WHAT ARE WE PLANNING?
New Year's Eve is just around the corner, so we've decided to cook up a New Year's special! This time our host will be Greece, with its open-air thermal pools, spectacular waterfalls, and even more spectacular canyon. Of course, there's also the blue of the Ionian Sea, and that beloved Mediterranean winter sun! It'll be a balm for all the senses...
IN SHORT
NORTH GREECE
DATE: 29.12.2024-03.01.2025.
!!! REGISTRATION DEADLINE 02.12.2024.!!!
FEE: 189 EUR (INCLUDED: transport, 3x nights with breakfast, organization)
ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL JOLLY (Rooms: 1/2 and 1/3 with private bathrooms)
WHAT'S THE PROGRAM?
29-30.12.2024. NOVI SAD – BELGRADE – IOANNINA – IGUMENITSA
Departure from NOVI SAD and BELGRADE in the late afternoon (Exact time and place will be announced a few days before the trip) and a smooth ride towards Greece.
In the early morning, we stop by IOANNINA. A small town on the shore of Lake Pamvotida, known for its narrow oriental streets, a legacy of the infamous Turkish ruler Ali Pasha. This mix of the Orient and Byzantium is extremely unique, and the fact that most of Greece comes here during New Year's holidays tells us there must be a good reason for it! We'll dive into a sea of alleys with artisan shops, surely there's something for everyone!
After visiting the town, we drive to IGUMENITSA, a small port town on the Ionian Sea, and check into the hotel.
31.12.2024. IGUMENITSA - KASTRAKI – METEORA HIKE (Optional)
ROUTE LENGTH: 14km
ELEVATION GAIN: 300m
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
In the early morning, we set off on a trip, starting with a drive to the small village of KASTRAKI located at the very foot of METEORA. Here we begin our hike through one of the most unique landscapes in the world. We'll be amazed by these huge rocks defying the surrounding plains, believed to have formed where a river of biblical proportions once flowed.
What's even more fascinating is that atop these rocks, some of the world's most beautiful monasteries were built, and we'll have the opportunity to visit a few. We'll be left wondering how the monks managed to build all this with their bare hands some five hundred years ago when miracles were still possible. Those who observe the rocks closely will notice countless small caves where monks hid from the Ottomans before any monasteries were even planned. All in all, it's something that will leave no one indifferent.
After the hike, we return to Igumenitsa to prepare for the wildest night!
01.01.2025. IGUMENITSA – VRADETO STAIRS – BELOI VIEWPOINT (The most beautiful view of the VIKOS canyon) (Optional)
ROUTE LENGTH: 10km
ELEVATION GAIN: 300m
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
In the early morning, we drive to the village of Kapesovo and hike to the famous BELOI viewpoint, offering the most beautiful view of the Vikos canyon. Here, we'll experience the full grandeur of Greece's largest canyon and marvel at the magic of nature. To reach the viewpoint, we'll have to pass through the famous stone VRADETO STAIRS, which in ancient times were the only connection between the villages of Kapesovo and Vradeto.
After the hike, we return to the familiar Igumenitsa for a New Year's Eve encore and our final evening.
02-03.01.2025. IGUMENITSA – EDESSA WATERFALL – POZAR THERMAL BATHS – IGUMENITSA – BELGRADE – NOVI SAD
In the morning, we pack our things into the bus and slowly head back. First, we arrive at the small village of EDESSA hidden in the hills below Kajmakčalan. We take a break to visit the impressive waterfalls that make this place famous.
Then follows a short drive deeper into the mountains for a refreshing dip in the open-air thermal pools. We visit the POZAR thermal baths, where several outdoor pools have formed around thermal springs beside a cold mountain river. We believe that the peak of hedonism is bathing in thermal pools outdoors on a freezing January day.
Refreshed and rejuvenated, we continue towards Serbia, where we plan to arrive the following day in the early morning.
WHAT DO WE USUALLY BRING ON A HIKE?
- A smile, good will, and good health.
- Plenty of water, at least 2L per hike, snacks, refreshments for the climbs and walks ahead.
- Food, fruit, snacks, sweets for the breaks during hikes.
- Comfortable and sturdy shoes suitable for walking in nature.
- If you already have your favorite walking stick, bring it. If not, nature will hide your new favorite.
- A cap/hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, whatever you think will protect you in case of strong sun.
- Spare/change clothes, warm and dry layers within reach after each hike.
- Swimwear, towel, flip-flops.
IMPORTANT NOTES!!!
- The number of registrations will be limited, and ONLY members of the HIKING SOCIETY HTS (MB:28748817) (Contact us for details about membership and purchasing badges for 2024) or any hiking society within the PSS framework have the right to participate in the trip.
- Fee: 10,500 RSD (Accommodation 3x nights with breakfast, paid to the association account upon registration) and 100 EUR (Paid during the trip for transport, tickets, parking, and tolls)
- Optional hikes are METEORA (cost 30 EUR, including guide, transport, monastery entrance, and parking) and VIKOS CANYON (cost 20 EUR, including transport and guide)
- The entrance fee to the Pozar baths is NOT included, and costs range from 3-9 EUR depending on the section of the baths entered.
- Organizers reserve the right to change the program due to unforeseen circumstances, inability to access certain sections, or even cancel the trip.
- Please send us the number of people, their names, phone numbers, and departure location along with proof of membership in our organization when registering. After registration and payment, due to the proximity of the event, it will be impossible to cancel transport and accommodation, and therefore no refunds will be available. However, a replacement for the registered person will, of course, be possible.
- This trip is NOT covered by travel protection in accordance with Article 86, Paragraph 3 of the Tourism Act.
- The tour is NOT recommended for people with heart conditions or any other ailments that could be negatively affected by physical activity.
- Please be PRECISE AND PUNCTUAL regarding departure times, but on the other hand, let's not be too rigid with the hike duration schedule.
- We kindly ask all participants of our hikes to bring ONLY POSITIVE VIBES, A CHEERFUL SPIRIT, AND GOOD MOOD. See you there.
