6-day Self Guided Motorcycle Tour to Zagoria
6-day self-guided motorcycle tour to Zagoria in Epirus region, Northwest Greece. 1,600 km covering 2 UNESCO sites, mountain passes, and coastal routes. Includes 5 nights accommodation, motorcycle rental with luggage equipment, GPS navigation with pre-loaded routes, and insurance with excess. One optional rest days. Flexible departure dates. Advanced difficulty. Prices from €1205 per rider.
This page presents the tour broken down in the following sections:
Zagoria in Six Days – A Concentrated Regional Experience
This 6-day tour focuses exclusively on the Zagoria region of northwest Greece – 46 traditional stone villages spread across the Pindus mountain range. Where our “10-day Central Northwest Greece Tour” progresses through multiple regions (Delphi, Meteora, Zagoria, Tzoumerka, Lefkada), this route concentrates time and riding within Zagoria itself.
The route design reflects a specific constraint: getting from Athens to Zagoria and back within six days while allowing meaningful time in the region. This means Day 1 is long (400-455km depending on route choice) – a deliberate compromise to maximize your days in the northwest mountains rather than spreading transit time across multiple days.
Once you reach Zagoria on Day 2, you’ll spend three nights based in the same location with a full loop day (Day 3) and a rest day (Day 4) before the return journey begins. This structure allows deeper regional familiarity compared to passing through Zagoria as one segment of a longer tour.
The riding is technically demanding – Zagoria’s mountain roads require advanced skills – but this tour excludes the Tzoumerka range that represents our most challenging terrain. If you have six days available and want to experience northwest Greece’s mountain riding without the full 10-day commitment, this route provides concentrated access to the region’s core characteristics.
Meteora serves as the entry point (Day 1 destination) and Delphi as an optional stop on the return (Day 6), positioning both UNESCO sites as gateways rather than primary destinations.
This is not an easier version of the 10-day tour – it’s a different approach serving riders with limited time or preference for regional depth over geographic breadth.
Below are a couple of quotes posted on Google and Tripadvisor by customers who did this tour :
Customers who did this tour wrote on TripAdvisor:
… The 6 day ride was outstanding! The bikes were late models and in excellent condition. The level of detail in the planning made the instructions and routes easy to follow and the accommodation chosen matched the high ideals held by the organisers. The ride requires advanced skills and levels of fitness, but the views and mountain scenery are extraordinary. Congratulations to both Johns!
… The thing that impressed me most about the trip were the impeccably mapped out daily routes that John preloaded into the GPS. The roads he sent us on and the information he supplies is amazing and worry free. The detail they provide truly proved to me that they wanted my experience to be unforgettable, and it was.
… If you are a motorbike enthusiast, and love windy empty roads, you HAVE to do this trip, I was texting my friends during the ride saying that we are all coming back, it was that spectacular.
This Tour at a Glance:
Start & Finish : Athens, Greece
Duration: 6 days riding
Riding hours: Daily average: 5-6 hours on the saddle.
Distance: 1600 kilometers (1000 miles). Shortest day: 105 kilometers. Longest day: 400 kilometers
Accommodation: Mostly 4 star, elegant boutique hotels. All of them top rated and personally selected by us
Roads: 100% paved. A large amount of this tour runs on narrow, single lane, secondary mountain routes.
Difficulty: Advanced. See section below for better understanding
TYPE OF RIDING
What to Expect on These Routes
This tour’s riding character is defined primarily by Zagoria’s mountain roads – you’ll encounter the same technical demands on Days 2-4 that riders experience in the 10-day tour’s Zagoria section, but without the progression through Tzoumerka or other regions.
Day 1 (Athens – Meteora): The longest distance day of the tour (400-455km) is a necessary compromise to reach northwest Greece within the 6-day timeframe. The route uses motorway for the initial section from Athens, then transitions to secondary roads. Route options include Lake Plastiras (scenic but adds time) or direct approach to Meteora. Expect 6-7 hours total riding time including stops. This is orientation riding on established roads – save your concentration for Zagoria’s technical demands starting tomorrow.
Days 2-3 (Zagoria Entry & Loop): The mountain riding begins on Day 2’s approach to Zagoria. From Meteora, the route climbs through eastern Zagoria via Metsovo (1,160m elevation) before descending into western Zagoria where you’ll stay for three nights.
