Discover Corfu and Epirus

THE WEEK IN BRIEF

• Flights and transfers included
• Accommodation and daily breakfast
• Welcome drinks and dinner

• Five walks escorted by Jonathan Peat, with transfers and lunch included
• All taxes and entrance fees
• Maximum 15 people
• Price from £1855pp, based on two sharing
• Please call for single occupancy prices

 

Corfu is blessed with a rich natural landscape of mountains, olive groves, fertile valleys and a coastline dotted with secluded coves, sandy beaches and rocky inlets. Conquered by Phoenicians and Venetians, loaded with history and culture, its vibrant capital is arguably the most impressive of all the Ionian island towns, and a wonderful place to begin this two-centre adventure with a tour of the town and time for a swim.

Part two is a thrilling contrast to Corfu, venturing into the wildly beautiful region of Zagoria and the Pindus mountains, where we’ll spend five days walking in the Vikos Aoos National Park area, learning about its unique fauna and flora. Often described as one of the last great wildernesses in Europe, the scenery here is rugged and dramatic, with the mighty Vikos Gorge as its centrepiece. Longer than the better-known Samaria Gorge on Crete, Vikos is one of the deepest gorges in the world, and there’s a real sense of achievement in walking even part of its 32km length.

Our base in Zagoria is the stone-built Dias hotel in Micro Papingo, one of the region’s many unique slate villages which are protected as national monuments. Micro Papingo clings to the hillside at the base of the Tymfi mountains, overlooking the majestic Vikos Gorge which we will explore over several walks. Walks average between 2 and 3 hours each day, with the option to extend and vary them in line with the local conditions and advice from your guides. Jonathan and Myriam have 30 years’ experience walking this region, and will adapt the routes to suit the needs of the group as required.

THE ITINERARY

DAY 1 - Arrival 

Arrive Corfu airport and transfer to your hotel. Join Jonathan and Myriam Peat for a discussion of the week’s highlights over drinks and dinner. Overnight Corfu.

DAY 2 - Corfu Town

After a leisurely breakfast, set off to explore historic Corfu Town on foot, taking in the lively markets in the heart of the old Venetian town. On the way we visit ‘Mon Repos’, birthplace of the late Prince Philip, before lunch in a typical Corfiot taverna. After lunch we take a ferry to Igoumenitsa (2 hours). Stop for lunch before driving inland into the Pindus mountains and our hotel in Micro Papingo (2 1/2 hours). Possibility of a short local walk, time permitting. Overnight Dias Hotel.

DAY 3 - Aristi to Klidhoniavista, bridge to bridge

Start the day with a drive down to the end of the Vikos gorge to walk northwards from the bridge of Aristi to Kleidonia. We walk along the side of the river, visiting a 17th Century Chapel with frescoes dedicated to Agi Anargiri. Lunch in a riverside taverna, known for its excellent grilled trout. Continue to the village of Aristi for collection and return to Micro Papingo. Overnight Dias Hotel.

DAY 4 - Papingo to Vikos via the gorge

A stunning walk and one of the highlights of the week, today we head on foot deep into Vikos Gorge itself, emerging after three to four hours for a well-earned lunch in Vikos village. Transfer back to Papingo after lunch. Overnight Dias Hotel.

DAY 5 - Beloi and the Steps of Beloi to Kapesovo

Another scenic treat today, beginning with a drive to the ‘roof’ of the Vikos Gorge and then a walk over the high mountain pasture to the Beloi viewpoint for a superb panorama over the gorge. After coffee we tackle one of the most impressive cobbled footpaths in Greece down to historic Kapesovo village. Optional additional walk after lunch in Yianna’s taverna, before return to Micro Papingo. Overnight Dias Hotel.

DAY 6 - Astraka refuge and the Dragon Lake

Set out on foot direct from the hotel and walk up to the Astraka refuge. Enjoy the glorious scenery and relax at the refuge, or continue on to Dragon Lake, weather permitting. Total walking time to Dragon Lake and back is 5 to 6 hours, with almost 1000 metres of ascent. Other shorter walks are also possible here. Overnight Dias Hotel.

DAY 7 - The bridges of Zagori

After breakfast, transfer to the southern end of the Vikos Gorge and the village of Monodendri. Walk to Vitsa and down to the gorge to cross over the Misiou bridge. Visit the beautiful village of Koukouli and walk on to Kipi to see the famous Plakida and Kondodimou bridges. Enjoy lunch in Kipi before driving on to Igoumenista to catch a late ferry back to Corfu. Overnight Corfu.

DAY 8 - Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

* FITNESS GUIDE

GRADE 1

Up to 2 hours' walking, appropriate for those who take gentle regular exercise. Some inclines but nothing too taxing.

GRADE 2

Up to 4 hours' walking, appropriate for those who are used to a little more rigorous exercise. Some steep inclines.

GRADE 3

More demanding walking, appropriate for those with good levels of basic fitness and plenty of stamina.

Our walking itineraries may be subject to last-minute changes if conditions are unfavourable. Jonathan Peat also reserves the right to limit access to walks to those with the necessary levels of fitness and walking ability. To find out more about the basic fitness requirements for our walking holidays, please use the link below.

ALL WALKING HOLIDAYS IN CRETE