Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
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Kozani – Zagorochoria – Metsovo


This multiple-days tour in Western Macedonia is a comprehensive suggestion we make exclusively to you, the wine-lover who appreciates high gastronomy and would like to get acquainted with the Greek civilisation. Visit atmospheric underground cellars. Taste exceptional labels of wine. Go on an unforgettable wine journey. You will also try some of the finest recipes of Epirus region – the flavoursome smell of which alludes to tradition and affirms the cook’s everlasting zest. Get to know the customs and traditions of the area and learn about its long history. Simply, follow us and we’ll guide you into a fascinating world!

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Itineraries

Vergina

1st day - Morning

Meet your guide and depart from your hotel in Thessaloniki. Visit the archaeological site of Vergina, in Veria. Vergina is one of the most important findings in Greece and certainly the greatest in Macedonia. The knowledgeable and experienced guide will take you back in time, when Aigai – the first capital of ancient Macedonia – used to stand where Vergina is today. From the Necropolis you’ll continue to visit the Museum of Royal Tombs, which is built underground and it houses rare exhibits.

Velventos

2nd Stop

Live a wine-tasting experience in the village of Velventos, in Kozani. Viticulture in Velventos has deep roots and a long history of tradition. Walk among the Estate’s vineyards – the sandy and clay soil together with the mesoclimate of the region contribute to the development of a wide variety of grapes such as Assyrtiko, Xinomavro and Chardonnay. The oenologist is there to inform you about the winemaking techniques he follows and thus succeeds in producing only the finest of wines. And the best is saved for last! You’ll have the opportunity to try exceptional white and red wines, aged and fresh ones, and accompany them with fine local delicacies.

Vitsa

3rd Stop - Noon/Afternoon

Have lunch in one of the local restaurants, in Vitsa. The restaurant specializes in the cuisine of Epirus and serves delicious plates such as rooster stew with dumplings, goat shank with trachanas (crushed wheat semolina) and wild boar with quinces. For starters you may choose among a variety of plates such as fasolontavas (beans in the oven), gondoles (pan-fried cheese with sun-dried tomatoes) and the famous pies of Epirus made with fyllo pastry, such as mpatsaria and mushroom pie. The fine wine, of course, will accompany your meal whilst on the background you’ll be enjoying the unique view of Pindos mountain range. Arrive at your hotel and enjoy some leisure time.

Mikro Papingo

2nd day - Morning

Head to Mikro Papingo. Through a wonderful route, you’ll reach two of the most beautiful villages of the area. Mikro and Megalo Papingo have only 2 km distance between them and both of them are gorgeous. While walking through the charming small (Greek: mikro) village, you’ll be amazed by the houses with the stone-built roofs, the pebbled alleys and the refined water fountains, all of which are characteristics of the architecture of Epirus – dominated by stone and wood, the materials of the area around. You’ll then visit the Church of Taxiarches which is located in the central square of the village and has been characterised as a listed monument by the Ministry of Culture and Sports.

Kolympithres

2nd Stop

When leaving from Mikro Papingo and heading towards Megalo, an intermediate stop at Kolympithres, the large natural ponds created by the Rogovou creek, is a must. Surrounded by a magical landscape, it’s the perfect time to relax and breathe in some fresh rejuvenating air.

Megalo Papingo

3rd Stop

Upon arrival at the big (Greek: megalo) village, you’ll visit the beautiful Church of St. Vlasios and admire the sculptured altarpiece and the hexagon bell tower. The Church of St. George with the rare icons and the Church of St. Paraskevi, the oldest church in the village, are also worth visiting. Then, you’ll rest for a while in one of the traditional kafeneio-patisseries of the village and enjoy a cup of Greek coffee and some homemade liqueurs or a homemade drink of cherries accompanied by a delicious walnut cake. Before leaving, you may buy any homespun local products you like such as marmalades, trachanas, wine and handmade pieces of art.