Day 3’s Zagoria loop (190km) covers the region’s densest village concentration via single-lane mountain roads. Expect continuous switchbacks across 20-30km sections without interruption. The roads are narrow (originally village-scale, not tourist infrastructure), with limited shoulder width and constant radius changes. You’ll corner for hours with minimal straight sections – similar character to the Day 4 loop in our 10-day tour.
The approach to Papingo villages involves a particularly challenging mountain road – steep gradients on tight hairpins. This represents the tour’s peak technical difficulty, though it’s still less demanding than Tzoumerka’s sustained steep passes.
Day 5 (Zagoria – Nafpaktos): The exit from Zagoria touches the western edge of Tzoumerka range but doesn’t go deep into it. You’ll ride over one section with views toward the Arachthos valley, then the route transitions to easier terrain after Arta. The second half includes motorway (approximately 90km) to cover distance efficiently toward Nafpaktos.
Day 6 (Return to Athens): Mixed riding – coastal roads with some enjoyable technical sections (described as “pure biking fun” on the Gulf of Corinth approach), then secondary mountain roads through central Greece. Optional Delphi stop adds 15km detour plus 2-3 hours if visiting the archaeological site. Route options for final approach to Athens (direct motorway vs. longer scenic roads).
Road Surface Reality: Zagoria roads are paved mountain infrastructure serving small village populations. Expect occasional loose stones from cliff drainage, short repaired sections, and pavement conditions that reflect remote mountain maintenance realities. Short gravel or dirt stretches (50-100 meters) may appear where repairs are ongoing.
What This Tour Excludes: You will not ride through Tzoumerka’s deep interior (the most challenging section of our route network) or experience Pelion’s dense forest riding. This tour concentrates on Zagoria’s specific mountain character – expansive alpine landscapes, stone village networks, continuous switchback sequences.
Required Skill Level: Advanced riders only. The Zagoria loop (Day 3) and Papingo approach demand sustained technical riding ability. While this tour excludes our most extreme terrain (Tzoumerka’s steep passes), it still requires demonstrated mountain riding competence.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR
What This Route Covers
This tour concentrates on Zagoria’s mountain territory, with Meteora and Delphi serving as entry and exit points rather than primary destinations.
Day 1 – Meteora (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Six active monasteries built atop vertical rock formations (400 meters high) near Kalambaka. You’ll arrive in late afternoon after the long transit day from Athens. The access road to monastery level climbs via switchbacks. Individual monastery visits require walking and follow specific hours (typically closing 5-6pm). The rock formations remain visible at all hours; monastery interiors require timed entry.
Given the long Day 1 riding time (6-7 hours including stops), most riders have limited energy for extensive site exploration on arrival. Meteora functions primarily as the northwestern gateway in this tour’s structure.
Days 2-4 – Zagoria Region:
- 46 traditional stone villages (Zagorohoria) spread across mountain terrain between 600-1,200m elevation. Villages date from 17th-19th centuries, built with local stone and slate roofs. Most are connected by single-lane mountain roads. The Day 3 loop covers the densest village concentration.
- Vikos Gorge: Canyon measuring 12km long with depths reaching 900 meters. Two viewpoint locations are included in the Day 3 loop route, accessible from mountain roads. During shoulder seasons visibility into the gorge depends on timing of the day; afternoons typically offer clear views, while mornings may hold a blanket of valley fog.
Voidomatis River: Tributary flowing through the gorge system. The river is accessible at several traditional stone bridge crossings. Water clarity is high due to limestone filtration from mountain sources. - Papingo villages (Megalo and Mikro Papingo): Twin settlements located below the Astraka limestone formations on the north side of Vikos Gorge. The access road to these villages is one of the tour’s most technically demanding sections – a sequence of steep and tight hairpins.
- Metsovo: Mountain village at 1,160m elevation on the approach to Zagoria (Day 2). Traditional architecture, known for local dairy products and weaving. Fuel available here – important stop before entering Zagoria’s more remote territory.
