Meeting in Monodendri in Zagori and overnight in a guesthouse in Monodendri. If there is time we can visit the the abandoned monastery of Saint Paraskevi, which is placed on the edge of Vikos Gorge. The monastery founded at 1413-1414, consists of a small stone-built chapel, the oldest preserved in Zagori, and offers panoramic views to Vikos Gorge.

Distance: 12km – Duration: 6-7 hours

The hike to Vikos Gorge starts from Monodendri, we first descend towards the gorge while ascending and descending successively hiking through forested slopes while its giant limestone walls rise around us.

Then we meet the sources of the river Voidomatis with the coldest water in Greece around 9 ºC where we can take a refreshing dip and finally we climb towards the village of Vikos. Then we are heading to Papigko village for a well-deserved dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Distance: 16km – Duration: 8-9 hours

Starting from Papigko he are heading to the alpine dragonlake of Tymfis which is located at an altitude of 2,050 meters with a unique spectacular view of Astraka, Gkamila and Smolikas. During our hike we have a view of the impressive western and northern steep slopes of Astraka but also a large part of Tymfi with beautiful limestone rocks while crossing huge alpine meadows. From there hut we visit the famous Dragonlake and explore the surrounding area enjoying the alpine views of Tymfi before we return to the hut for dinner. The hike ends at Papigko after a relaxing descent from the mountain hut.

It is possible to spend the night at Astraka’s refuge and return to Papigko the next day.

Our hiking tour ends with the departure from Papigko.