Period of operation : 26-27 June / 9-10 July / 17-18 July / 07-08 August /11-12 August / 16-17 September / 06-07 October / 08-09 October And any time upon request.
Price : prices increased!
210€ per person
Duration : 2 days
Minimum attendance : 1
Level requirements : In this program we walk 8-9 hours per day, we mostly follow good forest paths; above the tree - line, the terrain varies from grassy uplands to rocky ridges, with some scrambling required for the peak ascents. A good level of fitness and experience is required to climb the peak and the guide reserves the right to make the final decision if we climb the final peak.
Mt.Olympus Is the most famous mountain in Greece, mythical home of the ancient Greek Gods. From its steep rocky summit, first climbed only 100 years ago, Zeus supposedly hurled his thunderbolts against humankind. Its eastern flanks were the country's first national park (created in the 1930's), with dozens of endemic species of flowers, as well as some endangered bird and butterfly species; there are no roads within it apart from the trailhead access road. There is also no habitation apart from the two-staffed refuges, which bring together groups of mountaineers from across the globe in their cozy and homely atmosphere. The mountain's watershed divides the regions of Thessaly (south) and Macedonia (north); to the east is the Aegean Sea, which brings in the afternoon/evening mist so characteristic of this mountain.
The program begins and ends in the village of Litochoro in the foothills of Mt.Olympus.
In case you are flying to Greece, we recommend flying to Thessaloniki airport (Greece’s second biggest town) from where the trip to Litochoro is about 2,5 hours. In case you fly to Athens, the trip is about 6 hours long and we recommend traveling one day before and spending a night in Litochoro. In case you need assistance with hotel bookings or other services please contact us.
Day 1: Litochoro & Walk to Refuge A - Spilios Agapitos, alt. 2.100 m - Refuge Ch. Kakkalos, alt. 2,700 m
(Estimated Walking Time: approx. 8-9 hours)
Arrive and meet your guide and rest of the group in Litochoro square – taxi station. Transfer to Prionia, from where we begin our hike, at an altitude of 1.100 metres. The route from Prionia to Spilios Agapitos Refuge is the most frequented hiking path on Mount Olympus and makes up a part of the E4. Prionia is the highest point which can be reached by car. Most of the hike is through a thick forest of pine, beech and fir trees, and the path is in good condition. We make our way up to 2.100m alt. and reach the refuge. From the refuge, we follow a short zig zaging path which will bring us just under the mountains main summits; soon we will see an alpine plateau at an altitude of 2700m where a small but friendly refuge will accommodate us.
Day 2: Peak ascents – Gkortsia
(Estimated Walking Time: approx. 8-9 hours)
After an early wake up and breakfast, we have two options according to participants fitness and weather conditions: We either climb first Skala at 2.882 meters and then crossing a narrow ridge climb to the summit of Skolio at 2.911meters. Or if weather permits and there is no snow, we ascent to the main summit - Mytikas (2.917meters), Greece’s highest peak, following a narrow gorge ( it involves about 150 m of scrambling ) ! ( 4-5 hrs walking on narrow paths – some scrambling involved – altitude gain of 800m ). After reaching the summit we descent by the same way to the main path and crossing the spectacular precipice under the summit of Stefani - the throne of Zeus, we emerge to the plateau of Mouses. In about 2 hours we will reach the refuge of the Hellenic rescue team (Petrostrougka @ 1.940m) where we can have our lunch and relax. From this point the end of our tour is near, we continue to our final destination, Gkortsia (2 – 3 hrs walking).
Accommodation in berths on refuges on Mt. Olympus
Trekking Hellas English speaking guide during the ascent of Mt.Olympus
Transfer Litochoro - Prionia- Litochoro
Vat
Price does not include
Personal expenses
Drinks and beverages
Meals
Optional gratuities to leader, guides and local staff
Transport from Athens or other towns to / from Litochoro
Please try to travel as light as possible; remember that you must carry everything you bring on all the days' walk.
Large, comfortable rucksack (65-85 litres) with padded straps and waist belt, internal frame preferred; waterproof liner recommended keeping clothing, etc. dry inside.
Sturdy, worn in trekking shoes
Good waterproof top with hood
Warm clothes, both for windy / cold daytime conditions and for the cool evenings (fleece tops or similar)
Shorts and long trousers for walking, preferably quick-drying material (cotton or polycotton not denim)
Sweatshirts or T-shirts for walking, at least one with long sleeves and collar (against sun-burn)
Sheet sleeping bag or similar (e.g. duvet cover), for the overnights in the refuge, although blankets will be available.
Sunglasses, towel, sun hat or cap, sun block
Penknife
Water bottle
Wash bag and simple first aid kit (plasters or blister kit, aspirin or similar, antiseptic)
Photographers: bring your cameras
Torch (head torch if you have one)
Walking sticks
FB supplement: 40€
Includes: 1 breakfast, 2 lunch packs, 1 dinner
HB supplement: 20€
Includes: 1 breakfast & 1 dinner
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