10:00

Arrival and stroll through the center of Zitsa

Spend about an hour in the heart of the village, wandering the stone lanes and admiring the traditional houses and views over the hills. It’s a relaxed start, also useful for getting your bearings and asking for up-to-date information about the day’s visits.

The streets are steep: comfortable shoes are best.

11:15

Church and glimpses of the village

Explore the central area on foot and any accessible religious buildings, while respecting any services or prayer times. Allow about 45 minutes for photos and scenic stops; entry to churches may be free, but it is not always possible to go inside.

12:15

Lookout point and vineyard landscape

Drive to one of the viewpoints around the village and take in the patchwork of vineyards, woods, and hills. Allow 30–45 minutes in total, including the short drive and a stop; not all viewpoints are equipped or signposted.

13:15

Lunch in a taverna in Zitsa

Stop in the village for a meal featuring local specialties such as savory pies, cheeses, and seasonal dishes. Expect roughly €15–25 per person, drinks excluded or included depending on the place; in low season it’s wise to check that the kitchen is open.

15:00

Tasting at Domaine Glinavos

Drive to the winery and book the visit and tasting in advance, asking about duration, available languages, and which wines are included. The tasting may take about 60–90 minutes and cost roughly €10–25 per person, depending on the package; do not drive after drinking.

17:15

Monastery of Prophet Elias and surroundings

Dedicate about an hour to the monastery visit and the surrounding landscape, if the complex is accessible that day. Modest dress and respectful behavior are appropriate; any donation or admission may vary.

19:00

Return and dinner in Zitsa

Return to the town at a relaxed pace and choose a local dinner, leaving time for an evening stroll through the streets. Budget around €15–30 per person and check the kitchen hours, especially if you’re staying outside the center.

09:00

Transfer to Ioannina and entry into the castle

From Zitsa, drive to Ioannina in about 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic, and park outside or near the walls, where permitted. Set aside about an hour for the perimeter and the lanes of the castle, one of the city’s most distinctive historic cores; access to the public areas is generally free.

10:15

Municipal Ethnographic Museum of Ioannina

Visit the museum housed in the area of the Aslan Pasha Mosque to learn about the city’s cultural and religious diversity through objects and exhibits. Allow 45–60 minutes and an indicative ticket price of €2–5; check opening days and any holiday closures.

11:20

Byzantine Museum of Ioannina

Continue inside the castle and admire icons, artifacts, and evidence of the Byzantine history of Epirus. A visit of about 45–60 minutes is enough for an overview; admission may cost approximately €3–8, with reduced rates or free entry possible.

12:30

Silversmithing Museum

Discover the techniques and long tradition of silverwork in Ioannina, with demonstrations and tools on display depending on the current setup. Plan for about an hour and an estimated cost of €3–8; the three museums in the castle are close to one another, but their opening hours do not always match.

13:45

Lunch in the historic center

Choose a taverna around the castle or along the lakeside promenade, setting aside about an hour for the meal. An indicative budget is €15–25 per person; ask for the daily specials and keep in mind that popular places may require a reservation.

15:15

Boat to the island of Pamvotida

Reach the pier on the lakeside promenade and take the boat to the island, with a crossing of about 10–15 minutes. Sailings and the price, often roughly in the range of €2–5 per leg, depend on the season and the operator: check the return times on site.

16:00

Ali Pasha Museum and a walk around the island

Visit the museum tied to Ali Pasha, then explore the island on foot through its alleys, among workshops, small churches, and views over the lake. Allow 1.5–2 hours in total; museum admission and purchases in the shops are separate and vary in cost.

18:30

Return and a stroll along the lakeside promenade

Take the boat back and enjoy a walk along Lake Pamvotida, especially pleasant in the late afternoon. For dinner in central Ioannina, budget roughly €18–30 per person, then return to Zitsa or stay overnight in the city.

09:00

Archaeological Museum of Ioannina

Spend the morning at the museum, which displays Epirus artifacts from prehistory to the Roman era and provides a useful context for understanding the region. Allow 60–90 minutes and an indicative fee of €3–8; check opening hours and weekly closures in advance.

10:45

Coffee and a stroll in the modern center

Take a break near the museum and walk to a square or a section of the center, without going far from the area. For coffee and a small snack, budget roughly €4–8 per person; pick up any luggage before leaving the city.

11:45

Transfer to Perama

Reach Perama by car in about 10–15 minutes from central Ioannina, taking traffic and parking search time into account. Arrive a little early so you can ask about guided tour departures and access conditions.

12:15

Visit of Perama Cave

The guided tour passes through chambers rich in limestone formations and usually lasts about 45 minutes, with stairs and sections that may be slippery. Tickets are roughly in the €7–12 range; opening times, tour availability, and price should be confirmed, and it is cooler inside.

13:30

Lunch in Perama or return to Ioannina

Stop at a taverna in Perama or head back toward the city for more choice. Budget around €15–25 per person and an hour for the meal; if you have a later transfer, leave extra time to pick up the car or reach the station.

15:00

Final stop on the Pamvotida lakeside promenade

Head back toward Ioannina and end with a relaxed walk along the shore, choosing an easy stretch near the center. Allow 45–60 minutes for photos and a break; enjoying the lakeside is free, while any café purchases are extra.

16:15

Departure or return to Zitsa

To get back to Zitsa, allow about 35–45 minutes by car, plus the time needed for refueling and returning the vehicle. If you are leaving Ioannina by bus or another means, check connections and timetables in advance: services may be less frequent outside peak times.