“From A to Z” Greece Mainland Tour / Athens – Olympus – Meteora – Zagori

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    8 days / 7 nights
    Period of Operation : May to October
    Athens
    Min Participants : 4
    Max People : 7
    Tour Description

    Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Greece with our “From A to Z Greece Mainland Tour.” This extraordinary journey takes you through the heart of Greece, starting from Athens, the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy.

    Our adventure begins in Athens, where we spend the first two days diving deep into the city’s rich history and heritage. Visit iconic archaeological landmarks such as the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and other key sites that reflect the grandeur of ancient Greece. Stroll through the charming streets of Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood, and climb the ancient hills—Areopagus, Filopappou, Pnyx, and the Hill of the Muses—to soak in the city’s panoramic views and connect with the land that once nurtured the ideas of democracy and philosophy.

    From Athens, we head to Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the Olympian Gods. According to Greek mythology, Olympus was formed after the battle known as the Titanomachy, in which the Olympian Gods triumphed over the Titans. The peak of Olympus, Mytikas, once known as the Pantheon, was considered a sacred place where the gods gathered for divine discussions.

    Next, we travel to Meteora, an awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site. The name “Meteora” means “suspended in the air,” which perfectly describes the towering rock formations that rise as high as 500 meters above the ground. These stunning pillars of rock were once home to monks, who constructed monasteries atop them over six centuries ago. The dramatic blend of nature and human achievement at Meteora is something you’ll never forget.

    As we move further into Greece’s northwestern region, we encounter the breathtaking Epirus. The highlight here is Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, surrounded by lush forests, waterfalls, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. This national park is a true haven for nature lovers. The gorge is framed by the enchanting Zagorohoria, a cluster of 46 traditional stone villages, each with its own unique history and culture. Known for its mountainous terrain and remote charm, Zagori has remained a hidden gem, largely untouched by mass tourism, making it an authentic and off-the-beaten-path destination.

    Join us on this unforgettable journey through Greece, where history, mythology, and nature come together to offer a one-of-a-kind adventure!

    Trip Highlights
    • Athens: The Cradle of Western Civilization – Explore the iconic Acropolis and the magnificent Parthenon, where the roots of democracy, philosophy, and art took shape centuries ago.
    • Meteora's Majestic Rock Formations – Stand in awe of the breathtaking pinnacles of Meteora, where ancient monasteries cling to towering rocks, creating one of the most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
    • Mount Olympus: Home of the Gods – Embark on a thrilling climb to the summit of Mytikas, standing at 2,918 meters. Reach the highest point in Greece and connect with the legendary abode of the Olympian gods.
    • Exciting Rafting Adventure – Dive into the excitement with a heart-pumping rafting experience along some of Greece's wildest rivers, navigating rapids amidst stunning landscapes.
    • Vikos Gorge: A Natural Wonder – Discover the awe-inspiring Vikos Gorge, with its towering walls reaching heights of up to 1 km. Trek through this 12 km long natural marvel, surrounded by stunning beauty at every turn.

    Level of difficulty

    Moderate. The Olympus section can be considered as moderate to strenuous. 

    Grade and terrain

    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.

    Entry requirements

    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.

    Itinerary

    Day 1Athens arrival - Evening Walk and Welcome Dinner

    Upon arrival in Athens, settle into your accommodation and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, we’ll gather for an introductory talk to kick off our adventure. Then, enjoy a leisurely walk through Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens, filled with charming streets and historical significance. We’ll conclude the evening with a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant where you’ll experience your first taste of authentic Greek cuisine.
    Overnight in Athens (Dinner included).

    Day 2Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis Museum - Best of Athens e-Bike Tour

    Today, we step into the extraordinary story of Athens, a city where more than 2,500 years of history unfold against the rhythm of contemporary Mediterranean life.

    Our morning begins with a private guided exploration of the Acropolis, the enduring symbol of classical Greece. As we ascend the Sacred Rock, our guide brings the ancient city to life, revealing the stories, ideas and personalities that shaped one of the world’s most influential civilizations. We pass through the monumental Propylaia, admire the graceful Temple of Athena Nike, and arrive at the magnificent Parthenon, standing proudly above the city as it has for nearly two and a half millennia.

    From here, we continue to the acclaimed Acropolis Museum, an architectural landmark in its own right. Flooded with natural light and offering striking views towards the Acropolis, the museum houses an exceptional collection of sculptures and artefacts discovered on and around the Sacred Rock. Its galleries provide a fascinating insight into the daily life, religious traditions and artistic achievements of ancient Athens.

    After lunch, we change pace and discover the city from an entirely different perspective—by e-bike. Beginning near the Hill of the Nymphs, we ride towards the historic Pnyx, the birthplace of Athenian democracy, where sweeping views across the city reveal the Acropolis from a spectacular new angle.

