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Crossing Mount Olympos

8 days, Guided Groups, Fixed Departures

Mount Olympos' 3000 metre high summits are the legendary home of the ancient Greek gods. Today its natural treasures are protected by the Mt Olympos National Park and biosphere reserve. Trekking the mountains, experiencing the spectacular peaks and ancient civilisations on the high mountain plateau is a journey through time and nature. Crystal clear natural pools, dramatic gorges and ancient pine forests combine with breathtaking views of the distant Aegean Sea and picturesque valleys below. You will stay in traditional guesthouses and simple mountain refuges finishing on the coast at beautiful Platamonas beach. This will appeal to hikers with a sense of adventure, who are willing to carry a light backpack on some days and have a desire to experience the real ancient Greece.
Day 1. Outbound
Fly from the UK to Thessaloniki in Northern Greece. Transfer to charming Litochoro at the foot of Mount Olympos. Enjoy the first of many traditional taverna dinners.
Days 2 and 3. Vithos and Enipeas Gorges
Ascend the peak of Golna for beautiful views into the famous Vithos Gorge and out towards the Aegean Sea. You will then be transferred through the Enipeas Gorge with its sheer cliff walls and sparkling waterfalls (where the brave can take a dip!) to the monastery of Agios Dionysios. Walking through shady beech and pine forests you gradually climb up to the mountain refuge, situated on a natural balcony in the shadow of the mountain.
Day 4. Summit Day!
A spectacular sunrise (hopefully) in the high mountains above the Aegean Sea sets you up for a day trekking amidst the various peaks of Olympos. You will ascend past Skala peak to Mytikas (2918 metres), the highest in the Olympos range and all the Balkans. Truly in the lap of the gods!
Day 5. Kato Olympos
After a good night's rest you descend in the shadow of the high Olympos peaks to the lower mountains of Kato Olympos to the south. Leaving the alpine region you will follow a scenic route through dense pine forest to the tiny, traditional mountain village of Katya.
Days 6 and 7. Kallipefki and Rapsani
Easier hiking now along ancient country paths of the foothills of Mount Analipsi. Cross the beautiful plateau of Kallipefki, passing farms, pastures, springs and an ancient ruined village. The views of the Ossa mountain range to the south and the Aegean Sea to the east are breathtaking. Relax in the traditional wine-making village of Rapsani, sitting in the village square under old Platana trees where you can taste the local produce and drink to Dionysus the God of wine! Return to Litochoro and continue celebrating the ???Crossing of Mount Olympos???.
Day 8. Homeward
Return to the airport and fly home.
Mount Olympos

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  • Tour grade: B/C.
  • Cost per person: From £895.
  • Single supplement: £80.
  • CO2 offset cost: £3.40.
  • What is included: Flights, accommodation, transfers, B&B, luggage transfers, guide.
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse, hotels, and mountain refuge.
  • Departure dates:
    Saturday, 31 May 2008.
    Saturday, 28 June 2008.

    Saturday, 6 September 2008.
    Saturday, 27 September 2008.
    Saturday, 18 October 2008.