Price

From€475

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4241

4 days / 3 nights

Period of Operation : End of May to October

Litochoro

Min Participants : 1

Max People : 7

Tour Description

This is the fabulous Mount Olympus Odyssey Tour, our “most complete” 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 the Petrostrouga Refuge, alt. 1.940 m (Estimated Walking Time: approx. 3 hours)

Arrive and meet your guide in Litochoro. Transfer to Gkortsia (“Intersection”), from where we begin our hike, at an altitude of 1.100 meters. The route from Gkortsia to Petrostrougka refuge is one of the two most frequented hiking paths on Mount Olympus. Most of the trail is through a thick forest of pine, beech and fir trees, and the path is in a good condition. We make our way up to 1.940 m altitude and reach the refuge, where we will mingle with the rest of the hikers and rest for tonight.

Day 2Plateau of the Muses – Refuge Ch. Kakkalos, alt. 2,700 (Estimated Walking Time 4 – 6 hours)

From the refuge, a zigzagging path brings us straight to the “Plateau of Muses” where a small, cozy and friendly mountain hut will accommodate us ( 2 hrs walk ). This is an easy day that enjoys breathtaking sceneries. After lunch and some rest, we will climb a small peak – named Profitis Ilias – just above our refuge to admire superb views of Mount Olympus summits and it’s deep gorges (2 hrs round trip).

Day 3Peak ascents – Refuge A (Spilios Agapitos) altitude 2.100 m (Estimated Walking Time 4- 6 hours)

Today, we have two options according to group’s fitness and weather conditions. Before we reach the summits, we ascent to the main path and cross the spectacular trail under the summit of Stefani – the throne of Zeus. Our first option is to climb Skala first, at 2.882 meters and then cross a narrow ridge climb to the summit of Skolio at 2.911 meters. This hike requires 4-5 hrs walking on narrow paths, with some scrambling involved and we will achieve an altitude gain of 800 m. Our second option, or if weather permits and there is no snow, is to ascend the main summit – Mytikas (2.917meters), Greece’s highest peak, following a narrow gorge, involving about 1 km of scrambling. Then following the sort path that takes us to refuge A (Spilios Agapitos) at 2.100m, we will enjoy stunning views and some needed relaxation!

Day 4Refuge A- Prionia - Ennipeas gorge - Litochoro (Estimated Walking Time 6 – 7 hours)

Our last day’s hike will follow the E4 path (European Trail) towards Prionia, from where we will enter the Enippeas gorge, passing a cave-chapel and the monastery of St. Dionysus. En route, we will have various opportunities of swimming in some inviting river pools! After about seven hours of walking, the gorge opens up on the outskirts of Litochoro. The route is demanding, but the varied geological features, the small lakes with crystal waters and the sheer mountain slopes offer us unforgettable sceneries and memories!

Photos

Pricing

Price is based on a minimum attendance of 3 people (for less or more participants please contact us).

Price Includes

Accommodation in berths on refuges on Mt. Olympus
Aegean Outdoors English speaking guide
Transfer Litochoro – Gortsia

Price Excludes

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

Optional

FB supplement: €100 / person
Includes: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunch packs, 3 dinners
HB supplement: €60 / person
Includes: 3 breakfasts, 3 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.