Hike, Kayak and Raft Greece's Wild North
- Greece
- 8 nights
Gallivant around Greece's best-kept secrets, exploring high peaks, gorges, forests and rivers in the Pindus Mountains
What's Included?
- Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking mountain guides, rafting guides and kayaking guides
- Hotel & Mountain hut7 nights in boutique hotels and guesthouses, 1 night in a mountain refuge
- MealsAll breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- TransfersAirport transfers and everything in between
- EquipmentAll your gear for kayaking and rafting
- Small Like-minded GroupsSolo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From…excluding flights
Highlights
Hike through Vikos Gorge, along hidden trails between Zagori villages and to the fabled mountain lake of Drakolimni
Explore ancient paths around the phenomenal rock formations and gravity-defying monasteries of Meteora
Raft through the lush ecosystem of the crystalline Voidomatis River, and take a dip in the emerald rock pools of Ovires
Sea kayak along the sun-drenched Athenian Riviera – an azure stretch of coastline on the fringe of Greece's capital
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Athens
HotelTwin shareDinner includedShow Day 1 detailHide detail
Meet up with your host at Athens international Airport, then take in the sights of the metropolis as you are transferred to your hotel in a lively part of central Athens. Meet up with your fellow adventurers and head out to a local taverna for a welcome dinner and a chat through the adventure ahead of you. Go easy on the ouzo! There’s a cracking road trip first thing tomorrow.
Day 2
Road trip to Zagori region
Hiking2.5hrs · 5km · 110m up · 470m downDriving5hrsHotelTwin shareBreakfast and dinner includedShow Day 2 detailHide detail
Tuck into breakfast at the hotel before hopping in the van and settling in for the drive north towards the Pindus Mountains. After few hours watching Greece go by out of the window, you’ll get your first taste of the stunning Zagori region. Head out for a hike at one of the area’s most famous spots – the Vradeto Steps – and on to Beloi, an incredible natural balcony with an unrivalled view of the Vikos Gorge. Descend a stone trail for an hour to end the hike at the village of Kapesovo. Enjoy dinner of local Zagori dishes and bed down ahead of a big hike day tomorrow.
Day 3
Cross Vikos Gorge
Hiking5-6hrs · 13km · 650m up · 800m downHotelTwin shareBreakfast and dinner includedShow Day 3 detailHide detail
Northern Greece is packed full of incredible hikes which fly a little below the radar. Vikos Gorge is up there with the best day hikes in Europe – its trails meander in the shadow of towering 1000m+ walls through the second-deepest gorge in the world (only the Grand Canyon is deeper). This is a truly wild ecosystem, providing a sanctuary to myriad wildlife including European brown bears. After breakfast, you’ll hop over to the village of Monodendri to set off into the heart of the gorge. Hit the trailhead and hike all the way down to the canyon’s base, following one of the Voidomatis River's tributaries, flanked by the huge walls of the gorge. Enjoy a couple of breaks along the route to take in the surroundings before eventually tackling the big uphill section, to reach the gorge’s exit.
Day 4
Hike to Dragon Lake
Hiking6-7hrs · 11.5km · 1450m up · 500m downMountain hutMixed dormBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 4 detailHide detail
The Vikos Gorge warmed you up: now it's time for the biggest hike of the trip. Rise early, head towards Drakolimni to find the trailhead and set off uphill from here, eating into a good chunk of the ascent on your way to the Astracas Shelter at 1930m. You'll pass through dense forest areas before the landscape changes as you reach the alpine zone of Mount Tymphe. After four hours or so you’ll reach a shelter where you can stop for lunch before tackling the final push to Drakolimni. The views up here are some of the best found anywhere in Greece. Soak up this memorable spot as the light fades, then drop down to the mountain refuge for a well-earned dinner and sleep.
