The Greek Gods made their home on Olympus. Not only the highest mountain in the country, Greece oldest and most carefully protected national park, also boasts the greatest concentration of flora and fauna, huge expanses of forest and the crystal clear waters of the Enippeas river. Above it all, soars the 2911m peak of Skolio (2nd highest peak) from where we, like Zeus, can survey the world. 
The dramatic rocky pinnacles of Meteora with their thriving cliff top monasteries are a sight to behold. One marvels at the audacity of the monks who first dared to perch simple shelters on the tiny summits. Nowadays the monasteries are much grander, but we take the privilege of reaching them via windy rocky paths among the rocky mountain.

Day 1: Arrival in Litochoro, on your own and settle in the hotel. Free evening. (Overnight in Litochoro)

Day 2: Meet your guide and transfer to Prionia, from where we begin our hike from an altitude of 1.100 meters. 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. (Overnight in Refuge A)

Day 3: Peak ascents - Refuge C, "Ch. Kakkalos" at 2,700m. (4-6 hrs walk)
From the refuge, a zig zaging path will bring us just under the mountains' main summits. From there we have two options according to group’s 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 ascend to the main summit - Mytikas (2.917meters), Greece’s highest peak, following a narrow gorge (it involves about 150 m of scrambling)! (4-5 hours walking on narrow paths – some scrambling involved – altitude gain of 800m ). After reaching the summit we descend 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 plateau of the Muses – an alpine plateau at an altitude of 2700m where a small but friendly refuge will accommodate us. (2-3 hours total walk) (Overnight in Refuge C, "Kakkalos")

 Day 4: Plateau of the Muses - Refuge A, "Spilios Agapitos", at 2.100m (3-4hrs walk) 
We leave the refuge C, "Ch Kakkalos" after breakfast and hike back to Refuge A, at 2.100m where we will relax and enjoy the rest of the day (Overnight in Refuge A)

Day 5:Walk through Enipeas gorge to Litochoro (6-7 hrs)
After the initial descent, we enter the Enipeas gorge, passing a cave-chapel and the monastery of St. Dionysus, as well as taking advantage of several swimming opportunities en route in river pools. After about seven hours walking, the gorge opens up on the outskirts of Litohoro. (Overnight in Litochoro)

Day 6: Travel to Kalambaka and a first short walk (2,5hrs drive, 151km)
Transfer from Litohoro to Kalambaka in the nearby village of Kastraki. Short walk in Katraki. (Overnight in Kastraki)

Day 7: Walk and monastery visit
Walk around western Meteora, following the same old paths the monks used to use, which wind their way amongst the tall rock-towers. These paths go up to the rocks and take us to the cliff top monasteries, the high places of the Greek-orthodox spirituality. We will have enough time to visit two of the most important ones: the Megalo Meteoro, and the Varlaam. (Overnight in Kastraki)

Day 8: Departure from Kastraki on your own. 
End of services

Highlights include:the Mountain of Gods - Mountain Olympus - the highest summit of Greece with its spectaculars plateaus, ridges and the beautiful Enipeas gorge and the monasteries of Meteorahaving built on top of huge rocks with a spiritual way.

Price/Person: €780 (Single Supplement: €70)

Price Includes: All accommodations (8 days/7 nights) in double rooms in B/B basis in 3 star hotels and/or guesthouses and in berths while on refuges on Mt. Olympus, services of the tour leader - guide during the ascent of Mt. Olympus and day hike in Meteora, transfer from Litochoro to Kalambaka, trekking activities as mentioned in the program, personal accident insurance, VAT.

Not Included: Transport to Litochoro and from Kalambaka, personal expenses, meals (lunches & dinners), breakfasts at the refuges, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, entrance fees in Monasteries, Museums, and other sites of interest (i.e. archaeological sites, caves, etc), anything that is not mentioned above.

Insurance: Everyone participating in any of Cretan Adventures events/activities is covered by personal insurance through AIG Europe Limited. In case a participant is already covered by her/his insurance under better conditions for the chosen activities and is unwilling to be covered by AIG Europe Limited, s/he must notify in paper the above to Cretan Adventures one day before the event (excluding weekends or holidays), the latest.

Cretan Adventures is not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour.

Period: Summer 2014

Available Dates:

June 07 - 14 
June 28 - July 05 
July 19 - 26 
August 23 - 30 
September 13 - 20 

And any other date upon request, from June to September 2014 for a group of minimum 4 participants.

Transport: We travel by our own air-conditioned motor coach.

Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast. 3 star hotels in the main cities, traditional guests houses in villages (with private facilities) and mountain refuges on mountain Olympus. The trip prices are based on double occupancy.

Food: Every morning we have breakfast in the hotels. On mountain Olympus will follow the menu of the refuges. (Vegetarians are welcomed on the trips)

Group Size: 4 - 16 participants.

Activity Level: Grade B/C. The hikes offer a moderate to demanding trek with a maximum of 6 hours walk. Participants need to be in good physical condition with a little of experience, as we walk on rocky footpaths on the big mountains and remote terrains.

Equipment: Daypack (approx. 25-35lt), trekking shoes, mountain clothing (waterproof wind jacket, polar fleece sweater, etc.) water bottle, hat, sun cream, sun glasses, swimming suit, casual clothing.

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.