the trail to take us for a visit to Tsepelovo village for a taste of the local ?raki? and a visit to the beautiful 17th century church of Aghios Nikolaos. Return to the hotel.

Day 4: ARISTI-VOIDOMATIS-KLEIDONIA. Morning transfer to Aristi Bridge for Voidomatis river walk, the cleanest river of Europe. The surrounding area of the river is covered with rich vegetation with maples, planes (platanus orientalis), alpines, burnets and meadow (Rosa Agrestis Savi) roses. The end of the walk is in Kleidwnia Bridge were we will have the opportunity to taste local trout. Transfer back to Kipi village.

Day 5: MONODENDRI-OXIA: Transfer to Monodendri one of the most scenic villages of the area where we visit the Rizarios embroidery school and the monastery of Aghia Paraskeui, literally situated on a cliff, overlooking Vikos Gorge. We then start our walk towards Oxia viewpoint. On our way we will have the opportunity to see a vast number of alpine flowers on the meadows such as Daphne Oleoides, Linum Elegans and Trifolium Purpureum. Transfer back to Kipi for overnight stay.

Day 6: IOANNINA: Transfer from Kipi to Ioannina city. In the city we will have the opportunity to visit the old quarters, the castle and the Byzantine museum of Ioannina. Afternoon free.

Day 7: DEPARTURE. Transfer to the airport, end of tour.

Details:

Local guide/ trekking leader.

All local transfers.

Accommodation in a four star hotel during the trip.

All meals according to the itinerary.

Highlights:

Discover the beautiful area of Zagori with the traditional stone built villages and the impressive architecture.

Learn about the wealth of the local flora and fauna.

Easy hikes in the national park of Vikos-Aoos.

Great local cuisine

Difficulty: Easy

Season: May-July