Athens – Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos - Ioannina - Zagori Region

The Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos - Departing from Athens with a brief stop at the Canal of Corinth for some memorable photos, the journey continues along the Peloponnese coastline. Crossing the impressive Rion – Antirion bridge, one of Europe’s largest, there will be a short stop in “Naupactus,” a charming seaside town. Here, visitors can explore the Venetian Castle and Port, and enjoy a delightful lunch before heading to Ioannina.

Ioannina - A panoramic city tour around Ioannina’s lake is planned, with a short coffee break before departing for the Zagori area.

Vikos Gorge - Tour to the Complex of Zagorochoria Villages - Byzantine Castle of Ioannina

Vikos Gorge - After breakfast, the journey begins to visit traditional villages like “Kippoi” and “Vitsa.” Cameras are a must for capturing the stunning scenery! The next stop is Monodentri village to visit Vikos Gorge, renowned for its natural beauty. Listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s deepest canyon relative to its width, Vikos Gorge is a site of significant scientific interest, carved over millions of years by the Voidomatis River. It’s a mesmerizing place not to be missed when visiting this beautiful region of Greece. To fully experience the gorge, hiking shoes are recommended. Most visitors spend 3-5 hours exploring the gorge (optional with guide). Departure from Zagori towards Ioannina, the capital of Epirus.

Ioannina Castle - Ioannina has always been multicultural, with Christian, Islamic, and Jewish influences. This cultural blend is evident in the historic city center. The tour includes the beautiful fortified old town and the castle, the oldest Byzantine fortress in Greece. The Stoa Louli arcade is a place where the three communities thrived together. Notable buildings include the Matei Hussein house and the Ottoman Mosque of Ali Pasha. Lake Pamvotida and its Small Island of “Ali Pasha,” accessible only by boat, is the only inhabited island on a lake in Europe. Perama, one of Europe’s most beautiful caves, is among Ioannina’s unique attractions. Don’t miss sampling traditional spices and herbs from the Epirus mountains, frog’s legs, a special delicacy, or the famous desserts like ‘sker bourek’ or ‘sugar pie,’ and the exceptionally delicious baklava or other syrup pastries. Overnight in Meteora.

Meteora - Delphi

Meteora - The driver will pick up guests from the hotel at 09.00 to visit the BYZANTINE MONASTERIES of Meteora, a UNESCO world heritage site. The first stop is The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoro, the largest and oldest, known as the monastery “suspended in the air” (meteoro) due to the gigantic rock formation it sits atop. The second visit is to the great monastery of St. Stephan, a small church built in the 16th century and decorated in 1545. Departure from Meteora to reach Delphi for an overnight stay.

Delphi – Epidaurus – Palamidi Castle of Nafplio

Delphi Archaeological Museum - The visit includes the Ancient Oracle, the Stadium, the Ancient Theatre, with a capacity exceeding 5,000 spectators, and the Museum of Delphi. Delphi is renowned for the oracle at the sanctuary dedicated to Apollo during the classical period. Afterwards, a visit to the traditional winter village of Arachova for a coffee or lunch break is planned.

Epidaurus Archaeological Museum - Departing from Arachova to reach the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, one of Greece’s best-preserved theatres, built in the 4th century BC. The theatre, seating 15,000, is famous for its breathtaking acoustics and still hosts the annual Greek Festival in summer. Overnight in Nafplio.

Nafplio – Mycenae – Mount of Taygetos - Towertown of Mystras & Monemvasia

Nafplio - Explore the romantic city of Nafplio with its narrow streets and the Palamidi castle, accessible by climbing 999 steps or by taking a small boat to visit “Bourtzi,” the fortress at the harbor entrance.

Archaeological Site Mycenae - Visit the ancient town of Mycenae and its archaeological site, including the Lion Gate, Cyclopean Walls, Royal Palace, and the tomb of Agamemnon.

