- Churches | Monasteries
- Culture | History
- Family friendly
- Hiking | Trekking
- Horseback riding
- Meals included
- Mountain adventures
- Rafting
- Walking
Wild mountains & Rivers Adventure
Have you even been to a place, hidden from the most, yet so astonishingly beautiful and magical, that you both want to keep it secret and share it with the world? Have you considered Greece as a destination blessed with wild, rugged mountains, perfect for adventure holiday seekers? Simply join us on our “Wild Mountains & Rivers” Adventure and begin a journey to uncover the secret beauty of the Greek mainland through a range of exhilarating outdoor activities!
You will have the opportunity to explore traditional stone-built villages frozen in time, lush fir forests, alpine landscapes, enchanting lakes and rivers, ancient arch stone bridges, delicious local food and the warm hospitality of the local people. Moreover, you will have the chance to discover the UNESCO site of Meteora in a unique and extraordinary way!
During this 7day adventure in mainland Greece, you will have the opportunity to enjoy hydro-biking on a serene lake, hike along stunning mountain paths, have a thrilling rafting experience ,and optionally horseback riding in the National Park of Northern Pindos. Last but not least, explore Aoos Canyon through a breathtaking Via Ferrata excursion!
Make most of Greece’s mild weather and enjoy a week-long adventure beyond the beaten bath…
This adventure is also perfectly suited for families wseeking active holidays that provide multiple outdoor activities and immersive cultural experiences appropriate for the entire family!
Tour Highlights
- Discover Northern Pindos National Park, one of Greece’s most pristine regions.
- Explore the beautiful and unspoiled traditional mountainous Greek villages.
- Enjoy the serenity of Lake Plastira on a kayak or hydro-bike.
- Climb the Vradeto steps and savor the stunning views over Vikos gorge from the Beloi viewpoint.
- Experience the thrill of rafting in Voidomatis, one of Europe’s cleanest rivers.
- Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Aoos Canyon with a Via Ferrata adventure.
- Taste the delicious local food and wines, savoring the flavors of the region.
- Follow the paths of ancient monks and visit the cliff – top monasteries of Meteora.
- Conclude your adventure with a guided walking tour of Athens and the legendary Acropolis.
Additional information
| Tour pace | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Suitable for | All travelers, Families |
| Comfort level | Comfort |
| Available | All year round |
| Min. number of participants | 3 |
Day 1: Athens - Lake Plastira - Meteora
On this first morning, your tour leader will pick you up either from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Athens city center. From there, you will begin your journey to the enchanting Lake Plastira, a destination that harmonically combines serenity with adventure (approx. 4 hours of driving). Upon reaching the lake, a delightful lakeside picnic lunch awaits you, followed by the opportunity to explore the lake on a hydro-bike or canoe/kayak. For those feeling adventurous, there’s even the chance to try your hand at archery!
Activity duration: approx. 1.5 – 2 hours, level of difficulty: easy
In the afternoon, you will make your way to Meteora, a UNESCO Worldwide Heritage Site that is an absolute must see for anyone visiting Greece (approx. a 1:20hrs car drive). Upon arrival in Meteora,a guided tour will take you around this unique landscape, providing a first glimpse of the “stone forest”. You will admire the towering rock pillars rising 400m over the ground and the monasteries perched atop them! Along the way, we will make several stops at some of the most picturesque viewpoints, allowing you to capture breathtaking views and create postcard-worthy photos.
The day concludes with hotel check in and dinner at one of the local restaurants, marking the end of this fulfilling day.
Picnic Lunch 
3* Hotel in Meteora
Day 2: Hike Meteora & Monasteries – Vitsa
What better way to wake up than by admiring the spectacular sandstone rocks of Meteora, soaring more that 400 m above the ground! Following breakfast, we will explore this unique landscape and the remarkable clifftop monasteries, offering a perspective beyond the ordinary way!
We will trace the ancient paths monks once used to take, winding through the steep rocks, visiting selective monasteries and uncovering other hidden gems of Meteora all while taking in the breathtaking views.
