Climb Mount Olympus and hike in Zagoria

We’ll have a welcome briefing at 6 pm to discuss the trip, followed by a walk in Plaka, one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city, and a festive welcome dinner.

Overnight in Athens, Philippos (D)

Today we’ll hike up to the most monumental of the Greek mountains – Mount Olympus. Known in Greek Mythology as the home to the Twelve Olympian gods, it is the highest mountain in Greece and owing to its specific microclimate, which is partly due to the short distance from the sea and the steep increase in height above sea level, it stands out for its great diversity in terrain, climate and vegetation.

After driving to Litochoro and having a light lunch, we will start the ascent from the trailhead of Prionia, towards one of its refuges Spilios Agapitos, a well-run hut with superb views perched on a ledge behind an outcrop, where are we going to spend the night.

Overnight in Mt Olympus, Refuge Spilios Agapitos (B,L,D)

Hiking distance: 4,5 km Hiking Duration: 3 hours
Driving distance:   
Athens to Litochoro 420km / 4h 30min
Litochoro to Prionia 18km / 30min

We’ll reach the summit of Skolio, the second highest peak of Mt Olympus at 2911 m. On the way Balkan Chamois could be seen high up among the broken crags, and magnificent birds of prey circling on the thermals. When we reach the top we will be rewarded by an outstanding panorama as we crest the ridge and discover the 500 m cliffs of the Kazania chasm. Depending on the team skills and the weather conditions we can also climb Mytikas, a more technical summit at 2,918 m, and once the Gods’ meeting place.

We will conclude our hike at the beautiful Plateau of the Muses, a rolling grassland surrounded by cliffs above and below and dwarfed by the extraordinary formation of Stefani, the throne of Zeus.

Overnight in Mt Olympus, Refuge Kakkalos (B,L,D)
Hiking distance: 11,5 km / Hiking Duration: 4 hours

We’ll hike the well-maintained path from the Plateau of the Muses back to Prionia through beautiful forests of pine and beech. From there we drive towards Litochoro, a cheerful town at the foot of the dramatic Enipeas Gorge in the base of the mountain.

In the afternoon we can go for a refreshing dip at the nearby beach of Plaka and in the evening our Mt Olympus adventure will culminate with a festive dinner in one of the traditional restaurants of the town.

Overnight in Litochoro, To Palio Litochoro (B,L,D)
Hiking distance: 11 km / Hiking Duration: 4 hours
Driving distance: 
Prionia to Litochoro 18km / 25min

On our way to Zagoria we’ll stop at the awe-aspiring Macedonian tombs of Vergina. We visit the monumental palace, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of which date from the 11th century B.C.

After lunch we will head towards Monodendri, one of the prettiest villages of Zagoria, which in Slav means a location behind and beyond the mountains. It is a complex of 46 picturesque traditional villages built in a magical setting amidst pine and fir trees with a unique traditional architecture, impressive stone mansions, water fountains and bridges.

Overnight in Monodendri, Archontiko Zarkada (B,L,D)

Driving distance:
Litochoro to Vergina 76km / 1h 30min
Vegina to Monodendri 232km / 3 hours

We’ll visit the impressive Vikos Gorge, surrounded by monasteries, small villages, rivers and past history.

Today we start from Monodendri and we will hike first to Voidomatis springs and from there to the village of Mikro Papigo, a stunning village perched on the mountainside where all the houses are made of stone and are topped with slate roofs.

Overnight in Mikro Papigo, Dias Guesthouse (B,L,D)

Hiking distance: 16 km / Hiking Duration: 7 hours

In one of the most beautiful alpine areas of the country, on the edge of a plateau on the mountain of Tymfi, there is probably the most fascinating Dragonlake in Greece, created 10,000 years ago due to the melting of the glacier.

The hike to the lake starts from Mikro Papigo and after a steep ascent to Astraka refuge, we stop for lunch with stunning views to the surrounding mountains. From the hut we set off for a beautiful serene hike on a path that climbs steadily towards the Dragonlake. The lake itself sits at an altitude of 2,050m, and is a fantastic manifestation of geological history and current processes of nature.

Overnight in Tymfi, Astraka refuge (B,L,D)
Hiking distance: 12km / Hiking Duration: 6 hours

We’ll hike from our mountain refuge to Tymfi summit at 2,497 m and from there to the village of Tsepelovo through alpine meadows filled with wild flowers.

Overnight in Monodendri, Archontiko Zarkada (B,L,D)
Hiking distance: 14 km / Hiking Duration: 7 hours
Driving distance: Tsepelovo to Monodendri 27 km / 40 min

Ioannina the beautiful capital of the prefecture, is a city where history and tradition blend together in a mysterious way.

Ioannina was under the Ottoman rule for almost 500 years, and Turkish influence has survived here more strongly than anywhere. Under the Turks the city flourished as a center of arts and crafts and no one had more impact on the town than the ruler Ali Pasha. In the morning, drive to Ioannina and discover the living history through a walking tour in the city’s old citadel. After lunch we will depart to Athens for the farewell dinner.

Overnight in Athens, Athenian Callirhoe (B,L,D)
Driving distance:
Megalo Papigo to Ioannina 57 km / 1 h 30 min
Ioannina to Athens 422 km / 4 h 30 min