    Our route continues towards Areopagus Hill, passing the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus and following the elegant pedestrian promenade of Dionysiou Areopagitou. We ride on to the monumental Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch before reaching Syntagma Square, home to the Greek Parliament and the iconic Evzones, whose traditional uniforms and ceremonial guard make for one of Athens’ most memorable sights.

    From here, we weave our way into the atmospheric lanes of Plaka, passing through the historic Aerides neighbourhood to the Tower of the Winds and the Roman Agora. It is a wonderful journey through the many layers of Athens—ancient monuments, hidden corners and lively neighbourhoods all encountered from the saddle.

    Following our ride, there is time to relax and freshen up before gathering for dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant—a fitting finale to a day spent experiencing Athens from both its ancient heights and its vibrant streets.

    Overnight in Athens
    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B, L, D)

    Day 3Mount Olympus

    After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set out for a scenic road trip toward Prionia at an altitude of 1,100 meters in the Olympus National Park. Surrounded by lush vegetation and the sound of waterfalls from the Enipeas Stream, Prionia offers a refreshing atmosphere and a perfect place to enjoy a local lunch at a cozy mountain tavern.

    Our hike from Prionia to the Spilios Agapitos Refuge is part of the famous E4 hiking trail, known for its thick forests of pine, beech, and fir trees. The 4.5 km hike takes about 3 hours and brings us to the refuge at 2,100 meters, where we’ll have a stunning view over the gorge and the surrounding peaks.
    Overnight at Spilios Agapitos Refuge (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included).

    Driving distance: Athens to Prionia: 430 km (5 hours)
    Hiking distance: 6 km / Duration: 3 hours
    Elevation gain: 1,000 meters

    Day 4 Olympus Summit - Mytikas

    Today, we take on the challenge of climbing Mount Olympus! We’ll follow a zigzagging trail from the refuge toward the summit, with two options based on the group’s fitness level and weather conditions. We can either climb to Skala (2,866 meters), then traverse a ridge to the summit of Skolio (2,911 meters), or, if conditions allow, we’ll tackle Mytikas, Greece’s highest peak at 2,918 meters.

    The ascent to Mytikas is a thrilling, narrow gorge climb, with a bit of scrambling and about 4-5 hours of walking on narrow paths. Reaching the summit is a memorable achievement and a great spot for group photos and selfies. After taking in the breathtaking views, we’ll descend back to the refuge for a well-deserved rest.
    Overnight at Spilios Agapitos Refuge (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included).

    Hiking distance: 6.5 km / Duration: 6 hours
    Elevation gain: 818 meters

    Day 5Prionia - Meteora

    Breakfast and coffee on the refuge’s terrace, enjoying for the last time the breathtaking views of the peaks as they glow in the rising sun light. We have to hike back to Prionia and after a 4 km drive, we make a stop at the famous St. Dionysus monastery. Built in the 14th century and devastated many times, it has been recently restored and open to visitors. Just a few steps down a wooden stairway, there is the bank of Enipeas, where we can dip in the sparkling crystal clear water. After our lunch in Litochoro we begin in the afternoon our trip to Meteora. Prepare yourselves for the special feeling of the first moment the rock pinnacles will come into view… Short evening walk and dinner overlooking these majestic formations of mother nature.
    Overnight in Kastraki village (B,L,D)

    Hiking distance: 4,5km / Hiking duration: 2,5 hours
    Driving distance: Prionia to Meteora: 175 km (3 hours)

    Day 6Meteora Hike - Rafting Voidomatis

    The extraordinary rock formations of Meteora rise dramatically from the Thessalian plain, sculpted over millions of years into one of Greece’s most spectacular landscapes. And there is perhaps no better way to appreciate the immense natural forces that shaped this remarkable place than to step into the landscape itself.

    As promised, today we have the privilege of experiencing Meteora in a more intimate way—on foot, following centuries-old trails through soaring rock towers, secluded monasteries and quiet forest.

    Our hike begins near the Monastery of St. Nicholas in the village of Kastraki, where we join the ancient paths once used by the monks who sought solitude among these seemingly inaccessible cliffs. As we walk, breathtaking panoramas unfold around us, while our guide reveals the fascinating geological story of Meteora and the history of the monastic communities that have inhabited these rocks for centuries.

    The trail leads beneath the monastery of Pantocrator before disappearing into a lush forest and continuing towards the secluded Monastery of Ypapanti and the ruins of St. Dimitrios. From here, we climb gradually towards the summit of the cliffs, emerging beside the magnificent monasteries of Varlaam and Great Meteoron, where we will have the opportunity to visit one of these extraordinary sanctuaries suspended high above the valley.

