This full-day adventure from Ioannina to Tzoumerka National Park costs $147 per person and lasts around 8 hours. You’ll explore some of Greece’s most striking mountain scenery, including the dramatic ridge of the Pindos range, the historic Kipina Monastery, and the stone bridge of Plaka. The tour also visits charming villages like Kalarrytes and Pramanta, offering a taste of local life and craftsmanship, plus breathtaking viewpoints over ravines and river gorges.
What really makes this experience shine is the combination of spectacular natural scenery and authentic cultural sites — especially the Kipina Monastery, perched on a vertical rock face, and the picturesque village of Kalarrytes, known for its goldsmithing legacy. We also love how the tour balances a full day of sightseeing with moments for photos, walks, and quiet reflection in stunning settings.
One potential downside for some travelers might be the limited mobility required for walking around the villages and monasteries, as the terrain can be uneven and hilly. Also, since the tour is about 8 hours long, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of activity and mountain roads. This tour is ideal if you’re eager to see Greece’s rugged, less-touristed side and enjoy well-guided insights into local history and landscape.
If you appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences and want a comprehensive day with expert guiding, this tour will suit you well.
Key Points
- Stunning natural beauty of Tzoumerka’s mountain ridges, rivers, and ravines
- Historic sites like Kipina Monastery and the stone bridge of Plaka
- Charming traditional villages with local crafts and authentic atmospheres
- Experienced guide who shares in-depth stories and photographs
- Comfortable transportation with small group size for a personalized experience
- Balance of sightseeing and free time for photos, walks, or snacks
Exploring the Scenic Route
This tour offers a well-rounded journey through some of Greece’s most rugged and scenic areas. Starting from Mavili Square in Ioannina, the group heads into the mountains, passing through lovely villages and scenic viewpoints. The small group size, limited to 12 participants, ensures you’re not just another face in the crowd, but part of an engaging, personalized experience.
The Highlights in Detail
Kipina Monastery
First stop is the Kipina Monastery, a truly awe-inspiring site perched over the gorge of the Kalarrytikos River. Built into the vertical rock face and near a cave, this monastery exudes a sense of resilience and spirituality. Founded in 1212 by Archbishop Grigorios, it flourished in the 18th century, serving as a spiritual haven and even a clandestine school during Ottoman rule.
Visitors will enjoy a guided tour explaining its history and architecture, but the real highlight is the dramatic setting — imagine climbing up narrow stone stairs to reach a monastery seemingly carved into the mountain itself. As one reviewer put it, “The scenery is amazing,” and you’ll see why. The monastery’s position offers fantastic photo opportunities and a sense of stepping back into history.
Kalarrytes: The Eagle’s Nest
Next, you’ll visit Kalarrytes, a village at 1200 meters elevation, famed for its traditional architecture and Aromanian heritage. Once a hub for processing gold and silver, this village’s goldsmithing families, like Voulgari and Nessis, have left a lasting legacy. It’s like stepping into a living museum with its stone houses, narrow alleys, and centuries-old crafts.
The village’s atmosphere is peaceful, with panoramic views over the mountains and the river valley below. During your stop, you can stroll around, take photos, or enjoy a coffee in one of the local cafes. As one guest observed, “The village used to be the center of traditional processing of gold and silver,” which gives it a sense of historical significance.
Pramanta and the Anemotrypa Cave
Pramanta is the next stop, sitting at 840 meters altitude at the foot of Mount Stroggoula. It’s now a mountain resort with restaurants, shops, and a lively square shaded by a long-standing plane tree. The village offers a chance to stretch your legs and grab a snack or a drink.
Nearby, the Anemotrypa Cave beckons adventurous souls with its colorful stalagmites and small lakes. Guided by your expert guide, you’ll explore this underground wonder, gaining insight into the geology and natural beauty hidden beneath the mountains.
The Stone Bridge of Plaka
One of the most iconic structures in the region is the Stone Bridge of Plaka, a marvel of 19th-century engineering. Built in 1866 and restored after being demolished in 2015 by floodwaters, this single-arch bridge stretches 61 meters long and rises 21 meters high over the Arachthos River. It’s considered the third-largest of its kind in Europe.
