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Crossing Mt Olymp
Greece
This ancient image of the holy mountain and its uncounted natural treasures are today protected by the Mt. Olympus National Park (since 1938) and the flanks of the mountain known as Kato Olympus or Lower Olympus has been declared a biosphere reserve. Trekking the mountains, experiencing the spectacular peaks and ancient civilizations on the high mountain plateaus, spending time to sense their power and beauty is a journey through time and natural wonders.
Mount Olympus’ 3000 meter high summits are allegedly saturated by the nectar of the ancient Greek gods. It’s also known as the seat of Zeus, who gathered the clouds and threw down thunder and lightning from the holy mountain. This ancient image of the holy mountain, with its uncounted natural treasures is currently protected by the Mt. Olympus National Park (since 1938) and the flanks of the mountain known as Kato Olympus, or Lower Olympus, has been declared a biosphere reserve. Trekking the mountains, experiencing the spectacular peaks and ancient civilizations on the high mountain plateaus, spending time to sense their power and beauty is a journey through time and nature. En route you will stay in comfortable guesthouses in small mountain villages and well-organized mountain lodges.
Litohoro - City of the Gods Litohoro has a very long history, one that has been continuous, unbroken by the passage of time. Its sources lie in myth and tradition. It is said that Litohoro was founded by the inhabitants of ancient Pibleia, a small city to the south, which was the center of worship of the Pibleiades Muses and fell under the jurisdiction of the famous city of Dion.
Mount Olympus Mighty Mount Olympus was the heavenly home of the gods in ancient times and still inspires thousands of visitors who flock here from all over the world to tackle the tough trek to the highest peak in Greece. The entire area was declared Greece's first national park in 1937 and consists of eight peaks including the "Throne of Zeus" at 2909 metres and Mytikas which has the highest summit at 2919 metres. You don't need any special climbing experience to take on Olympus but you do need to be fit, properly equipped and have a good head for heights! Once you take to the mountain trails you'll quickly realise why the ancients believed this was the sacred home of Zeus, the king of the gods. This magnificent mountain range is home to around 1700 plant species, many of which are unique to Olympus. The mountainsides are cloaked in dense forests of pine, beech, oak and cedar trees which harbour various wildlife including wolves, bears and lynx. The slopes are buried beneath two metres of snow in winter and only accessible to the most experienced climbers - even in July the snow lurks in shadowed corners and crevices.
Crossing Mt. Olympus is best done during the summer and autumn month (June – mid October) and suitable for experienced hikers with a sense of adventure. Monastery of Agios Dionysios It was founded in the fourteenth century by Saint Dionysios of Korseos, a village near Kastoria. In 1535 the monastery had been destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt and from then onwards its architecture and buildings remain unaltered. The monastery’s treasury is very rich in relics from various eras and also houses many chrysobulls, siggilia, etc. The bones of St Niphon, Patriarch of Constantinople, are displayed in a special crypt in the katholikon.
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Meeting:
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Litochoro
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Airport:
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Thessaloniki
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Transfer:
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Thessaloniki
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
16 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates include:
7 nights lodging - 1 x night in double rooms with breakfast in hotel, 3 x nights in double rooms with breakfast in guesthouses, 1 x night in shared rooms with breakfast in guesthouse, 2 x nights in shared rooms with breakfast in mountain refuge, 6 x English-guided trekking tours of medium difficulty (3 - 8 hours), Local transfers, 3 x luggage transfers (Litohoro - Karia, Karia, Kallipefki, Kallipefki, Platamonas), Personal Accident Insurance, VAT 19% tax.
