HIKE HISTORIC KARPENISI
Your trip begins in the heart of mainland Greece where the historic town of Karpenisi, set in the foothills of Mount Velouchi, welcomes you with warm hospitality, glorious sunshine, and stunning scenery. Take time exploring the vibrant streets uncovering Greek monuments, statues, and ageless churches before relaxing outside cute cafes for some people watching.
Hike the region’s wildest scenery, stop on the stone-paved lanes of off-the-beaten-track villages and soak up authentic Greek culture as you encounter the locals. Discover historic monuments and venture inside to see religious relics and wondrous artifacts dating back to the 12th century.
For a refreshing thrill, duck under the cold waters of waterfalls and explore the ‘always raining’ canyon—a spectacular narrow passage carved between two mountains. Accompanied by expert instructors, challenge yourself with the ultimate caving experience – hike through narrow ravines, climb gorges and explore the scenic Black Cave.
RAPTORS IN RHODOPE
Journey northward to low-key Eastern Macedonia. Experience the biodiverse wilderness of the remote Rhodope Mountains.
Venture to Dadia National Park—a haven for birds of prey and several elusive species. Raptors are the star attraction in this Worldwide Wildlife Fund-supported sanctuary.
Accompanied by professional guides, search for brown bears and grey wolves roaming freely through the forested mountains and learn fascinating tracking techniques. Understand how the region’s rewilding project has stimulated a return of endangered species, boosted local businesses and preserved the wild integrity of the landscape.
Paddle through the Nestos Straits, beneath steep, forested mountain slopes. Saddle up for a relaxing horseback ride through national parkland, keeping a sharp eye out for black vultures and Greece’s rarest bird, the white-tailed eagle. From the land to Lake Vistonida, a unique ecosystem of expansive wetlands where European otters, wild cats and pink flamingos reside.
