Combo Zagori Escape
KAPESOVOS
Vradetos Stairs
& the Stone Bridges
of Zagori
In the most authentic side of Epirus
Kapesovo – Skala Vradetou & the Stone Bridges of Zagori
15 - 17 May
18 Participants
Hiking
Duration
3 Days
From 245€
1 - Easy
There is a place where stone is not just a material, it is memory, history and art. Where bridges were not built just to connect banks, but lives, routes and people.
From the 17th to the early 19th century, in a wild landscape full of ravines and rivers, works of unique craftsmanship were born: single-arch, double-arch and triple-arch bridges that stand proud to this day, defying time and the elements of nature. Built with effort and vision by villagers, benefactors and expatriates, they were the thread that connected everyday life, the passage of shopkeepers, tour guides and horsemen.
And a little higher up, where the landscape becomes wilder and the silence deeper, one of the strangest and most impressive paths in Greece unfolds.
The Staircase of Vradetos. A stone masterpiece with 1,100 steps, carved into a steep slope, which for centuries was the only way of communication between an entire village and the outside world.
A spiral path that does not simply lead from one point to another, but to another era. Where people and animals shared the same path, where survival required ingenuity and endurance, and where every stone had a reason for existence.
Today, the bridges and the Staircase no longer serve the need for survival. However, they remain living symbols. Silent narrators of an era that was lost, but not forgotten.
And so, among stone, light and shadows, our own beautiful Combo journey begins…
A FEW WORDS...
HIGHLIGHTS
🥾 Skala Vradetos
1,100 stone steps carved into the mountain. A path like no other — rhythmic, imposing, almost hypnotic!
🌄 Beloi – the “balcony” of Zagori
The moment when the landscape opens up abruptly and the Vikos Gorge spreads out before you. Silence… and a view that cannot be photographed!
🌉 The stone bridges of Epirus
Architectural precision in nature. From the three-arched Plakida to the emblematic Kokkori, every passage has a story!
🌿 Flow hikes in shade & water
Routes that flow beautifully, next to streams and plane trees. No pressure, just rhythm!
🏡 Accommodation in a traditional stone house from 1797
Evenings with wine and conversation, as it should be!
🌲 Kapesovo – the quiet side of Zagori
Away from the hustle and bustle, in the greenery. The ideal base to “click” the trip!
🍽 Epirus cuisine in Tsepelovo
Pies, local meats and flavors that have depth. Not just food, an experience!
🚐 Small group (Only 9 people) – great vibe
With a 9-seater van, we move flexibly and keep the experience personal!
🔥 Combo feeling
Hiking, relaxation, nature and company, tied to another three-day trip that will fascinate us!
OVERVIEW
Day 1
Friday 15 May🚐 Departure by Premium 9seat Combo Van from Athens. The route becomes part of the experience!
(Detailed points & times will be sent with the last details to the participants)
🚐 Departure from Athens & arrival in Kapesovo
The trip starts in the afternoon from Athens, aiming to leave behind the pace of the city and slowly enter the mood of mountainous Epirus.
Departure points:
17:00 – Rouf Station
17:15 – Eleonas Metro
17:30 – Kifissia
Arrival in Kapesovo at approximately 23:00.
Check-in at the stone house, settling in and a relaxed end to the day.
👉 First contact with the absolute tranquility of Zagori.
Day 2
Saturday 16 May🥾 Skala Vradetou – Vradeto – Beloi
The morning starts calmly, with a DIY breakfast at home.
Coffee, preparing equipment and we slowly get into an outdoor rhythm.
📍 The route
We start from Kapesovo and head towards the legendary Skala Vradetou.
The descent starts impressively! A continuous sequence of stone steps that “write” on the slope.
It is not technically difficult, but it requires rhythm.
We continue towards Vradeto, the highest village of Zagori, for a short stop, breaths and images.
The route culminates in Beloi, the natural “balcony” above the Vikos Gorge.
There we take the pause that is deserved: rest, photos, silence!
👉 It is one of those points that does not need many words.
📊 ROUTE CHARACTERISTICS (By Numbers)
📏 Distance: 10.6 km
⏱ Duration: ~4:30 hours (With stops)
⚖ Difficulty: 1
⬆ Positive elevation gain: + 435m meters
⬇ Negative elevation gain: - 435m meters
📍 Type: Circular
🥾 Return to Kapesovo walk in the village and relaxation
🚐 Early afternoon departure for nearby Tsepelovo (13'), the largest village of Zagori
Village Tour: We will walk through the cobblestone alleys, admiring the well-preserved stone mansions and the traditional Zagori style.
We will see up close the church of Agios Nikolaos, which stands out for its impressive hagiographies dating back to 1786, as well as the Tsoufleio Pharmacy of 1874, which started as a pharmacy (as the outside sign states), later operated as a post office and is now a gallery
Food in Tsepelovo with pies, stews and quality meats!
In the evening we set up a more “homely” setting at the accommodation.
