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Hiking on Mount Olympus Discovery Tour

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Guided 4 Days
trip advisor recommendation


olympusPeriod of operation : 28 June-01 July /27-30 July/25-28 August/22-25 September
And any time upon request for groups
Price: about 280€/person price went up
Duration :4 days
Minimum attendance :1
Level requirements : In Mt. Olympus we walk 5-6 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.

Description

olympusMt.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. 


olympusThe 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

Alternative Tourism Quote

 

Itinerary

olympusDay 1: Litochoro & Walk to Refuge Petrostrouga, alt. 1.940 m (Estimated Walking Time: approx. 3 hours)
Arrive and meet your guide and rest of the group in Litochoro. Transfer to Gkortsia(Diastayrwsh), from where we begin our hike, at an altitude of 1.100 metres. The route from Gkortsia  to Petrostrougka  Refuge is  one of the two most frequented hiking path on Mount Olympus. 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 1.940m alt. and reach the refuge.
Day 2: Plateau of the Muses – Refuge Ch. Kakkalos, alt. 2,700  (Estimated Walking Time 4 – 6 hours)
 From the refuge, we will follow a zig zaging path will bring us straight to Plateau of the Muses where a small but friendly refuge will accommodate us( 2 hrs walk ). This is an easy day in breathtaking scenery.After lunch and relax  we will climb a small peak – named Profitis Ilias and Toumba – just above our refuge to admire superb views of Mt Olympus summits and deep gorges ( 2 hrs round trip ). An alpine plato at an altitude of 2700m where a small but friendly refuge will accommodate us 
 
olympusDay 3: Peak ascents – Refuge A (Spilios Agapitos) alt. 2.100 m  (Estimated Walking Time 4- 6 hours)
From there we have two options according to group’s fitness and weather conditions: Before reaching the summit we ascent to the main path and crossing the spectacular precipice under the summit of Stefani - the throne of Zeus. We either climb first Skala at 2.882 meters and then crossing a narrow ridge climb to the summit of  Skolio at 2.911meters( 4-5 hrs walking on narrow paths – some scrambling involved – altitude gain of 800m ). 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. Then following the sort path which is going to refuge A at 2.100m, they call this shelter “balcony of Greece”   ( 2 hrs walk ). Afternoon at leisure for rest as the next day will be demanding

Day 4: Rafuge A- Prionia - Ennipeas gorge - Litochoro  (Estimated Walking Time 6 – 7 hours)
Last day will follow the E4 path (international path) until Litochoro, after easy walk we stop at Prionia place. (Prionia is one of the highest point which can be reached by car) Later we enter the Enippeas gorge, passing a cave-chapel and the monastery of St. Dionysus, as well as taking advantage of several swimming opportunities en route in river pools. After about seven hours walking, the gorge opens up on the outskirts of Litochoro. The route is quite tiring, but the varied geological features, the small lakes with crystal waters and the sheer mountain slopes provide a rare beauty and are entirely rewarding.

Included

• Accommodation in berths on refuges on Mt. Olympus
• Trekking Hellas English speaking guide during the ascent of Mt.Olympus
• Transfer Litochoro – Prionia- Litochoro
• Vat
Not Included:
• Personal expenses
• Drinks and beverages
• Meals
• Optional gratuities to leader, guides and local staff
• Transport from Athens or other towns to / from Litochoro
• Tips

Gear List

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 

Optional

• FB supplement: 100€ / person
Includes: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunch packs, 3 dinners 
• HB supplement: 60€ / person
Includes: 3 breakfast, 3 dinner