One of the world’s deepest canyons has been granted prestigious World Heritage status. Spectacular Vikos Gorge plunges more than 500m and stretches for 17km in the Pindos Mountains of northern Greece. The dramatic canyon and the small, traditional, stone villages of the surrounding Zagori region were declared a ‘Cultural Landscape’ World Heritage Site last month by UNESCO.
The unique culture of Zagori stems from its isolation and relative autonomy while part of the Ottoman Empire, and while it was depopulated in the 20th century, the area is now enjoying a renaissance. Village houses are being sympathetically restored, and it is becoming a renowned centre for outdoor activities.
The self-guided trek offered by On Foot Holidays takes nature lovers from Kapesovo to Papingo on a breathtaking journey through the gorge and secluded mountain hamlets, with stays along the way in a range of family-run guesthouses, small hotels and stone houses.
The hike is designed for independent travellers keen to experience fully the essence of a destination slowly, authentically and sustainably. Luggage is transferred between accommodation every day (except if staying in the mountain hut) so hikers can enjoy the trail with just a light day pack. Walkers select their departure dates from those available and all routes are designed by locals and tested by staff from On Foot Holidays.
The walk begins in the old stone village of Kapesovo with a stay at the Guest House Thoukididis, a family-run establishment set in a recreated merchant’s house. After a traditional Greek breakfast, guests will climb up the Vradehto steps and marvel at the engineering skills of the 19th century Greeks. Hikers will then visit the quiet village of Vradehto and catch their first glimpse of the spectacular Vikos Gorge before returning to Kapesovo for the night. A highlight of the walk will be a journey down through the gorge where walkers can stop for a swim before climbing up to the village of Papingo. The next day, hikers can visit the breathtaking Dragon Lake and stay at a mountain hut 1930m above sea level.
May, June, July and September are the best months to walk, while August and October are also possibilities. The walk is of medium-hard difficulty with three to seven walking hours each day.
The package includes six nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation, two dinners, three picnics, some taxi transfers and luggage transfers between hotels – meaning walkers simply carry a day pack.
Based on current 2023 rates, the Vikos Gorge package costs from £825 per person (approx A$1586 subject to change), twin-share. Solo hiker rates are from £1275 (approx. A$2451) based on current 2023 rates.
Australians and Kiwis who book for 2024 will pay current 2023 prices, saving around 10 per cent, if they book by November 15, 2023.
Direct link to the Vikos Gorge walk – www.onfootholidays.co.uk/
Or visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk
Based in the UK and specialising in the ‘art of slow travel’, On Foot Holidays offers walkers around the world 33 self-guided tours across unspoilt areas of Europe for independent travellers who prefer intimate encounters with destinations.
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