IOANNINA – GREVENA

DAY 1
We depart for one of the most remote villages of Zagori, Vovousa! Unique and of particular beauty, since it is the only village divided in half by the Aoos River! The two parts of the village are connected by an arched traditional bridge, built in 1745! Under the bridge, a small dam has been created which forms a spacious natural pool, suitable for swimming, in the summer months. We continue to the Grevena Cave, which is located at an altitude of 960 meters. The village of Cave is built on the “balcony” of Mount Orliakas. From the Cave, therefore, we begin our hike by walking on a path that the residents used in the past to have access to the sources of the Venetikos River and to the arable lands. We soon arrive at the Portitsa valley which leads to a deep gorge. There dominates the Portitsa bridge, one of the most beautiful bridges in the Grevena Prefecture, in a landscape of unique beauty worldwide! It was built in 1743 with donations from the Monastery of Spilaio. Under its arch passes the Venetian River, a tributary of the Aliakmonas. Behind the bridge we will see two huge rocks that stand like intricate stones and give a wild beauty to the valley. A short stop to enjoy the view and return from the cobblestone path back to the village square. Departure for the village of Krania. We will visit the Aziz Aga Bridge, also known as the highest bridge in Macedonia, and the Boulouvaros waterfalls. Overnight.
DAY 2
Breakfast and departure for the Pindos National Park, also known as Valia Kalda (which we will visit on the 4X4 excursion). Its total area reaches 68,990 acres. The park includes Valia Kalda (“Warm Valley” in Vlach), Arkoudorema as well as the mountains Lygos and Mavrovouni. Its morphological contrasts are particularly characteristic, with steep cliffs and rushing torrents, but also dense forests. Departure for the stone-built Dotsiko which stands out for its large stone bridge which, according to some, is the only arched bridge in Greece at such a high altitude. Our immediate stop is at the impressive waterfall in Mesolouri. We continue to Kalloni, where you will get to know the «stone» past of the few Mastorohoria villages located in Western Macedonia. Free time for lunch. We depart for the city of mushrooms, Grevena.
DAY 3
We depart for Vasilitsa. Vasilitsa is located in a magical environment in the northwestern part of the prefecture of Grevena, in the heart of Pindos. The base of the ski resort is located at an altitude of 1645m and its peak at 2115m. It is perhaps the most beautiful ski resort in Greece as from its slopes one has the opportunity to enjoy the surrounding mountain ranges (Tymfi, Smolika, Grammos). It has a total of 7 lifts, 17 slopes covering 16 km. and countless km. of off-piste routes. Free time to enjoy the snow. Then we depart for the famous Samarina. We arrive in Samarina and we will have time for a walk. At an altitude of 1,450 m. which makes it the most mountainous village in the country, Samarina has become known to everyone. On the walk through the village we will see the church of Megali Panagia (1812), a church with two extremely strange elements, the enormous pine tree that has taken root in the sanctuary and the other is the size of the church, with its disproportionately long length. Also, the two old water mills (ndristeles) of the village, one of which functions as an open-air museum exhibit. Time for lunch in the village’s quaint taverns. Early in the afternoon we will depart for the city of Grevena.
DAY 4
Departure to the picturesque Metsovo, the jewel of Epirus, with its magnificent architecture and tradition. Free time to get to know the place of the great benefactors, the church of Agia Paraskevi with its unique woodcarvings, the E. Averoff art gallery with important works by Greek artists and enjoy our meal with local products. Do not forget to taste the famous wines and cheeses of Metsovo. Next visit to the Vrellis Wax Museum. The museum has been operating since 1995 and is the most famous museum of its kind in Greece. We will admire the famous wax statues and learn, through them, important moments of Greek history. Then we will visit the center of Ioannina, the largest city in Epirus with its rich history and tradition. Free time for lunch, a walk next to Lake Pamvotida and the city castle built during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Justinian, which during the time of Ali Pasha was the administrative center of the entire region of Ioannina. In its grounds, you will admire the Soufari Serai, the riding school of Ali Pasha, the Aslan Mosque – today an Ethnographic Museum – the kitchens in the acropolis of Its Kale, the Byzantine museum but also the new (2016) amazing Silversmithing Museum. Those who wish, can take a boat ride from Molos to the island of Kyra-Frosini with the house of Ali Pasha, the picturesque streets and local products. Don’t forget to try the most controversial meze of the island, frogs’ feet.