- Ioannina (optional Days 4 or 5): Historic lakeside town (population ~110,000) with Ottoman-era fortifications. Accessible on the rest day (Day 4) or as a pass-through on Day 5’s departure from Zagoria. This is a functional Greek city with historic sections integrated into modern infrastructure.
- Day 5 – Western Tzoumerka Edge: The route briefly touches the western periphery of the Tzoumerka range with viewpoints toward the Arachthos River valley, but doesn’t penetrate the range’s deep interior or cross the Baros Pass. This provides a glimpse of Tzoumerka’s landscape without the sustained technical challenges of our 10-day tour’s full Tzoumerka section.
Day 5 – Nafpaktos: Coastal town (population ~15,000) on the Gulf of Corinth with a Venetian-era harbor and hillside fortress. Functions as overnight stop on the return journey. Standard tourist infrastructure.
Day 6 – Delphi (UNESCO World Heritage Site, optional stop): Ancient sanctuary site on Mount Parnassus slopes at 570m elevation. Located on the return route to Athens but requires a 15km detour from the coastal road. Site visit requires 2-3 hours including walking on uneven stone paths. This is an optional stop – factor early departure from Nafpaktos (7-8am) if you want to visit and still reach Athens at reasonable time.
What Differentiates This Route:
- Regional concentration: Three nights in the same Zagoria accommodation vs. moving through multiple regions
- Depth over breadth: More time exploring Zagoria’s village network vs. sampling multiple mountain ranges
- Gateway sites: Meteora and Delphi are access points, not primary destinations
- Exclusions: No deep Tzoumerka experience (most challenging terrain), no Pelion, no Lefkada island time
The 6-day timeframe means design compromises: long Day 1 transit, motorway sections on Day 5, limited time at UNESCO sites. These trade-offs allow maximum days within Zagoria itself.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Athens – Meteora (route options, from 400 to 455 kilometers / 250 to 285 miles)
The longest distance day of the tour – a necessary compromise to reach northwest Greece within the 6-day timeframe. Expect 6-7 hours of riding time before stops.
The route uses motorway from Athens for approximately 90 minutes to cover initial distance efficiently. From there, two route options diverge:
Direct Route (400km): Transitions from motorway to secondary roads through central Greece, reaching Kalambaka (Meteora’s gateway town) by late afternoon. This route prioritizes arrival time over scenic riding. Choose this option if you want to reach Meteora with maximum remaining daylight for site exploration.
Lake Plastiras Extension (455km): Adds a scenic mountain section around Lake Plastiras – twisty roads with lake views. The extension adds 55km and approximately 90 minutes to total riding time, meaning later arrival at Meteora (typically early evening). Choose this option only if you’re comfortable with reduced time at Meteora on arrival day.
Both routes converge approaching Kalambaka. The Meteora rock formations become visible from approximately 15km out. The access road to monastery level climbs via switchbacks with viewpoints at intervals.
Given the long riding day (especially if choosing the Lake Plastiras extension), most riders arrive with limited energy for extensive walking or monastery interior visits. The rock formations are visible at all hours; monastery interiors have specific visiting hours (typically closing 5-6pm).
Kalambaka has full tourist infrastructure including fuel, ATMs, restaurants. Accommodation is typically in town rather than at monastery level.
This is a transit day designed to position you for Zagoria access tomorrow. The long distance reflects the tour’s core constraint: getting from Athens to remote northwest mountains and back within six total days.
Day 2: Meteora – west Zagoria, 3 nights in Zagoria (190 kilometers / 120 miles)
The transition into northwest Greece and your entry into Zagoria. The 190km distance understates the riding time – expect 5-6 hours in the saddle due to continuous mountain road technical demands and a recommended stop in Metsovo.
From Meteora, the route climbs north through eastern Zagoria’s alpine terrain. The road character changes immediately from yesterday’s transit riding: narrower roads, increasing switchback density, traffic thinning to minimal levels. You’re moving from tourist-developed infrastructure (Meteora area) to roads serving primarily local mountain populations.
Metsovo appears mid-route at 1,160m elevation. This traditional mountain village has fuel, restaurants, and shops selling local products (cheese, wine, woven goods). Plan a 30-45 minute stop here – this is your last reliable fuel and services before entering Zagoria’s more remote territory. The village has tourism infrastructure but maintains authentic local character.