Day 5
Descend the mountain and relax at natural pools
Hiking3hrs · 6km · 925m downHotelTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 5 detailHide detail
Wake up in this unique spot, sip a coffee taking in the solitude, then tackle an easy-going three-hour descent down the mountain. Back at the van, you’ll roll along to Konitsa, stopping en route at the natural pools of Ovires for a dip in the emerald waters. This quaint rural town at the foothills of Mount Trapezitsa sits right above the mouth of the Aoos Gorge. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore, take in the old single-arched stone bridge and enjoy the serenity of the beautiful River Aoos.
Day 6
Raft the Voidomatis River
Rafting3hrs · 6kmDriving2.5hrsHotelTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 6 detailHide detail
Today you'll head to the banks of the Voidomatis River to get kitted out for a rafting trip down this pristine natural wonder winding through Vikos-Aoos National Park. The Voidomatis is known for being one of Europe's cleanest rivers, testament to the wild and relatively untouched area that it flows through from the source in the Vikos Gorge. Navigate a series of fun Class I and II rapids – as far as rafting days go, this is lower on the adrenaline scale with more emphasis on exploring a magical wild place, stopping for swims in the inviting waters as you go. After a few hours on the water, you'll hop in the van for a couple of hours to reach your next adventure spot: the iconic UNESCO-listed site of Meteora. Settle in here and enjoy a delicious Greek dinner at a local taverna.
Day 7
Hike Meteora
Hiking4-5hrs · 7km · 200m up · 200m downDriving4hrsHotelTwin shareBreakfast includedShow Day 7 detailHide detail
The Greek word 'Meteora' means 'suspended in the air' – an apt name for this incredible place, famous for its towering rock pillars and the monasteries perched impossibly on top of them. Today you'll hike along an ancient trail that was crafted by monks during the Middle Ages, back when the monasteries were still in use. The trail winds through stunning scenery to the summit of one of Meteora's tallest rock formations for the ultimate vista of one of Greece's must-see landscapes. Reaching this spot is a fitting end to your time in Northern Greece, and after the hike you'll settle in for the ride back to Athens.
Day 8
Sea kayaking on the Athens Riviera
Kayaking4hrs · 6kmHotelTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 8 detailHide detail
No trip to Greece is complete without some time spent exploring its coastal gems. After a leisurely breakfast to let you catch your breath after all the adventuring of the past week, you'll head to the often-overlooked coastline outside of the capital. You're in for a day of sea kayaking along the Athenian Riviera, which runs between Piraeus and Cape Sounion. Paddle the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, hugging the coast to find hidden beaches for dreamy sea swims. Back in downtown Athens later in the afternoon, soak up the capital's atmosphere and head out for an evening walk through the charming Plaka district and enjoy a farewell dinner, to toast an incredible eight days of Greek galavanting. You have permission to indulge in the ouzo to your heart's content tonight!
*Please note: in the event of poor weather affecting the sea conditions, your host will arrange a canyoning outing in a region close to Athens, instead of sea kayaking on the Athenian Riviera.
Day 9
Farewell to Greece
Breakfast includedShow Day 9 detailHide detail
Your adventure ends today after breakfast as your host transfers you to Athens Airport in time for your onward flight.
Alternatively, you can opt to extend your time in Greece and join our Island Hopping in the Cyclades adventure visiting the islands of Naxos, Tinos and Koufonisia.
Practical Stuff
Getting There
- Nearest airport
- Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
- Pick up
- Athens International Airport
16:00 on Day 1 - Drop off
- Athens International Airport
12:00 on Day 9
This Trip is Graded Level 3
What is and isn't Included?
What's included
- Guided hike from the Vradeto Steps to the village of Kapesovo
- Guided hike in the spectacular Vikos Gorge
- Guided hike to Drakolimni ('Dragon Lake')
- Guided hike to descend Mount Tymphe
- Swim in the natural pools of Ovires
- Guided rafting on the Voidomatis River in Vikos-Aoos National Park
- Guided hike through the spectacular rock formations of Meteora
- Guided kayak along the Athenian Riviera
- Expert, local, English-speaking mountain guides, rafting guides and kayaking guides
- 7 nights in boutique hotels and guesthouses
- 1 night in a mountain refuge
- All (8) continental breakfasts
- 4 packed lunches
- 4 traditional taverna dinners
- Group arrival transfer from Athens Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Athens Airport on Day 9
- All transfers during the trip
- All your gear for kayaking and rafting
What's not included
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion, but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline:
- €5 EUR per person, per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine (opens in new tab), as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Where You'll Stay
Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.