    Our descent takes us back towards Kastraki along another ancient monastic path, winding between the immense pillars of rock. Along the way, we pass the cave of St. George Mandilas, the setting for a remarkable local tradition: each year, climbers ascend the sheer rock face to hang colourful scarves beside the chapel in honour of the saint.

    After another delicious lunch, we leave Meteora behind and journey into the wild landscapes of Zagori, travelling to the mountain village of Aristi. Here, a completely different adventure awaits us: an exhilarating yet wonderfully scenic rafting experience along the Voidomatis River, renowned for its astonishingly clear, turquoise waters and pristine natural surroundings.

    By evening, we settle into Aristi, surrounded by the mountains and timeless stone villages of Zagori—the perfect conclusion to a day that has taken us from the heights of Meteora to the crystal-clear waters of one of Greece’s most beautiful rivers.

    Overnight in Aristi, Zagori
    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B, L, D)

    Hiking distance: 7km / Duration: 4 hours
    Driving distance: 145 km (2,2 hours)
    Rafting activity duration: 3 hours

    Day 7Vikos Gorge Crossing

    Today is devoted entirely to one of the great natural wonders of Greece: Vikos Gorge, a place of extraordinary scale, beauty and wilderness hidden deep within the mountains of Zagori.

    Our journey takes us on foot into the heart of the gorge, through a dramatic landscape carved over millions of years by the Voidomatis River, a tributary of the Aoos. Towering limestone and dolomite formations—some dating back approximately 150 million years—rise dramatically around us, creating immense vertical walls that reach heights of up to 1,700 metres.

    Part of the Vikos–Aoos National Park, the gorge is celebrated for its remarkable depth in relation to its width. Yet statistics alone cannot convey the experience of being here. The true magic of Vikos reveals itself slowly, step by step, as the trail climbs and descends beneath soaring mountain peaks, through dense forests and along the wild contours of the canyon.

    The landscape is also exceptionally rich in plant life, with some 1,700 species and subspecies recorded in the wider region. For generations, these mountains were the domain of the legendary Vikos herbal practitioners, renowned throughout Greece for their extensive knowledge of medicinal plants. Using herbs gathered from the gorge and surrounding slopes, they prepared traditional remedies for an extraordinary variety of ailments—a fascinating legacy that adds another layer to the story of this remote landscape.

    Over the course of approximately six to seven hours, we follow the trail for 14 kilometres through one of Zagori’s most spectacular environments. It is a rewarding day of hiking: rugged and exhilarating at times, peaceful and contemplative at others, with the immense walls of the gorge and the changing mountain scenery providing a constant sense of scale and wonder.

    By late afternoon, we emerge from the wilderness and return to Aristi, where a well-earned evening of relaxation and dinner awaits after an unforgettable day in the mountains.

    Overnight in Aristi, Zagori
    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B, L, D)
    Hiking distance: 14 km / Ascend: 825m / Descend: 1138m
    Hiking duration: approximately 7 hours

    Day 8Departure day

    After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, for a short flight (40 minutes) back to Athens or to another destination in Greece. Your journey comes to an end with unforgettable memories of Greece’s natural wonders, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes.

    End of services (Breakfast included).

    On this final day, we can assist you in continuing your journey to other parts of Greece or extend your trip to the Greek islands.

    Photos
    Pricing

    Price is based on a minimum attendance of 4 people.

    Price Includes

    • All accommodations based on double occupancy (bunk beds in refuges on Mount Olympus)
    • All transportations during the trip
    • Entrance fees to archaeological sites, museums and monasteries within the program
    • Aegean Outdoors leader/guide throughout the tour
    • All activities mentioned in the program
    • Transport and handling of one reasonably sized suitcase and one carry-on per person
    • Professional tourist guide for the archaeological site of Acropolis and the Acropolis museum
    • Breakfast (B), lunches (L) and dinners (D) as indicated in the itinerary, snacks during activities

    Price Excludes

    • Flights to/from Greece
    • Anything not mentioned in the program
    • Personal, Travel or emergency evacuation insurance
    • Gratuities for leader/guide or driver and personal expenses
    • Alcoholic drinks during meals
    • Any meals not mentioned in the program
    • Overnight Stay Tax (payable locally at the hotels)
    Recommended Gear

    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”.

    What to bring

    • Day pack to carry camera, water bottle and snacks etc.
    • Outerwear
    • Casual clothing made of light-weight fabrics
    • T-shirts
    • Long-sleeve shirt
    • Hiking pants, loose and easy to move in
    • Swimsuit
    • Sun hat or baseball cap
    • Lightweight and supportive hiking boots, broken-in with good ankle support
    • Casual, comfortable shoes for evening
    • Sunscreen and lip protection
    • Sunglasses and retainer strap
    • Beach towel
    • Electrical adapter plug/converter
    Mandatory Gear

    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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