10:00

Square and the Clock Tower

Start in the modern center, near the Ottoman tower, and spend about 30 minutes getting oriented among the shopping streets. It’s a good area to stop for coffee before the visit; a drink usually costs €2–5.

The square is a convenient spot for walking to the castle.

11:00

Entrance to Ioannina Castle

Walk to the fortified complex and wander through the inner lanes at a relaxed pace: bastions, courtyards, and views over the lake tell the city’s long history. Allow about an hour for a first exploration; access to the outdoor areas is usually free.

12:15

Its Kale and Fethiye Mosque

Continue to the southeastern citadel of Its Kale, where the Fethiye Mosque and the widest views over Pamvotida are found. Set aside 60–90 minutes for the enclosure and the museum visits, checking on site for any tickets or reduced hours.

14:00

Lunch break in the castle

Choose a taverna or a place among the inner streets and try Epirus dishes, such as savory pies and local cheeses. A simple lunch can cost roughly €12–22 per person; allow about an hour and a half.

16:00

Byzantine Museum of Ioannina

Spend about an hour at the museum, housed in the Its Kale area, to see artifacts and objects connected to the region’s Byzantine history. The ticket, if required, is usually just a few euros; check updated prices and opening hours before your visit.

09:30

Archaeological Museum of Ioannina

Start at the archaeological museum, in the central park: the rooms offer an introduction to the finds from Epirus from antiquity to later periods. Allow 60–90 minutes and budget around €3–8 for a ticket, subject to change.

11:30

Walk to the castle

Reach the castle on foot in about 15–20 minutes, crossing the center and stopping in the craft shops along the way. The route is easy and doesn’t require transportation; set aside a short coffee break of about €2–5.

12:15

Silversmithing Museum

Inside the castle, discover the techniques and tradition of goldsmithing and silverworking, one of the city’s best-known crafts. Plan on about an hour; admission is roughly €3–8.

14:00

Aslan Pasha Mosque and Municipal Museum

Walk to the north side of the castle to visit the mosque and the ethnographic collections housed in the complex. Allow about an hour for the interiors and artifacts; admission and opening times may vary depending on the season.

16:00

Old Synagogue and Jewish memory

End in the historic quarter with the Old Synagogue of Ioannina and the nearby Jewish Museum of Ioannina, when open to the public. The visit takes about 45–60 minutes; check access arrangements in advance, as opening hours may be limited.

09:30

Lakeside promenade and boarding

Walk to the city pier and check the boat schedules for the island; the crossing usually takes just a few minutes. The fare is typically around €2–5 each way, but frequency and price depend on the season.

10:15

Stroll on Ioannina Island

Once you disembark, wander on foot through the small center, among traditional houses, shops, and views over the lake. A relaxed loop takes about an hour; bring cash for small purchases or entrance fees.

11:30

Ali Pasha Museum

Visit the museum dedicated to Ali Pasha and the events tied to his life, housed in a historic building on the island. Allow 45–60 minutes and an approximate admission of €3–6, checking the opening hours for the day.

13:00

Lunch on the island

Stop at a taverna on the lakeside promenade for a meal of fish or local specialties. For a sit-down lunch, budget around €15–28 per person and at least an hour; on summer weekends it’s wise to arrive early.

15:00

Philanthropinon Monastery and return

Spend the afternoon exploring the island’s monasteries, starting with Philanthropinon Monastery if it is open: take in the frescoes and architecture, while respecting any visiting rules. Return to the pier by boat; allow at least 30 minutes in total for waiting and the crossing.

09:30

Transfer to Perama

From Giannina, you can reach Perama in about 10–15 minutes by car or taxi; the local bus can be an alternative, but check schedules and stops. The taxi may cost roughly €8–15 each way, depending on departure point and traffic.

10:00

Perama Cave

Join the guided tour of the cave, which is about one kilometer long and features chambers and limestone formations. The visit usually lasts 45–60 minutes; allow for an indicative ticket price of €8–12 and bring a light jacket, as it can be cool underground.