(Total Hike duration: 2.5 – 3 hours / Total activity duration, incl. the visit to the monasteries: 4 – 5 hrs / Level of difficulty: easy / Total Distance: 5-6km / Altitude difference: 280m)
After lunch, you will set off in our car for the stunning Zagori region (approx. 2.5 hrs driving). Your first stop will be the charming village of Monodendri, located at a height of 1.060m. From the village square, you will begin a short hike leading to Agia Paraskevi church, offering splendid views over Vikos Gorge! Following this, you will visit the Oxya viewpoint and the stone forest.
Hike duration: 1 hour, level of difficulty: easy
In the early evening, you will check in to a traditional guesthouse in Vitsa village and enjoy homemade dinner.
Breakfast, Dinner Traditional Guesthouse in Vitsa
Day 3: Vradeto steps, Beloi viewpoint & Zagori arch stone bridges
Following breakfast, we will drive towards Kapesovo village. From there, following the beautiful stone trail of Vradeto steps, we’ll reach the highest village of Zagori, Vradeto (1450m). Just 2km further, we will arrive at the Beloi viewpoint (1650m), offering striking panoramic views over the gorge!
After a snack lunch, we will explore and hike some of the area’s most significant and beautiful arch stone bridges.
Dinner and overnight in Vitsa village.
- Kapesovo – Vradeto- Mpeloi (return trail)
| waypoint | altitude | elapsed time | total distance |
| Kapesovo village | 1.150 m | 0’ | 0 m |
| Vradeto steps | 1.060 m | 20′ | 1.100 m |
| Vradeto village | 1.340 m | 1:15′ | 3.300 m |
| Mpeloi viewpoint | 1.450 m | 2:00′ | 5.300 m |
| return reverse (r/f) | 3:50′ | 10.600 m |
Hike duration: 3.5-4 hours / Hiking Distance: 10.6km / Level of difficulty: easy to moderate
- Arch stone Bridges tour (o/w or r/w)
| waypoint | altitude | elapsed time | total distance |
| Kokori Bridge | 700 m | 0 m | |
| Plakida Bridge | 730 m | 20′ | 1.500 m |
| Milou Bridge | 740 m | 50′ | 3.500 m |
| Pitsioni Bridge | 740 m | 1:20′ | 5.000 m |
| Kontodima Bridge | 750 m | 1:40′ | 6.000 m |
| Koukouli village (optional) | 870 m | 2:30′ | 7.800 m |
| Missiou Bridge (optional) | 690 m | 3:10′ | 10.000 m |
*The tour of the arch stone bridges can be tailored to suit various preferences. We can choose to hike to all of the bridges or do some parts by car, depending on the travelers’ fitness levels and preferences.
Hike duration: 1.5-3 hours / Distance: 5 – 10 km / Level of difficulty: easy
Total Hike duration: 6-7.5 hours / Level of difficulty: easy to moderate
Breakfast, Snack Lunch, Dinner Traditional guesthouse in Vitsa
Day 4: Papigo: Rafting & Optional afternoon activities
Get ready for an exhilarating rafting experience on one of Europe’s clearest rivers ! Our journey begins at the picturesque stone bridge of Aristi, leading us through the breathtaking National Park of Vikos – Aoos, as we navigate the gentle waters of the Voidomatis river. This route is beginner-friendly and suitable for all, with its primary allure lying in the remarkably transparent river waters and the captivating surroundings.
Activity duration: approx. 1.5 hours in the water – 3.5 hrs total / Level of difficulty: easy
In the afternoon, you can choose amongst a range of optional activities, such as: an afternoon hike from Mikro Papigo to the Red Rock and back (2km/way, 4 km in total. Hike duration approx. 2 hrs), a horseback riding experience in the area around Papigo village (available at an extra cost) or simply taking a leisurely afternoon to relax in the village. You can discuss all available options with your guide and choose the one that suits you the best.