Standing beneath or walking across the bridge offers a sense of history and craftsmanship, and the views of the rushing river below are breathtaking. The bridge’s restoration shows the community’s dedication to preserving its heritage, and you’ll appreciate the photo opportunities and the sense of connection to the past.
A Viewpoint Over Tzoumerka
Finally, the tour culminates at an amazing viewpoint overlooking the entire Tzoumerka mountain range and the deep ravine of the Arachthos River. It’s a perfect spot for photos and to soak in the vast, rugged landscape that characterizes this part of Greece. The stunning vistas make this a highlight for many travelers, especially those who love panoramic views.
The Itinerary: A Day Packed with Wonder
The carefully planned itinerary balances travel time with sightseeing and free moments. Starting at Mavili Square, the trip includes stops at scenic passes like Passo Tsimovou, which offers sweeping views. The guided visits to monasteries and villages are interwoven with opportunities to walk, take photos, and simply enjoy the landscape.
The stop at Pramanta offers a longer break with a chance for lunch, while the visits to the Anemotrypa Cave and Plaka Bridge add historical and geological depth. The day provides a thorough look at the natural and cultural beauty of Tzoumerka.
Transportation and Group Size
The tour includes all transportation, with a comfortable, clean van that fits up to 12 guests. This small group size enhances the experience by allowing more interaction with your guide and easier access to viewpoints. The driver and guide, such as Ioannis, are praised for their safety, knowledge, and friendly approach.
What’s Included and What’s Not
For $147, you get all taxes and VAT, guiding, transport, and photographic/video materials. Bottled water is also provided, which keeps you hydrated during the mountain climbs and scenic stops. Meals and drinks, however, are not included, so you might want to bring some snacks or plan to buy a meal in Pramanta.
Authentic Experiences and the Guide’s Role
Reviews highlight the importance of a knowledgeable guide in making this tour special. “Ioannis is an amazing person,” one reviewer noted, praising his storytelling, friendliness, and pictures. Having a guide who can share stories, answer questions, and point out hidden details turns a scenic drive into a meaningful journey.
The Value for Money
Considering the full-day itinerary, expert guiding, and small group size, the $147 price tag offers solid value. You’ll enjoy a full day of sightseeing with a personal touch, making it worth the expense for those eager to explore Greece’s less touristy, more rugged side.
This experience is ideal for travelers who love natural landscapes, appreciate historic sites, and enjoy culture. If you’re comfortable with walking on uneven terrain and want a guided, small-group adventure, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s especially suited for those who want to see Greece’s mountain villages and learn their stories firsthand.
The Sum Up
This full-day tour from Ioannina to Tzoumerka National Park offers a well-balanced mix of stunning scenery, cultural sites, and authentic villages. The guides, especially Ioannis, bring the landscape alive with stories and insights, enriching your understanding of this rugged corner of Greece. The scenery is genuinely breathtaking, and the historical sites provide a meaningful connection to the past.
While it’s a long day and involves some walking, the experience is rich and varied enough to justify the time. If you’re after a deeply authentic experience away from busier tourist spots, this tour provides excellent value and a chance to see some of Greece’s most dramatic mountain landscapes.
Whether it’s your first visit to Greece or a repeat trip seeking lesser-known treasures, this tour will leave you with lasting memories of wild mountains, historic monasteries, and charming villages.
FAQ
Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes all transportation via a comfortable van, suitable for small groups.
What is the duration of the tour?
The entire day lasts about 8 hours, including all stops and sightseeing.
What is the price?
It costs $147 per person, which covers guiding, taxes, and bottled water.
Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so you should plan to bring snacks or enjoy local options in Pramanta.
Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 3 or those with mobility issues, as walking and uneven terrain are involved.
What languages are guide services offered in?
Guiding is available in English.
How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 12 participants for a more personalized experience.
Can I cancel in advance?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
What kind of sights will we see?
You’ll see monasteries, traditional villages, scenic viewpoints, and the historic stone bridge of Plaka.
Is this tour suitable if I want a relaxed, leisurely day?
It’s a full, active day with lots of good viewing and walking, so it’s best for travelers comfortable with a busy schedule and mountain terrain.