Period of operation & Price increase likely
16-18 June/23-25 June/01-03 July/05-07 July/02-04
August/17-19 August/20-22 August/09-11
September/13-15 September/12-14 October
Price: 245€/per person
Duration: 3 Days
Minimum attendance: 1
Level requirements: In this trip we walk 5-6 hours per day, we mostly follow good forest paths; above the tree – line, the terrain varies from grassy uplands to rocky ridges, with some scrambling required for the peak ascents. A good level of fitness and experience is required to climb the peak and the guide reserves the right to make the final decision if we climb the final peak.
Mt.Olympus is the most famous mountain in Greece, mythical home of the ancient Greek Gods. From its steep rocky summit, first climbed only 100 years ago, Zeus supposedly hurled his thunderbolts against humankind. Its eastern flanks were the country's first national park (created in the 1930's), with dozens of endemic species of flowers, as well as some endangered bird and butterfly species; there are no roads within it apart from the trailhead access road.
There is also no habitation apart from the two-staffed refuges, which bring together groups of mountaineers from across the globe in their cozy and homely atmosphere.
The mountain's watershed divides the regions of Thessaly (south) and Macedonia (north); to the east is the Aegean Sea, which brings in the afternoon/evening mist so characteristic of this mountain.
Notes:
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the tour leader, according to local and weather conditions.
As Mt. Olympus is a challenging walk and the safety of our clients always comes first, our guides retain the decision if clients are to actually climb the peak of Mytikas. This will depend on both the clients’ abilities and weather conditions. In case of snow, the ascent to Mytikas is not possible.
Day 1: Litochoro & Walk to Refuge A - Spilios Agapitos, alt. 2.100 m
(Estimated Walking Time: approx. 3 hours)
Arrive and meet your guide and 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.
Day 2: Peak ascents - Refuge Ch. Kakkalos, alt. 2,700 m
(Estimated Walking Time 6- 7 hours)
From the refuge, a zig zaging path will bring us just under the mountains main summits. From there we have two options according to participants fitness and weather conditions: We either climb first Skala at 2.882 meters and then crossing a narrow ridge climb to the summit of Skolio at 2.911meters. 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 crossing the spectacular precipice under the summit of Stefani - the throne of Zeus- we emerge to the alpine plateau of Mouses at an altitude of 2700m where a small but friendly refuge will accommodate us ( 2-3 hrs walking ).
Day 3: Plateau of Muses - Petrostrougka Refuge alt 1,940m - Gkortsia
(Estimated Walking Time 5- 6 hours)
This is an easy day (if we did the highest peak yesterday). Before we start our descent, we will climb a small peak – named Profitis Ilias – just above our refuge to admire superb views of Mt Olympus summits, we follow another path this time for our descent. In almost 2 hours we will arrive in the refuge of the Hellenic rescue team (Petrostrougka at 1.940m) where we can have our lunch and relax before our final descent to our destination, Gkortsia (2 – 3 hrs walking).
Accommodation in berths on refuges on Mt. Olympus
Trekking Hellas English speaking guide during the ascent of Mt.Olympus
Transfer Litochoro – Prionia- Litochoro
Vat
Not Included:
Personal expenses
Drinks and beverages
Meals
Optional gratuities to leader, guides and local staff
Transport from Athens or other towns to / from Litochoro
Tips
Please try to travel as light as possible; remember that you must carry everything you bring on all the days' walk.
Large, comfortable rucksack (65-85 litres) with padded straps and waist belt, internal frame preferred; waterproof liner recommended keeping clothing, etc. dry inside.
Sturdy, worn in trekking shoes
Good waterproof top with hood
Warm clothes, both for windy / cold daytime conditions and for the cool evenings (fleece tops or similar)
Shorts and long trousers for walking, preferably quick-drying material (cotton or polycotton not denim)
Sweatshirts or T-shirts for walking, at least one with long sleeves and collar (against sun-burn)
Sheet sleeping bag or similar (e.g. duvet cover), for the overnights in the refuge, although blankets will be available.
Sunglasses, towel, sun hat or cap, sun block
Penknife
Water bottle
Wash bag and simple first aid kit (plasters or blister kit, aspirin or similar, antiseptic)
Photographers: bring your cameras
Torch (head torch if you have one)
Walking sticks
FB supplement: 70€
Includes: 2 breakfast, 3 lunch packs, 2 dinners
HB supplement: 40€
Includes: 2 breakfast, 2 dinners
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