Activity duration: approx. 1 hour / Level of difficulty: easy
Breakfast, Snack lunch Traditional guesthouse in Papigo
Day 5: Via Ferrata in Aoos River/Canyon
Prepare yourself for a unique, unforgettable experience today, as you will explore the magnificent Aoos river in acompletely different and fun way! Just north of Papigo and Mt Tymfi, lies the scenic canyon of Aoos, carved by the Aoos river and surrounded by majestic mountains, such as Smolikas and Tymfi.
Our adventure will start from Konitsa old bridge, which will captivate your eyes! A 45min hike alongside the river will lead us to the beginning of the Via Ferrata. Along the way, we will encounter two bridges: a small one in Gravos measuring 6-7m in length, and a longer one, known as Aoos’ Tibetan bridge, stretching 17m in length and at 35m above the river! Several impressive climbs follow, on steel ladders and a vertical rock face, reaching heights of 60-70m above water. About half-way through, we will come across some hiking trails, offering stunning scenic views before we and we conclude our journey back at Konitsa bridge.
**Via Ferrata is an exceptional activity with an adventurous spirit that does not require prior experience. It required an average level of fitness, however one must not be afraid of heights. The minimum age to participate is 16 years old.**
Activity duration: approx. 4 – 5 hrs, level of difficulty: easy to moderate
In case you are traveling with young children or you are not confident with heights, an alternative option is available – a hike following a similar route in the Aoos canyon. Starting from the Konitsa old bridge, we will hike to Moni Stomiou, a historical monastery built in 1774 nestled between two steep mountain slopes. The path is easy and beautiful and will take you to the monastery in about 90min of hike. We will follow the same trail back to Konitsa bridge.
Total Hike duration: 3 – 3.5 hours / Distance: 10km return way / Level of difficulty: easy
During the summer months, you can enjoy a revitalizing swim in the clear fresh waters of Aoos river!
Breakfast, Snack Lunch Traditional guesthouse in Papigo
Day 6: Rogovos Natural Pools – Return to Athens
Today, it’s time to bid farewell to this magnificent and pristine part of Greece! However, before you do so, we have a special treat for you. Just a 10min walk from Papigo village, lies a delightful hidden gem known as Rogovos Canyon. The stream that winds through the canyon has created some beautiful natural pools around the unique rock formations. During the summertime, you might even be tempted to dive in the refreshing cold waters!
Afterwards, we will begin our trip back to Athens (approx. 5.5 hrs of driving), with an estimated early evening arrival (around 18:00pm). We will drop you off at your hotel, and the evening is yours to enjoy the city the way you wish.
Breakfast 3* Hotel in Athens
Day 7: Athens & Acropolis Guided tour - Departures
This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of Athens city and the iconic Acropolis arcaeological site, a UNESCO Worldwide Heritage Site and the landmark of Athens. Your tour begins as you meet your guide at a designated location and join for an enlightening historical tour. You will pass the Greek Parliament, Syntagma Square, the National gardens, Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, concluding your journey at the Acropolis site. As you enter from the southern slope of the Acropolis, you’ll visit the Dionysus Sanctuary and Dionysus Theater before ascending the slope leading to the Acropolis monuments. This experience will provide you with panoramic views and in-depth insights into Athens’ ancient history, serving as a fitting end to your rewarding active holiday in Greece.
Tour duration: approx. 3.5 hrs (you will finish around 12:00 – 13:00pm).
With this, your wonderful adventure comes to an end! In the afternoon, you can either arrange your own way to the airport or continue your holidays in Greece. If you prefer, we can arrange a private transfer for you.
Breakfast
What is included:
Trails Beyond tour leader for the entire trip, local guides & activity instructors.
6 days of accommodation in 3* hotels and traditional guesthouses, based on double occupancy.
All meals as indicated on the trip notes: 6 breakfasts, 4 snack lunches, 2 dinners.
Private transportation for the entire trip, including fuel consumption and tolls.
