Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Greece - Ioannina - Meteora - Zagoria
100% customisable for you
Bid farewell to the UK as you prepare to jet-set through the skies to pretty Preveza. Landing just three-and-a-half-hours later, it’s a seamless hop, skip and jump to your hire car and this quietly beautiful corner of Greece.
Point the bonnet inland towards Meteora and begin the two-hour drive, watching the scenery shift from coastline to rolling countryside. Arrive in Kastraki, check into your hotel for the next three nights and take the evening to unwind. With the majestic rocks of Meteora towering overhead, enjoy a tasty first supper on the terraceand stretch your legs - little and large – ready to explore tomorrow.
Meteora rocks – in every sense of the word. Rising dramatically from the plains of Thessaly, its vast rock pillars stretch an impressive 2,000 feet into the sky.
Spend the first morning on a privately guided hike up these unique geological phenomena. Start at the foot of Doupiani Rock and wind your way upwards along ancient paths, to two of Meteora’s most striking monasteries, Grand Meteor and Varlaam.. Along the way, your guide brings the geology to life with stories of the region and plenty of pauses to take in the views.
Descend down the old monks’ trail back to quaint Kastraki, where you can refuel and relax for the rest of the afternoon. Ease back out to see Meteora at its most atmospheric: sunset, where the cloisters and churches glow softly against the rock.
The second day unfolds at a gentler pace, with leisurely time to wander the historic village. In the early evening, head out on a sunset tour of the Holy Monastery of St Stephen (Agios Stefanos), the Monastery of Roussanou, and the Byzantine Church of the Assumption of Mary.
Today, bundle the children into the car and head west into the Zagoria region, making a pitstop in Ioannina after almost two hours’ of driving. Set on the western shore of Lake Pamvotida, this city punches well above its historic weight, with the Fethiye Mosque and tomb of Ali Pasha – the formidable Ottoman governor of Epirus – giving a glimpse into its layered past. If stretching your legs is the priority, head to the lake’s island for a peaceful, car-free wander.
Back behind the wheel, it’s a short drive north into the mountains and onto Aristi, one of Zagoria’s prettiest villages. Check into your alpine hotel for the next three nights and tuck into moreish plates of hearty Epirotic gastronomy – well-deserved after a day on the road.
Set in the heart of the region, Aristi is the perfect base from which to explore over the next two days.From here, you’ll be spoilt for choice between day trips to charming Zagorian villages and a visit to the vast and sweeping Vikos Gorge – the deepest in the world in proportion to its width.
For children seeking adrenaline-fuelled experiences, rafting on the clear, fast-flowing waters of the Aoos River is a standout, while for those who prefer their feet on solid ground, guided village walks, photography sessions, yoga classes and wine tastings (for adults only) are available. Don’t forget about the unfussy, earthy gastronomy too: flaky Zagori pie and charcoal-grilled meats are standouts. If you’re keen for cuisine, spend some time learning the regional recipes (the kind that don’t often make it out of Epirus).
Leaving the mountains behind, take a two-hour drive south towards the coast and the seaside town of Parga, marvelling as the forested, stony scenery gives way to olive groves and flashes of the Ionian Sea.
Your home for the final three nights is the epitome of a picture-perfect beach town: chequered-cloth tavernas, terracotta-topped houses, and a swoon-worthy harbour. Get comfortable in your new seafront room before exploring the local area in your own time.
Parga’s beaches are well-suited to families, with calm waters and easy access, while boat trips along the coast offer the chance to explore nearby coves and islands. The town itself is compact and characterful, ideal for wandering between the harbour, hilltop paths and tucked-away cafés. Evenings are best spent waterside: long family dinners by the harbour, fresh seafood on the table and the gentle rhythm of coastal life.
This morning, begin the journey home with an hour-longdrive back to Preveza. Say adio (goodbye) to your hire car and head to the airport for your three-and-a-half-hour flight back to the UK - just the right amount of time to start planning your next family getaway...
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
