Hiking in the shadow of Mount Olympus
In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus was home to the 12 gods of the ancient world, and the setting for the most popular mythical stories. This six-day trip offers a unique time in the playground of the gods: embark on a mountaineering experience interspersed with periods of recovery, and complete with breathtaking tours and activities.
In this lesser-travelled part of Greece, your senses will be awakened to the sounds of the mountain landscapes. Stretch and strengthen with Pilates exercises, trek in the shadow of Mount Olympus, swim in waterfalls and relax in hot springs, and explore picturesque churches - learning about myths and tales of the region as you go. To the delight of history buffs, you will even visit the world-famous Meteora!
Services
Included:
- Six nights accommodation in four or five-star hand-picked & trusted hotels
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner as per the itinerary
- Private luxury transfers from Thessaloniki Airport in an air-conditioned car
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- 24-hour assistance throughout your stay
- Concierge service
- City guides with tips & suggestions
- Pre-trip Greek cultural preparation, insider information & reading lists
- Mobile itinerary app with daily schedule, restaurant map links & suggested activities
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Admission fees to the monasteries of Meteora
Optional:
- Airport transfers from Athens Airport for an additional cost
Itinerary at a Glance
Thessaloniki Airport - Litochoro
Welcome to Litochoro!
Litochoro
In the shadow of Mount Olympus
Litochoro
The beauty of the Enipeas Gorge
Litochoro - Meteora - Litochoro
An active day out in Meteora
Litochoro
Thessaloniki - Litochoro
Litochoro - Thessaloniki Airport
Farewell, Olympus!
Detailed Itinerary
Thessaloniki Airport - Litochoro
Day 1: Welcome to Litochoro!
Welcome to Thessaloniki! Your driver will meet you at the airport for your transfer (approximately one hour and 30 minutes) to your hotel in Litochoro, in the region of Pieria. You'll have a free evening to relax or explore at your own pace.
Overlooked by the impressive Mount Olympus and five kilometres away from the sea, the town is home to well-preserved examples of Macedonian architecture. Its entrance is preceded by the pine trees of Katounia Park, which you could explore if you're looking to unwind and stretch your legs before bed.
Litochoro
Day 2: In the shadow of Mount Olympus
In the shadow of Olympus, in an isolated part of Enipeas, today you'll get to awaken your senses and feel rejuvenated in nature, as you join a relaxing four-hour hiking and Pilates excursion!
From your hotel, transfer to the Stavros D. Boudolas bus shelter, from where your adventure begins. Led by mountain guides, follow a relatively unknown monks' path towards the old Monastery of Agios Dionysios, passing wonderful views of unique flora, mountain peaks and the Enipeas Gorge as you go. Spend some time in a quiet setting just ahead of the monastery, to unwind with an expert-led Pilates and stretching session, amidst a tranquil forested landscape dotted with waterfalls.
Litochoro
Day 3: The beauty of the Enipeas Gorge
Today, the mythical Enipeas Gorge awaits on a wonderful half-day tour! Experience its sheer beauty just by walking through it, along a winding path filled with diverse flora and fauna. Get to know Olympus and its biodiversity as you tour the National Park's museum, where you'll even be challenged to a "virtual ascent" from the foothills to the mountain's highest peaks. Also visit the Monastery of Agios Dionysios, which was built in 1542, as well as the nearby cave where its founder Saint Dionysios lived.
Before returning to your hotel, spend some time amidst the incredible waterfalls and dense vegetation which characterise Enipeas. More than 1,700 plant species have been counted on Mount Olympus, representing 25% of Greek flora, of which 23 are endemic species - some even dating back to the ice age!
Litochoro - Meteora - Litochoro
Day 4: An active day out in Meteora
Today, you will hike through the impressive Meteora rocks, uncovering many secret places and ruins of old monasteries on an active and invigorating tour. One of the most impressive and curious landscapes in Greece, Meteora is an amazing place all year round. Huge vertical rocks, which seem to have been placed in this setting by a giant's hand, strike admiration in the hearts of many and have been a site of asceticism for 1,000 years.
Meteora itself has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, and with all six monasteries currently open to the public, it's the perfect setting for combining an active day out with religious history and wonder. Discover the paths of the first monks and see this unique geological phenomenon up-close, on a tour of approximately four hours.
Litochoro
Day 5: Thessaloniki - Litochoro
A very exciting programme of activities is on the menu today. You'll first get to follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great at the Archaeological Site of Aigai (known today as Vergina), the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Next, take a walk in the lush valley of Almopia, experiencing its varying altitudes and passing through old villages as you go; you'll be surrounded by waterfalls, unspoiled nature, picturesque churches, and landscapes embedded in local mythology!
Soak up the healing benefits of thermal waters before continuing on to a famous winery, where you'll enjoy a tasting of four glasses of wine alongside snacks. Finally, you'll wind up in a local tavern, where you'll tuck into a delicious meal to mark the end of a very special day - and trip.
Litochoro - Thessaloniki Airport
Day 6: Farewell, Olympus!
Today, it's time to say farewell to Greece. Enjoy your final breakfast before being picked up for a transfer to Thessaloniki Airport, where your flight back home awaits.
Safe travels, and visit again soon! If you haven't yet had your fill and want to extend your trip, you've plenty of options available to you - from the hidden charms of Pelion to the blissful island scenes of Skopelos. Simply speak to your local expert for their advice!