Entrance fees to 1 Meteora monastery and the archaeological site of Acropolis.
Cost for all activities included in the program and all the necessary equipment (all hikes, rafting, hydro-bikes, canyoning, Athens guided tour).
All taxes.
What is not included :
International flights.
Travel insurance.
Airport transfers.
Any meals not included in the itinerary, any beverages or alcoholic drinks during meals.
Optional activities that are not included in the day-to-day itinerary.
Other expenses of personal nature and tips.
Scheduled departures 2024
| Departs on | Price / person |
| 26 March ‘24 | 1.340 € |
| 22 April ‘24 | 1.380 € |
| 26 May ‘24 | 1.380 € |
| 1 September ‘24 | 1.440 € |
| 29 September ‘24 | 1.380 € |
| 29 October ‘24 | 1.340 € |
| Single supplement | 240 € |
*Min. number of participants to depart: 4 pax
Prices per person 2024 for private groups:
| Number of guests | Low Season | High Season |
| (Oct-May) | (June-Sept) | |
| For 2 guests | 2.160 € | 2.230 € |
| For 3 guests | 1.750 € | 1.790 € |
| For 4-5 guests | 1.580 € | 1.620 € |
| For 6-11 guests | 1.330 € | 1.350 € |
| For 12-16 guests | 1.220 € | 1.250 € |
| Single supplement | 240 € | 260 |
*10% Discount for children up to 11 years old
Please read carefully our booking terms & conditions.
Tour Reviews
Enjoyed the trip very, very much and highly recommend Trails Beyond to anyone who wants to travel to Greece beneath the beaten tourist tracks. Danae was such a fantastic guide who really lives her passion to show the unknown parts of her beautiful country to the travellers. Ευχαριστώ πολύ Danae!!!
it was an excellent choice of ours to enjoy a trip under Trails beyond guidance. The places were amazing and it seemed like we wouldn’t find our way around if it wasn’t for Dane, our guide, who revealed to us the most special corners of the area we visited. Rafting in Voidomati was so much fun and the hike through vikos gorge was an unforgettable experience. It’s nice to combine the feeling of safety and adventure without losing the leisure feeling of one’s own holiday! We would repeat it any time and recommend it to everybody!
Exploration, nature, action, history, food, freedom, landscape, stars, moon… this tour was amazing, a big experience. Everybody love exploration and to feel radical have to book it! I hope to do it again. Let me end saying thank you to Danae, ours guide…the best one with the right stuff! Yhooo!!!!!
we never thought that Greece mainland would be so beautiful and there are so many secret places that if it wasn’t for Trails Beyond, we wouldn’t have been there! Combining adventure, culture, good food and hospitality with a great sense of safety, this tour exceeded our expectations! Thank you Danae for this amazing experience! We’ll definitely join you again 🙂
I can’t recommend this tour and Trails Beyond enough. The Greek mountains are breathtakingly beautiful, photos can’t do them justice. The hotels we stayed in were very nice, but the guesthouses were even better, with a real sense of Greek hospitality. Our guides, Danae and Stavros, were so warm and friendly. We were a very small group so it seemed less like a tour, and more like two people showing their friends around their awesome country. The itinerary packed a lot in, but we never felt hurried. The hikes were a bit taxing, but that was part of the appeal. The other activities were all fun and allowed additional opportunities to see the landscape and learn about the area. An unexpected bonus was all the delicious food we ate. This could almost have been a gastronomic tour! All of these combined to make one of the best experiences I have ever had.
