8-day – “Mountains, Waves & Torrents I”

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Code name: “Mountains, Waves & Torrents I”

Trip dossier:
Country: Greece.
Region: East Thessaly (Mt. Olympus, Mt. Kissavos (Ossa), River Pinios, Tempi valley & north Pelion coast).
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights.
Period: From April to mid-June & from September to mid-October.
Type: Multi-activity – Adult individuals & small adult groups.
Level: “High +” – Strongly activity orientated.

Trip Profile: An exhilarating multi-activity holiday, set in a region of outstanding historical interest and natural beauty. This is a varied and exciting itinerary catering for adult individuals and small adult groups, who seek a highly active / physically demanding multi-activity holiday program. It covers a wide area, giving the opportunity to the participants to experience different locations in eastern Thessaly, as much as possible, while enjoying our first-class activities! This active holiday program consists of a combination of mostly full-day activities, as they are well described in the actual program’s itinerary.

Itinerary: Please note, that this itinerary can be subject to slight changes, concerning mainly the time sequence of the activities, in response to variable local weather conditions.

  • Reviews 1 Review
    5/5
  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
    Adults (min age 17 yrs)
  • Activity Level Highly Demanding
    6/8
  • Min age 17 years
  1. Day 1 Arrival and welcome.

    After setting in, there will be a pre-tour introduction with your guides.

  2. Day 2 Sea kayaking and sea cave abseiling

    Full-day activity.

    We explore in our kayaks the amazing sea caves of Veneton and swim in marvelous isolated beaches. Along the ride we stop at a small cove, and after the abseiling briefing, a 15min walk brings us to the top of the big cave and its roof hole. The sight is just breathtaking. You live through a unique experience as you abseil in space 35m down to the turquoise water. After swimming and diving in the cave, return to the path and the kayaks to continue our kayak ride and the sea cave exploration. For more about this one – day activity, here. Paddling time 2.30’ hours.

    Overall activity’s duration, can well exceed the 8.00’hours, including the gearing up time, briefing, the abseiling session, the local transfers, stops, picnic e.c.t.

    Note that this activity is very sensitive regarding to the weather conditions and it is likely to be moved to a later day in the week for more favorable conditions.

  3. Day 3 Canyoning 1

    Full-day activity.

    Canyoning in the Kalypso full canyon, from mid-April to the end of June. Transfer to the east slopes of Mt. Kissavos (Ossa), where the unique and the “must” for every canyoning lover, the Kalypso full canyon , lies with its amazing 70m waterfall!! Abseiling down this nature’s miracle is quite an experience which will stay in your mind for very long! Then, a series of natural slides, as well as abseils and fly-foxing over long pools, swimming, jumping and diving, completes a great active day with lots of fun and a high dose of adrenaline! Duration of activity, 6.30’ to 7,30’ hours.

    Overall activity’s duration, can well exceed the 8.00’hours, including the gearing up time, briefing, the local transfers, stops, picnic e.c.t.


    Canyoning in the
    Enipeas II section in the Enipeas canyon from September to mid-October.  Litohoro from where we move by road up the mountain to the monastery of Agios Dionysios in our means of transport, while yours waits at Litohoro. At the monastery we gear up. A 1.00’ hour walk on the E4 path takes us to this section’s starting point. From this point downwards, the whole scene changes completely if you compare it with Enipeas I section. The canyon narrows into an impressive high wall canyon with unique rock formations. Here someone feels the heart-beats of Mt. Olympus!…

    The long sections of crystal clear pools, the jumps and water slides, the 3 abseils from 5m to 40m!!, together with this magical terrain, place this section of Enipeas to a very high stand of beauty and canyoning interest! 1.30’ hours walk on the welcomed E4 with stunning views of the gorge all the way, brings us back to Litohoro. Duration of the actual canyoning, 5.30’ to 6.00’ hours.

    Overall activity’s duration, can well exceed the 8.00’ hours, including the gearing up time, briefing, the walk-in and the walk-out, the local transfers, stops, picnic e.c.t.

