After breakfast we ride the ferry across to mainland Greece where our mini-bus awaits to transfer us to the mountainous region of Zagoria. Once there, we stop at Papigko bridge and we start to follow on foot the path that goes along the banks of the Voidomatis river. We enjoy a very relaxing and walk through the plane forest that spreads in the area and creates a magical atmosphere. The land which we cross today has had human presence for the past 20,000 years. Evidence of human presence can be found in several caves from before the last ice age and can also be found in abandoned churches of the mid-17th century and stone bridges of the 19th century. Transfer to Mikro Papigko by mini-bus– check in the guesthouse(s)

Day 3 - Walk from Mikro Papigko up to the famous Drakolimni glacial lake 

Today we will climb high up in Tymfi mountain. We will walk through the alpine grasslands all the way up to the most famous glacial lake of Greece – Drakolimni -the Dragon Lake. From the altitude of 2050m we will start descending back to Mikro Papigko village discovering beautiful vistas.

Day 4 - Walk from Monodendri to Vikos village via Vikos gorge

The crossing of Vikos gorge is one of the most esteemed hikes in Greece. It is an unspoiled sanctuary with a great diversity of flora and fauna. In the heart of the gorge is the source of the Voidomatis which is the cleanest river in Europe. This is a trek on the floor of the gorge, crossing dry riverbeds, passing next to bear caves engulfed by the dense foliage. Vikos gorge has been a central feature of life in the region for the past 40,000 years and stays untouched to this very day. 

Day 5 - Drive to Meteora and visit one of the iconic monasteries hanging on the top of the vertical rock formations. Next stop, Kerkini Lake at the Greek / Bulgarian borders

After breakfast, it will be time to leave behind the beautiful Zagoria and change scenery. This is a driving day with our private mini bus from north-west Greece to the northern borders with Bulgaria. We will make an important stop at the impressive Meteora, visiting one of the famous monasteries and having a short walk to stretch our legs. We will, then, head north towards Kerkini Lake where we arrive in the evening.

Day 6 – Morning activity in Lake Kerkini and then drive to Melnik in Bulgaria

A morning full of activities awaits us in Kerkini Lake. We will drive at the northern harbor of the lake where a boat will await to pick us up and take us on a journey through the lake. With us, a specialist will offer his knowledge about the significant 

bird life that the lake attracts, the natural environment that surrounds us and he will reveal the lake’s various secrets based on our interests. After our boat ride, we will enjoy a short walk along the lake’s banks, gaining another perspective of this beautiful site. We will enjoy our lunch in one of the villages and then, we will start driving to Melnik in the mountains which separate Greece and Bulgaria. Once we reach the Rozhen monastery we will enjoy a short walk across the fairyland sandy-stone formations all the way to Melnik where we can visit Kordopulova house museum where we will have the chance to enjoy wine tasting locally produced. Check in at our hotel.

Length: 6.5km (3.5miles)

Approx. Walking Time: 1.5 hours