| A | 2009 | 8 day trip | 8d / 7n | €825 | $1240 |
| Single supplement for several days | €95 | $145 |
Rates Note:
For 2009 we also offer two 15-day treks -- $3330 pp July 6 to 10 and Aug 10 to 24
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Group transfer from Tessaloniki at set times (min. 4 people)return, per person
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€
70
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$105
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2009
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Private taxi transfer from Tessaloniki at different times, each way, per taxi
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€
130
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$195
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Airport transfers can be arranged by Taxi or Minibus
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Other dates between May and October are available on request for groups of 4+
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Rates do not include:
Additional meals, coffees and drinks, Airport Transfer
Day 1: Arrival - transfer to Litochoro The group will be met and welcomed at the airport by their trekking guide. After a first introduction we will transfer to Litochoro, a picturesque village at the foot of Mt. Olympus and the starting point of our trekking tour. There we will check-in at our guesthouse and have time for a rest from the journey. (Overnight in Litochoro) Day 2: Litohoro – Mount Golna - Litohoro The peak of Golna is just before the impressive main peaks of Mount Olympus. You’ll start your walk at the market square of Litohoro, the starting point of most Olympus treks. You’ll go through the quaint village roads to a path which leads directly to the Peak of Golna. Reaching the peak you’ll enjoy the beautiful view into the famous Vithos Gorge, overlooking the Aegean Sea. This hike is unique for its combination of the high mountain range with spectacular sea views. Your way back to Litohoro takes you through shady forests. (Overnight in Litochoro) Trekking Time: 5 hrs Total Time: 7 hrs Altitude: 300m – 1.032m – 300m Day 3: Agios Dionysios – Prionia - Refuge A Today you’ll leave Litohoro and be transferred to Agios Dionysios, along the famous Gorge of Enipeas. Your hike will begin at the old mountain monastery of Agios Dionysios. After a short break, you’ll hike past a waterfall and an old bridge to Prionia. Here you can see one of the sources of the river Enipeas. (Overnight in the Mountain Refuge A) Trekking Time: 5 hrs Total Time: 7 hrs Altitude: 900m – 1.100m – 2.100m Day 4: Refuge A – Olympus Peaks Skala, Skolio / Mytikas – Refuge A As a reward for yesterday’s hard ascent to the ‘seat of the gods’, you can enjoy the beautiful mountain sunrise above the Aegean Sea and spend the day trekking the peaks of Olympus. After breakfast at the refuge, you’ll hike up to the peak of Skala (2866 m), where you can rest, eat your picnic lunch and take in the breathtaking views. Depending on the weather, you can continue to Mytikas, the highest peak of the Olympus range and the Balkans or visit the peak of Skolio (2911 m). (Overnight in Mountain Refuge A) Trekking Time: 6 hrs Total Time: 8 hrs Altitude: 2.100m – 2.911m – 2.866m – 2.911m - 2.100m Day 5: Refuge A – Agios Antonios – Kakavrakas – Ennea Pyrgoi - Karia Today you’ll leave the main mountain range and descend to the lower mountains of the Kato Olympus to the south. After breakfast at the refuge you’ll hike in the shadow of the Olympus peaks to the tiny mountain hut of Agios Antonios, for your first break. The trail leaves the alpine mountain region and follows a scenic path along the foot of Mt. Kakavrakos and Mt. Ennea Pyrgoi and eventually takes you to the forested slopes of Kato Olympus. The change in flora is sudden and exhilarating. Through dense pine forest you’ll reach Karia, a small traditional mountain village, where you‘ll spend the night in a guesthouse. Trekking Time: 7 hrs Total Time: 8 hrs Altitude: 2.100m – 2.817m – 2.500m – 2.400m – 1.100m Day 6: Karia – Karia Valley – Agia Paraskevi – Kallipefki This day at Kato Olympus is an easy day of hiking, giving you the chance to rest in the afternoon from your previous day’s efforts. After leaving Karia and your guesthouse in the morning, you’ll cross the valley to the foot of Mt. Analipsi and the springs of Agia Paraskevi. The path leads over the mountain ridge into the beautiful plateau of Kallipefki, where you have a short walk on paved road to the traditional mountain village and tonight’s guesthouse. Trekking Time: 3 hrs Total Time: 5 hrs Altitude: 1.100m – 1.000m – 1.200m – 1.100m Day 7: Kallipefki – Voskotopoi – Profitis Ilias – Rapsani At the outset of today’s tour you’ll pass farms and pastures and cross the high plateau of Kallipefki, with its expansive views. After, you’ll enter a picturesque valley and ascend to the ruins of Voskotopoi, an ancient wayside village. There, on an old footpath lined with shrubby Oaks, you have breathtaking views of the Ossa mountain range to the south and the Aegean Sea to the east, while trekking along the flanks of Mt. Ionas Spermoti and the foot of Mt. Profitis Ilias. In the afternoon, you’ll reach the mountain and the wine village of Rapsani. Following the narrow streets to the village square, you can rest under the old plane trees and taste some of the local wine. You’ll be picked up in Rapsani and transferred to a beach hotel at the Olympic Riviera. Trekking Time: 5 hrs Total Time: 7 hrs Altitude: 1.100m – 1.250m – 550m Day 8: Group Departure - Transfer to the Airport Transfer to the airport
About the Trekking Routes: The paths from the refuge up to the peaks and between the peaks can be dangerous due to bad weather conditions or inappropriate equipment, physical or mental condition of one or more trekking participants. The program described is a planned route and is subject to change according to the judgment of the trekking guide at any point in time during the tour. We will ask the participants to sign a disclaimer form, stating that participation in the tour is entirely at their own risk before starting the tour and that neither the tour operator nor the trekking guide will be held responsible in case of accident or other damages. Participants are asked to ensure proper travel and accident insurance as part of the trip planning. We will ask for insurance details before tour start.