From Metsovo, the route continues into western Zagoria where you’ll stay for the next three nights. The roads become single-lane width on ridge approaches with passing points rather than continuous two-lane width. Switchback sequences extend for kilometers without interruption.
Western Zagoria villages appear in clusters on hillsides – these are the traditional stone settlements (Zagorohoria) that define the region. Your accommodation will be in one of these villages, typically a small boutique property (8-15 rooms) built in traditional stone architecture with slate roofs.
Arrival is typically late afternoon. Villages are quiet after dark with minimal commercial tourism infrastructure. Restaurants close early (9-10pm) outside summer season. Greek hospitality standards apply (excellent service, informal communication style).
You’ll stay in the same accommodation for three nights (tonight, tomorrow after the loop ride, and the rest day). This eliminates packing/unpacking and allows you to settle into the regional rhythm rather than constantly moving to new locations.
Day 3: Zagoria loop ride (190 kilometers / 120 miles)
A loop day returning to the same accommodation. The 190km distance requires 5-6 hours in the saddle – the short kilometer count is deceptive.
This route covers western Zagoria’s densest village concentration via single-lane mountain roads with switchback sequences that extend for 20-30km without interruption. There are no straight sections longer than a few hundred meters across the entire loop. You’ll corner constantly for hours.
Vikos Gorge viewpoints appear at two locations along the route. The gorge measures 12km long and reaches depths of 900 meters – one of Europe’s deepest canyons relative to width. Both viewpoints are accessible from the road with short walks.
Papingo villages (Megalo and Mikro Papingo) are located on the north side of Vikos Gorge below the Astraka limestone formations. The access road to these villages represents the tour’s most technically demanding section: steep gradients, tight hairpins, narrow width in the apex of hairpins. This is a challenging descent and climb – requires focus and clutch control on steep grades.
Multiple villages along the route have small cafes and traditional tavernas. These operate on local schedules (open late morning through afternoon, close between lunch and dinner service). Don’t expect consistent availability during week days – villages with populations under 100 residents may have seasonal-only operations.
The Voidomatis River crossing (traditional stone bridge) appears in the later section of the loop. The river clarity is notable – limestone-filtered water from mountain sources maintains high visibility to the river bed.
Road surfaces on this loop vary. Primary connecting roads are well-maintained asphalt. Secondary village approaches may have tighter corners, and occasional loose gravel from cliff drainage. This is normal infrastructure for serving small remote mountain populations.
By the end of this day, you’ll understand Zagoria’s riding character: continuous technical demands across extended distances. This is the same loop that appears in our 10-day tour’s Day 4 – you’re experiencing Zagoria’s core mountain riding without the additional regions that tour includes.
Return to the same accommodation for your second night here
Day 4: Rest in Zagoria with options to ride
A scheduled rest day. No riding required. Your accommodation remains the same as the previous two nights – this is your third and final night in Zagoria.
After three consecutive riding days (long Day 1 transit, Day 2 Zagoria entry, Day 3 demanding loop), this rest day addresses accumulated fatigue before tomorrow’s return journey begins.
Three options available:
Option 1 – Rest in Zagoria: The region’s remote character makes this an actual rest location rather than a tourist destination with activity pressure. Villages are quiet, minimal crowds, limited commercial tourism infrastructure. Suitable for riders needing recovery time after the previous days’ technical demands.
Option 2 – Ioannina visit: The town of Ioannina is 40-50 minutes by motorcycle from most Zagoria accommodations. Historic lakeside city (population ~110,000) with Ottoman-era fortifications integrated into modern city infrastructure. Note: You’ll pass near Ioannina tomorrow on the departure route, so visiting today is optional rather than necessary.
Option 3 – River activities: The Voidomatis River offers rafting and other water activities through local operators. Most accommodations can provide contact information for activity bookings. Popular option for active rest day.
Option 4 – Greek-Albanian border loop (riding): An optional route is provided in your GPS for riders who choose to continue riding. This loop approaches the northern border region via remote mountain roads through Pogoni villages. The terrain is similar to yesterday’s Zagoria loop but not as demanding in technical aspects of riding. Add this only if you have energy remaining and prefer riding to other rest day options.
