8-day – “Olympus Active I”

Today we move by road to the Prionia location and parking space at 1100m, where we start off our walk. A stunningly beautiful place, dominated by impressive rock faces and enormous mountain pine trees. A well paved path in a very rich pine and birch tree forest will take us up to 2100m and the refuge B or ”Spilios Agapitos”. During the walk the guide / s will introduce you to the very special Mt. Olympus flora. After settling in at the refuge, we will have plenty of time to soak up the energy and atmosphere of this very special place, as the refuge is situated on a natural balcony with amazing views all around! We will also discuss all about the next day’s route, as we can see almost the full length of it high above our heads. Not map needed, its all there for real! After a good meal and rest, we spend the night here. Altitude covered, 1000m. Approximate net walking time, 3.00’ to 3.30’ hours, easy / moderate.

Today, we have an early start and continue up to the higher parts of the mountain. At about 2300m we leave behind the last trees and move up in alpine terrain aiming for the Muses’ Plateau at 2650m. After a long and very impressive traverse bellow the high summits of the mountain, the path leads us to this amazing place, the plateau and the mountain refuge where we are going to spend the night and have a well-earned rest and a light lunch. The impressive north rock face of the ”Throne of Zeus” summit dominates the area above us.  In the late afternoon we set off to climb the highest summits in Greece and the whole of the Balkans. First Mitikas at 2918m, the highest summit of Mt. Olympus and then Skolio at 2911m, the second highest. This is a unique trek around the main summits of Olympus, offering great views. After a picnic lunch, you will have the chance to appreciate the impressive scenery and feel Olympus’s unique “atmosphere”. Return to the plateau. Altitude covered, 600m up to the plateau and 218m up to Mytikas and another 218m down from Mytikas back to the plateau. Approximate net walking time, 2.30’ to 3.00’ hours to the plateau, moderate / challenging walk and another 4.00’ hours to Mytikas, Skolio and back to plateau, challenging / scramble.

After breakfast we set off to climb the rocky summit ”Throne of Zeus” (2909m), the third highest. A similarly challenging scramble like the one to Mytikas the previous day, leads us to the summit of the ”Throne of Zeus”. A wonderful view of the plateau itself and Mytikas. We descend via the same route and return to the plateau after an overall of 3.00’ hours of challenging walk / scramble. After a rest and a meal at the refuge, wedescend via a different route than the one we have ascended, the so called the Petrostrouga route, thus completing the circumnavigation of the great, central-east horseshoe of the mountain. Duration of walk 4.30’ to 5.00’ hours, moderate to strenuous.

Τo spend at the beach, sample some local good 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 the nearby Larisa, or a day trip to the impressive landmark of Meteora rocks and its monasteries.

This time we move to the northern slopes of Mt. Olympus, where the very special Orlias canyon (Orlias II section for adults and older children / youths and Orlias III section for families with smaller children) will make sure that you get the best out of the activity, as well as an exciting and unforgettable day! This is canyoning at its best! Both, grown-ups and young ones will feel that they have done something really special! And that is exactly what they will have done! Long jumps, fantastic slides, crystal clear pools, dramatically beautiful scenery and plenty of running water, synthesize the picture of this amazing place! On top of everything else is the unique Olympus atmosphere…you do not see it but you definitely feel it! Duration of the actual canyoning, 3.30’ to 6.00’ hours depending upon which canyon section we do.

Overall activity’s duration, 5.00’ to 7.30’ hours, including the gearing up time, briefing, local transfers, stops, picnic e.c.t.

joy.

Via Cordata / Ferrata. The route unfolds along the “Apollo” ridge which is located at the north cliff side of the Tempi valley, geologically considered to be on Lower Olympus. After we have met (20’ by road from your accommodation) we are transferred to the starting point of the walk-in (10’ by road). 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.

Start at 20m above sea level and finish at 240m. Gained altitude 220m. Length of route, 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. Enjoy some time on top of the ridge before taking the return hiking trail back to the starting point (0.50’ to 1.00’ hours). Duration of the Via Cordata / Ferrata route, 3.00’ to 4.00’ hours.

Overall activity’s duration, 5.00’ to 7.30’ hours, including the gearing up time, briefing, local transfers, stops, picnic e.c.t.

Mt. Biking. We are transferred by road to the mountain village of Kalipefki at 1050m. For the next 12.2 km after Kalipefki, we move on an almost flat ground in a wonderful mountainous terrain. After a picnic lunch along the route, cycle in a wonderful pine tree forest, for the last 9 km of downhill which take us to P. Pori at 540m, overlooking the Aegean Sea, nestled on the eastern slopes of lower Olympus. Continue for a few more kilometers to P. Panteleimon and the end of this south-east lower Olympus bike wandering. Duration of cycling 3.00’ to 3.30’ hours. For more details about the actual activity / route, here. 

Overall activity’s duration, 4.30’ to 5.00’ hours, including the gearing up time, briefing, local transfers, stops, picnic e.c.t.

Monorafting & inflatable kayaking on two – seater vessels. We enjoy to the out-most the exceptionally beautiful natural environment around us, while we have hot tea, cookies and a picnic lunch en route, letting the slow current take us gently down-stream. The valley’s huge rock faces at both sides dominate the scenery above our heads, in the most impressive way! As we come out of the valley, the high rocky faces give way to an open space and tree lined river banks with amazing views of Mt. Kissavos and its summit at close distance! The route ends at the old byzantine bridge, after a wonderful ride. Using the inflatable kayaks or monorafts, you have the advantage to turn a technically simple rafting route into a more personal and quite interesting activity, without the need of any previous experience. As you go along the route you enjoy some grade II passages with medium to high water level. The result? A very nice and more fun giving alternative for any beginner! Duration in the river, 2.00’ to 2.30’ hours. For photos of the actual activity / route, here.

Overall activity’s duration, 4.00’ to 4.30’ hours, including the gearing up time, briefing, local transfers, stops, picnic e.c.t.

Depart with best memories.

Things you should know

Meals & Meal Plan: This trip is organized on a full board basis while on Mt. Olympus in the mountain refuge accommodation. The rest of the trip is on a half board basis only on the activities’ days, as breakfast goes with your accommodation and lunch will be a picnic meal with traditional Greek dishes and tastes prepared with great care by Olympos Trek team, usually during or after the activity, also included in the price. Evening meals while being off Mt. Olympus, 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 Litochoro. 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’s town center.
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 Athens, from 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.

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.