New for 2025, join a ready-made group of solo travellers to experience our sociable, fully guided four centre hiking adventure to Corfu and the spectacular Greece mainland areas of Meteora and the iconic Vikos Gorge. Filled with scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and rich history along with the combination of nature, history, and local charm will create a truly unique experience for every hiker.
Arrive in Corfu and transfer to our hotel in Corfu Town. If time allows before dinner in a local taverna, we can stroll through Mon Repos park where the mansion that Prince Phillip was born is located overlooking the park and perhaps explore the ancient Doric Temple.
Transfer to hotel: 15 mins
Overnight in Corfu Town: Arion Hotel (Three-star)
Meals included: Dinner
Our first day paints a vivid picture of the journey from Corfu to the mainland, offering both excitement and stunning views. After breakfast we head to the port to catch our ferry to the mainland, where we enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Ionian Sea, with beautiful views of both Corfu and the mainland. After arriving at the port of Igoumenitsa, we take the Via Egnatia, the modern highway of which follows the ancient Roman road, passing through tunnels and over bridges with snow-capped mountains and wild rivers in the background. We arrive in Kalambaka around lunchtime and have time drop off our bags at the hotel and grab a light lunch before heading out on the afternoon hike. The hike begins in Kalambaka, a town nestled against the dramatic rock formations of Meteora and then take the trail to Agia Triada. The steep ascent provides increasingly stunning views as we climb. The ultimate destination is the Agia Triada Monastery, perched on top of a monolith, offering sweeping vistas of the valley below. Agia Triada was a filming location for the James Bond movie – ‘For Your Eyes Only’. If the Agia Triada Monastery is closed, the nunnery of Agios Stefanos is nearby and offers a similarly serene and historical experience.
Today’s hike is a fascinating blend of natural beauty with rich historical and spiritual significance. The hike begins on a narrow, paved road leading to the village of Kastraki, providing a gentle introduction to the day’s adventure. After reaching Kastraki, the trail starts ascending. The climb takes about 30 minutes, winding through an extraordinary landscape of towering rock formations. As you climb, you’ll be surrounded by massive rock pillars, the kind that Meteora is famous for. The scale of these natural formations is captivating, offering a glimpse into an ancient world. The trail continues through dense forests, creating a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll encounter caves and caverns where hermits once lived in isolation. These caves were once home to ascetic monks, who sought solitude in this remote and spiritual setting.
After breakfast, we take our bus to the village of Vlaghava for the start of today’s hike. The hike begins on a summit near Vlaghava, just outside the Meteora area. The descent from here is gentle, allowing you to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and surroundings. The only sound is the echo of your footsteps in the tranquil silence. The peacefulness, combined with the natural beauty around us, creates a sense of pilgrimage. Along the trail, you might spot buzzards circling high above, keeping watch. Beneath the shade of beech trees, shy Hermann’s tortoises may be hiding, adding a touch of wildlife to the serene landscape.
Continuing along the trail, the pillars of Meteora slowly come into view, rising like massive stone sentinels. The sense of awe deepens as you approach these ancient structures, perched dramatically on top of the towering rocks. After crossing some small streams, we arrive at the hidden monastery of Ypapantis, carved into the cliffs.
Today we check-out of our hotel and take our bus to the Aoös National Park. This protected area is home to the scenic Vikos gorge and the quaint Zogoria villages. The hike begins in Oxia where we will see our first breathtaking view of Vikos Gorge, one of the most impressive canyons in the world. The gorge’s vastness makes for a perfect place to capture a stunning photo that truly highlights the scale and beauty of the landscape. The hike from Oxia leads us through the remarkable Stone Forest, a geological wonder characterized by smooth, stacked towers of slates. Formed over millennia by the forces of wind and weather, these formations create a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape. After walking through this fascinating terrain, we arrive at the village of Monodendri, where our hotel awaits. Monodendri is nestled at the crossroads of ancient kalderimi, traditional paved donkey paths that once linked the Zagoria villages. The village centre, with its enormous plane tree shading the main square, offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
After breakfast, we take a short bus ride to Vitsa , a picturesque village where the architecture reflects a deep connection with the natural environment. The dolomite and limestone mansions’ distinctive grey slate roof tiles and solid oak wood balconies create a timeless aesthetic that perfectly blends into the surrounding landscape.
Our hike begins from the main square, beneath the large plane tree with a descent down the Vitsa Steps. This ancient stone stairway winds its way down the mountain flanks, offering a scenic and sometimes steep route into the valley below. Upon reaching the riverside, the path crosses the Misou Bridge, a graceful arched structure typical of the 18th century. The stone arch bridges in this region are renowned for their beauty and engineering, often offering picture-perfect moments. The hike continues over the Kororo Bridge, another testament to the craftsmanship of that era.
The trail eventually ascends towards the tranquil village of Dilofo, a secluded gem that feels untouched by time. With its quiet streets, stone houses, and natural surroundings, it’s a peaceful stop along the journey. Depending on the availability, lunch can either be a warm meal at a local taverna or a delightful picnic under the shade of a plane tree in the village square. Both options provide a restful pause in a picturesque setting. We then head back to Monodendri where this final leg offers another opportunity to reflect on the beauty of the Zagoria villages and their seamless integration into the landscape.