  4. Day 4 Free day

    To spend at the beach, sample some good local wine or visit places of interest in the greater area (we will be there to propose or organize it for you, especially if you do not have your own means of transport), or sample the shops and the cultural life of nearby Larisa, or a day trip to the impressive landmark of Meteora rocks and its monasteries.

  5. Day 5 Mountain Biking

    Full-day activity.

    A full day mountain biking on beautiful long crossings over Kissavos’s northern and eastern slopes with a great variety of mountain terrain culminating in views of the Pinios River Delta, Mount Olympus and the Aegean Sea. Halfway, we come across a picturesque mountain village where we enjoy a drink in the village’s square with the locals. A picnic lunch will be provided en route. For more about this one day activity, here  or here   Length of cycling route about 40km of mainly forest dirt roads and a little asphalt. Duration of cycling 4.00’ to 4.30’ hours.

    Overall activity’s duration, 6.30’ to 7.00’ hours, including the gearing up time, briefing, the local transfers, stops, picnic e.c.t.

  6. Day 6 Via Cordata / Ferrata & Rock climbing

    Full-day activity.

    A “Rock-day” today! The ridge is located at the north cliff-side of the valley, geologically considered to be on Lower Olympus. We are transferred to the starting point of the walk-in. The walk-in follows the old railway line alongside the river Pinios, with great views all along the hike. Duration of walk-in, 15 – 20’, easy.

    We start at 20m above sea level and finish at 240m. Gained altitude 220m on the ridge. Length of route, on the ridge 290m. The route consists mainly of long sections of narrow ridge scrambling and shorter sections and “steps” of actual climbing of III+ to IV- grade on grey limestone rock. The ridge scrambling is a typical Via Cordata with the protection of fixed ropes, while the climbing sections are also protected with cable, thus making the route a very interesting combination of Via Cordata and Via Ferrata, resulting to extra safety, ease and of course great enjoyment. The views of the gorge with the river far down below are just breathtaking. Duration of the Via Cordata / Ferrata route, 3.00’ to 4.00’ hours.

    Enjoy some time on top of the ridge enjoying the unique moment! Then, a 10’ walk takes us to the climbing site for the rock climbing session and to a light picnic lunch. After all it is a “rock-day” today! Here, on an impressive limestone rock face, we have created a top-rope climbing playground with routes of various grade, for youths and adults to enjoy, about 20m high. This is a unique spot with great views lower down towards the river Pinios and the western part of the Tempi valley. The climbing takes about 3.00’ hours and if there is time you can have more! Transferred back to your vehicle or your accommodation.

    Overall activity’s duration, 7.30’ to 8.30’ hours, including the gearing up time, briefing, the local transfers, stops, picnic e.c.t.

  7. Day 7 Rafting or inflatable kayaking / monorafting (April to mid-May), long half-day activity and Canyoning 2 (June, September & first half of October), Full-day activity..

    Rafting or inflatable kayaking / monorafting: This activity runs until the end of May and sometimes, until mid-June in the Pinios river, the Vernezi section (route). A thrilling rafting ride of plenty III and IV grade rapids and big waves, takes us to our rafting base, where you can enjoy a riverside barbecue prior to returning to your accommodation. In May the rafts give their place to inflatable kayaks and monorafts, due to less water in the river, for much greater control and personal feel than with the larger rafts. In both cases, 1.00’ to 1.30’ hours of exiting rafting will definitely give you great emotions and moments to remember! For more about this one day activity, please look here for the inflatable kayaking & monorafting and here for the rafting. Duration of the activity, 1.30’ hours. Overall activity’s duration, 4.00’ to 4.30’ hours, including the gearing up time, briefing, local transfers, stops, picnic e.c.t.

    From mid-May to Mid-June, in the unforeseen case of low water conditions and from September to mid – October rafting and inflatable kayaking give way to canyoning 2.