Aristi Mountain Resort

4th Stop - Noon/Aftrenoon

Arrive at Aristi Mountain Resort in order to attend an experiential cooking seminar. Learn how to make the famous pies and by using only the freshest ingredients make colourful salads, grill juicy pieces of meat and bake delicious desserts. Enjoy leisure time at the hotel. Have dinner in Aristi. Enjoy a short walk around Aristi, the largest village of the Ζagorian area, which is built at an altitude of 2,132ft. The village is very vibrant in the central square where the plain tree stands tall; the place where you’ll be enjoying your meal. Surrounded by the characteristic decoration of the region and in the friendly atmosphere of the restaurant, you’ll taste homemade recipes such as veal in tomato sauce with short pasta, aubergines in the oven and a variety of different types of meat.

Voidomatis River

3rd day - Morning

Depart from your hotel and head to Voidomatis River. A morning hike alongside the river will wake you up and make you feel refreshed. You will certainly appreciate the crystal clear waters and the uniqueness of the surrounding natural environment.

Monodendri and Tsepelovo

2nd and 3rd Stop

Visit Monodendri and Tsepelovo. The former, is the perfect spot to view Vikos Gorge, a unique geological phenomenon, and stand in awe of its beauty. The particular canyon is the deepest in the world in relation to its width and it is home to rare therapeutic herbs and proud eagles.

Rizario Exhibition Centre and Bee House

4th and 5th Stop

Next, you’ll visit Rizario Exhibition Centre and admire the photography exhibition of Georgios Seferis, the great Nobel laureate. The exhibition has been displayed in both Greece and abroad and it is comprised of 84 photographs taken by the poet during his lifetime. The pictures depict Seferis’s travel quests, his student years, his everyday life, his interests and his last tours. In the photos light, shadow and reason are ideally brought together. The latter, is the most populous village of the Zagorian region; a traditional settlement with many listed buildings. The Bee House, the family bee-keeping unit which is located in Tsepelovo, invites you to get familiar with the society of this small insect world. Through an observation cell and a tour in the laboratory, you’ll learn about the production procedure of the honey products. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to taste various different honey flavours. A gastronomic delight worthy of many stars follows next! Enjoy leisure time.

Katogi Averoff

4th day - Morning

Depart from your hotel and visit the winery of Katogi Averoff in Metsovo. In the fourth day of your tour, you’ll start by visiting the area where the famous Cabernet Sauvignon, the variety-landmark of Bordeaux, was first planted in Greece. Learn about the vision of Evangelos Averoff, the creator of the winery. Get informed about the mountainous vineyards and the peculiarity of the region. The Estate’s oenologist will educate you on the varieties cultivated here, and will guide you to an exceptional wine cellar of 1,300 French oak barrels. Continue your tour in the cell where various bottles of older wines are resting. Before you go, you’ll have the opportunity to taste some of those nectars whilst getting initiated in the world of wine in the underground atmospheric cellars of this original winery with the long history.

Folklore Museum of Metsovo

2nd Stop

Next, you’ll go to see the Folklore Museum of Metsovo. Begin your tour in the ground floor where the stables of the Tositsa family used to be. Go up the first floor where the impressive hall that hosted various social events is. The last floor of the manor house is the area where Evangelos Averoff Tositsas used to live. Among the great collection of personal belongings there is also a significant amount of photographs that depict Averoff’s long political history.

Averoff Art Gallery

3rd Stop

A visit to the Averoff Art Gallery of Metsovo will follow next. In the museum of post-modern Greek art you’ll have the chance to admire some of the most representative work of acknowledged Greek painters, engravers and sculptors of the 19th and 20th century. Among them are Nikolaos Gyzis, Yiannis Moralis, Konstantinos Parthenis, Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas and many more artists, famous in both Greece and abroad. Enjoy leisure time.

Wooden Art Store

4th Stop

Head to the ‘Wooden art’ store and get initiated in the art of wood carving through a variety of wooden utensils and decoration items. In the workshop, you may get the chance to follow the different procedures the wood undergoes by watching hands on the eighty-four-year-old owner and pioneer of the business working, and of course you may buy whatever you like. Dine in an exceptional restaurant in Metsovo and enjoy leisure time.

Thessaloniki

5th day - Return

After breakfast check out from the hotel and depart for Thessaloniki.

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