Activity Level: Crossing Mt. Olympus is a demanding trek with a maximum of 7-8 hrs walk on rocky terrain. For the highest summit Mytikas an easy scrambling is required. Participants should be in good physical condition with a little of experience.
Note on Itineraries: Please bear in mind that the itinerary can be altered for numerous reasons beyond our control (e.g. harsh weather, trail conditions) to ensure the safety and the well being of the group. The final hiking selection is left up to the trip leader.
Meeting:
Litochoro
Airport:
Thessaloniki
Transfer:
Thessaloniki
Airport transfers can be arranged by Taxi or Minibus
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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A demanding trek with a maximum of 7-8 hrs walk on rocky terrain. For the highest summit Mytikas an easy scrambling is required. Participants should be in good physical condition with a little of experience.
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Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5)
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
16 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Passport required by all except: (a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passports must be valid for the following durations: (a) British and EU (excluding Bulgar. more
Participants will have to carry their own personal luggage during the tour. This means they should try to minimize weight and volume wherever possible. Besides personal clothes and toiletry they should make sure to carry the following items:
- multi-day pack
- water bottle (min. 1lt.)
- multi-day pack
- hat and sun blocker against sun stroke and sun burn
- sheet or sleeping bag in-liner (pillow, pillow cases, blankets provided)
- good, walked in trekking boots
- comfortable trekking clothes suitable for high altitude conditions
- first aid kit and personal medication
- walking batons if desired
- warm clothes
- wind and rain protection
- spare set of clothes in case of getting wet
- energy bars to supplement food provided if needed
We are providing 2 main luggage transfers during the trip where participant’s main luggage will await them upon arrival in the evening at the guesthouse. This ensures that trekking luggage can be kept at a minimum. The transfers for the main luggage are provided to the guesthouse of Karya and on the evening of the last trekking day.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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kelsey fitzgerald
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10/3/2009
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norman bolen
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7/23/2007
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anna louie
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10/13/2005
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..view other reports for different trips
Our Guesthouses and Mountain Lodges en route: • Single rooms can be booked only on day 1, 2, 6 & 7
Guesthouse in Litochoro: Comfortable and professionally managed guesthouse situated quietly in the village at the very foot of Mt. Olympus. Double Rooms with en-suited bathrooms. The picturesque village with its tiny streets and village square is very inviting. Refuge A: Well-organized and comfortable refuge situated at 2100mtr. on Mt. Olympus. We sleep in non-gender specific dormitories and bunk beds. There are cold water showers and sinks and a comfortable common room with an open fireplace. The food is simple and hearty. The only thing to bring to accommodate the overnight stay besides personal items is a sleeping bag in-liner or sheet. Blankets, pillows etc. are available at the refuge. There is no electricity in the refuge. Askouris in Kallipefki: New guesthouse, situated very picturesquely on the beautiful mountain plateau of Kallipefki. Double rooms are equipped with en-suite bathrooms and there is a comfortable guestroom with a fireplace. Guesthouse Karya: Simple but comfortable guesthouse with double rooms, shared bathroom and a traditional guest lounge.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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A demanding trek with a maximum of 7-8 hrs walk on rocky terrain. For the highest summit Mytikas an easy scrambling is required. Participants should be in good physical condition with a little of experience.
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Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5)
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
16 riders
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Passports
Passport required by all except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passports must be valid for the following durations:
(a) British and EU (excluding Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia) passports must be valid for length of intended stay.
(b) Australian, Canadian, USA and excluded EU passports must be valid for at least three months beyond length of stay.
Note: EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Greece is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Romania and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
(a) 2. EU nationals staying more than 90 days or for employment (including establishing a business, trade, profession or commercial activity) have to apply in person to the consulate general of Greece for a national visa; (b) Greece refuses admission and transit to holders of travel documents issued by the area of Cyprus not controlled by the Government of Cyprus, and holders of UN laissez-passers; (c) Some nationals may have to register with the Aliens Department of the nearest police station within 48 hours of arrival. Contact the nearest embassy/consulate to determine whether this is necessary prior to travel.
Types of Visa and Cost
National visa: £30.
Working Days Required
Three to 14, dependent upon nationality.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No/2 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Crossing Mt Olymp
Tour Code: ZZ-GRC-Hike05
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,240.00
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
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Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Horses:
Pace:
A demanding trek with a maximum of 7-8...
Airport:
Thessaloniki
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