All tours on this holiday have now departed. Future departure dates will be confirmed in due course.
ZAGOROCHORIA
Agia Paraskevi Monastery, Monodendri
Bridge at Kipi
Bridge over Voidamatis
KALAMAS RIVER GORGE
VITSA
ZAGORI
ZAGOROCHORIA
Lounge Philoxenia
Vikos Village Cafe
Monodendri
Taverna Papigo
Tour highlights:
Epirus, a wonderfully unspoilt and little-known region of northern Greece that overflows with exceptional scenery and nature
The Zagoria Villages - timelessly picturesque
The emerging colours of Autumn (in 2024 the tour will operate in late spring)
Historic Ioannina - a melting pot of traditions and culture
Charming Metsovo with its unique Vlach culture
Few places sum up peace and quiet like Epirus, a timeless region of wild scenic beauty, wonderfully tranquil and incredibly authentic. Majestic mountains, deep gorges, rushing translucent rivers, picturesque stone bridges, striking stone-built traditional villages, all enhanced by the emerging colours of autumn (2023 departure) and the glorious colours of spring for our 2024 departure.
We discovered the special and unique beauty and nature of Epirus when we operated our first tour in the region in 2015 and have been visiting every year since! It's an area that is a joy to return to anytime. Alongside the magnificent scenery we will enjoy on this relaxed tour we will learn about the culture and a little of the history of this unique region and, of course, try some of its tasty regional cuisine.
Tour Manager
The tour manager is Jane Freeman. Jane has spent many years involved with Greece, one way or another, mostly on the island of Crete, where many of our Greek tours are based, but in more recent years, mainland Greece too. Jane first discovered Epirus in 2014 when setting up a botanical tour there, and fell in love with its pristine, verdant and exceptionally beautiful, untouched nature, and since then has been determined to do more in the region in order to introduce people to this 'hidden gem' that few people will have heard of but really shouldn't miss!
Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Preveza.
On arrival transfer to Ioannina and check-in to the boutique style and very comfortable Anemolia Hotel for a three-night stay. In the evening we will have dinner altogether at the hotel and enjoy a selection of very tasty home-cooked local dishes.
Day 2: Ioannina.
The capital of Epirus, the historic and atmospheric city of Ioannina spreads out around Lake Pamvotis and deserves to be explored. We start with a gentle walk along the lake side and visit the atmospheric old quarter, that represents a melting pot of religions and cultures. We will visit the well-preserved Its Kale castle and one of two mosque that is now a small museum that represents the three cultures that were prominent in the past. We will also learn some of the myths and legends that surround this city and the colourful Ali Pasha, a name that is always associated with Ioannina, a notorious character who ruled the region during the Ottoman occupation for more than 30 years. Evening at leisure.
Day 3: Metsovo
Built in a wonderful setting on the slopes of the Pindos Mountains this authentic ‘Vlach’ village, a land of farmers and shepherds, is colourfully picturesque retaining a very traditional character. We will visit the excellent Tositsas mansion, which provides a fascinating snapshot of life in the past in this mountainous village that is usually snow-covered in winter, and gain an understanding of the famous benefactors of Epirus, who were vital in providing financial help to their homeland in the past building schools, libraries and hospitals and without whom Epirus would be a different place today. After our visit we head back towards Ioannina and find a wonderful setting with a birds eye view of the lake where we enjoy lunch altogether. Evening at leisure.
Day 4: Zagoriahoria
We move on from Ioannina to the exceptionally scenic region of the Zagoriahoria, an area that comprises 46 incredibly picturesque stone-built villages. Monodendri, where we stay, being one of them. After checking into our hotel, we will enjoy a gentle walk through the village to the 15th century Agia Paraskevi monastery and experience our first incredible views into Vikos Gorge, mentioned in the Guiness book of records as the deepest gorge in the world. Later we will visit the ‘Stone Forest’, a natural geological monument, situated just above Monodendri, with even more spectacular views into Vikos. Evening at leisure.
Day 5: Vikos, Aristi and The Papigos
Today we visit three of the most picturesque villages of Zagoriahoria, including perhaps the most well-known of all of the villages of Epirus, Megalo Papigo. We will also discover the beauty of the crystal clear Voidamatis river and of course will find an enticing taverna in one of these lovely villages to enjoy lunch.
Day 6: The Stone Bridges of Epirus.
A trademark of the region, these architectural masterpieces speak of a bygone era. These bridges were vital in the past and were the only connection between the villages until roads appeared in the 1950s. After visiting some of the bridges, of all shapes and sizes, one arch, two arches and the occasional three-arch bridge, we continue to the lovely village of Tsepelevo and enjoy lunch at the ‘Little bear’ Taverna situated in the picturesque village square.
Day 7: Tzoumerka and Corfu
Enroute to Corfu, we stop in the Tzoumerka region of Epirus, visiting the village of Elliniko where we find stunning views, a beautiful monastery and a very unusual museum. Then its on to Igoumenitsa where we catch the ferry to Corfu. Late afternoon/early evening there will be an opportunity to visit the historic centre of Corfu town. Evening at leisure.