What You'll Eat
Breakfast at the guesthouses will offer a wide selection of breads, fruits, yoghurt, muesli, plus Greek pies and cakes, tea, coffee and juice. The included dinners will be taken at traditional local tavernas with various classic Greek and regional op…
Optional Extras
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation
- Double/Twin room in Athens
- …/per night
- Single room in Athens
- …/per night
Upgrades
- Optional Private Room Upgrade - 2025
- …/per person
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking and be aware this does not cover the night at Astraka Refuge, as only dorm rooms are available here.
Transfers
- Private airport transfer, Athens Airport to Athens Accommodation - each way (before 8am or after 10pm)
- …
- Private airport transfer, Athens Airport to Athens Accommodation - each way (between 8am-10pm)
- …
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
Ratings & Reviews
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Category rating
- Food
- 5.0
- Guides & crew
- 5.0
- Accommodation
- 4.0
- Itinerary
- 5.0
Latest Reviews
Customer Photos
Before You Travel
What to Pack

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
What do I do about drinking water?
The drinking water in Greece is perfectly safe, so you'll be able to fill up at your guesthouse and at refill points during the hikes. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle or bladder with you.
Can I leave my excess luggage somewhere?
It's possible to leave excess luggage in Athens at the start of this trip and collect it when returning to Athens on Day 8. Please discuss this with your host in advance.
What's Plan B in case of bad weather?
If adverse weather affects the planned hikes in the higher elevations of the Pindus Mountains, there are ample alternatives in the region which your guide will pivot to based on the forecast and their knowledge of the region. In the event that poor weather affects the sea conditions for your kayaking excursion on Day 8, your host will arrange a canyoning outing instead, in a region close to Athens.
What type of kayaks are used?
On the Athenian Riviera coastline you'll be paddling in two-person sit-in kayaks.
What is the size/weight limit of the kayaks?
The kayaks used on this trip have a maximum combined weight capacity of 550lb/250kg/39st. If you weigh more than 120kg or are over 2m tall, please check with us before booking this trip as we'll need to ensure that the kayaks and equipment provided is suitable for your comfort and safety.
How many guides and support crew will there be on my trip?
You'll have one main tour guide who will guide the hikes throughout the itinerary. You'll have additional guides join the group for the rafting and kayaking excursions.
Can I extend my trip in Greece?
Yes absolutely! The departure dates of this trip are scheduled to coincide with our Greek Island Hopping Adventure in the Cyclades adventure, so once you've visited the mountains in the Wild North, you can go and relax on the islands of the Cyclades - all in one holiday!
Hot climate: what factors should I consider?
This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme highs, where limited shade and high humidity can also be a factor. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but hydration, proper clothing, and sun protection are essential.
Before travelling, consider your ability to be active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have concerns – especially if you have any cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two prior to the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
Who else will be on my trip?
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
What's the weather like?
The months of May, June, September and October are by far the most pleasant to visit most parts of Greece. In Zagori and Meteora in these months, daytime temperatures average between 20°C/68°F and 28°C/82°F and most days are clear and sunny with low chances of rainfall. In the early and late season months of May and October it can get chilly at night in this mountainous part of Northern Greece, so bring adequate layers. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can reach 40°C/104°F. These months are also the busiest months in terms of visitors, so we only run trips in early July and right at the end of August into September, to make sure you have the best conditions possible.
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 183kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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Departure dates
Saturday 4th July 2026
to Saturday 11th July 2026
For 2026, this trip is only 7 nights, the kayaking on the last day has been removed.
Last minute - Host approval required
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