Program

1 DAY

Litochoro& Walk to Refuge Petrostrouga, alt. 1.940 m

Arrival and meeting with your guide and the rest of the group in Litochoro. Transfer to Gkortsia (crossroad), beginning hiking, at an altitude of 1.100 metres. The route from Gkortsia to Petrostrougka Refuge is one of the two most frequented hiking paths on Mount Olympus. Most of the hike comes through a thick forest of pines, and fir trees. The path is in good condition. We make our way up to 1.940m alt. and reach the refuge.

(Estimated Walking Time: approx. 3 hours)

2 DAY

Plateau of the Muses – Refuge Ch. Kakkalos, alt. 2,700

Leaving the refuge, we will follow a zigzaging path that 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 a breathtaking scenery. After lunch and relaxing time, 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 (2hrs round trip ). An alpine plateau at an altitude of 2700m where a small but friendly refuge will accommodate us.

(Estimated Walking Time 4 – 6 hours)

3 DAY

Peak ascents – Refuge A (Spilios Agapitos) alt. 2.100 m

We have two options according to group’s fitness and weather conditions: Before reaching the summit, we ascent to the main path, crossing the spectacular precipice under the summit of Stefani – the throne of Zeus. We either climb the first Skala at 2.882 meters and then crossing a narrow ridge climbing to the summit of Skolio at 2.911meters (4-5 hours walking on narrow paths – some scrambling involved – altitude gain of 800m ). In case of favorable weather (no snow), we ascent to the main summit – Mytikas (2.917meters), Greece’s highest peak, following a narrow gorge (including c.150 m of scrambling). Following the short path, to refuge A at 2.100m, they call this shelter “balcony of Greece” (2 hours walk ). Resting time in the afternoon, as the next day will be demanding.(Estimated Walking Time 4- 6 hours)

4 DAY

Refuge A- Prionia – Ennipeas gorge – Litochoro

During the last day, we will follow the E4 path (international path) until Litochoro, stopping at Prionia place after an easy walk. (Prionia is one of the highest point, accessible by car) Later we will enter the Enippeas gorge, passing a cave-chapel and the monastery of St. Dionysus, as well as taking advantage of several swimming opportunities in river pools. After c.7 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.

(Estimated Walking Time 6 – 7 hours)

Place: Live for 4 days on the house of the Twelve Olympian gods of the ancient Greek world. You will be accommodated in the alpine mountain huts of Mt.Olympus.

Period: June to October 2017

Mount Olympus was famous in Ancient Greek Mythology as the home of the Twelve Olympians, on Mytikas’ peak. Mount Olympus is also noted for its very rich flora with several species. The first National Park of Greece has been here, since 1938, and a World’s Biosphere Reserve. Looking down, there is a fantastic view to the valley and the endless sandy coastline of the Aegean Sea. Looking up to Zeus throne, there is a breathtaking view of the top of the mountain,

This vacation package is addressed to the real mountain lovers who will enjoy a daily 7-8 hours trekking on the pathways of the mountain and will not mind being accommodated in the common rooms of the mountain refuges.

How to reach Olympus: Litochoro can be reached very easy by a direct train Thessaloniki-Athens, getting off in Litochoro railway station or with bus.

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.

Around Litochoro: Litochoro is the entrance to Olympus Mountain, surrounded by places of outstanding natural beauty, but also historical monuments e.g. Dion and the castle of Platamonas. Only 5km from the seaside there is also an ideal place to enjoy both mountain and sea vacations. Ag.Panteleimonas on the mountains and Leptokaryes, by the sea, are two other picturesque villages of the region, worth visiting. You cannot leave of course without visiting the fascinating antiquities of Dion, an archeological park with theaters and temples dedicated to Zeus.

TRIP Information

Price includes:

Accommodation in berths on refuges on Mt. Olympus

OLYMPUS PATH english speaking guide during the ascent of Mt.Olympus

All the guide expenses

Transfer Litochoro – Prionia

All the Taxes.

Not Included:

Personal expenses

Drinks and beverages

Meals

Optional gratuities to leader, guides and local staff

Transport from Athens or other towns to / from Litochor

Tips

NOTES:

Please note that this itinerary may change at the discretion of the tour leader, according to local and weather conditions.

As Mt. Olympus is a challenging walk and the safety of our clients always comes first, our guides retain the decision if clients are actually to climb the peak of Mytikas. This will depend on both clients’ abilities and weather conditions. In case of snow, the ascent to Mytikas is not possible.

The trip starts and ends in Litochoro. For travel arrangements to/from Litochoro or accommodation in Litochoro please contact us.

Recommended Gear List:

Please try to travel as light as possible; remember that you must carry everything you have for all the days’ walk.

* Large, comfortable rucksack (60-65 liters) with padded straps and waist belt, internal frame preferred; waterproof liner recommended to keep clothing, etc. dry.

Urania Travel

3 DAY

4 DAY

Price includes:

Accommodation in berths on refuges on Mt. Olympus

OLYMPUS PATH english speaking guide during the ascent of Mt.Olympus

All the guide expenses

Transfer Litochoro – Prionia

All the Taxes.

Not Included:

Personal expenses

Drinks and beverages

Meals

Optional gratuities to leader, guides and local staff

Transport from Athens or other towns to / from Litochor

Tips

NOTES:

Please note that this itinerary may change at the discretion of the tour leader, according to local and weather conditions.

As Mt. Olympus is a challenging walk and the safety of our clients always comes first, our guides retain the decision if clients are actually to climb the peak of Mytikas. This will depend on both clients’ abilities and weather conditions. In case of snow, the ascent to Mytikas is not possible.

The trip starts and ends in Litochoro. For travel arrangements to/from Litochoro or accommodation in Litochoro please contact us.

Recommended Gear List:

Please try to travel as light as possible; remember that you must carry everything you have for all the days’ walk.

* Large, comfortable rucksack (60-65 liters) with padded straps and waist belt, internal frame preferred; waterproof liner recommended to keep clothing, etc. dry.

* Sturdy, worn in trekking shoes

* Good waterproof top with hood

* Warm clothes, both for windy / cold daytime conditions and cool evenings as well. (fleece tops or similar)

* Short and long trousers for walking, preferably quick-drying material (cotton or polyester, 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

Holiday at a glance