Day 8: Transfer to Corfu Airport for the return flight to London Gatwick
NB: Exact order or excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 18 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Anemolia Hotel, Ioannina
This comfortable boutique-style hotel is situated on the Ioannina lake and enjoys lovely views.
Philoxenia Hotel, Monodendri
Friendly, comfortable and traditional-style hotel.
Ariti Hotel
Comfortable four-star hotel conveniently located close to Corfu town and the airport.
This was a first class tour for us: a return to Greece; Jane Freeman as our superb tour manager (friendly, knowledgeable, well organised, compassionate to us oldies, fun); amazing coach driver Nikos; two lovely small family run hotels; exceptional taverna lunches include. And the scenery!!! And we enjoyed the company of 15 interesting and fun travelling companions. Could not be better.
Review by Hogarth who travelled 29-May-2024
Jane was brilliant, as ever, making our tour really come alive with her knowledge and humour. Nicos is a brilliant driver; his skill made even the most hair-raising mountain roads enjoyable. My only quibble is that the seats on his bus are not made for the width of most northern european backsides so it was very uncomfortable! I appreciated being in a smallish group; we all got on well and Jane was able to give everyone her attention. The two family run hotels we stayed in were excellent with great breakfasts in both. The balance between included and self provided meals was just right and as a vegetarian with additional dietary requirements I was extremely well catered for. Flying back from Corfu was a bonus as the town is lovely but the hotel was truly dreadful….smelly, dirty, and in dire need of a re-vamp. I’m glad we only had one night there and I do appreciate the difficulties of (a) booking in a group for one night only and (b) not knowing if flights from Preveza would be running when planning tours well in advance. I’m looking forward to my next 2 holidays with you!
Review by anonymous who travelled 29-May-2024
A very good tour, with spectacular scenery, lovely villages and welcoming people. Hotels in Epiros were very good. Jane Freeman excellent as always, and found us great places to have lunch. Nikos's driving steady and careful, especially in the mountains.
Review by anonymous who travelled 29-May-2024
Jane was, as usual, the best tour guide ever and Nikos was a brilliant driver. We had lovely hotels and great days out. The group was a good mix and we all got on very well with a lot of fun along the way. We’d like another trip please Jane!
Review by Craig who travelled 29-May-2024
Review by Cannon who travelled 29-May-2024
Hotels were wonderful, welcoming, and very comfortable. In Ioannina catering was excellent and the staff took great pride in their work. Philoxenia hotel was also excellent. Driver Nicos drove us safely through magnificent landscapes and Jane is a very experienced and helpful guide. It was great fun being in her company and she went out of her way to ensure everything for our onward journey was in place. The final hotel in Corfu was fine but for the exception of a group of noisy young people , however Jane did speak to the hotel. Overall we think your team, help, organisation , choice of stopping places for lunch were wonderful and the whole experience as new tour travellers exceeded our expectations. Thank you.
Review by Venney who travelled 11-October-2023
A lovely holiday, helped by very good weather. The area lived up to my expectations and we had a very friendly group of travellers. Our Tour Manager handled and managed the group in a lovely way and went out of her way to be helpful. My only suggestion to improve the holiday would be to return to Preveza at the end and fly back to the UK from there.
Review by Hogg who travelled 11-October-2023
Jane superb.She was particularly good to me,always on my case.I missed thanking her properly at the end of the holiday and I regret this.Please pass on my appreciation of the excellent job she did.
Review by Allen who travelled 11-October-2023
I knew I'd love this trip because I went on the Northern Lakes trip last Autumn. I loved being in the mountains and in small out of the way villages. The scenery was truly awesome. On a more practical level, Jane was as amazing as before, the hotels were comfortable with lovely staff and gorgeous food at breakfast. There was lots opportunity to walk if one wanted eg: when visiting all the fascinating bridges. Just so lovely to be immersed in the autumnal countryside. Nikos was an excellent and thoughtful driver often finding extra places to stop and peruse yet more mind-blowing views.
Review by Christie who travelled 11-October-2023
Excellent tour in a beautiful part of Greece with lovely hotels, but not long enough! Why not extend by a couple of days to allow further exploration of Ioannina and a visit to Dodoni? The provided lunches were excellent but would have been nice to have some included evening meals….
Review by Anonymous who travelled 11-October-2023
Review by Tidd who travelled 11-October-2023
A great active holiday. Good companions and an excellent tour manager who was very informative, patient, caring and knowledgeable. Your brochure is now sitting on the table ready for our next adventure.
Review by Martin who travelled 07-October-2022
The change in Gatwick terminal for the outgoing flight could have been advised by you rather than waiting for the boarding passes.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 07-October-2022
The only hitch was in the email it said our outbound flight went from Gatwick North. I had booked our hotel and parking on that basis and hadn't checked the boarding passes which said South. As it was we had given ourselves plenty of time. Fabulous holiday. Nine in the party and we all got on well. Our tour guide was the best. What questions she couldn't answer on the day she answered the next day. Even the weather was good and Epirus is a magnificent location.