    Canyoning 2. We go to the Orlias canyon to do either the Orlias I section or the Orlias II section or the Orlias I & Orlias II sections as one, for the very keen. A demanding canyon, especially when someone does both sections as one, with 13 abseils ranging from 12m to 30m! Apart from the impressive long abseils, one can enjoy the thrill of various jumps and waterslides (optional). Another full scale and full day canyoning experience!!

    For either Orlias I or Orlias II section, duration of canyoning in each section, 4.00’ to 5.00’ hours. Overall activity’s duration, 6.00’ to 7.00’ hours, including the gearing up time, briefing, local transfers, stops, picnic e.c.t.

    For doing both sections as one, duration of canyoning, 7.00’ to 8.00’ hours. Overall activity’s duration, 8.30’ to 9.30’ hours, including the gearing up time, briefing, local transfers, stops, picnic e.c.t.

  8. Day 8 End of program. Departure

    Extend your stay. It is possible to stay in Greece for an extra week as an extension to this holiday. If you decide to do so, you can choose to spread the above activities over the two weeks period of your stay. We will be happy to help you organize this.

  9. Pricing policy “Plan your own holiday”

    Pricing policy:

    Our multi activity holiday programs / trips are meant mainly for you who “Plan your own holiday” or for you who want to “Do it yourself”. By being retailers and providers at the same time on these actual programs, we are able to deliver and provide a personalized service at an excellent price, without compromising on the quality of our activities. As local activity suppliers, our expert knowledge of the area ensures for you a more personal feel and direct communication with us and the area, thus, more control on your behalf, over your holiday.

    Our multi activity holiday programs / activity combinations are designed and put in place for every different proposal / program in such a way, that only our experience and knowledge concerning the local conditions could achieve towards your maximum enjoyment. It took long sessions of evaluating various elements and parameters like the group’s type – individuals/family/children’s age groups – the activities’ level and the time period in relation to the weather conditions, before reaching the desired outcome. We believe that we have succeeded there achieving the harmony we were seeking. Our clients’ comments which have helped us a lot towards it, are in favor of this. We are grateful to them!

    Just take the advantage of this work, at prices that you will find nowhere else for such full, well designed, high-quality multi-activity holiday programs!

    So, the above Prices apply mainly to the independent traveler, who will have their own means of transport, thus, come independently from their accommodation to the meeting point for every activity and back, with our and our website’s directions at all times. During the booking procedure and contact with us you will also be given all the information / directions needed to get from the airport to your accommodation. The “Google Maps – our activities Destinations” in our website will help you a lot towards it. We take care of the appropriate accommodation for you, being close and handy to the activities area.

    As it is explained below (“Things you should know” at “Transport”), if you do not have your own means of transport, the transfers from the arrival stations to your accommodation and back, as well as the transfers from the accommodation to the activity’s location and back, will be done by us at an extra cost.

    Note that if you are less than 4 persons without other participants in your actual available dates, we can do the full program exclusively for you if you wish, at an additional 25% if you are 3 persons and 45% if you are 2 persons on the activities price. This means an 18.5% for 3 persons and 33.5% for 2 persons on the above total (activities + accommodation) prices.

  10. Things you should know Usefull info about the program

    Things you should know

    Meals & Meal Plan: This trip is organized on a half board basis, as breakfast goes with your accommodation and lunch will be a picnic meal with traditional Greek dishes and tastes prepared with great care by the Olympos Trek team, usually during or after the activity, being included in the price. Evening meals are not included in the price and will be taken in local restaurants as this will give you a perfect opportunity to sample real Greek hospitality and delicious food, typical of the region. Water and juices for the children are included with the activity but alcoholic drinks for the adults are not.

