Olympus was notable in Ancient Greek Mythology as the home of the Twelve Olympians, on the Mytikas peak. Mount Olympus is also noted for its very rich flora with several species. It has been the first National Park of Greece, since 1938, and a World's Biosphere Reserve. Looking down, is a fantastic view to the valley and the endless sandy coastline of the Aegean Sea. Looking up , to Zeus throne, it is a breathtaking view of the top of the mountain, This vacation package is addressed to the real mountain lovers who will enjoy a, daily 7-8 hours trekking on the pathways of the mountain and will not mind being accommodated in the common rooms of the mountain refuges
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation
- Private Guide
What is NOT included in the tour
- Meals
- Travel Insurance
- Explore the Mount Olympus
- Admire superb views of Mt Olympus summits
- Climb to the summit of Skolio
Day 1: Litochoro & Walk to Refuge A - Spilios Agapitos, alt. 2.100 m - Refuge Ch. Kakkalos, alt. 2,700 m
(Estimated Walking Time: approx. 8-9 hours)
Arrive and meet your guide and the rest of the group in Litochoro. Transfer to Prionia, from where we begin our hike, at an altitude of 1.100 metres. The route from Prionia to Spilios Agapitos Refuge is the most frequented hiking path on Mount Olympus and makes up a part of the E4. Prionia is the highest point which can be reached by car. Most of the hike is through a thick forest of pine, beech and fir trees, and the path is in good condition. We make our way up to 2.100m alt. and reach the refuge. From the refuge, we follow a short zig-zagging path that will bring us just under the mountain's main summits, soon we will see an alpine plateau at an altitude of 2700m where a small but friendly refuge will accommodate us( 5-6 hrs walking ). After relaxing and lunch we can climb a small peak – named Profitis Ilias – just above our refuge to admire superb views of Mt Olympus summits.
Day 2: Peak ascents – Gkortsia
(Estimated Walking Time: approx. 8-9 hours)
We have to wake up early in the morning, we have two options according to the groups fitness and weather conditions: We either climb first Skala at 2.882 meters and then cross a narrow ridge climb to the summit of Skolio at 2.911 meters. Or if weather permits and there is no snow, we ascent to the main summit - Mytikas (2.917meters), Greece’s highest peak, following a narrow gorge ( it involves about 150 m of scrambling ) ! ( 4-5 hrs walking on narrow paths – some scrambling involved – altitude gain of 800m ). After reaching the summit we descent by the same way to the main path and cross the spectacular precipice under the summit of Stefani - the throne of Zeus- we emerge to the plato of the Mouses –In almost 2 hours we will meet a new refuge, the refuge of Hellenic rescue team(Petrostrougka refuge 1.940m)where we can eat our lunch or relax from there the end of our tour is near, after small break we have to continue until our destination, Gkortsia is the last point(2 – 3 hrs walking).