Today we make an early start and take our bus to the hamlet of Vikos. Our route takes on a steep, zigzagging descent into the gorge. This section requires focus, but the anticipation of what lies ahead makes it exciting. At the Panagia Springs, about an hour or so into the hike, there’s a welcome opportunity to refill water bottles with cool, fresh mineral water. This natural spring offers a brief respite before delving deeper into the gorge where we walk along the Voidomatis stream. Depending on the season, the stream presents different challenges and delights. In spring, it’s a lively river, roaring through the gorge with its rushing waters. In autumn, the riverbed can become dry, revealing massive boulders and ancient river paths. Walking alongside this stream brings you closer to the natural rhythm of the gorge. As we continue, the gorge narrows, and the towering cliffs on either side seem to stretch endlessly into the sky. The Vikos Gorge is known as one of the deepest gorges in the world, relative to its width, and its sheer scale humbles every hiker. Here, the landscape changes dramatically, as bright green ferns and enormous trees create a primeval atmosphere, teeming with life.
The Vikos Gorge is an ecological paradise, home to unique species like fire salamanders, toads, and alpine newts. Walking through this gorge feels like stepping into another world, with ancient ferns and veteran trees towering overhead. The environment feels almost untouched, as though time has stood still here for millennia.
After breakfast, the day begins with a journey to the town of Ioannina, the vibrant capital of Epirus, set beautifully around Lake Pamvotida. Due to its strategic location, Ioannina has long served as a bridge between the East and West. Historically, it thrived as a multicultural town, where Christians, Muslims, and Jews coexisted peacefully, enriching the city’s culture and history. A leisurely stroll through Ioannina’s old town reveals its secrets and heritage sites. Among the notable landmarks, we will visit the Fethiye Mosque, a testament to the city’s Ottoman past, and the Aslan Pasha Mosque, now a museum showcasing Ioannina’s diverse history.
After discovering the old town, we can take a short ferry ride across Lake Pamvotida (at own cost) to the small island that shares its name. The island is perfect for a relaxing one-hour stroll, offering a serene environment, lovely scenery, and glimpses of monastic life.
Ioannina offers a variety of cozy lunch spots. One option is to dine in Stoa Louli, an old market alley brimming with character, or we can choose to relax at one of the waterfront cafés along the lake, enjoying fresh local cuisine in a picturesque setting.
Our last day begins with a visit to the charming village of Giannades, a hidden treasure on the well-travelled island of Corfu. The village, tucked away from the usual tourist routes, is a picturesque setting to begin our hike. The trail undulates gently through diverse landscapes, with the scenery rapidly shifting between olive groves, cypress trees, and rolling hills. After a peaceful hike, we reach the scenic village of Liapades. Time seems to slow down here, as the village retains its timeless charm, with Venetian manor houses, narrow cobbled streets, and a sleepy, old-world atmosphere. A break in the main square offers the chance to relax, enjoy a coffee, or perhaps chat with the friendly locals.
From Liapades, we make our way down to the secluded Limni Beach, a hidden cove nestled within a dense forest of towering cypress trees. The walk is scenic and tranquil, with the promise of crystal-clear waters awaiting us at the bottom. Limni is the kind of beach that feels like a secret paradise, a perfect spot to rest, take a dip in the sea, or simply marvel at the surrounding natural beauty.
Today we check-out of our hotel for our flight home
Transfer hotel → airport: 50 mins
Meals included: Breakfast
The Arion Hotel is located just a short distance, 1.2km from the centre of Corfu Town, between the historic area of Palaiopolis (ancient city of Corfu) and the picturesque area of Anemomilos, next to the palace estate Mon-Repo and 150 meters away from the finest organized beach of the city (Royal Baths Mon Repos).
Facilities Include restaurant, bar and lounge area
The rooms include ensuite bathroom, hair-dryer, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, safe and fridge
Located under the spectacular rocks of Meteora, the Monastiri Guesthouse offers breath-taking, panoramic views of Meteora.
Facilities include restaurant, bar, Wi-Fi and swimming pool
The rooms include ensuite bathroom, hair dryer, tea/coffee facilities, , air conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, safe, fridge and balcony.
The traditional, rustic-style hotel is located 200 metres from the central square of scenic Monodendri.
Facilities include restaurant, bar, Wi-Fi and swimming pool
he traditional rooms include ensuite bathroom, hair-dryer, flat screen TV, Wi-Fi, safe, fridge and some with balcony. Rooms will be allocated in main hotel or Matzato Annexe next door
This family run hotel is set on a hillside above one of the six beautiful bays of Paleokastritsa, The family-run hotel offers spectacular views of the Ionian Sea. The hotel consists of a main building, an annex and three surrounding blocks.
Facilities include restaurant, bar, swimming pool, sea- view terrace and Wi-Fi
The rooms include ensuite bathroom, hair-dryer, air-conditioning, safe, flat screen satellite TV, fridge, kettle and terrace/balcony
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer from Corfu Airport to the hotel in Corfu town is approximately 15 minutes. Return transfer from the hotel in Paleokastritsa to Corfu airport is approximately 50 mins
Eight guided walks are included in the programme. Your walking guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. The walking programme is graded as Medium to Hard and you can expect to walk between 4km to 14 km approx per day with a variety of ascents/descents some of which are challenging, rough underfoot terrain and high altitudes involved. Physical fitness is required on this trip to fully enjoy this holiday.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking. You will be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort. The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % add on.
Euro
To enter Greece mainland or the Greek Islands your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period. Please note that stays in other EU countries counts towards this 90 day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Greece Foreign Advice
Voltage 230v
Travel adaptor type C (EuroPlug)
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 14 °C | 5 °C |
| March | 16 °C | 7 °C |
| April | 19 °C | 10 °C |
| May | 23 °C | 13 °C |
| June | 28 °C | 17 °C |
| July - August | 31 °C | 19 °C |
| September | 28 °C | 17 °C |
| October | 23 °C | 14 °C |
| November | 19 °C | 10 °C |
| December | 15 °C | 7 °C |
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“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
