Travel and Cycle logo

Epirus Zagoria

epirus

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.



epirus

Tour distance:180km
Tour duration:6 nights | 7 days
Tour difficulty:Moderate - Rider type B
Month:July | September

Day 1Kapesovo(7,5mi / 12km 1hr 30min ride plus 1hr hiking).

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.

Day 2Papigko(20mi / 32km 2hr 20min ride).

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.

Day 3Papigko - Vikos Gorge(5hr 15min hike).

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.

Day 4Rest day.

(Rafting, visits to other villages by car, self guided cycle ride is optional)

Day 5Iliochori(17mi / 28km / 2hr ride).

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.

Day 6Ioannina.

We spend the day in Ioannina cycling around the lake, visiting the Castle, the ancient oracle of Dodoni and its ancient theatre.

Day 7Tour ends.

Drop off at Ioannina Airport or transfer by car to the centre of Athens.


epirus epirus epirus
epirus

Epirus Zagoria Tour

  • Cost1,400€  |  280€ single occ.
  • Duration6 nights | 7 days
  • DatesJuly 4
    September 14

What’s included in the Trip Price

  • All accommodations at 3 or 4 star hotel, including boutique hotels and family run guest houses.
  • Daily breakfast, 4 dinners with wine, energy snacks and drink for each day.
  • Transfer from and to Ioannina Airport.
  • Taxes.
  • The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guide.
  • Daily route support by a van.
  • The use of a 21 gear lightweight hybrid bike.
  • Entrance fees to all group events/activities.
  • All luggage transfers.
  • Comprehensive trip literature.

Not included in the Trip Price

  • Airfare to and from the trip
  • Lodging before and after the trip
  • Personal items purchased during the trip
  • Some meals are not included in each destination, which allows you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own.
  • Transfer by car back to Athens (6 hours), at τhe end of the tour is optional at a fee of 20€ per person.

Travel info:

epirus epirus epirus

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the price?

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.

How do I reserve a spot?

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.

How far in advance do I need to book?

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.

What if I have to change or cancel my trip?

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:

  • From booking date to 90 days prior to starting date of tour: 80% refund of the deposit.
  • Between 90 days and 60 days prior to starting date of tour: 50% refund of total amount of tour.
  • Between 60 days and starting date of tour: no refund

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.

Do I need travel insurance?

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.

Can you help me with my travel arrangements?

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.

Will someone meet me at the airport? Are transfers included?

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.

What kind of travel documentation do I need?

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.

Do I need vaccination shots?

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.

Can the tour change after I make a booking?

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.

How big are the groups?

The groups consist of an approximate 8 people.

If I book a tour, can I be guaranteed that it will run?

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.

What does "double occupancy" mean?

Our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room.

What is a single occupancy? Do I have to pay it if I am travelling solo?

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.

Can I bring my kids?

Children under the age of 18 are not allowed in our trips.

How much cycling/bike riding do I have to do?

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.

What kind of shape do I need to be in?

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.

Can I bring my own bike?

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.

What kind of trip information do I receive?

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.

Where can I find specific destination details such as weather & terrain?

You can check the weather constantly by clicking here.

What kind of guides and drivers come on the tours?

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.

Can I get by speaking English?

Yes. In Greece many people speak English, especially those connected to the travel and tourism market.

What clothes should I bring on a tour?

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.

What currency is used in Greece?

The euro, the same currency used throughout Western Europe. For daily exchange rates, click here.

What is Greece’s time zone and international telephone code?

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.

What electric current is used for appliances?

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.

  • Hotel Thoukididis Kapesovo
  • Hotel Thoukididis Kapesovo breakfast
  • Hotel Thoukididis Kapesovo saloon
  • Hotel Thoukididis Kapesovo bedroom
  • Castro hotel Ioannina
  • Castro hotel Ioannina
  • Castro hotel Ioannina bedroom

Booking form

Emergency Contacts

ABCRead about riders rating


Rider type: A

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.

Rider type: B

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.

Rider type: C

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.

Gallerie

  • epirus tour pic01
  • epirus tour pic02
  • epirus tour pic03
  • epirus tour pic04
  • epirus tour pic05
  • epirus tour pic06
  • epirus tour pic07
  • epirus tour pic08
  • epirus tour pic09