As off the beaten track explorers our expectations were high and met, even exceeded in many areas! Danae and Stavros spent the week driving us and sharing many authentic experiences throughout the mountains always smiling and sharing valuable tips. From daily hiking to amazing places (my favourite being the stone bridges day), to meals shared at quiet hotels, drinks in local pubs, rafting on the Papigo River and horse riding through the fir forest, every day was filled with adventure and smiles. Nothing was too much for this pair, sharing sunglasses when mine were broken, adapting walks to suit fitness, tiredness or over enthusiasm to watch a sunrise. Accomodation was always very comfortable in small locally run hotels where we had a chance to chat with the owners and experience local food cooked especially for us, even my husbands difficult dietary requirements were catered for. Stavros was forever ready with his camera snapping amazing shots featuring us that we would not be able to capture. From pickup on day one to drop off on conclusion nothing was too much trouble for these fantastic guides and it was sad to say goodbye. I would recommend Trails Beyond if you are looking for an authentic adventure with plenty of activity. Thankyou Danae and Stavros for our week with you, a highlight of our 8 weeks in Europe!
Trails Beyond went above and beyond to make the most memorable trip to Greece for my Mom and I. From the lovely accommodations, to the daily activities, to the planned meals… everything was so well thought through. Every day was memorable and would have never been able to explore this mountain region of Greece without the guidance of Denae. The villages were incredibly picturesque, the hikes beautiful and interesting, as well as Greece’s cultural daily life we learned along the way. Not to be missed. Can’t thank Stavros and Denae enough for a great week together, we didn’t want them to leave us!
We have just returned from a fantastic week with Trails Beyond. My entire family, including my boys aged 10 and 13 loved the tour. Beautiful scenery and plenty of adventure. It was great to see part of Greece many foreigners miss. Hope to join you again soon on a sailing trip.
Hi Geoff, It was a great pleasure having you on a family adventure with us and meeting you! I also had a lovely time with you and truly hope to see you again!! Big hug from your Greek friend 🙂
Trails Beyond is now my go-to travel agency because of how fantastic my trip was.
Experiencing Zagori and Meteora was an absolute dream. Zagori, Greece is now one of my top 5 favorite places out of the 18 other countries I’ve been to and I wouldn’t have experienced it if it weren’t for Trails and Beyond. Danae did a great job helping me plan and prepare for the trip. She helped book a side trip for me in Santorini which was also fantastic. So grateful for her help. My guide, Stavros, was extremely knowledgeable and on track with everything during the entire tour. I learned more about hiking and Greece than I was expecting to learn. I feel more confident about my hiking abilities after this tour. Stavros even took photos and videos of my co-traveler and me which makes me glad for the memorable captures. Oh and the accommodations at the mountain guesthouses were my favorite. Family owned, they were so warm and welcoming with amazing views, I love it.
Overall, I am super satisfied and impressed with this company!
I was in Greece for 3 weeks and I would say this tour would be one of the highlights of my trip. Loved going off the beaten track and see Greece away from the tourist masses. I liked the small group tour setting as well giving you a more personalised attention from our amazing tour guide Stavros. Loved the traditional village accommodation we stayed at as well as the yummy Greek food. Thanks Trails Beyond for showing me this beautiful part of Greece. I highly recommend for those who enjoy the outdoors with a little bit of adventure ie. horseback riding and white water rafting 🙂
Hi I’an,
Thank you sooo much for your wonderful words and i am very glad to hear you enjoyed your holiday in Greece with us! We are passionate about showing travelers the hidden side of Greece and offering you a more personalized and authentic experience, so it is great to hear you experienced that!
Hope to see you again back in Greece!
Warm regards,
Danae
Awesome tour and guide. Would highlight recommend, even when the weather was bad Stavros had plenty of options on other things to do. He had a great sense of humor and was easy to get along with.
This was a great tour, well organized and lots of fun. Danae was very helpful over email with pre-trip planning and answering all questions promptly. Stavros was a great tour guide – you could tell he loved being out in the mountains and his knowledge of the area was vast. The small group size allowed for customization of the itinerary based on weather and personal preferences. We stayed at some wonderful mountain village guesthouses with fantastic home-cooked meals and warm Greek hospitality. The Vikos Gorge in the Zagori region of NW Greece is a hidden gem to explore, which you won’t find in most guide books. Meteora was breathtaking. If you are looking for an active small group tour that is off the beaten path, away from throngs of tourists, this is the tour for you.
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