
Epirus is a geographical region in northwestern Greece.
Ioannina is the capital of Epirus 450km Northwest of Athens with a population of 80,000 people and 35km south of the Zagoria region.
In Epirus and Zagoria in particular, the mountains are the most conspicuous element of the landscape and influence every facet of local life. In the northern part of the
geographical and cultural entity of Zagoria, rises the mountain of Timfi.
The landscape in the west is more dramatic with the relatively narrow Vikos gorge but 1000m deep.
The Zagoria area is famous for its traditional villages, stone build churches and public buildings. Much of the prosperity was based on the contributions of those who left the villages and were mainly occupied in trade.
Tour distance:180km
Tour duration:6 nights | 7 days
Tour difficulty:Moderate - Rider type B
Month:July | September
Meeting point at Ioannina Airport, an hour’s drive will takes us to our hotel in Kapesovo village and after settling in, and bike fitting, we ride to Vradheto village.
An uphill ride at the beginning then flattens out. We hike to Beloi for a glimpse at Vikos gorge.
The way back is on foot via the "Skala of Vradheto", the loveliest stone-laid path of Zagoria. Cycling back is optional.
Moderate ride to Aristi village. We stop for a short walk to a Byzantine monastery at the bank of Voidomatis river and continue to Papigko village.
The last section of 13km is steeply uphill with lots of tight turns. Riding is optional.
Hiking Vikos gorge, the deepest in the world, is a must.
The path heads downhill to the river bed, moving along the left or right bank of the river.
We shuttle to Kapesovo, riding is optional.
(Rafting, visits to other villages by car, self guided cycle ride is optional)
Moderate ride through the pine forest of mountain Tymfi, crossing the villages of Tsepelovo and Skamneli.
The beautiful mountainous road takes us to Iliochori where we hike for 30min to a lagoon with a waterfall for a swim.
Cycling back is optional.
We spend the day in Ioannina cycling around the lake, visiting the Castle, the ancient oracle of Dodoni and its ancient theatre.
Drop off at Ioannina Airport or transfer by car to the centre of Athens.
All accommodations, daily breakfast, some meals, energy snacks and drinks for each day’s ride, the knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides, the use of a bike, private tours and tastings, entrance fees to all group and individual events, daily route support, all transportation during the trip, luggage transfers, comprehensive trip literature, transfers, hotels and restaurants. The trip specific itineraries can provide more detail on inclusions. Airfare is not included in the price.
You can start your reservation by filing the Application form and email it at the havefun@travelcycle.gr or fax +302106715278.
This begins the process and our trip expert Yannis we will follow up via phone to complete the reservation. If you make a reservation before 90 days prior to the trip, a 400euros deposit is due at the time of booking. If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Please see below for information on when to book and what to do if you need to cancel.
We recommend booking your trip at least 90 days prior to departure. Trips do sell out or become otherwise unavailable. Last-minute bookings can be accommodated up to one week prior to departure. Booking early is the most reliable means of reserving your favourite trip vacation.
If you cancel a tour, cancellation must be in writing either to our Greek Fax +302106715278 or the following email address havefun@travelcycle.gr. Upon the receipt of your cancellation notice, we will fax or email you an acknowledgement within 48 hours of your cancellation notice. The date of the cancellation notice is the date said notice is received by the Company. Unless otherwise stated in writing, the Company refund policies are as follows:
Cancellations of activities by Travel & Cycle Greece or third parties (e.g. guided archaeology tour, museum visits, etc.) encompassed within the final itinerary price are non-refundable. Cancellations of services (e.g. hotels, ferry tickets, airline tickets) 90 days or more prior to tour start date entitles you to receive 80% refund of the amount paid per cancellation, if cancelled 60-90 days prior to tour start date, a refund of 50% of amount paid per cancellation; and if cancelled less than 60 days before start date, no refund shall apply.
No refund for voluntarily leave of a tour at any time after the first day.
In the event of involuntary leave of a scheduled tour upon demand by the Company for inappropriate behaviour, it is in our discretion to refund or not, and in what amount.
Although highly recommended, you are not obligated to purchase travel insurance in order to travel. However, you shall not be entitled to any reimbursements for any interruptions, delays, cancellations, medical emergencies or other problems arising out of or related to travel and the tour. We assume no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage of personal effects or for any injury or loss during the duration of the tour.
Yes, we offer the service of an in-house travel agent to assist you with your additional travel needs. For a nominal fee, our dedicated travel agent can reserve your airfare, pre- and post-trip accommodations, rental cars, train tickets and additional sight-seeing activities.
As participants arrive from different countries on different flights the group usually meets at a centrally located meeting point, details of which are provided in your trip itinerary. These meeting points vary from one trip to the next and are selected based on accessibility. Detailed joining instructions are provided with your final trip documents. Transfer costs from the Airport to the meeting point are not included.
Nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and the USA can stay in Greece for up to three months without a visa. Citizens of EU member countries may live in Greece for an unlimited period of time. Greek embassies have a list of other nationalities allowed in without a visa. Those not on the list, such as South Africans, need a visa. For an updated list of these nationalities, contact your nearest Greek embassy. Your passport must be valid for at least three additional months from the date of departure from Greece.
