Things to do in Ioannina

Drive to the rafting base in Klidonia, on the main road from Aristi village to Papingo village. There the rafting team will welcome at 10:30 AM and provide you with the necessary safety equipment. When ready, a minibus will transfer you to the starting location, the bridge of Aristi-Papigo. During the transfer you will have impressive views of Mt. Tymphi, Astraka towers and Papigo villages. A safety briefing will follow, some river practice and off you go! During the descent, the group will stop for an optional refreshing dive in Voidomati’s crystal clear waters and visit the deserted 16th-century Agioi Anargyroi monastery. On the final stage of the trip, the boat groups paddle under Klidonia’s stone bridge artificial waterfalls. The descent finishes shortly after Klidonia’s bridge just outside the rafting base. One thing is certain; by the time you reach the end, at approximately 1:30 PM, you’ll wish you could start all over again!

This 3-hour walk covers the last, but no less impressive, part of Vikos Gorge, hiking through the shade of trees and alongside the crystal clear waters of the Aoos and Voidomatis Rivers. Aoos River snakes for 154 miles (257 kilometers) through Greece and Albania, but it’s the springs in the Pindus Mountains that form the backdrop to this adventure, where the impressive canyons are breathtaking. Walk from Aristi Bridge, close to the picturesque village of Aristi, following the banks of the Voidomatis River through shaded woods. Continue downstream, enjoying the amazing views of the little gorge formed by the flowing water. See the small stone church of Agioi Anargioi, and look out for rare wild birds and flowers. You will trek just over 4 miles (7 kilometers) to Klidonia Bridge, where you can have lunch in the local trout restaurant, or even swim in the ice-cold waters of the river! Transfers back to Aristi Bridge will be available.

Experience the rugged beauty of North Tzoumerka on this sightseeing tour. Admire the breathtaking views as you visit the Kipina Monastery, the villages of Kalarrites and Pramanta, the Anemotripa Cave, and more on this day-trip. The first stop is the Arachthos River, the location of the famous and historic stone bridge of Plaka. Then, head to Katarraktis village and to Tzoumerka where you can enjoy views of the waterfalls as well as a break for a coffee, tea, or juice. Next is Anemotripa Cave, a magical place where a river crosses the whole cave. Stop at Pramanta and take a walk in the village and admire the scenery before heading on to the mountains. Built in the 13th century on the side of the mountain. Kipina Monastery is on of the most spectacular in Greece. After Kipina Monastery, visit the traditional village of Kalarrites and enjoy some tasty dishes in Napoleon’s traditional tavern (at your own expense). From Kalarrites, head to Tsimpovo and admire this beautiful spot in the middle of Arachthos Canyon.

Discover Zagori's striking natural landscape on a private Jeep tour. See its soaring mountains, deep gorges, clear rivers, and architectural heritage at your own pace with your own local guide. Learn about the local, cultural, geological, and architectural heritage en route. Begin your adventure by driving to the picturesque valley of West Zagori, passing by Aristi, and admiring the evolving landscape en route. Stop at the Voidomatis River, one of the cleanest rivers in Europe, where you can plunge into its icy cold water, should you wish to, and then climb to the villages of Papigo. Head on to visit Ovires Rogovo, natural pools nestled in a narrow canyon, before heading to the village of Mikro Papigo. Then, turn back to cross a 1,090-meter pass to reach central Zagori, where a magnificent view of the Vikos Gorge at its deepest unfurls itself in front of your eyes. Marvel at the world's deepest gorge before heading back to your starting point.

Discover the beauty of the Valia Calda forest on this guided tour with hotel pickup and drop-off from Ioannina. Go for a dip in the natural pools of the Arkoudorema stream, cook an authentic Greek meal, and enjoy a delicious picnic with wine and an aperitif.  Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation and relax on the air-conditioned drive in an all-terrain vehicle. Arrive at the starting point of your hike in the heart of the Valia Calda forest. Pass thorugh a magical mountain landscape with spectacular trees on your way to the natural pools.  Take refreshing a swim in the crystal-clear waters before heading back to the vehicle to cook a traditional meal of trachanas (fermented mixture of grain and yoghurt) and salad. Have a picnic with seasonal fruits, granola bars, wine, an aperitif, and the traditional food.   Head to the charming village of Vovousa after lunch were you can take in tall black pines, streams, and high peaks. Spend some free time exploring the town or going for another swim in the Aoos river, under the bridge of Vovousa. Finally, visit the source lake Aoos and the incredible mountain landscapes around the lake on the way back to your accommodation. 

Explore the traditions of Epirus on the guided walking tour of food and culture. Learn about the historic crafts of the area by speaking with true locals and admire the city streets and alleys as you walk. Enter the castle of Ioanna, and try local cheeses, wines, and cold cuts. The day starts most sweetly, trying the traditional bougatsa recipe of Grandma Maria. The route through the picturesque alleys of the city leads to an old hangout of the city, the Gyali Kafene, full of aromas, where you enjoy some freshly-roasted coffee. Then, head to the city's historic center, where the city's craftsmen used to be, and meet Mr. Dimitris. He will introduce you to the old folk art of silversmithing and tell the history of silversmithing from the time of the Ottoman Empire. The next destination is the famous castle of Ioannina. Before entering the castle, visit two friends from Metsovo. They have set up their traditional delicatessen shop and are waiting for you to try their traditional cheeses, cold cuts, and wine that they have been producing for 40 years. Find yourself in the castle afterward, where you wander the narrow alleys and learn the castle's history, Ali Pasha and Kyra-Frosini. After a beautiful walk to the castle and its monuments, end up in a small restaurant to cook a traditional pie and try the local flavors of Epirus.

Discover all Zitsa has to offer on a private Jeep tour to see its striking landscape and wineries. Tuck into some wine tastings and try your hand at bread and pie baking on this day out. Enjoy a short walk in the vineyards of Zitsa and marvel at Vlacha's pools' clear waters en route. Start your day with a bread baking and cooking lesson, making traditional pies. Knead the dough and smell the warm aroma of freshly baked bread before enjoying the flavors of bread from a traditional village bakery. Continue your journey by Jeep on a short off-road route and embark on a quick 15-minute hike to Vlacha's pools. Find yourself in a stunning natural landscape inspired by a fairytale. Vlacha’s pools is made up of small waterfalls where anyone can swim in its clear waters. Enjoy nature at its best. After your refreshing stop at the pools, drive on to a local winery. Learn about and taste various varieties of local wines and wines from the local grape variety Debina that is the true essence of of Zitsa. Tase some tsipouro, as the area’s wineries also specialize in the production of tsipouro. Round your day out with a pleasant and short walk through the green vineyards of Zitsa before heading back to your accommodation.