🔥 Fireplace, wine, conversations, the trip begins to “tie”.Day 3
Sunday 17 May🌉 The bridges of Zagori
We start the day more relaxed, with a last breakfast at home and preparation for a different hike.
🚐 Departure from Kapesovo to Dilofo (19')
📍 The route
Starting from Dilofo, we enter a path that seems to flow through the landscape.
From the very first meters, the forest gently "swallows" you, shade from plane trees, sounds of water and a coolness that follows you the entire way.
The path moves parallel to streams and small ravines, with constant alternations:
sometimes open, sometimes more closed, sometimes stony and sometimes dirt, but always pleasant and rhythmic.
And somewhere there the bridges begin to appear. We are ready to discover them...
First the bridge of Captain Arkouda, more discreet, as an introduction to what follows.
Continuing, the landscape opens up and in front of you appears the impressive Plakida or Kalogeriko, with its three arches stretching low over the water. There the stop is almost a given.
The route continues through quieter passages, until we reach the bridge of Mylos, more “tied” to the natural environment, as if it always belonged there.
A little later, the bridge of Missio stands out for its elegance, simple but perfectly balanced.
And towards the end of the route, the bridge of Kokkori makes a more “strong” appearance. Larger, more imposing, it stands above the passage like a natural gate.
Throughout, it’s not just the bridges that hold the interest, it’s how they “connect” with the environment.
They don’t try to stand out. They just exist there, exactly as they should.
The route flows calmly, almost meditatively.
And just like that, without realizing it, we’ve completed one of the most beautiful and balanced hikes in Epirus!
📊 ROUTE CHARACTERISTICS (By Numbers)
📏 Distance: 11.5 km
⏱ Duration: ~4:30 hours
⚖ Difficulty: 1
⬆ Positive elevation: +390 meters
⬇ Negative elevation: -390 meters
📍 Type: Circular
A route through a completely different landscape.
More greenery, running water, shade and peace.
🏁 Return
After the end of the activity:-
Departure to Athens
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Short stop for lunch/coffee in Ioannina
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Arrival in Athens at approximately 21:00
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With a sweet tiredness and that thought: “When are we leaving again?”
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TIPS
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXCURSION
If necessary, the program can be modified depending on weather conditions
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If on any day you do not wish to follow the daily program, please inform us so that we can provide you with an alternative
Our House
We have taken over the management for this three-day stay
We are staying in a very beautiful traditional stone-built house from 1797, with modern renovation
A warm, authentic two-storey house of 280 sq m. that has been converted into comfortable accommodation:-
Ground floor: Hall with cellar and kitchen and fireplace
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First floor: Matzato. A double room with fireplace with two beds and 1 bathroom
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Second floor: 1 room with a semi-double bed and 1 single, 1 room with 1 semi-double bed and 1 room (Ontans) with 2 semi-double beds and a single bed. 1 large bathroom
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EQUIPMENT FOR HIKING
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Hiking or Trail Running Shoes
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Hiking Poles (Optional)
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Weather-Suitable Clothing Such As Quick-Drying Fabric, Shorts, Leggings, Hiking Pants, Vest, Light Jacket, Fleece, Windbreaker, Etc. (We Will Be Informed About The Weather A Few Days Before The Organized Excursion)
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Waterproof (Always A Must)
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Backpack
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1 Lt Water Bottle Or 1.5 Lt Water Bottle
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Snacks Such As Sandwiches, Cereal Bars, Pastries, Nuts, Fruit, Dried Fruit Etc.
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Tissues, Wet Wipes
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Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen
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Swimsuit (For Those Bold)
Useful Tips For Hiking Equipment, Based On Our Many Years Of Experience, Read Also Here
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WHAT IS INCLUDED
All transportation with Exclusive 9-seater Combo Van, tolls & fuel
2 (Two) nights with a rich DIY breakfast in a traditional house in Kapesovo
ComboRide's research, design and route support
Experienced Leader - Attendant with Certified Emergency First Response knowledge
The hikes
VAT
Photographic Coverage With Our Own Professional Equipment
Group Organized Pharmacy
Third Party Liability Insurance Coverage
Anything Else Unseen Required To Make The Trip Happen
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Personal Expenses
Food and Drinks
Entrance Fees to Visited Archaeological Sites, Museums and Anything Mentioned in the Program as Optional
COST
Participation Cost: per person €245
To reserve your place, you must first click the yellow "JOIN" button at the bottom of the page and fill in the form with your details
Immediately after that, a deposit of 100 euros must be made
The deposit can be paid at the club office at Agias Theklas 13, Psirri (4 minutes walk from Monastiraki metro station)
or via bank IBANFor Combo Loyal Members, immediate reservation of place and payment at comboBus
Click HERE to see how you can become a Combo Loyal Member
Registrations for participation until Thursday, April 30. After this date, you must contact us for availability.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation and refund right until Thursday, April 30
Space is limited, so first come first served
Payment will be made during the tour
PHOTOS
