From Athens to Zagori via Olympus and Meteora! One of the most complete, outstanding, and well-rounded adventure tours in Greece.
Our “From A to Z Greece Mainland Tour” starts from Athens, cradle of Western civilization and birthplace of democracy. During the first two days we will visit the main archaeological sites (Acropolis, Acropolis museum, etc), walk in the alleys of Plaka (the oldest neighborhood in Athens) and explore the “ancient hills of Athens” (Areopagus, Filopappou, Pnyx and hill of the Muses).
Next stop, Olympus Mountain! According to Greek mythology, Olympus was the dwelling of the Olympian Gods, and it was created after the Titanomachy, a battle during which the Olympians defeated the Titans. Its peak, “Mytikas”, was then called Pantheon, a venue where all the fiery discussions among the deities took place.
The area of Meteora, which means “suspended in the air”, is our next destination. Meteora are the world-famous stunning rock pillars that rise impressively up to 500 meters in height. One marvels at the audacity of the monks who first dared to build their monasteries, six hundred years ago, on the top of these rocks, a stupendous synthesis of nature and man. The North-West corner of Greece is known for its dramatic terrain of mountains, gorges, rivers, and remote settlements. It is the country’s most mountainous region, blessed with a lush and soaring landscape.
We will enter the Epirus region with its glorious Vikos Gorge further north. A national park filled with forests, waterfalls, and ice-cold mountain lakes, surrounded by the stone villages of Zagorohoria. Forty-six villages with clear geographic boundaries and definite historical and cultural characteristics reveal why Zagori has been kept a secret from the rest of the world for so long.
Moderate. The Olympus section can be considered as moderate to strenuous.
Although the paths are quite well-kept the terrain in Greece tends to be very stony and rocky, especially during the Vikos gorge-walking. You will mostly be walking on unsurfaced tracks, footpaths, mountain trails and on some tarmac roads. You should also be prepared for some steep ascents/descents and some scrambling on Olympus.
A good level of fitness and experience is required. Cycling, walking/running and a daily stretching regimen are all great ways to prepare for this type of adventure. Participants should be comfortable in water and able to swim. The guide reserves the right to make the final decision if we climb the final peak on Mount Olympus or not.
Price is based on a minimum attendance of 4 people.
Please consider taking along the following items on your trip. This is not a fixed list, but more of a guideline, so feel free to add and remove items as you see fit. Greece has a temperate climate. Base your clothing on the “layering system”, if it is hot you can “peel off” layers quickly, if it is cooler and windy you can quickly “dress up”.
For the Olympus refuge, following items are mandatory:
Each participant must have its own toiletries. There is ONLY cold water to wash!
Sleeping-bag or 2 bed sheets and 1 pillowcase per person
Pair of slippers or second pair of clean smooth bottomed shoes for indoors (all visitors necessarily change their shoes when entering indoors), along with a bag to put your shoes into a locker.
Torch for nighttime
*NOTICE! All visitors to the refuges are now required to take their own rubbish, and dispose of responsibly. This includes all plastics, glass, food and sweet wrappers/food tins brought with you.
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