Review by White who travelled 07-October-2022
Autumn colours and a fireplace in my bedroom! Two glorious days of sunshine to look down on the Vikos Gorge before the weather turned against us. However Jane and Nikos managed to alter the planned schedule and we achieved most of it. The family run hotels were excellent, and the group remained very upbeat and positive. I was so glad to finally get to Epirus on my 4th attempt!
Review by McNulty who travelled 04-October-2021
A very interesting tour around a splendid part of Greece. I found the leader, Jane, most competent, pleasant and flexible, being able to surmount periods of dreadful weather with delightful alternative arrangements. Domestic arrangements were good, and the arranged meals just excellent.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 04-October-2021
Jane coped with the inclement weather admirably, rearranging a whole days programme to avoid dangerously bad weather in the mountains. Nicos, the driver, also performed brilliantly. As always, a marvellous experience, managed superbly by Jane.
Review by Evans who travelled 04-October-2021
Thank you for another great holiday with Jane. It was sad that Nikos had to leave us but Jane handled everything in her usual calm efficient way and ensured that our holiday carried on as planned and Vangelis took over seamlessly. Thanks also to Andrew for re-arranging my flights and to Nadine for helping with my check-in. Hopefully I shall be back in Greece with you again next year.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 17-October-2019
Yet another excellent Travel Editions destination to Greece. Just so many visual delights. Both hotels a pleasure as was the last minute hotel switch - Mon Repos - for the final night in Corfu. Jane’s leading the icing on this “Greek Cake” . Thank you for a super week!
Review by Wragg who travelled 17-October-2019
A lovely relaxing holiday in beautiful scenery with great food. Jane is an excellent manger, on the ball but with a laid-back style. On the strength of this, I have booked Macedonia next Sept.
Review by Taylor who travelled 17-October-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 17-October-2019
Jane was an excellent, positive tour manager who smoothed our path and added to the enjoyment as the group gelled well. The venues, taverna and routes were well chosen.
Review by Buckingham who travelled 17-October-2019
Perfect! Everything the brochure described, plus good food, wine & company.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 17-October-2019
Enjoyable trip with good balance of food provided and meals to be looked for. The group bonded well and was very lively thanks to tour manager’s knack of making everyone feel special.
Review by Rose who travelled 17-October-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 17-October-2019
Jane Freeman was a terrific tour guide as before in Crete 2 years ago. Bathrooms in Hotels Anemolia and Mon Repos Palace VERY small. Loved Locanderia hotel in Corfu town.
Review by Seakins who travelled 17-October-2019
This was a most unusual tour which I enjoyed very much. Jane our guide and the driver were excellent. The group got on together very well so all in all a great success. But I did not like the last hotel spent in Corfu! Rather soulless and not very welcoming but I appreciate it served a purpose as it was near the airport.
Review by Brodie who travelled 19-October-2018
Another excellent trip with Jane Freeman who is a wonderful tour manager, caring and considerate of every member's individual needs. She is flexible, adjusting to the different situations which inevitably arise, always cheerful, positive and helpful. Nikos is much more than a very careful driver; he is a full member of the group, helping those who are a bit less agile, making sure everyone is looked after. During our group lunches and dinner, he makes sure everyone is served before he eats himself. A fabulous team. The two hotels on the mainland were very well-chosen, in good locations with attentive and caring hosts. The Arion in Corfu was functional, but i served its purpose as an overnight stay for the airport. The scenery was spectacular!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 19-October-2018
Review by Anonymous who travelled 19-October-2018
Review by Pinder who travelled 19-October-2018
Arion Hotel not included in assessment. Jane & Nikos excellent as usual.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 19-October-2018
A spectacular time of the year to go! Brilliant trip.
Review by Forman who travelled 19-October-2018
I'd like to praise the excellent Tour Guide, Jane Freeman; this was the first time for this tour, she was flexible, sensible, responsive to the group and contributed greatly to the success of the trip. The worst part was the exceptionally early start (05.55 flight) which, with the time change, resulted in a very long, tiring one day.The first two hotels were delightful, the one on Corfu OK I suppose for one night, and handy for the Airport, but not a patch on the other two.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 19-October-2018
A memorable holiday in a beautiful part of Greece. As always Jane Freeman was an excellent tour manager. Changes were made to the itinerary due to circumstances beyond her control but the substituted tours were good. She also managed to re-arrange some daily excursions to avoid the inclement weather. Niko's driving in adverse conditions was superb. Both hotels were good but perhaps a little too remote. Also drawer and cupboard space in both hotels was very limited. BA check-in a bit of a shambles especially at Heathrow.
Review by who travelled 16-June-2018
Review by who travelled 16-June-2018
