Welcome to
Ioannina
The High Mountains Solidarity Tour – Live like a Local
- Duration120 hours
- Max Travelers8 people
- CategoryAdventure Tours, Agent Low Quality Product
Overview
Join The High Mountains Social Cooperative on an unforgettable journey to explore the authentic side of the Greek Mountains. A member of our cooperative will immerse you in the local culture, traditions, and daily life of the people, offering a unique opportunity to connect with those who live and produce in mountainous areas.
You’ll discover the stunning beauty of the mountains while accompanying your hosts in their daily routine. Hike through diverse landscapes and forage for wild ingredients, while learning about the landmarks and monuments in each village and the fascinating history and culture of mountainous Greece.
Experience the true essence of mountain life as you feast on local cuisine, dance to traditional music, and engage in the customs and traditions of the locals. By participating in this adventure, you’ll not only have an unforgettable experience but also support the local communities and their way of life.
*All our tours are based on the concept of Sustainable Tourism
Gallery
What's included
A guide will accompany the group during the whole tour
Lunch
Dinner
Air-conditioned vehicle
Breakfast
Full Accommodation
Itinerary
u2022 A member of the High Mountains Social Cooperative will welcome and pick up all visitors. She/he will be the group's guide for the whole tournu2022 Departure for East Zagori u2013 Demati village 43 min (43.2 km) via Egnatia Odos/A2/E90nu2022 Lunch and discussion with our host and president of the High Mountains Social Cooperative, Sotiris Tsoukarelis, a mountainous organic producer that owns some of the highest positioned greenhouses (1000m alt) in Greece. Sotiris will introduce us to the concept of this Solidarity tour and the importance of Social and Solidary economy for the development of the Mountainous regions of Greecenu2022 Visit to the greenhouses of Sotiris nu2022 Rest timenu2022 Dinner with our host in a local restaurant OR in his house, with traditional dishesnu2022 Accommodation in Demati village Stone houses
u2022 Breakfast in Sotiris house with locally produced and foraged ingredientsnu2022 Hiking and Foraging (Mushrooms, Wild fruits, Herbs, etc) and/or Truffle Hunting in the areanu2022 Lunch with our host in his house with traditional recipesnu2022 Rest timenu2022 Visit to Tristeno village - Cooking of Traditional Pie with Vassiliki, a permanent resident of the village nu2022 Discussion with our host Sotiris and residents of Tristeno village (living in Greeceu2019s mountainous areas, challengesnand prospects)nu2022 Dinner in Tristeno's restaurant with local dishesnu2022 Return to Dematinu2022 Accommodation in Demati village Stone houses
We will explore the village of Tristeno, one of the most beautiful villages of East Zagori, brimming with natural sources. After the short hike we will visit a local traditional cook where we will learn how to prepare traditional pies with naturally foraged greens and feta cheese. In the villages main square, will will meet more locals and enjoy all together local dishes and a beautiful discussion about the prospects and challenges of the Mountain Life in Greece.
u2022 Breakfast in Dematinu2022 Departure for Zagori u2013 Elafotopos 1 hr 14 min (67.5 km)nu2022 Lunch and discussion with our hosts and members of the network, Lena and Kostas. Lena and Kostas are living in Elafotopos village, they run a Guesthouse, own a sheep herd and process sheep wool.nu2022 Visit to Lena and Kostas farm. Milking u2013 processing of milk to yoghourt u2013 cheese u2013 butter.nu2022 Rest time - Excursion to nearby Bridge of Kokkori (30 min drive)nu2022 Dinner with local recipesnu2022 Accommodation in Lenau2019s Guesthouse or in a Similar nearby guesthouse
The most picturesque of the Zagorohoria's stone bridges. We can hike in a circular path and explore more bridges and villages choosing different trails varying from 1 to 6 hours, depending on your preferences
u2022 Breakfast with local products nu2022 Hiking in Central Zagori - Vikos Gorgenu2022 Meet and discuss with u201cThe Pokari Projectu201d, a Social Cooperative Enterprise which aims at restoring the value of sheep wool.nu2022 Wool processing and manufacturing workshop - OR Cooking workshopnu2022 Lunch with local products.nu2022 Accommodation in Lenau2019s Guesthouse or Similar Guesthouse
We will visit a spectacular viewpoint of the Vikos Gorge, and hike in the area, talk about the culture, traditions and incredible biodiversity of Zagori.
u2022 Breakfast with local products in Lenau2019s guesthousenu2022 Departure for Ioannina Airport/City Center 55 min (47.9 km) nu2022 We will arrive in the Airport of Ioannina at 12:30 (GMT+3)
Good to know
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.