Mount Taygetos - Visit Taygetus, a mountain range on the Peloponnese peninsula in Southern Greece, the highest in the region. The name is one of Europe’s oldest, appearing in the Odyssey. In classical mythology, it was associated with the nymph Taygete. The “Valley of Keada,” famous from mythology, is where ancient Spartans were said to have thrown disabled children off the cliff. Another myth suggests it was used for condemned individuals, traitors, criminals, and prisoners of war. The journey continues through the heart of the Taÿgetos Mountains to reach the ancient glory of Mystras, a village in the Peloponnese.

Archaeological Site of Mystra - The tower of Mystras was a formidable castle-town during Byzantine times. Wander through the castle city, the Upper and Lower Town, and feel the grandeur: the Palace of the Despots (Anaktora), the Houses of Laskaris and Frangopoulos, the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Dimitrios, and the impressive Monasteries of Our Lady Pantánassa and Our Lady Perivleptos. Arrival in Monemvasia for an overnight stay.

Towertown of Monemvasia – Ancient Corinth - Athens

Monemvasia - Discover the Tower Town of Monemvasiá, a mystical stone-built settlement at the edge of a large rock by the sea, founded by the Byzantines in the sixth century. Delve into the history of the fortress, known as the “Gibraltar of the East,” which was occupied by the Byzantines, Crusaders, Venetians, and Turks. Explore the Castle, walk along the cobbled streets, and visit charming churches, including the Church of Agia Sofia at Monemvasia’s highest point. Visit the Archaeological Collection in a small building facing the Plaza of Monemvasia, a former Muslim Mosque built in the 16th century. Before leaving Monemvasia, savor culinary delights and capture memorable panoramic photos of the endless blue!

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - One of the most fascinating parts of the visit is the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth. Once one of the largest and most prominent ancient Greek city-states, the site includes the Archaeological Museum of Corinth, which houses many artifacts found during excavations. Ancient Corinth was a beloved city of Saint Paul, a notable figure in the Christian community. Guests will be dropped off at their hotel in Athens, marking the end of the services.

• Breakfast
• Welcome bag upon meeting
• Pick up and drop off services
• Private car and English speaking driver
• 5 Nights Accommodation

• Entrance fees at archaeological sites
• Licensed Tour Guide (available with extra cost)
• Hotel City Tax

If the thrill of hiking and the charm of exploring traditional hamlets captures your heart, this tour presents an opportunity to experience the most stunning mountain ranges in Greece, exceptional byzantine and Venetian castles hidden in the woods, and indulge in the delectable culinary specialties of Greece’s most attractive villages…

Our exploration will be within the Zagorochoria region, an ensemble of 46 scenic villages renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty. Here, we will take a stroll to the Beloi viewpoint for sweeping views and photo opportunities of the Vikos Gorge, acclaimed as one of the world’s deepest canyons!

Adding to the list of must-sees is Delphi, Meteora, Mycenae’s ‘Golden Age’, and the Theatre of Epidaurus. We will explore Nafpaktos and its Venetian Castle, and venture to Nafplio with a visit to Plamidi Castle. We will be taking an exclusive tour of the Byzantine fortress in Ioannina and the island known as ‘Ali Pasha’.

Furthermore, we will traverse the core of the Taÿgetos Mountains, making our way to the ancient city of Mystras. Our voyage will then proceed to the Tower-town of Monemvasia, a captivating stone-built settlement famously designated as the ‘Gibraltar of the East’.

• 2 people will stay in a double-sharing room, 3 people will stay in a triple-sharing room, and 1 person will have a private single room
• After your booking, you will receive a detailed itinerary
• Please note that one week prior to your trip, you will receive an updated itinerary with hotel names, pick-up times, and other details.
• Respecting the environment, you will receive the program on your mobile device or in chat room of Viator. If you need a printed version, please let us know.
• We recommend downloading the WhatsApp application for immediate communication.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.