Delphi, Meteora & Zagori: 5 Days with a Private Driver
Delphi, the monasteries of Meteora, the stone villages of Zagori and the Vikos Gorge – five days through the mountains of Central and Northern Greece. The distances are long and the mountain roads are winding, which is exactly why this trip is best enjoyed with a private driver: you watch the landscape, and we do the driving.
Why travel with a private driver?
- Long distances, zero stress – Athens to Delphi, Meteora and Zagori is a long way; you travel in comfort and stop whenever you want.
- Mountain roads in safe hands – Zagori and Metsovo roads are steep and narrow, and in winter can have snow. Our drivers know them.
- Hike one way – for the Vikos Gorge, your driver drops you at the start and waits for you at the end, so you never walk back.
- Everything in one plan – transfers, hotels and guided visits arranged by one local agency.
Day 1: Athens – Delphi
Pick-up in Athens and drive to Delphi, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus (about two and a half hours). Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the theatre, the stadium and the museum. Walk the old path to Arachova in the late afternoon if you like. Night in Delphi or Arachova.
See: Delphi day trip · Delphi – Arachova path.
Day 2: Delphi – Meteora
Across the plain of Thessaly to Kalambaka. In the afternoon, visit the monasteries of Meteora, built on top of giant rock pillars, and watch the sunset from the rocks. Night in Kalambaka or Kastraki.
See: Meteora & hermit caves · private transfer to Meteora.
Day 3: Meteora – Metsovo – Zagori
Over the Pindus mountains to Metsovo, the stone mountain town known for its cheese, wine and woodcraft. Continue to Zagori, a land of 46 stone villages, arched bridges and deep gorges. Night in Monodendri or Papigo.
See: walking around Metsovo.
Day 4: The Vikos Gorge
Look down into the Vikos Gorge from the Oxya viewpoint, then hike from Monodendri down into the gorge and along it to Vikos village or the springs of the Voidomatis river. Your driver meets you at the end of the walk. Night in Zagori.
See: Vikos Gorge hike · Papigo to Drakolimni for strong walkers.
Day 5: Ioannina and onward
Morning in Ioannina, by the lake, with its castle and the island of Ioannina. Then the long drive back to Athens, or a short transfer to Ioannina airport or the port of Igoumenitsa for your onward trip.
Getting on: private transfer to Igoumenitsa port.
Shorter on time?
Our Athens – Delphi – Meteora 4-day tour covers the first part of this route with everything arranged.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do this trip in winter?
Yes – Meteora and Zagori under snow are beautiful. Hiking in the Vikos Gorge depends on the weather, and mountain roads can need snow chains: one more reason to travel with an experienced local driver.
How fit do I need to be?
The sightseeing days are easy. The Vikos Gorge walk is long (several hours with steep sections), but you can choose a shorter route, or simply enjoy the viewpoints.
When is the best time?
May, June, September and October. See our best time to visit guide.
Tell us your dates and how many you are, and we will reply within 24 hours with your personal plan, hotels and private transfers.