HIKING IN GREECE

 

 

Mt Olympus - Seat of the Gods

8 day semi-independent tour

Tucked away and untouched by mass tourism is a native part of Greece full of contrasts. A paradise for walkers and cultural tourists, Mount Olympus is the Seat of Greek Gods and Goddesses. Macedonia-Thessaly has always been famous for its forests, olive-groves, orchards, herbs with healing quality and the many myths of the region. Mountain villages and powerful monasteries lodge precariously on steep summits or nestle in the midst of green vegetation by lovely streams. You walk through olive-groves and dense forests to picturesque fishing villages and seemingly endless sandy beaches. Where the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea join the green mountains and golden sandy beaches you start the hiking tours. Let your eyes take in the unique ridge of Olympus, enjoy the sensations this legendary region may stir in you and open up your mind to the native charm of a hidden Greece.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1:   Individual journey to Thessaloniki.  The bus transfer to Platamonas and your hotel is included.

Day 2 to Day 7:   The guided walking tours are conducted on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with transfers to each days starting point by bus. In between, rest days allow some recuperation, perhaps by the hotel pool!

Tour 1:   Historic village Ambelakia

Ambelakia is a historic village of dyers. From the village square you walk through chestnut groves and almond plantations to the scenic view point Profitis Ilias and enjoy a fantastic view of Tembi Valley and the delta of river Pinios. Return to the village via meadows of herbs near the old watch tower Katro Orias. There is a chanve to visit a local museum with an interesting history of manor houses and cotton-dyer villages. Home-made Greek specialities spoil your palate afterwards. Walking time: approx. 5 hrs.

Tour 2:   Hike to ’Mount Golna’

Mt. Golna is an intimidating main summit of the Olympus massive. Your hike to the summit of the mountain starts at the village square of Litochoro, the starting point for many routes to Mt. Olympus. You walk through little alleys to a path bringing you directly to the summit of Golna. You walk along the slopes of the main massive of Olympus through mixed forests of plane-trees and firs. On the summit you are rewarded by a stunning view of famous Vithos Gorge and the Aegean Sea. Feel the sensation of a high-mountain massive in perfect union with the sea. Return to Litochoro again through shady forests. Walking time: approx. 5 hrs.

Tour 3:   Enipeas Gorge

You start at Prionia, the spring of river Enipeas. This tour is quite famous. You walk between the steep walls of the gorge, with the stunning views of the summit of Olympus leaving unbelievable impressions. On little wooden bridges you cross the river and rest at places of exceptional beauty. Water falls and an old monastery from the 16th century along the route which ends in Litochoro, a historic mountain-climber village at the foot of Olympus. Walking time: approx. 6 hrs.

Tour 4:   Old mountain villages

A marvellous loop tour through old forests of chestnuts, plane-trees, beeches and pine trees connects the antique villages of Paleos Porus and Paleos Panteleimonas. Many scenic points allow views to the Aegean Sea, the pirate fortress Platamonas and the intimidating Olympic Massif. During a rest you are treated to Greek Mezedes. Afterwards you return to your hotel on comfortable roads. Walking time: approx. 5 hrs.

Tour 5:   Hiking tour at Meteora Monastery

Today is dedicated to culture. The famous Meteora monasteries were founded during the Byzantine era and are a unique cultural heritage site. They were erected on 24 intimidating rock escarpments rising out of the Thessaly plain affording a stunning view of the plains and the mountain massif. Short walking paths connect some of the monasteries we visit. After a coffee break the bus returns us to the hotel. Sightseeing: approx. 2-3 hrs. Walking time: approx. 1-2 hrs.

Day 8:   Depart today - Transfer to the airport included, or you may extend your stay in Greece.

     

4* Hotel Kronos:

Hotel Kronos is located in the centre of Platamonas, a green oasis and only 70 metres from the sea. Platamonas is a fishing town with a lively evening entertainment scene. The comfortable, family run hotel has a swimming pool, sun terrace with deck chairs and sun-shades. The hotel has a lobby, reception desk, Sat-TV, fitness-area and restaurant. You stay in tastefully furnished rooms (approx. 22 m²) with air-conditioning, telephone, Sat TV, fridge and mini-bar.

   

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Tour Rating - moderate

Routes of medium difficulty on good trails and paths. Daily distance up to 6 hours with various changes in altitude. A good fitness level for some parts is recommended as you walk up to 17 km.

 

 

Mt. Olympus


 

Meteora Monastery

 

 

hotel_kronos

Hotel Kronos

Schedule and Price

      

DATES

19th April,  17th May,  14th June,  4th & 20th September,  2nd October  

Price per person CAD $1085
Single surcharge   $180
High Season surcharge   $180
This tour includes:
  • 7 nights in the four star Hotel Kronos, in a double room with private facilities
  • Breakfast AND dinner each day
  • Transfers from/to airport Thessalonica in air-conditioned buses
  • Transfers to the hiking tours
  • 5 x guided hikes, or route book for self guided tours if you prefer
  • Hiking rucksack -1 per room
  • Welcome meeting and information pack

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