Greece Hiking & Adventure Retreat: Zagori & Vikos Gorge
April 9 – 14, 2027
Zagori, Greece
5 NIGHTS/
6 DAYS
GROUP SIZE:
8-12
STARTING AT
€2350 PP
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Greece Hiking Retreat: Zagori & Vikos Gorge
April 9 – 14, 2027
Experience Greece like you’ve never seen it, untouched and wild. The Eyia Retreats Greece Hiking Retreat is your invitation into it.
Over six days, we’ll move through one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Europe: hike its trails, raft its rivers, and let nature take the lead. Zagori is a UNESCO-protected region in northwestern Greece made up of 46 stone villages, connected by a network of centuries-old stone-arched bridges and threaded together by paths that feel untouched by time.
We’ll trace the edge of Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, with an experienced local guide leading the way. We’ll raft the crystal-clear Voidomatis River, cross iconic stone bridges built by hand generations ago, and climb the legendary Vradeto Steps to a viewpoint that looks straight down into the gorge. Each night, we’ll rest in family-run guesthouses where the hospitality is as memorable as the landscape itself.
This is a journey for the senses, a reset for the mind, and a chance to connect with the mountains, the rivers, the people of Zagori, and each other. You’ll drink water straight from natural springs, eat food made from recipes passed down through generations, and leave with a nervous system that you only get from being fully immersed in nature.
You’ll leave feeling: grounded, alive, expanded, and quietly changed by a place that has a way of doing that to people.
Who Is This Hiking Retreat For?
This retreat is for you if…
- You’re a nature lover or hiking enthusiast craving real trail time
- You want to be fully immersed in nature, not just visiting it
- You crave cultural immersion alongside your adventure – real connection to a place and its people, not just miles covered
- You’re an experienced hiker ready for gorge trails, uneven stone paths, and multi-day movement
- You’re craving a genuine reset: a disconnect from screens, schedules, and noise
- You love group travel and the kind of bond that only forms after a shared adventure
- You want a taste of it all: rafting, ancient bridges, remote mountain villages, and clean mountain air
This retreat is not for you if you’re looking for a leisurely sightseeing trip with minimal walking. This is an active, trail-driven experience built for hikers who want to an immersive experience.
What’s included in your Greece hiking retreat
- 5 nights accommodation in charming, family-run guesthouses
- 4 guided hikes with an experienced local guide
- Rafting adventure on the pristine Voidomatis River
- Meals daily: breakfast, 1 group lunch, 1 box lunch on the trail, and 4 group dinners
- All transfers within Zagori and to/from Ioannina
- Hiking poles (bring your own, or we’ll provide them)
- Local hiking guide
- Eyia Retreats host
- Eyia Retreats tote bag
- Travel support from Eyia Retreats
What’s Not Included:
- Flight to Greece / Flight to Ioannina
- Travel insurance
- Additional meals not listed above
- Nightly local tax (€3–10 per night, paid directly to the guesthouse)
- Drinks other than water
Our Destination: Zagori, Greece
Zagori (or Zagorochoria) is a mountain region in Epirus, in northwestern Greece, tucked into the Pindus Mountains northeast of Ioannina. It’s made up of 46 traditional stone-built villages, connected by roughly 100 hand-built stone-arched bridges and more than 1,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails, more than any other region in Greece.
In 2023, the entire region was awarded UNESCO Cultural Landscape status, recognition of a place where the architecture, the paths, and the way of life have barely changed for centuries. Building here is still restricted to two-story stone-and-slate construction, so every village you walk through looks much as it did generations ago.
At the heart of it all is Vikos Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge relative to its width. Its limestone walls drop as much as 1,000 meters in places, carved over millions of years by the Voidomatis River, whose spring-fed water is some of the cleanest in Europe.
This is a landscape made for hikers: pine and beech forests, alpine meadows and villages that seem to grow straight out of the mountainside. It’s also a landscape made for slowing down, for long dinners in village tavernas, and for a kind of quiet that’s genuinely hard to find anywhere else in Greece.
Where We’ll Stay
We’ll spend our nights in two of Zagori’s most iconic villages: Monodendri and Papigko.
Monodendri sits at 1,060 meters, perched right on the southern rim of Vikos Gorge. It’s one of the classic starting points for gorge hikes, and its stone houses, church, and cafés make it a perfect first base for the retreat.
Papigko (Megalo and Mikro Papigko) is widely considered one of the most beautiful villages in all of Zagori, tucked beneath the dramatic Astraka peaks of Mount Tymfi. It’s known for its 18th-century stone architecture, and it’s our base for the retreat’s second half.
Throughout the retreat, we’ll stay in family-run guesthouses built in the traditional Zagori style: stone walls, wood-beamed ceilings, handwoven rugs, fireplaces, and home-cooked breakfasts. These are small, intimate properties where the hosts often built or restored the building themselves, and where the hospitality is as much a part of the experience as the hiking.