11:30

Perama Center

Stop in the small center for a break and observe daily life in the village at the foot of Mount Mitsikeli. A coffee or drink usually costs €2–5; set aside about an hour before heading back to the city.

13:00

Lunch in Giannina

Return to the city by car, taxi, or bus and choose a taverna near the lake or in the center. A simple meal costs roughly €12–22 per person; keep in mind that at the most popular places, waiting times can be longer.

15:00

Walk along the Pamvotida lakeside promenade

Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling along the shore, with stops to take in the views and lakeside vegetation. The route is free and flexible: allow one or two hours, depending on the stretch you choose and the breaks you take.

09:00

Departure from Giannina

For Dodoni, about 22–25 km to the south, a car is the most flexible option and the drive usually takes 30–40 minutes. Alternatively, check public transport connections in advance; allow €10–20 for fuel for the round trip, depending on the vehicle and prices.

10:00

Dodoni Archaeological Site

Explore the sanctuary, tied to the oldest Greek oracle, taking in the sacred area and the traces of the site’s different phases. Set aside about two hours for the visit; tickets can vary, but budget around €8–15 and check for any discounts or free admission.

12:00

Ancient Theatre of Dodona

Head to the theatre within the complex and take your time appreciating its size, the cavea, and its relationship with the landscape. The visit pairs well with the archaeological site; comfortable shoes and water are useful, especially in the warmer months.

13:30

Lunch near Dodoni

Stop at a local taverna, or pack a picnic if you’d rather spend longer at the site. A meal at a taverna costs around €12–22 per person; availability may be limited outside the peak season.

15:30

Vrellis Greek History Museum

On the way back, visit the wax museum dedicated to episodes and figures from Greek history. Allow about 60–90 minutes and expect tickets to be around €8–12; check opening times before leaving Dodoni.

08:00

Departure for Zagori

For this excursion, having a car is recommended: from Ioannina, the drive to the central villages of Zagori usually takes about an hour, along winding roads. Fill up in town and bring water; alternatively, consider an organized tour, often in the range of €50–100 per person.

09:30

Kokkori Bridge

Reach the stone bridge and walk carefully to the scenic viewpoints over the river and gorge. Allow 30–45 minutes for photos and a stroll; access is usually free, but the ground can be slippery after rain.

11:00

Monodendri

Continue by car to Monodendri, a traditional village with stone houses and paved alleys. Spend about an hour exploring the center and having a coffee, which usually costs €2–5.

12:15

Agia Paraskevi Monastery

From the village, follow the marked trail to the monastery overlooking the gorge; the walk usually takes 15–25 minutes each way, with uneven sections. Respect the place of worship and check in advance for any access restrictions.

14:30

Oxya Viewpoint and Vikos Gorge

Drive to the Oxya viewpoint and admire the Vikos Gorge from above: the final stretch can be narrow and should be driven slowly. Allow 45–60 minutes for the views and short walks, then return to Ioannina with about an hour and a half of driving; bring a jacket even in summer.

08:30

Transfer to Metsovo

Reach Metsovo by car in about an hour, along a mountain road; alternatively, check intercity buses and return times. Budget €12–25 for fuel round trip, depending on the vehicle.

09:45

Walking through the center of Metsovo

Explore the square and cobbled streets on foot, taking in the stone architecture and local shops. An introductory walk takes about an hour; shoes with good soles are recommended for the climbs.

11:00

Averoff Gallery

Visit the gallery, which houses Greek painting works and offers an interesting contrast to the area's mountain traditions. Allow 60–90 minutes and an estimated entrance fee of €5–10; check opening hours, which may vary in low season.

13:00

Lunch and local specialties

Sit down at a downtown taverna to sample cheeses, cured meats, and regional specialties. Budget around €15–28 per person; after lunch, leave time for a short stop at the artisan workshops.

15:00

Tositsa Mansion and return

Wrap up with a visit to Tositsa Mansion, tied to local history and collections of folk art, if it is open on your chosen day. Allow 60–90 minutes and a possible entrance fee of a few euros, then return to Ioannina in the late afternoon.