Combo The Wild Side of Pindos
VALIA CALDA
ARKOUDOREMA & FLEGGAS Alpine Lakes
The Nature Witch
VALIA KALDA - ARKOUDOREMA & ALPINE LAKES OF FLEGGA
26 - 28 June
18 Participants
Hiking
Duration
3 Days
From 210€
2 - Moderate
A FEW WORDS...
Valia Kalda is not just a mountain. It is a wild part of Pindus that makes you feel small in front of the power of nature.
Climbing Phleges and crossing Arkoudorematos, at this time of year, is.... AN EXPERIENCE!
Dense forests of black pine and beech, frozen waters that rush down from the peaks, alpine meadows, lakes hidden above the clouds and trails that pass through one of the most imposing National Forests in Greece.
And we are going to experience the best season!
June in Valia Kalda means water everywhere.
The Arkoudorema roars in the gorge, waterfalls fill the valleys, the forests smell of moisture and the alpine lakes of Flegga still reflect the last snows of Pindos.
Two days full of hiking, exploration and true contact with the mountain.
With an overnight stay by the river, inside and outside the Vovousa refuge.
Because this is the way it should be!
THE EXPERIENCE
Valia Kalda, the “warm valley” in Vlach, has been the core of the Pindos National Park since 1966 and is one of the most important habitats in Greece.
Around it rise Avgo, Flegga, Mavrovouni and dozens of alpine peaks above 2000 meters, creating a unique natural setting full of waters, ravines and endless forests.
The famous Arkoudorema crosses the heart of the park, forming small waterfalls and frozen pedestals, before joining Aoos.
And somewhere there, among lightning-struck robolas, alpine plateaus and silent lakes, we will move too.
HIGHLIGHTS
🏔️ Climb the alpine peak of Flegga at 2159m!
💧 Cross the legendary Arkoudoremato!
🌲 Trek through the wildest forests of Pindos!
☱ Alpine Lakes scattered above the clouds!
🌊 Frozen pedestals, waterfalls & rapids everywhere. Are we ready for cold showers?
🔥 Accommodation next to the river, in absolute nature, inside and outside the Vovousa refuge!
🪵 Lightning-struck robolas & alpine plateaus!
🐻 In the heart of the Valia Kalda National Park!
📸 One of the most photogenic alpine trekking in Greece!
⚡ Authentic Combo Experience in the most magical season of the mountain!
🚐 Small group (Only 18 people) – big vibe
With 9-seater vans, we move flexibly and keep the experience personal!
🔥 Combo feeling
Hiking, relaxation, nature and company, tied together in another three-day trip that will fascinate us!
OVERVIEW
Day 1
Friday 26 June🚐 Departure by Premium 9seat Combo Van from Athens. The journey becomes part of the experience!
(Detailed points & times will be sent with the last details to participants)
🚐 We depart from Athens with comboVans for one of the most secluded and magical areas of Greece.
Departure points:
16:30 – Rouf Station
16:45 – Eleonas Metro
17:00 – Kifissia
After a beautiful journey through the mountains of Epirus and the necessary stops, we arrive late at night at the Vovousa shelter.
The river is heard next to us.
The forest surrounds us everywhere.
And the adventure is just beginning...Day 2
Saturday 27 JuneTrek to Arkoudorema & the heart of Valia Kalda
We start early in the morning from the Vovousa refuge, in a setting full of humidity, the sounds of water and the smell of the forest.
We follow the path that gradually enters the core of Valia Kalda and soon we are next to the legendary Arkoudorema.
The river at this time of year rushes down from the peaks of Pindos, constantly forming small waterfalls, frozen platforms and passages through one of the wildest landscapes in Greece.
📍 The route
The route moves through dense black pine and beech forests, passes over wooden bridges and follows the river deeper into the valley.
Giant robolas, fallen trunks, water sounds and the sense of isolation create an experience that resembles more an alpine landscape abroad than a Greek mountain.
We make stops to rest, take photos and enjoy the waters of Arkoudoremato, before continuing towards the junction of Flegga, deep inside the National Park.
The return is via the same enchanting path, with the afternoon light passing through the trees and the river accompanying us to the shelter.
In the evening we relax by the river, under the stars and in the absolute tranquility of Pindos.
📊 ROUTE CHARACTERISTICS (By Numbers)
📏 Distance: 17.5 km
⏱ Duration: ~7:30 hours (With stops)
⚖ Difficulty: 2
⬆ Positive elevation gain: + 820m
⬇ Negative elevation gain: - 820m
📍 Type: Back and forth
In the evening we relax by the river, under the stars and in the absolute tranquility of Pindos.
Combo Camino de Sandiago
CAMINO FRANCÉS (the French Way)
Day 3
Sunday 28 JuneClimb to Flegga 2159 & Alpine Lakes
🚐 After breakfast we depart for the Mavrovouni refuge, from where our alpine climb begins.
📍 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
The Accomodation
Our accommodation takes place at the Vovousa refuge, in the heart of Pindos and next to the waters of Aoos.
A truly ideal spot to experience Valia Kalda as it should be.
Accommodation takes place inside and outside the refuge, in an authentic mountain setup that fits perfectly with the Combo Experience philosophy.
For those who want to live the mountain experience even more intensely, there is the option of staying in a tent in the beautiful meadow around the refuge.
A unique spot in nature, next to the river and under the starry sky of Pindos.
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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 at Vovousa refuge with breakfast
Research, planning and support of the routes by ComboRide
Experienced Leader - Guide with Certified Emergency First Response knowledge
The hikes
VAT
Photography with our own professional equipment
Group organized pharmacy
Liability insurance
Any other unseen required for the realization of the excursion
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
💥 EARLY BIRD OFFER 💥
The first 5 places are closed at the price of 👉 €225
After they are exhausted, the price is set at 👉 €245
⏳ Valid for limited places only
The price for those who stay with their tent in the meadow outside the shelter is reduced by 👉 €15 from the above prices
A priority order will be observedFirst Come First Served...
To reserve a place, you must first press the orange "BOOK NOW" button at the end of the page by filling in the form with your details
Immediately after that, a deposit of €100 must be made
The payment of the deposit can be made at the office of the association Agias Theklas 13, Psirri (4' walk from the Monastiraki metro station) or via bank IBAN or via IRIS
For Combo Loyal Members, immediate reservation and payment on the trip
Click HERE to see how you can become a Combo Loyal Member
Registrations until Thursday, June 11. After this date, you must contact us for availability.
ADD ON
TENT RENTAL +€30CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation and refund right until Tuesday, June 16
Space is limited, so first come first served
Payment will be made during the tour
PHOTOS
