Price

From€395

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5714

3 days / 2 nights

Period of Operation : End of May to October

Litochoro

Min Participants : 1

Max People : 7

Tour Description

This is the amazing Mount Olympus Hikers Delight Tour, our “comfortable” version of seeing and enjoying the great Mount Olympus. Μount Olympus, also transliterated as Olympos and on Greek Maps indicated as Oros Olympos, is the highest mountain in Greece. It is located in the Olympus Range on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia and the regional units of Pieria and Larissa, about 80 km (50 mi) southwest from Thessaloniki. Mount Olympus has 52 peaks, deep gorges and exceptional biodiversity. The highest peak, Mytikas, meaning “nose”, rises to 2,917 metres (9,570 ft). It is one of the highest peaks in Europe in terms of topographic prominence.

From its steep rocky summit, first climbed only 100 years ago, the father of all Gods Zeus used to fire his thunderbolts against humankind and the Titans! Its eastern flanks are the country’s first national park (created in the 1930’s), with dozens of endemic species of flora and fauna!

There is also no habitation apart from the refuges, which bring together groups of mountaineers from all over the globe in their cozy and homely atmosphere.

In this program, starting and ending in Litochoro village, we walk 5-6 hours per day, following mostly good forest paths; above the tree – line, the terrain varies from grassy uplands to rocky ridges, with some scrambling required for the peak ascents.

Level of difficulty

Moderate

Level requirements

A good level of fitness and experience is required and the guide reserves the right to make the final decision if we climb the final peak or not. Cycling, walking/running and a daily stretching regimen are all great ways to prepare for this type of adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1Litochoro & Walk to Refuge A - Spilios Agapitos, alt. 2.100 m (Estimated Walking Time: approx. 3 hours)

Arrive and meet your guide in Litochoro. Transfer to Prionia, from where we begin our hike, at an altitude of 1.100 meters. The route from Prionia to Spilios Agapitos refuge is the most frequented hiking path on Mount Olympus and makes up a part of the E4 trail. Prionia is the highest point which can be reached by car. 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 2.100m alt. and reach the refuge, where we will overnight.

Day 2Peak ascents - Refuge Ch. Kakkalos, alt. 2,700 m (Estimated Walking Time 6- 7 hours)

From the refuge, a zigzagging trail brings us just under the mountain’s main summits. From there we have two options according to participants fitness and weather conditions: We either climb first Skala at 2.882 meters and then crossing a narrow ridge climb to the summit of Skolio at 2.911meters. Or if weather permits and there is no snow, we ascent to the main summit – Mytikas (2.917 meters), Greece’s highest peak, following a narrow gorge (it involves about 1 KM of scrambling, 4-5 hrs walking on narrow paths and an altitude gain of 800 meters ). After reaching the summit we descent by the same way to the main path and by crossing the spectacular precipice under the summit of Stefani – the throne of Zeus- we emerge to the alpine “plateau of Muses” at an altitude of 2700 meters where a small, cozy and friendly refuge will accommodate us tonight (2-3 hrs walking).

Day 3Plateau of Muses - Petrostrougka Refuge alt 1,940m - Gkortsia (Estimated Walking Time 5- 6 hours)

This is an easy day (if we did the highest peak yesterday). Before we start our descent, we will climb a smaller peak – named Profitis Ilias – just above our refuge to admire superb views of Mt. Olympus summits. Afterwards we will start descending, via a different path and in almost 2 hours we will arrive at the refuge of the Hellenic Rescue Team (Petrostrougka at 1.940 m) where we can have our lunch and relax before our final descent to our destination, Gkortsia (2 – 3 hrs walking) from where we will be transferred back to Litochoro village.

Photos

Pricing

Price is based on a minimum attendance of 2 people (for less or more participants please contact us).

Price Includes

Accommodation in berths on refuges on Mt. Olympus
Aegean Outdoors English speaking guide
All necessary equipment

Price Excludes

Personal expenses
Drinks and beverages
Meals
Optional gratuities to leader, guides and local staff
Transport to / from Litochoro

Optional

FB supplement: €70 / person
Includes: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunch packs, 2 dinners
HB supplement: €40 / person
Includes: 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Recommended Gear

Large, comfortable rucksack (40-50 litres) with padded straps and waist belt, internal frame preferred; waterproof liner recommended to keep 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

The lighter you pack, the easier you travel. Use your best judgment and pack as lightly as possible, remember that you must carry everything you bring on all the days’ walk. You will appreciate light luggage towards the end of your trip.

Mandatory Gear (Covid-19)

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.