Suppose you're planning a trip to Greece and looking for a way to immerse yourself in the breathtaking countryside. In that case, you should definitely consider taking a tour of Ioannina, Dodoni, and Zagorochoria. These three destinations offer a wealth of natural beauty, unique cultural experiences, and rich history that will give you an unforgettable taste of Greece's heritage. Ioannina is a charming town surrounded by mountains on the shores of a picturesque lake. With a vibrant old town steeped in history and culture, Ioannina is a fantastic city to explore on foot, enjoying the sights and sounds of the local market, the historic castle, and the many museums and art galleries. Dodoni, located just a short drive from Ioannina, is home to an ancient archaeological site renowned for its historical significance. Here, you can explore the ruins of a once-great city and discover the stories and legends passed down through the centuries. Finally, Zagorochoria is a group of picturesque mountain villages with unique character and charm. With breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, traditional architecture, and vibrant local culture, Zagorochoria is the ideal place to relax and unwind, soaking up the beauty of Greece's natural heritage. A tour of these three destinations is a perfect way to experience the best of Greece's natural and cultural heritage. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or enjoy the great outdoors, Ioannina and Dodoni Tours with Zagorochoria have something to offer every traveler. We provide services to various interests, ensuring your trip suits your preferences.

Ioannina, the capital of the Prefecture of Epirus, is a city steeped in history and cultural diversity. Situated around the picturesque Lake Pamvotis, its Ottoman heritage enhances its charm. During the Ottoman period, Ioannina thrived, giving rise to renowned artisan guilds, such as the silversmiths, who crafted exquisite works of art. The influence of the Ottoman Empire can still be seen today, particularly in the Fortes area surrounding Lake Pamvotis. Exploring the city center, one can't help but be captivated by the numerous historic buildings that dot the landscape. The city's skyline is a harmonious blend of different architectural styles, from Byzantine and Ottoman structures to neoclassical and modern designs. As you wander the streets, you'll see the imposing Ioannina Castle, symbolizing the city's rich history. Within its walls, you'll find the fascinating Ali Pasha Museum, dedicated to the infamous Ottoman ruler who once held sway over the region. The museum offers a glimpse into Ali Pasha's life and times, showcasing his opulent lifestyle and the turbulent era in which he lived. Visiting the Silversmithing Museum is necessary for those seeking a deeper understanding of Ioannina's cultural heritage. Beyond its historical and cultural treasures, Ioannina also offers abundant natural beauty. Lake Pamvotis, with its crystal-clear waters, provides a serene backdrop for leisurely boat rides or a stroll along its shores. The lake is also home to the small island of Nisi, where you can explore the charming village and visit the 13th-century Byzantine church of Agios Panteleimon. In conclusion, Ioannina is a city that seamlessly blends its Ottoman past with its vibrant present.

The Perama Cave, one of the most important caves in the world, is only ten minutes from the city center and well worth a visit. It has 19 different types of stalactites, making it the cave with the most types of stalactites of any cave in the world. The formations of the stalagmites and stalactites, combined with the natural richness and colors, create a landscape of unique beauty. The cave's existence has been known since the beginning of the last century. During the Italian bombardments of 1940, the locals used it as a shelter. Speleologists carried out the first scientific mapping of the cave shortly after the Second World War.

The sanctuary of Dodoni, with its famous oracle dedicated to Zeus, is considered the oldest in Greece. It is 22 km from Ioannina and 30 minutes from the city center. The oracle priests were originally only men, and priestesses, called Pleiades, appeared later. The priests and priestesses were known to walk barefoot and sleep on the ground to contact the earth directly. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, and the earliest cult was probably dedicated to the Earth Goddess or another female deity associated with fertility. The cult of Zeus was brought to Dodoni by a tribe from Thesprotia called the Selloi, and it soon became a prominent cult. Initially, the sanctuary was open-air, and various ceremonies were performed around the sacred oak where the divine couple Zeus and Dioni resided. The sanctuary remained outdoors, and the sacred area of the tree was defined by a kind of enclosure formed by bronze cauldrons. The sanctuary flourished in the third century BC under King Pyrrhus, 297 - 272 BC. The rest of the temples and the most impressive buildings of the sanctuary, including the theatre, the bouleuterion, the prytaneum, and the stadium where the Naian games were held in honor of Zeus, were all built during King Pyrrhus's reign. In 219 BC, the Aetolians destroyed the sanctuary, but it was rebuilt and functioned again until the Romans destroyed it in 167 BC. The oracle and festivals in honor of Zeus continued to attract worshippers until the fourth century BC. Christianity gradually replaced the old religion, and Christian basilicas were built within the sacred precinct, and the sacred oak was cut down. Systematic excavations began in the 1950s. The theatre, restored mainly in 1975, now hosts theatrical performances.

The Zagori region consists of 46 traditional, picturesque villages. The local architecture is characterized by stone, wood, slate, and rock. The Zagori area is about a 40-minute drive from Ioannina, reaching somewhere near the well-known village of Monodendri, close to the Vicos Gorge. Another village, Elafotopos, stands out from the rest of Zagorochoria for its outstanding traditional architecture, elaborate town planning, and impressive location. It is built at an altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level. It is worth visiting the top, above Monodendri, of the impressive Vikos Gorge - the deepest Gorge in the world in proportion to its length - and some of the arched bridges of the Aoos River area.