What to Bring
Clothing:
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking hiking shirts (short and long sleeve)
- Hiking pants or leggings (comfortable for walking & climbing)
- Fleece or warm layer jacket (mornings and evenings are cool in April: average afternoon temps run 59–64°F/15–18°C, evenings drop to 39–43°F/4–6°C)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket (mountain weather can change quickly)
- Casual evening clothes for group dinners
- Swimwear for rafting day
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip
- Comfortable shoes for evenings in the village
- Moisture-wicking socks (bring extra pairs)
Essentials:
- EU adapter for electronics
- Sun protection (SPF for face and body)
- A journal for reflection– we’ll provide one, but bring your own if you prefer
- Small daypack (for hikes, water, and snacks)
- Reusable water bottle (the natural spring water is incredible)
- Hiking poles (recommended for the gorge trails)
- Headlamp or small flashlight (for early mornings or evening village walks)
- Snacks
- Personal Hygiene products
- Any personal medications
Travel Logistics for your Greece Hiking Retreat
Eyia Retreats will support you with any travel questions you may have and support your journey to Greece. Once you arrive in Ioannina, everything is taken care of and you can relax and enjoy the adventure!
Contact us at info@eyiaretreats.com and we’ll make it seamless.
View the Full Travel Logistics
You can fly from Athens to Ioannina National Airport (IOA), which only connects domestically in Athens. We recommend arriving 1–2 days early to adjust to the time zone, buffer for any travel delays, and soak up a little extra Athens before the retreat begins.
Eyia Retreats can help you plan and book your pre-retreat arrival.
This means you will depart USA/North America on:
- Depart April 6th to arrive in Greece on April 7th
- Depart April 7th to arrive in Greece on April 8th
- Depart April 8th and arrive to Greece on April 9th (the day of the retreat)
Getting to the retreat: You can fly to Ioannina.
- Fly from Athens into Ioannina National Airport (IOA). We recommend arriving in Ioannina on April 9th by 12:00 PM local time. We will have a private transfer from the airport to Monodendri (about a 45-minute drive) to allow time to settle in before our Welcome Session, village walk, stretching, and first group dinner.
Departing Ioannina: The retreat concludes on the morning of Wednesday, April 14th after breakfast. We will have a group transfer to the Ioannina Airport (time to be confirmed once flight schedules are released). Alternatively, you can extend your stay in Zagori or explore Meteora. Eyia Retreats would be happy to support in planning your travel plans post-retreat.
Book Your Spot
Everything is included in your Greece Hiking Retreat except your flight, daily hotel taxes & any personal items you may want during your trip.
Double Occupancy Shared Room
Bring your partner, hiking buddy, or loved one!
Your booking for the tour in a Shared Room, option for shared double bed or two twin beds.
€2350 Euros per person
€500 Deposit due at time of booking
Payment Plan:
- Payment 1 due Dec 8, 2026: €616.67
- Payment 2 due Jan 8, 2027: €616.67
- Payment 3 due Feb 8, 2027: €616.66
Single Occupancy Room
Your booking for the tour in a Single Room.
€2600 Euros per person
€500 Deposit due at time of booking
Payment Plan:
- Payment 1 due Dec 8, 2026: €700
- Payment 2 due Jan 8, 2027: €700
- Payment 3 due Feb 8, 2027: €700
Deposit is non-refundable & detailed cancellation policy listed in the Terms & Conditions and below in the FAQ.
Our Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Zagori
A private transfer will greet you at the airport in Ioannina and drive our group to the village of Monodendri. You’ll arrive and settle into this sweet village, perched right on the rim of Vikos Gorge at over 1,000 meters. After settling in, we’ll take a gentle orientation walk through the village to get our bearings and shake off travel legs, followed by a grounding yoga session to help you arrive fully, mind and body. We’ll close the night with a welcome dinner in the village, your first taste of Epirot cooking and mountain hospitality.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Stone Bridges and Mountain Villages
Our first hiking day. We’ll spend the day crossing hand-built stone bridges and threading through beech forest between the villages, with a stop for late lunch in a local village, Vitsa along the way. This is where you start to feel the rhythm of the region: stone trails, mountain air, and villages that seem to appear out of nowhere. The evening is free to wander Monodendri at your own pace.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Hiking Zagori's Historic Stone Trail
Today brings one of the most iconic moments of the retreat: the hike to Beloi viewpoint, where the trail opens onto a sheer drop into Vikos Gorge below. From there, we descend the legendary Vradeto Steps, a centuries-old stone staircase cut into the mountainside, once the only route in or out of Vradeto village. After the hike, we transfer to Papigko, our home for the next three nights, and gather for a group dinner in the village.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Hiking Vikos Gorge
An 8-kilometer trail day into the heart of Vikos Gorge itself, hiking beneath towering limestone walls to a natural spring, with a box lunch on the trail. This is the retreat’s deepest immersion into the gorge, quiet, remote, and about as far from a screen or a schedule as you can get. You’ll have a chance to dip into the spring water even if it’s just a toe! We’ll regroup in Papigko for a well-earned group dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Rafting Adventure
A lighter morning: a walk through the village of Mikro Papigko to a village café for coffee, followed by a light lunch. In the afternoon, we head to the Voidomatis River for a rafting adventure through some of the cleanest water in Europe, a completely different way to experience the landscape after four days on foot. We’ll toast the trip with a finale group dinner back in the village.
