On this cycling tour, we will have the opportunity to visit 6 of the most well-known villages of Central and Western Zagori, such as Vitsa, Monodendri, Elafotopos, Vikos, Aristi and Papingo villages. We will experience the locals' everyday life, walk through the traditional settlements with the cobbled streets, taste traditional food and drinks, swim in the crystal clear waters of the Voidomatis River and admire the astonishing view of the Vikos gorge after crossing the stone forest. The tour also includes a small and easy hike to the Voidomatis springs. We will also visit the monastery of Agia Paraskevi in Monodendri village, which stands literally on the edge of a steep cliff; we will have the opportunity to learn the recipe of the traditional feta cheese pie, as well as to watch the wool processing cycle and the way local women used to weave textiles on traditional looms. The e-bikes will definitely offer us a more relaxing cycling experience, since it is the best and easiest way for someone to visit most of the villages of Central and Western Zagori and experience their unique local culture.
* This tour can also take place from the villages: Monodendri, Ano Pedina, Kato Pedina, Dilofo, Elati and Asprangeli.
General Tour Map
1st day
Starting our tour from Vitsa village and head for Oxia location. We ride our e-bikes for 3 km until our 1st stop, the monastery of Agia Paraskevi (1412) built on the edge of the rocks. After our visit to the monastery, we will keep cycling for another 5 uphill km up to the stone forest and Oxia location, where the view of the astonishing Vikos gorge is really breathtaking. Here, we can enjoy our coffee and admire the unique beauty of the landscape. Then, we will head down for Elafotopos village covering a distance of almost 12 km. We will continue on a flat route through Pedina plain until we reach the last 3.5 kilometers of uphill route leading to Elafotopos area. Upon reaching the village, we will leave our bikes and visit Mr. Michalis in the Museum of Traditional Professions, where he will guide us to a beautiful exhibition room with over 1,000 tools of traditional professions. Afterwards, we will visit Lena and the guesthouse Roka and learn how it feels to make and eat the traditional savory cheese pie. While waiting for the pie to be cooked and to enjoy it all together, we will be guided to the traditional looms and we will learn many interesting things about the wool processing cycle. Also, depending on the period of the visit, we can visit the guesthouse's barn so that we can participate in the daily routine of farming such as milking the sheep and we will also have the opportunity to watch how cheese and butter are made. After eating the pie, we will have some time to relax in the guesthouse and in the evening we can wander through the village narrow streets and enjoy our dinner at a local tavern.
2nd day
The second day of our tour starts in Elafotopos village. After breakfast, we will be on our way for Vikos village. The total distance is 19km; only 4km of which are uphill. We will go downhill from Elafotopos village covering a distance of about 4.5 km, then we continue for 3 km on a flat route passing from the Pedina plain until the hardest part of the day begins, an uphill route of about 3 km. At the end of the route, the view will definitely reward us. After making a short stop, we continue for another 9 km downhill to the Vikos village where we will spend the night. Once in Vikos village, we leave our bikes and walk for 200m to "Rachi" location, to drink our coffee, enjoying the jaw-dropping view of the Vikos gorge and the Voidomatis River springs. Then, we will start our hiking route towards the springs, and after a 30-mnute hike we will be enjoying a wonderful picnic with traditional products and home-made tsipouro and wine. During the summer months we will even have the chance to cool down on the cold turquoise waters of the river. After having some relaxing time, we will return to the village and the guesthouse. In the evenings we can take a walk in the village of Aristi and enjoy our dinner at a local restaurant.
3nd day
On the last day of our tour, after breakfast, we leave the village of Vikos and head for Papigo village. The total distance of the route is 15 km; 9km of which are downhill. We pass through Aristi village and pedal until we reach the beautiful Voidomatis bridge (Aristi bridge). There we will have a short stop next to the waters of the Voidomatis River, one of the cleanest rivers if not the cleanest in Europe. In the summer time, we can swim in its clean and cold waters. Then riding our e-bikes, we will be heading for Papigo village following the most typical route of the area, an 6-km uphill route. Once in the village, we will visit the famous “Ovires" natural pools and admire the imposing Astraka rocky towers just above Papigo village. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will take a car ride to Vitsa village. There we will say farewell enjoying a glass of traditional tsipouro and we will toast to the beautiful and memorable moments, to the unique landscapes seen and the new friendships born.
1. How many persons can participate at the tour?
4-10 persons can participate at the tours. In case you are less than 4 persons, there will be an extra charge which will be agreed prior to the tour.
2. How many stops are there during the tours?
During each tour there are stops every 10-15km depending on the sites of interest and the route difficulty. Of course more stops can be done, in case this is necessary.
3. What happens in case of rain?
In case of light rain, BIKEWISE provide waterproof jackets and we keep on pedaling. In case of heavy rain, there is always the option of the accompanying van.
4. Can I rent a bike and make the tour without the guide?
Unfortunately not! All multi-day tours have be accompanied by a guide and a van.
5. Can children participate at the tour?
Children over 16 years old can participate at the tour accompanied by an adult.
6. What piece f equipment do I have to bring with me at the tours?
BIKEWISE provides helmets, protection grasses, gloves, waterproofs. Of course, you can bring your own cycling equipment and we will adjust it to our bikes.
7. How can I pay for the tour?
We can pay for your tour either by bank transfer or by Paypal. In any case, you need to deposit the total amount prior to the tour.
8. In case I want to cancel the tour, is there any refund?
In case of a tour cancellation, the following cancellation fees are applied: Up to 30 days prior to the tour: 100€/person, 29-15 prior to the tour: 250€/person, 14-01 prior to the tour: The total amount of the tour.
9. The price included museums and archaeological sites entrances?
The price does not include any entrances at museums and archaeological sites.
10. Are there any snacks provided during the tour?
During your tour we will be offered water and you can choose among a variety of snacks: fresh fruits, isotonic drinks, energy bars as well as local traditional products.
11. Can I participate at the tour with a conventional bike?
Of course! Nevertheless, we suggest the e-bike so as to enjoy the tour and the unique landscape in the most relaxed way.
12. Can I participate at the tour with my own bike?
You can participate at the tour after necessary arrangements with BIKEWISE.
13. Can a friend of mine be at the accompanying van?
Of course! All you need to do is to complete the corresponding fields at the reservation form.
14. Can my pet be at the accompanying van?
Of course! It will be our pleasure to take care of your pet. All you need to do is to inform us bout it prior to the tour.
Biking
Hiking
Cultural Activities
Swimming
Pic Nic
Accommodation
