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Packages in Greece: Greece Off The Beaten Track packages
Central and NorthWestern Greece - Wild Epirus Day 1: Upon arrival pick up your car. Overnight in Athens. Day 2: In the morning depart to Delphi. Drive through the fertile plain of Boeotia and cross the towns of Thebes, Levadia and the charming mountainous village of Arachova well known for its colorful carpets and rugs. Continue to Delphi, the center of the Ancient World, the “navel” of the Earth in the antiquity. Visit the archeological site and the museum that contains the famous “Aurige” (Charioteer) in bronze. Overnight in Delphi. Day 3: In the morning you will drive to Kalambaka through numerous typical villages if Thessalia. Today you will visit Meteora lying in impressive scenery. The monasteries rise at the center of Greece, where the Pinios River emerges from the deep canyons of the Pindus range and surges into the Thessalian plain. These are gigantic rocks etched by time into a variety of shapes: gray stalagmites rising towards the sky, they appear as nature’s gift to the pious who, driven by faith, have opted for solitude and a life of worship. The monasteries, with their wooden galleries and corniced rooftops, crown the summits of these formidable pinnacles. Precariously hanging over the sinister abysses, with the Pindus range at their back and the vast plain, woods, gorges and picturesque villages below, these unwordly hermitages compose one of the most breathtaking sites on Earth. In the last Byzantine period and during Ottoman rule this monastic community became the sanctuary of the persecuted. The history of Meteora begins in the 11th century. The development of the community however may be more thoroughly traced from the 14th century onwards when the first monasteries were established. The most important of the monasteries, built in the 14th century was Great Meteora. Of the 24 monasteries built through the years (15th and 16th centuries), only 5 are still inhabited today; the Great Meteora, Aghia Triada, Varlaam, Aghios Stefanos and Roussanou. All of them contain priceless historical and religious treasures. Overnight in Kalambaka. Day 4: Our journey starts today with a nice drive to the village of Metsovo, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Greece, lying 60 kilometers from Ioannina. Metsovo is built amphitheatrically on one of the highest peaks in the Pindos mountains, at an altitude of 1160 m, Its 4000 inhabitants are sturdy, sun-tanned highlanders, many of whom still wear local costume and proudly preserve their heritage. Tradition is kept alive in the distinctive woodcarvings, hand woven fabrics and folk art. The village has many small Byzantine churches to visit. Visitors should sample the famous local smoked cheese and the robust red wine. Above Metsovo spreads the magnificent “Politses” plateau with Alpine scenery, forests of beech, fir and pine, and the man-made lake Aoos, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Overnight in Metsovo. Day 5: In the morning drive to Ioannina, capital of Epirus, built on the shores of Pamvoti Lake. Its lovely scenery and historic monuments make sightseeing fascinating. Drive on to Zagorochoria, 46 traditional settlements bounded by Mounts Mitsikeli, Gamila and the Aoos River that form a fascinating geographical, architectural and cultural unit. They are distributed among the Eastern, Western and Central Zagori districts. The region is one of the country’s richest in animal and plant life, not only as regards number of species, but also rare species (bear, deer, wild goat, jackal and the like). The architecture here is very distinctive, the houses having been built exclusively of the local grey stone. In Eastern Zagori the most beautiful villages are Tristeno, Grevenitsa, Frambouni. In Central Zagori, the following villages stand out: Vista, Monodendri (the starting point for hikers wishing to walk the Vikos Gorge as far as the Voidomatis Springs), Tsepelovo and Skamneli. In the Western Zagori, Mikro & Megalo Papingo is the best known for their authentic stone architecture. They are starting point for hikes to Astraka refuge. Overnight in Zagorochoria. Day 6: The journey is devoted to the discovery of this beautiful area. You can drive to the entrance of the Vikos Gorge (National Park), the deepest and longest canyon in Europe offering outstanding scenery. At the feet of the left wall of the canyon, approx. 1350 meters high, are the sources of the Voidomatis River where you can swim and walk to the beautiful Spiliotissa Monastery. If time permits you can drive up to the village of Konitsa, only 12 kilometers from the Albanian border. All around you is a wild nature. Overnight in Zagorochoria Day 7: In the morning leave the magic Zagori area and drive down to Karpenissi, in Evritania district (Central Greece), passing by small villages. The spectacular countryside of this region enchants anyone who approaches it. The healthy climate, the forested slopes, and the countless streams give the impression of heaven on Earth. Karpenissi, the district capital is built on the foothills of Mount Timfristos, at an altitude of 960 m. Among the plane fir, and chestnut trees, Karpenissi is an ideal starting point for excursions to the nearby traditional villages like Korischades, whose stone house are in good repair, Mikro & Megalo Horio, Proussos, Domnitsa, Agrafa (the surroundings of the village offer many secluded paths for those who like to walk. Overnight in Karpenissi Day 8: In the morning you make your way back to Athens (295 kilometers) passing by the towns of Lamia and Kamena Vourla. Overnight in Athens Day 9: Upon your departure you will drop off the car. The package includes: 8 Days Car rental with unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver insurance, taxes, delivery and drop off in downtown office, or at the airport or at your city hotel. (from 08:00 am to 21:00 pm) 8 overnights at the places mentioned in the above program on Bed and Breakfast basis in 3 star and 2 star hotels with good standards. (Rates per person in double or triple room) |
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Tel.: +30-210-3232256, 210-3230337, 210-3237363
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