No shots are required for entry to Greece. However it is assumed that you have obtained vaccinations for tetanus, polio diphtheria and measles during childhood.
Perhaps. There are many external factors that may affect a vacation scheduled months in advance. In Greece, weather conditions affect travel by sea and changes might occur at the last moment. Or routes might be altered if road conditions were changed. Routes and conditions are monitored constantly by us and we will notify you in advance of any changes that occur within our knowledge.
The groups consist of an approximate 8 people.
We need a minimum of five people to run most of our trips. As long as this minimum guest enrolment is met, trips are guaranteed to run. If a trip must be cancelled due to low enrolment, we will make every effort to do so at least 60 days prior to the trip start and a full refund will be issued. Trips will not be cancelled due to low enrolment within 45 days of the trip start.
Our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room.
Because our prices are based on double occupancy, we offer a single supplement to those guests travelling solo who would like to guarantee their own private room. This supplement is in addition to the standard trip price. If you would like a roommate, we often can pair you with another solo traveller (of the same gender). If no roommate is available there is no additional charge if you sign up more than 30 days in advance of the trip. If you sign up within 30 days and we cannot pair you with a roommate, the single supplement fee will be required.
Children under the age of 18 are not allowed in our trips.
You are free to ride as much or as little as you like on any day of your trip. Some days during a trip have less amounts of riding, offering plentiful time to fill your day and immerse you in the local culture.
Although you can ride as much or as little as you like, in order to ensure your enjoyment of your trip to its fullest, it is important to assess you personal level of fitness. For guests who aren’t regularly engaged in cardiovascular training or activity, we recommend working with your physician to assess your level of physical fitness to ensure you will be comfortable on your desired cycling trip.
Yes you can bring your own bike but please keep in mind our company can not assume responsibility for the safety of or damage to your bike. You are responsible for providing the maintenance to your bike and any spare parts that may be used during the trip. You are also responsible for assembling your bike upon arrival and disassembling it upon departure.
When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation letter is immediately sent out. Approximately six weeks prior to departure you will receive a Planning & Travel Info Packet. This Planning & Travel Packet Info includes destination and trip-specific information, local and regional history, training tips, as well as suggestions for packing and general trip preparation. One week prior to your trip start you will receive an email containing the contact information of your guides, a trip start meeting location reminder and any last minute information that the guides feel is necessary. Once you arrive at your destination your guides will brief you on the day’s upcoming activities and present a special package containing daily route guides and a detailed map allowing you to ride with complete confidence (and independence if you choose) as you explore your new surroundings.
You can check the weather constantly by clicking here.
Our guides are Greeks and all speak English fluently. They can assist you with menu choices or with hotel staff for your needs. All our tours come with a bilingual driver who can assist you with your transfers. Eating options during the tours are almost always within walking distance so that you do not need a vehicle in the evening.
Yes. In Greece many people speak English, especially those connected to the travel and tourism market.
Greece is hot and dry during summer. We recommend light clothing and a sweater or a light jacket, It can be windy specially on the islands. Although it rains rarely at lengthy, showers are not uncommon outside summer months. Most travellers pack far more clothes and things than they ever need or wear. We recommend one suitable bag and a daypack. Try to avoid hard case suitcases.
The euro, the same currency used throughout Western Europe. For daily exchange rates, click here.
All Greece territory lies in the same time zone. Greece is two hours ahead of Greenwich Meridian Time and three hours ahead of daylight savings time. For times zones, click here.
Greece’s international country code is +30. If calling from the United States, first dial 011, then 30, then the number.
The electricity supply in Greece is alternating current, 220 volts, 50 (Hz) cycles. Appliances for 110 or 120 volts may be operated by using step down transformers of 220/110 volts connected to each outlet, provided these transformers have two separate windings to eliminate any danger of electric shock.
How I ride:I´m relatively fit and am comfortable with hills that are less than half a mile in length.
Distance:32km (20 miles), up to 56km (35 miles)
Elevation:230m (750 feet), up to 457m (1,500 feet)
Hours in saddle:1-3 hours
Comfortable with undulating terrain.
How I ride:I ride my bike on a regular basis either for fitness, to commute, or just for fun. I enjoy an active lifestyle, as well as a physical challenge.
Distance:48km (30 miles), up to 80km (50 miles)
Elevation:610m (2,000 feet), up to 1.050m (3,500 feet)
Hours in saddle:2-4 hours
Comfortable with undulating terrain, with hills averaging 1 km (0.6 mile), but up to 1,6km (1 mile) in length.
How I ride:Fitness is a central part of my life. I ride my bike on a weekly basis and am comfortable with rides of 2 hours or more at a relatively strong tempo. I like a physical challenge and need to get my heart pumping.
Distance:72km (45 miles), up to 112km (70 miles)
Elevation:1.050m (3,500 feet), up to 2.134m (7,000 feet)
Hours in saddle:3-5 hours
Comfortable with all terrain, with hills averaging 5km (3 miles), but up to 10km (6 miles) in length.