IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE GREEK GODS : FROM THE METEORA TO THE MOUNT OLYMPUS
This itinerary goes through the following steps:
Day 1 : Thessaloniki - Kalambaka
Day 2 : Meteoras Monasteries
Day 3 : Meteoras - Litochoro
Day 4 : Climb down the Enipeas gorges
Day 5 : Climbing Mount Olympus – Agapitos Refuge
Day 6 : The Summit of Olympus - Litochoro
Day 7 : Litochoro - Thessaloniki
Day 8 : End of the trip
An adventurous dive into greek culture
Climbing Mount Olympus is a splendid hike, but also a chance to delve back into Greek mythology and discover a rich and varied range of flora. Greece's highest mountain stands at 2,917 metres above sea level, which makes it one of the steepest drops in Europe. On the way, as a warm-up we suggest a ramble in the Meteoras, bypassing monasteries which defy the laws of gravity and boggle the mind.
Visited destinations in Greece: Mainland | Meteora
N.B : Contact our greek specialists so they can customize this itinerary and adapt it to your needs and wishes.
Our local specialists shortlisted for you some hotels, based on their location, their quality and comfort. In order for you to experience the authenticity of Greece, our suggestions favour small and autonomous dwellings.
There is an exception when it comes to your hike at the Mount Olympus. There you spend the night in a rustic outback lodge.
Here is the list of hotels for your travel in Greece :
- Kalambaka : Hotel
- Litochoro : Hotel
- Mount Olympus : Spilios Agapitos rustic outback lodge
- Thessaloniki : Hotel
Estimated price per person, based on a 2-person trip:
- 700 to 900 euros depending on the period and type of accomodation (in guesthouses or charming local hotels)
- For extra bedroom: 80 euros
Fixed price according to the number of people, the season and the vehicle category
What's included
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8. Picnic lunch and dinner in a local tavern or refuge.
- Transfers and all transport.
- The services of a professional guide.
- Entrance fees to national parks and all taxes.
What's not included
- Your international flights
- Drinks, tips and extras
- Entrance fees to museums and to other sites not included on the itinerary.
- Repatriation insurance is compulsory.
Day by Day
Day 1: Thessaloniki - Kalambaka
3 to 4 hours of travel.
Arrival at Thessaloniki airport where your guide will pick you up. Bus transfer through the wooded mountains of Macedonia to Kalambaka, the village located at the foot of the Meteoras monasteries. Overnight stay in Kalambaka.
Day 2: Meteoras Monasteries
4 hours of hiking.
Visit the most interesting monasteries in the Meteoras. There are only five monasteries which are still inhabited compared to a dozen working monasteries a few centuries ago. Each monastery is built against an imposing backdrop and house frescoes and treasures which would rival the masterpieces of Byzantine art. Overnight stay in Kalambaka.
Day 3: Meteoras - Litochoro
2 to 3 hours of hiking.
Bus transfer to Litochoro. 3-hour journey approximately. The village is located at the foot of Mount Olympus, 200 metres above sea level. Alpine atmosphere with numerous taverns and shops. In the afternoon, you will take a short walk in the area and to the archaeological site of Dion, which plays host to many sanctuaries dedicated to Zeus. Overnight stay in Litochoro.
Day 4: Climb down the Enipeas gorges
6 hours of hiking
In the morning, you will take a minibus transfer by road for around ten kilometres to the Agios Dionysios monastery, located on the Olympus mountainside, about 1,800 metres above sea level. From there you will head to the Enipeas river canyon and you will climb down to Litochoro through wooded countryside with beautiful streams, which are particularly pleasant during the summer months. Overnight stay in Litochoro.
Day 5: Climbing Mount Olympus – Agapitos Refuge
3 hours of hiking.
In the morning, you will take a minibus transfer by road for around ten kilometres, to the Prionia area. You will start your climb up the mountain of the Gods. In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus is considered as the sacred home of the twelve primary gods who deal with the fate of mortals. You will take a pretty path which goes up through a forest, which will thin out until you arrive at the Spilios Agapitos refuge, 2,100 metres above sea level.
Day 6: The Summit of Olympus - Litochoro
7 hours of hiking
The aim of day 6 is to reach the Skolio peak at the top of Olympus. Get up very early to tackle the 600-metre climb and 3 hours 30 minutes of continuous hiking. The path is very accessible up to 2,500 metres above sea level. Then it becomes steeper and it is best to be roped up and to wear a helmet because of falling rock. The view at 2,911 metres is extraordinary.
Return for lunch at the Spilios Agapitos refuge. In the afternoon, you will go back down following the path to Priona and then travel by road to Litochoro. Overnight stay in Litochoro.
Day 7: Litochoro - Thessaloniki
After breakfast, you will take a minibus transfer to Thessaloniki (90 km). Free time to discover the city. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 8: Takeoff
Transfer to Thessaloniki airport
Highlights of the travel in Greece:
- The opportunity to climb to the top of the highest summit in Greece
- Departure dates: 5 June, 12 June, 3 July, 10 July, 7 August, 14 August.
- You travel in a small group: six to sixteen people.
- A 7/7 assistance during your trip
Our advices for this travel in Greece:
- You need a moderate-level hike except for the climbing part of Mount Olympus which will involve six to seven hours walking.
- Obviously hiking in Greece requests to bring appropriate material: it's time to use your best shoes!
Have an amazing experience in Greece!
