10:00

Archaeological Museum

Start with the Archaeological Museum of Argos Orestiko, if open: the collections help put the ancient history of the Orestis region into context. Allow about an hour and expect an indicative entrance fee of 2–5 €; opening hours may be reduced or seasonal.

Check opening times before setting off.

11:30

Walk in the center

Walk to the Central Square of Argos Orestiko and stroll along the shopping streets around the square, taking in the town’s everyday rhythm. A coffee and water break may cost around 3–7 € per person.

13:00

Local lunch

Stop at a taverna in the center to try home-style dishes, salads, and cheeses from Western Macedonia. For a simple lunch, expect about 12–22 € per person, drinks excluded or included depending on the place.

15:00

Walk through the town streets

Spend the afternoon on a leisurely stroll through the residential streets and small local businesses, using the square as your landmark. It’s a useful stop to buy water, check the plans for the following days, and get comfortable with the base.

17:30

Return and a quiet evening

Wrap up with an aperitif or an early dinner in town, without scheduling any far-off visits on your arrival day. A casual dinner can cost roughly 15–28 € per person.

09:00

Transfer and walk through Doltso

From Arghos Orestiko, reach Kastoria by car in about 15–20 minutes; park outside the narrowest lanes and continue on foot in the Old Town of Kastoria. The elegant houses and sloping streets make for a pleasant, unhurried visit of about an hour.

10:15

Byzantine Museum

Visit the Byzantine Museum of Kastoria to admire icons and works that tell the city’s long religious tradition. Allow about 60–90 minutes and an estimated cost of 3–8 €, to be checked with the museum.

12:00

Panagia Koumpelidiki

Make your way to the church of Panagia Koumpelidiki, one of the most recognizable monuments in the old center, and take in the structure and frescoes when the interior is open. The visit is short and free; dress respectfully and do not enter during services.

13:00

Lunch in the historic center

Choose a taverna among the streets of Doltso and Apozari, booking ahead during busy periods. A meal with a main course and a drink costs about 15–25 € per person.

15:00

Folklore Museum

Step into the Folklore Museum of Kastoria, housed in a traditional mansion, to see domestic settings and objects from local life. The visit takes about 45–60 minutes; expect an indicative cost of 2–6 € and check access details.

16:30

Museum of the Macedonian Struggle and Agios Stefanos

Round off the route with the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle of Kastoria and, if open, the nearby Church of Agios Stefanos. Allow at least an hour in total and check opening days and hours on site, as they may vary.

09:00

Kastoria Aquarium

Start at the Kastoria Aquarium, dedicated mainly to the freshwater wildlife of the area. The visit is also suitable for families and lasts about 45–60 minutes; expect an indicative ticket price of 3–7 € and check the day’s schedule.

10:30

Scenic lakeside walk

Head to the shore of Lake Orestiada and walk along part of the waterfront, stopping at viewpoints where the mountains are reflected in the water. The walk is free and can take from one to two hours, depending on the route you choose.

12:30

Lunch with a lake view

Sit down at one of the places along the shore for a leisurely lunch and try, if available, the freshwater fish or regional specialties. Indicative budget: 18–30 € per person.

14:30

Dragon Cave

Make your way to Dragon's Cave, just north of the center, by car or with local transport and tour the chambers with a guide according to the site rules. Set aside about an hour and expect an indicative admission fee of 5–10 €; access and visits may depend on the season.

16:30

Photo stop on the shore

Head back toward the lake and choose a quiet stretch of the promenade to watch boats, birds, and shifting light. Bring a light jacket: the wind on the shore can make the late afternoon feel cool.

18:00

Dinner in Kastoria

End the day in the center or along the lakeside, leaving the car in a designated parking area and continuing on foot. A local dinner costs about 18–32 € per person.

09:00

Departure for Dispilio

From Arghos Orestiko, drive to Dispilio in about 20–30 minutes, checking the route and parking conditions. Leave early so you have time to visit the site and the center without rushing.

09:45

Neolithic lakeside settlement

Visit the Neolithic Lakeside Settlement of Dispilio and see the reconstruction of the stilt houses and the surrounding wet landscape. Allow about 60–90 minutes and expect an indicative admission fee of 3–8 €; opening hours and tickets should be checked in advance.

11:30

Dispilio archaeological area

Spend more time at the Dispilio Archaeological Site and the interpretive panels, which help explain life on the lake shore in prehistoric times. Wear comfortable shoes and stay on the marked paths, especially after rain.

13:00

Lunch nearby

Choose a taverna near Dispilio or head back to Kastoria for more options; expect to spend 14–25 € per person for a simple meal. If you're visiting in the low season, make sure the place is open.

