Zagorian Villages and Vikos Gorge

Day 1. Outbound to Zagoria

Fly to Preveza on the Ionian Sea and transfer to Monodendri in central Zagoria. Savour delightful Greek cuisine in this traditional walkers' village.

Day 2. Village Walks

There are numerous small but very beautiful and interesting settlements in Zagoria, all built in a unique traditional way. The first day takes you through the typical villages of the area Vitsa, Koukouli and Kipi, where there is a unique example of a three-arched stone packhorse bridge.

Days 3 and 4. Vikos Gorge

Drive to Vradeto, the highest village of the region and hike along the edge of the spectacular Vikos Gorge offering breathtaking views of the depths below your feet. The following day will be spent walking through the gorge itself. The gorge averages 700 metres in depth and is the second longest in Europe after the much busier Samaria Gorge on Crete. Here, however, you will only have the swooping eagles above for company. You will walk right into the heart of the National Park where the sight of the deserted monastery of Agia Paraskevi, balanced in an 'eagle's nest' position over the Vikos Canyon causes many a heart to miss a beat! The gorge is still refuge to many wild animals such as bears, boars and birds of prey. Overnight in the famous village of Papingo.

Day 5. The Dragon Lake

Papingo is built in the foothills of Astraka with its 2436 metre towers standing watchful behind. A good mule track takes you up to the Greek Alpine Club refuge, built in the shadow of both Astraka peak and Gamilla peak (2497 metres). Continue through stark mountain scenery to the Drakolimni of Gamilla, a mystical little alpine lake at 2050 metres, perched high on a ridge overlooking the Aoos Gorge (swimming compulsory!). There are sweeping views of the whole of the Pindos Mountain range with its broad limestone uplands and pockets of tiny villages.

Day 6. Voidomatis

Raft the icy cold Voidomatis River and follow its clear blue waters 'downstream' on a gentle ride to the abandoned monastery of St. Anargyri in the middle of the Voidomatis Gorge. Return to Papingo and enjoy a relaxing evening in the cool mountain environment, quietly sipping a coffee and ouzo under the enormous plane tree in the village square in true local fashion.

Days 7 and 8. Ioannina and Homeward

Visit the historic lakeside town of Ioannina with its fascinating old fortifications and alleyways. The classical amphitheatre of Dodoni is a short taxi ride away and there are numerous museums to visit. Enjoy a final meal in one of the excellent restaurants here, before returning to Preveza and the UK after a week a world away from mainstream Greece.