Ioannina Food & Culture Tour With Cooking Lesson

Tzoumerka villages is an area of unique natural beauty, located in the heart of Tzoumerka mountain range (Athamanian Mountains) and Arachthos valley and gives visitors innumerable opportunities, as far as alternative tourism is concerned. Natural, cultural, architectural and religional monuments of supreme aesthetics and historical value await for visitors, who can simultaneously engage in various country activities

This Papingo - Vikos Gorge One Day tour offers us the ultimate view of the world’s deepest canyon, Vikos canyon. In our path, we’ll meet one of the clearest and coldest rivers of Europe, Voidomatis and well as some spots that provide us with a sublime view of the canyon. The silvery river’s waters, though cold, are surprisingly refreshing for swimming and ideal for rafting in the late spring and summer months.

Ioannina has always been the center of a pretty remote, until recently, region of Greece, and, as such, it had to cater for a variety of customers, from the mountain villagers who came to the city once a week for supplies to merchants and officials of the area. Their culinary needs varied enormously, which is why a rich and varied food culture exists for everyone, from local street food to haute cuisine.

Zagori translates to “behind the mountain area”, includes 46 villages, and numerous stone bridges. In this picturesque area, people used the local stone to build houses, churches and monasteries, cobbled streets and stone-built bridges create an architectural whole which is unique. We visit several villages, unique viewpoints of Vikos gorge, stone bridges, natural pools, the coldest river in Europe (average temp 8-12o C) and a monument dedicated to the brave women of Pindos range

The artificial lake of Aoos fountain is at an altitude of 1,350m, covers an area of 12km2 and was constructed in 1986 for the purpose of producing energy. It is located between two national parks, Valia Calda and the Vikos-Aoos Geopark. In the area there are many small natural lakes, mountainous meadows and forests of black pine that reach a height of 30m. and also beeches (Fagus). Species of orchids and wild daffodils (Narcissus) are spotted beside the lake along with bird species like black storks and ducks but also bears, wolves and foxes reside in the area and more.

Explore the traditional stone bridges of Zagori and enjoy a cool shower at the waterfall of Iliochori, on a magnificent off-road route with a cooking experience. An excursion with a 4×4 vehicle for lovers of off-road routes that includes many of the beautiful villages of Zagori and combines the traditional stone bridges with a unique experience in the forests and nature of Zagori.