Day 5: Zagoria – Nafpaktos (285 kilometers / 178 miles)
The exit from Zagoria and transition toward the return journey. The 285km distance requires 5-6 hours of riding time.
The route departs Zagoria and passes near Ioannina (if you didn’t visit yesterday and want to stop, factor an additional 1-2 hours for town exploration). From Ioannina, the route continues south along the western edge of the Tzoumerka mountain range.
This section touches Tzoumerka’s periphery with viewpoints toward the Arachthos River valley, but doesn’t penetrate the range’s deep interior or cross the Baros Pass (highest paved pass in Greece). You’ll see Tzoumerka’s landscape character – dramatic valley views, exposed mountain terrain – without experiencing the sustained steep gradients and challenging road conditions that define our 10-day tour’s full Tzoumerka section (Days 6-7 of that tour).
The route character changes significantly after Arta. From Arta onward, riding transitions to plains and coastal approaches – two-lane roads with regular traffic and standard infrastructure. The contrast is immediate: after three days in Zagoria’s remote mountain territory, you’re suddenly back in developed Greece with fuel stations, commercial traffic, and roadside services appearing regularly.
Approximately 90km of motorway is included after Arta to cover distance efficiently toward Nafpaktos. This is a deliberate route design choice – using motorway here allows the tour to complete the Zagoria → Athens return within two days while still including scenic sections where they add value.
Nafpaktos arrival is typically late afternoon. The town sits on the Gulf of Corinth with a Venetian-era harbor and hillside fortress. Accommodation is tourism-standard, typically small hotels near the harbor or coastal road. The town has adequate restaurants and services – standard coastal tourist infrastructure.
This day represents the transition from Zagoria’s remote mountain character back toward Athens-accessible territory. The motorway section may feel jarring after days on quiet mountain roads, but it serves the tour’s structural necessity of covering return distance within the available timeframe
Day 6 : Nafpaktos – Delphi – Athens (route options, from 280 to 330 kilometers / 175 to 206 miles)
The final riding day covers 280-330km back to Athens with multiple route options affecting total distance and time.
The morning section follows the Gulf of Corinth coast to Itea. This coastal road includes sections described by local riders as particularly enjoyable – good surface quality, flowing curves, sea views. The riding here is straightforward and pleasant after the previous days’ technical demands.
Delphi Option (adds ~ 2-3 hours): At Itea, you can detour 15km uphill to Delphi archaeological site. The site sits at 570m elevation on Mount Parnassus slopes. Visiting requires walking on uneven stone paths across steep hillside terrain – factor approximately 2 hours for meaningful site exploration.
Delphi note: This is a major tourist destination with crowds typical of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly in midday hours. If you skip Delphi, continue directly from Itea toward Athens via the mountain route. If you visit Delphi, plan an early departure from Nafpaktos (7-8am) to allow time for both the site visit and the remaining ride to Athens.
From Itea (or Delphi if you visited), the route continues on secondary roads through central Greece. The Elikonas mountain section includes hairpin switchbacks – some enjoyable technical riding before reaching the plains approaching Athens. The route then passes through the Kyriaki forested area on secondary roads.
Final Approach Options: Near Thiva, two route options for reaching Athens:
Direct (280km total if skipping Delphi): Uses motorway for final approach. Fastest return option, typically reaching Athens by mid-afternoon.
Extended scenic route (330km if including Delphi and scenic roads): Follows “old” roads through countryside. More interesting riding but adds time to an already long day.
Plan to return motorcycles before 6pm to allow time for inspection and paperwork completion. If you’ve arranged airport transfers or next-day departures, factor return timing accordingly.
Practical Recommendation: Given the 6-day tour’s compressed timeframe, most riders are ready to complete the return efficiently rather than extending final day riding. The direct route options serve this preference. If you’re not fatigued and want maximum riding on the final day, the extended options are available.
This final day closes the loop from Athens back to Athens, completing the concentrated Zagoria experience within the six-day window
DATES
There are no fixed dates for this tour. You may request to do this whenever you wish, provided there is availability of motorcycles and accommodation.
Best experienced during :
- May, early June, the 2nd half of September and October.
- In November you are taking your chances with rain.
