The High Mountains Solidarity Tour - Live like a Local

Duration5 days

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesGreek, English

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Join The High Mountains Social Cooperative on an unforgettable journey to explore the authentic side of the Greek Mountains. A member of our cooperative will immerse you in the local culture, traditions, and daily life of the people, offering a unique opportunity to connect with those who live and produce in mountainous areas.
You'll discover the stunning beauty of the mountains while accompanying your hosts in their daily routine. Hike through diverse landscapes and forage for wild ingredients, while learning about the landmarks and monuments in each village and the fascinating history and culture of mountainous Greece.
Experience the true essence of mountain life as you feast on local cuisine, dance to traditional music, and engage in the customs and traditions of the locals. By participating in this adventure, you'll not only have an unforgettable experience but also support the local communities and their way of life.
*All our tours are based on the concept of Sustainable Tourism

What's included

A guide will accompany the group during the whole tour
Lunch
Dinner
Air-conditioned vehicle
Breakfast
Full Accommodation

What to expect

Day 1: Ioannina - East Zagori

12h

• A member of the High Mountains Social Cooperative will welcome and pick up all visitors. She/he will be the group's guide for the whole tour
• Departure for East Zagori – Demati village 43 min (43.2 km) via Egnatia Odos/A2/E90
• Lunch and discussion with our host and president of the High Mountains Social Cooperative, Sotiris Tsoukarelis, a mountainous organic producer that owns some of the highest positioned greenhouses (1000m alt) in Greece. Sotiris will introduce us to the concept of this Solidarity tour and the importance of Social and Solidary economy for the development of the Mountainous regions of Greece
• Visit to the greenhouses of Sotiris
• Rest time
• Dinner with our host in a local restaurant OR in his house, with traditional dishes
• Accommodation in Demati village Stone houses

Day 2: East Zagori Hiking - Foraging & Cooking

12h

• Breakfast in Sotiris house with locally produced and foraged ingredients
• Hiking and Foraging (Mushrooms, Wild fruits, Herbs, etc) and/or Truffle Hunting in the area
• Lunch with our host in his house with traditional recipes
• Rest time
• Visit to Tristeno village - Cooking of Traditional Pie with Vassiliki, a permanent resident of the village
• Discussion with our host Sotiris and residents of Tristeno village (living in Greece’s mountainous areas, challenges
and prospects)
• Dinner in Tristeno's restaurant with local dishes
• Return to Demati
• Accommodation in Demati village Stone houses
Tristeno
3h

We will explore the village of Tristeno, one of the most beautiful villages of East Zagori, brimming with natural sources. After the short hike we will visit a local traditional cook where we will learn how to prepare traditional pies with naturally foraged greens and feta cheese. In the villages main square, will will meet more locals and enjoy all together local dishes and a beautiful discussion about the prospects and challenges of the Mountain Life in Greece.

Day 3: Central Zagori

Central Zagori
12h

• Breakfast in Demati
• Departure for Zagori – Elafotopos 1 hr 14 min (67.5 km)
• Lunch and discussion with our hosts and members of the network, Lena and Kostas. Lena and Kostas are living in Elafotopos village, they run a Guesthouse, own a sheep herd and process sheep wool.
• Visit to Lena and Kostas farm. Milking – processing of milk to yoghourt – cheese – butter.
• Rest time - Excursion to nearby Bridge of Kokkori (30 min drive)
• Dinner with local recipes
• Accommodation in Lena’s Guesthouse or in a Similar nearby guesthouse
Kokkori Bridge
1h

The most picturesque of the Zagorohoria's stone bridges. We can hike in a circular path and explore more bridges and villages choosing different trails varying from 1 to 6 hours, depending on your preferences

Day 4: Exploring Zagori

Elafotopos
12h

• Breakfast with local products
• Hiking in Central Zagori - Vikos Gorge
• Meet and discuss with “The Pokari Project”, a Social Cooperative Enterprise which aims at restoring the value of sheep wool.
• Wool processing and manufacturing workshop - OR Cooking workshop
• Lunch with local products.
• Accommodation in Lena’s Guesthouse or Similar Guesthouse
Vikos Gorge Viewpoint
3h

We will visit a spectacular viewpoint of the Vikos Gorge, and hike in the area, talk about the culture, traditions and incredible biodiversity of Zagori.

Day 5: Departure for Ioannina

Ioannina
3h

• Breakfast with local products in Lena’s guesthouse
• Departure for Ioannina Airport/City Center 55 min (47.9 km)
• We will arrive in the Airport of Ioannina at 12:30 (GMT+3)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Mavili Square Park, next to the lake of Ioannina

Meeting point

Central square of the city of Ioannina

Meeting point

We will meet in the Arrivals lobby of the Airport

End point

Mavili Square Park, next to the lake of Ioannina

End point

Central square of the city of Ioannina

End point

We will meet in the Arrivals lobby of the Airport

Pickup details

We will pick you up from the arrivals lobby of the Airport and any hotel or external location near the city of Ioannina.

Additional information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.