15:00

Kastoria Lakeside Promenade

Head back into town and walk a stretch of the Kastoria Lakeside Promenade, choosing a route that suits your time and energy. The walk is free and offers views different from those on the northern shore.

17:00

Free afternoon by the lake

Leave some room for a café break, a short boat ride if available, or an early return to the hotel. A drink and a dessert cost roughly €4–9.

08:30

Departure for Nestorio

From Arghos Orestiko, allow about 45–60 minutes by car, depending on the route and road conditions. Refuel before leaving the urban area and bring water, suitable shoes, and a jacket.

09:30

Walk in Nestorio

Explore the village of Nestorio with a stroll through its streets and scenic stops, keeping an unhurried pace. For breakfast or a coffee, budget around €3–8 per person.

11:00

Riverbank

Head down toward the Nestorio River and follow only the permitted paths and access points, taking in the riparian vegetation and mountain scenery. The stop is free; avoid getting too close to the water in case of high flow or slippery ground.

12:30

Lunch in the area

Have lunch in a local tavern, choosing grilled dishes or regional recipes depending on availability. Estimated budget: €15–27 per person; on public holidays, it is wise to book ahead.

14:30

Landscapes of Grammos National Park

Continue to an accessible spot in Grammos National Park for a short hike or a scenic stop, without venturing onto tracks that aren’t suitable for your car. Access to the natural area is generally free, but fuel, a guide, or organized activities involve additional costs.

17:00

Return to Arghos Orestiko

Set off back while there’s still enough daylight and take a break if the mountain route tires you out. Arrive in the evening and have dinner near your accommodation; a casual meal costs around 15–28 € per person.

08:30

Transfer to Nymfaio

Drive to Nymfaio, allowing about an hour or a little more from Arghos Orestiko and checking mountain road conditions. The village is at altitude: even in mild seasons, bring a warm layer.

09:45

Walk through the village

Explore Nymfaio on foot among stone houses, cobbled streets, and views over the wooded slopes. Spend at least an hour in the center and choose shoes with good grip.

11:00

Arcturos Centre

Visit the Arcturos Environmental Centre, checking in advance which facility and route are open during your visit. Admission can cost approximately 5–12 €; the visit lasts about 60–90 minutes.

12:45

Nikios School and lunch

Stop at Nikios School, if accessible, to see the historic building and the village setting from the outside; then have lunch at a local taverna. For lunch, budget 16–28 € per person and check whether booking is required.

14:30

Transfer to Florina

Drive to Florina, allowing about 40–50 minutes, and leave the car in a central parking area. The detour makes the day more varied: if the weather is unfavorable, you can head straight back to base.

15:30

Walk along the Sakoulevas and museum

Stroll along the Sakoulevas River and, if opening hours allow, visit the Archaeological Museum of Florina. The walk is free; for the museum, budget an estimated 2–6 € and check closing days.

18:00

Return

Depart Florina for Arghos Orestiko, allowing about an hour of driving and a stop if needed. For a light dinner on your return, budget 12–22 € per person.

07:30

Departure for Prespa

Set off early by car: from Arghos Orestiko, the transfer to the lake area usually takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, sometimes more. Fill up the tank, bring water, and check the weather and road conditions before heading up.

09:30

Agios Germanos and visitor center

Take a walk in Agios Germanos and stop by the Prespa National Park Information Centre, if open, to get the latest on trails, sightings, and sensitive areas. Allow 45–60 minutes; any materials or guided activities may have varying costs.

11:00

Island of Agios Achilleios

Reach the pedestrian access to Agios Achilleios Island and cross the bridge to explore the island on foot. The route is free and takes at least 1–2 hours; bring water and do not approach nests or wild birds.

12:30

Basilica of Agios Achilleios

Visit the remains of the Basilica of Agios Achilleios and take in the lakeside landscape surrounding the site. Access is generally free, but follow the signs and do not climb on the archaeological structures.

14:00

Lunch in Psarades

Drive to Psarades and have lunch at a taverna overlooking the lake, choosing local produce and fish depending on availability. Allow 18–32 € per person; during peak periods, booking is recommended.

15:30

Walk in Psarades and along the lakeshore

Spend the afternoon exploring the village of Psarades and the accessible viewpoints along the shore. Boat trips, when operating and weather permitting, are charged separately: budget roughly 10–25 € per person and agree on the duration and price before boarding.

17:30

Return to base

Head back with plenty of time for the return journey, avoiding stops on dark or poorly lit roads. Arrival is expected in the evening; for the last dinner, budget 18–30 € per person, depending on the restaurant chosen.