*Rafting is beginner friendly!*
Meals included: Breakfast, Light Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Farewell and Departure
A final mountain breakfast before we transfer you back to Ioannina for your onward journey. You can choose to extend your stay in Zagori or to explore more of Greece by visiting Meteora, Metsovo, or Athens.
Meals included: Breakfast
Past Eyia Retreats Hiking & Adventure Retreat Photos
Frequently Asked Questions about your Hiking & Adventure Retreat in Zagori
Are flights included?
Your flight is not included in your booking.
We are available to provide you with assistance to book the best flight for you! Please reach out to us at info@eyiaretreats.com.
Can you help me book my flights?
Of course! As travel professionals, we are available to support your booking! We can guide you on the best options. Please reach out to info@eyiaretreats.com.
How many people are going to be on this retreat?
This is a small group experience. We keep our groups intimate, between 8–14 guests, so that every detail feels personal and every connection feels genuine.
How difficult is this hiking retreat? What fitness level do I need?
This is an active, trail-driven retreat built for hikers who are ready to move. Over the six days you’ll cover multiple hikes on uneven, rocky terrain.
We recommend this retreat for hikers who are already comfortable doing multi-hour hikes on uneven ground and who are in good overall physical condition. You don’t need technical climbing experience, but you should be able to walk for 4-6+ hours on a trail day, navigate loose rock and stone paths, and handle some steep ascents and descents. Hiking poles are strongly recommended, and we’ll provide them if you don’t have your own.
If you’re unsure whether this retreat is the right fit for your current fitness level, reach out to us at info@eyiaretreats.com and we’re happy to talk it through.
I'm traveling solo, is this retreat right for me?
Absolutely. Many of our participants travel solo and find it one of the most enriching aspects of the experience. You’ll be welcomed into a warm, close-knit group from day one.
If I’m going alone, can I book a double room and be paired up with someone?
Yes, however, a shared room is not guaranteed. We recommend inviting someone you would love to share this experience with OR reach out to us info@eyiaretreats.com about a single occupancy room
Can I room with a friend?
Yes! Double occupancy options are available. See the details and pricing above for double occupancy and note this in your registration.
How do I get to Zagori?
We recommend flying into Athens first. Ioannina National Airport (IOA) only connects domestically, with a short flight to and from Athens, so Athens will be your gateway into Greece either way. We strongly recommend arriving 1–2 days early to adjust to the time zone, buffer for any travel delays, and soak up a little extra Athens before the retreat begins. Eyia Retreats can help you plan and book your pre-retreat arrival. This means you will depart USA/North America on:
- April 7th to arrive in Greece on April 8th
OR
- April 6th to arrive in Greece on April 7th
- Alternatively, you can depart USA/North America on April 8th and arrive to Greece on April 9th (the day of the retreat)
Getting to the retreat: You can fly to Ioannina.
- Fly from Athens into Ioannina National Airport (IOA). We recommend arriving in Ioannina on April 9th by 12:00 PM local time. We will have a private transfer from the airport to Monodendri to allow time to settle in before our Welcome Session and first group dinner.
What is the weather like in Zagori in April?
April in Zagori is mountain spring: cool, fresh, and changeable. This is a higher-elevation region than the Greek islands, so pack accordingly. Daytime hiking temperatures typically run 59-64°F (15-18°C), while evenings in the villages drop to a crisp 39-43°F (4-6°C). Mountain weather can shift quickly, so we recommend dressing in layers and always carrying a waterproof, windproof jacket on trail days, even if the morning starts clear.
If I have to cancel my trip, is any part of it refundable?
Deposit is nonrefundable.
- If you cancel 90 days or more before your retreat start date, you will be refunded the full retreat amount (less non-refundable deposit)
- If you cancel between 66-89 days before your retreat start date, you will refunded (less non-refundable deposit) only if we can fill your spot
- If you cancel 65 days or less before your retreat start date, you will forfeit your entire payment.
Can you help me plan pre- or post-tour travel?
We’d love to. Whether you want to arrive early to Greece and explore Athens or extend your trip to Athens, Meteora, Peloponnesse, Eyia Retreats specializes in bespoke Greece travel design. Reach out at info@eyiaretreats.com.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Please let us know at the time of booking and we will do everything we can to accommodate you. Our accommmodations and our selected restaurants are accustomed to a variety of dietary needs.
Still have a question?
Reach out to us here or emaill us at info@eyiareteats.com and we can schedule a call.
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