Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization, Athens has been continually occupied by people for the last 7,000 years. You can't move without bumping into an ancient ruin or building, which evokes imagery of the Greek gods or the thoughts of their philosophers.
In the afternoon we meet at our hotel for an introductory talk and afterwards we have our first dinner together. Of course, Greek cuisine plays a starring role and we have spent many hours digesting countless delicacies during the research of this important aspect.
Overnight in Athens in a 4* hotel
Dinner included
Today we will start early from Athens and drive towards the olive grove of Amfissa, the biggest in Greece with more than one million trees.
There, you will experience the art of smelling, tasting and appreciating the Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil. After all, the olive tree has been central to Greek culture, and olives central to the Greek diet for over 5,000 years. A tasting session educates you not just in the end product, but the traditions and cultures forged over centuries which has brought it here.
In the afternoon, we will visit the pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo spoke, and was the site of the omphalos, the “navel of the earth. Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi in the 6th century B.C. was indeed the religious center and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. Alongside with your guide you will explore the archeological site and the archeological museum, which is one of the most important in Greece, without the morning crowds.
Overnight in Delphi in a boutique hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Driving distance:
Athens to Delphi 182 km / 3 hr
In the morning we will depart from Delphi in the direction of Meteora and you are not likely to forget the first moment the rock pinnacles come into view. The monasteries atop these rocks stand as a unique artistic achievement, illustrating a profound example of transforming a site into a place for retreat, meditation, and prayer—a testament to the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.
Our first destination here, is a local winery which is a fine representative of Meteora's rich winemaking heritage. The wine tasting includes five different labels, each showcasing the unique flavors and aromas of the region. Tonight, we will be staying in Kastraki, a charming village founded in the 16th century by the Ottomans. Nestled at the base of the colossal rocks of Meteora,it is the ideal spot to relish the breathtaking views of this unique landscape.
Overnight in Kastraki in a boutique hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Driving distance:
Delphi to Meteora 231 km / 3 hr
The best way to experience Meteora is simply to walk! Fantastic manifestations of geological history and current natural processes await us around every bend in the trail. We start hiking from Kastraki and make our way up towards the monasteries.
Post-hike, we bid farewell to Meteora, transitioning to Zagori—a region adorned with pristine rivers, wild mountains, and secluded stone villages. En route, we pause in the picturesque town of Ioannina, situated on the shores of Lake Pamvotis, showcasing an intriguing mix of Ottoman and Greek Enlightenment architecture. Continuing our journey, we drive to the mountainous village of Dilofo in Zagori, one of the 46 traditional villages featuring stone-built mansions constructed by wealthy merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. This will be our home for the following three nights.
Overnight in Dilofo in a boutique hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 2,2 km / Hiking Duration: 3 hr
Elevation gain & loss: 263 m & 86 m
Driving distance:
Meteora to Ioannina 105 km / 1 hr 45 min
Ioannina to Dilofo 34 km / 45 min
Zagori boasts over 160 well-preserved stone bridges strategically placed to connect its villages. These centuries-old structures, crafted by skilled artisans, stand as enduring reminders of the creativity and capabilities of their builders. During a driving tour, you'll have the opportunity to admire some of them before heading to the village of Vradeto. From there, we'll embark on a hike towards Beloi, a viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the gorge of Vikos.
In the afternoon, our journey takes us to the village of Elafotopos, where we'll visit a traditional mansion and engage in a hands-on cooking lesson to learn about the local cuisine. The Zagorian cuisine mirrors the agricultural production of our small yet blessed country, providing indirect insights into the land's economy, history, social life, and customs.
Overnight in Dilofo in a boutique hotel
Breakfast,lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 4,6 km / Hiking Duration: 2 hr
Driving distance:
Dilofo to Vradeto 19 km / 25 min
Vradeto to Dilofo 19 km / 25 min
Dilofo to Elafotopos 15 km / 25 min
Elafotopos to Dilofo 15 km / 25 min
Today you will raft Voidomatis, which characterized as one of Europe’s cleanest rivers. We float through an impressive waterway surrounded by age-long plane trees and encounter few easy rapids, which have just enough white-water to give a little thrill without any danger, before ending at the arched stone bridge of Kleidonia.
After lunch we will transfer to the village of Megalo Papigo, which due to its preserved original state is declared as traditional settlement. The village is densely built, with numerous stone houses and enclosed courtyards typical for Zagori villages and has with great views towards the Astraka towers. In the afternoon, we leave on foot from Megalo Papigo along ancient, cobbled lanes that take us to the “sister village” of Mikro Papigo. The path leads us along the flank of the mountain to several breathtaking look-out points over the Vikos gorge and the whole of eastern Zagori.
Overnight in Dilofo in a boutique hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Rafting duration: 1 hr 30 min
Hiking distance: 4,7 km / Hiking Duration: 2 hr
Elevation gain & loss: 164 m & 332 m
Driving distance:
Dilofo to Aristi bridge 27 km / 40 min
Kleidonia to Megalo Papigo 16 km / 30 min
Megalo Papigo to Dilofo 35 km / 1 hr
On our way to Thessaloniki we stop at the awe-aspiring Macedonian tombs of Vergina. We visit the monumental palace, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of which date from the 11th century B.C.
After lunch we will continue onwards Thessaloniki, Greece’s sophisticated second city. It is a vibrant metropolis located right on the Aegean, full of history yet very much a modern city. Macedonian tombs, rotundas and arches from the imperial Rome, minarets of the Ottomans and domes of Byzantium unveil in the city with thousands of years with historical momentums.
Overnight in Thessaloniki in a 4* hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Driving distance:
Dilofo to Vergina 227 km / 3 hr 30 min
Vergina to Thessaloniki 75 km / 1 hr
Today, you will learn the history behind the flavors of Thessaloniki, taste its famous delicacies, walk through the vivid old markets, meet local producers and try some of the best products during a food tour that brings the forgotten and unknown tastes of the city into light.
This tour includes a tasting of Greek delicacies in a cooking lab, along with a cup of Greek coffee or herbal tea form the Greek mountains, an introduction to the culinary history of the area and then a walk to the historical center of the city with six tasting stops.
After that, there will be time for some independent sightseeing before tonight’s farewell dinner.
Overnight in Thessaloniki in a 4* hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hopefully with a slight sense of nostalgia which comes when a nice experience has to come to an end, here your trip with Tripin Adventures concludes. Breakfast is at your leisure at the hotel and following that, transfer independently from our accommodation in Thessaloniki to the international airport for return flights home or continue exploring one of Europe’s oldest cities.
Breakfast included
We are constantly updating our unique itineraries based on new information and experiences available. The walks, accommodations, and visits listed may be adjusted. The itineraries presented are subject to modification and change by Tripin Adventures. We reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in our judgment, conditions warrant, or if we deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants, anything not mentioned in above program.