    Transport: From the airport to your accommodation in Litochoro, in case you do not have your own or hired means of transport (rented vehicle), the best suggested way is the public transport (train or bus), as our area of activities and the accommodation establishments are very close to the main road and rail streams of transport on the eastern side of the country. The nearest airport is the Makedonia airport of Thessaloniki, 1.00’ hour by train or bus to Nei Porior Rapsani train stations, being very close to the activities area and the various accommodation establishments. The “Proastiakos” train runs almost every hour from Thessaloniki to the above destination for 18.00€ return. From the airport you take the bus (number 78) to the main train or bus station in Thessaloniki. It takes 20’ to 30’ and costs €01.00. The buses also run in the same manner, though a bit more expensive than the train. They run from Thessaloniki central bus station via Katerini where you change bus to Litochoro or to Leptokaria.
    If you land at “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport in Athens, the train seems to be again the best option. Only the journey in this case takes 4.15’ to 5.00’ hours, depending up on the train you are using. From the airport you take the metro or the Proastiakos train to the “Stathmos Larisis” (Larisa’s station) in Athensfrom where you take the train to Larisa, where you change train (take the ”Proastiakos” train) to Litochoro.

    Note that during the activities, all local transfers will be provided by us to and from the activity’s starting and end points. If you have your own means of transport, you come to the prearranged meeting point for the day’s activity.
    Otherwise, it can be arranged to be transferred by us from your accommodation to the activity’s starting point and back to your accommodation, after the end of the activity. This can be done at an extra cost (10.00€ to 15.00€ p.p. for every activity’s day).

    Group size and Staff: Maximum group size is 16 people and minimum 4. This trip is led by Olympos Trek and supported by expert local instructors / guides with great knowllege of the local conditions.

    Health: No specific requirements on this tour. If you are reasonably fit and in good health, have a sense of adventure and basically swim (for canyoning), any previous experience is not necessary.

    Insurance: It is a prerequisite of booking any Olympos Trek outdoor activity program that you possess adequate insurance with certain requirements that must be met by your policy.

    Responsible Tourism: Tourism has an effect on any area, it is essential to minimise the negative impact that we may cause. We do not allow our clients or staff to damage the physical environment by leaving litter or rubbish lying around. Anything we take in to an area we must take out again.

General information about the program

Price with accommodation in Kastania Gi or equivalent. 

Based on Two-sharing room:
944.00€ p.p. with the rafting on Day 7.

963.00€ p.p. with the inflatable kayaking & monorafting on Day 7.

1000.00€ p.p. with the Orlias I or Orlias II, on Day 7.

1060.00€ p.p. with the Orlias I & Orlias II as one, on Day 7.

 

For three-sharing room, take out 45.00€ from the above prices.

For four-sharing room, take out 70.00€ from the above prices.

For single room, add 130.00€ to the above prices.

The prices are VAT inclusive.

For other than the above type of accommodation in the area, you can book yourself if you wish. In this case you will be given by us the price for the activities program only.

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance.
What is included in the price?
  • 7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in the stated kinds of accommodation.
  • Picnic lunch with homemade traditional Greek dishes and flavors for every activity, during or at the end of it.
  • Hot drink, juice and cookies during every activity.
  • All specialized equipment for the activities.
  • Guides / instructors.
  • Beginners’ tuition and supervision.
  • Local transfers from the activity’s finishing point back to the meeting / starting point and your vehicle when this is needed.

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Whats not included in this tour?
  • Alcoholic drinks.
  • Transfer from the airport to Litohoro and back.

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Essential Equipment for the day- activities: 

Given the variety of different activities on this trip, we suggest you take with you apart from your seasonal clothing, the following:
a. Day sack, well worn-in trail or amphibian walking shoes for the approach walk and to be wet in the canyon.
b. Any kind of light water sea-shoes for the river activities.
c. Comfortable trousers or shorts as well as hiking shoes or good sports shoes for land based activities.
d. Bermuda trousers or cycling pants for the mountain biking.
e. Swimming gear and towel for all water activities.
f. Sun hat, sun glasses & sun protective cream.
g. Large water-bottle.

Please Note: All safety equipment for all the activities (helmets, life-jackets, harnesses, wetsuits, walking sticks etc) is provided by Olympos Trek. If you have your own, please feel free to take it with you.

Overall Rating
5/5
Nikos Iosifidis
Reviewed On 02/05/2016
5/5

Nature, wilderness and adventures go hand in hand. To make the most of this tour, you should consider going on this trip with your friends or loved ones.

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