This tour is not recommended during the winter
PRICING
Pricing for this tour is given in the table below. Prices vary per motorcycle selection and accommodation (solo, sharing room, or 2-up). Booking deposits and payment details are listed after the table.
2026 Prices
| (all prices in euros) | Single Rider, single room | Single Rider, sharing twin room | Rider + Passenger *, double room |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R 1300 GS | 2,145 | 1,770 | 2,280 |
| BMW R 1250 GS | 2,075 | 1,700 | 2,215 |
| HONDA NT 1100 DCT | 1,980 | 1,605 | 2,120 |
| BMW F 800 GS | 1,865 | 1,490 | 2,005 |
| HONDA NC 750X | 1,675 | 1,300 | 1,815 |
| HONDA ΝΧ500 | 1,580 | 1,205 | 1,725 |
(* Rider and Passenger price is for both people, not per person.)
Booking deposit, per person : 300 euros
Remaining amount is paid in 2 parts:
- 50% : 50 days before arrival. If you are placing your booking initially at a date less than 60 days prior to the starting date, 50% of the tour’s price is required as a deposit.
- 50% : the day you collect the bike.
Note: prices shown are based on quotes from hotels offered to us for group tours on fixed dates. Depending on the exact dates of your travel, prices may be slightly higher. For example (but not restricted to) :
- During the entire month of August
- the “long weekends” around national holidays/anniversaries : 25th March, 28th October, Ash Monday, Greek orthodox Easter, Labour Day (1st of May), Orthodox Holy Spirit Sunday & Monday
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
The following are included in the price that you are paying:
- 5 nights accommodation with breakfasts, in personally selected hotels.
- Rental of Motorcycle, with side panniers, top case, comprehensive insurance with excess.
- Rental of 1 GPS per 4 people, with routes and POIs pre-loaded for every day
- Printed map with routes marked and a 15-page handbook with key information for the trip, suggestions, tips etc.
- 2 helmets, of basic quality, European standards approved. Options available to upgrade to high quality helmets, for an added daily fee.
- Free luggage storage at our premises.
- 24% VAT
The following are not included:
- accommodation in Athens, when you fly in and when you ride back to Athens (we can certainly arrange it if you wish)
- airport transfers (offered as an option)
- Fuel & tolls
- Food, drinks, personal daily expenses & tips
- Fines, tickets
- Entrance fees to local museums, tourist sites
- Accommodation & Environmental tax. This is paid directly to each hotel during your check out, and it ranges from 1.5 to 10 euros per night
- Ferries, parking
- Personal travel insurance
Also, not included are the costs of any “added” days you may choose to have. Those costs will typically have to include the daily rental rate of the motorcycle plus the accommodation cost, which varies depending on where you choose to spend those added days.
Optional Gear & Services
We offer the following equipment. All prices shown are in Euros, per item, and for the total duration of the trip. For any of the equipment listed below, you will need to request it in advance, as we have very limited stock. So a reservation must be made, and 25% of the cost will be added to the intitial booking deposit of the tour.
| Summer Jacket | 35 |
| 4 season Jacket | 35 |
| Premium Helmet | 40 |
| Helmet Intercom | 30 |
| Tank bag | 15 |
| GoPro | 40 |
| GPS | included as standard |
Summer Jackets: lightweight, fully ventilated with big mesh panels in front and back. Shoulders, elbows and back protectors included.
4-season Jackets: with removable thermal liner, and an inner removable waterproof layer. The outer shell is not waterproof, it is a standard cordura type. There are zipped ventilation openings in the chest and in the forearms. Exapmple of a jacket: RevIT Outback
Premium helmets: those can be HJC RPHA 90 or Schuberth C3 Pro, or other of same quality and level.
Intercoms: by Senna, MESH technology
Tank bags: those are generic, universal models, small to medium volumes.
GoPro: recent models (currently, the 13). We will provide you with one battery, and a couple of basic mounting hardware. If you wish to mount the camera in more complex ways other than on the helmet, please provide your own combination of mounting kit. You may also need to bring your own card reader to off load saved files from the card.
AVAILABILITY REQUEST AND LINKS TO OUR TERMS
If this tour matches your preferences and your riding experience you can submit an availability request by clicking the button below.
Please read the Tour Terms & Conditions which include our Cancellation Policy.
Check the Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for further information!
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