iExplore Greece: Hiking the Sacred Summits (Trip #65703)

Tour Overview

Welcome to Greece! Explore the two most famous and impressive mountain landscapes of Greece in a single trek!

The Greek Gods made their home on Olympus. Not only the highest mountain in the country, Greece’s oldest and most carefully preserved 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 2911-meter 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 “chaos”.

Level Requirements: In Mt. Olympus we walk 5-6 hours per day and 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 a final decision if we climb the final peak. In Meteora we walk 4-5 hours per day on paths on rocky terrain.

Day by Day Itinerary

Available dates: July 15-22; September 16-23 and September 26- October 2, 2009

Day 1: Arrive Athens
Today when you arrive in Athens, transfer on your own (metro or taxi) to your hotel in the city center.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure to get acquainted with your surroundings or independent explorations.

Day 2: Athens- Litochoro- Prionia- Refuge A
Estimated walking time: 3.5 hours
After breakfast depart for your drive to Litochoro (387kms, approximately 6 hours drive). Lunch in a taverna on the way. Early in the afternoon we transfer to Litochoro and then Prionia from where we begin our walk, at an altitude of 1,000 meters. We walk through shady beech and fir forests, where you should see a variety of woodland birds and flowers. We continue our way up to 2,100 meters and reach the refuge.

Mode of transportation: Private A/C motor coach, walking.

Day 3: Peak Ascents
Estimated walking time: 4-6 hours
We take a path going up the cliffs and we first reach Skala at 2,882 meters and then Skolio at 2,911 meters. From here we make an optional side trip to Mytikas (2,917 meters), Greece’s highest peak! This involves some scrambling on a well-defined route. We then go back to the refuge.

Mode of transportation: walking

Day 4: Plateau of the Muses- Refuge B
Estimated walking time: 3-4 hours

We leave the refuge after breakfast towards the Plateau of the Muses, and on to the second refuge at 2,700 meters. The dramatic peak of Stefani and the Throne of Zeus dominates the plateau.

Mode of Transportation: walking

Day 5: Enippeas Gorge- Litochoro
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours

After an initial sheepish descent, we enter the Enippeas 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.

Mode of Transportation: walking
Overnight in Litochoro.

Day 6: Litochoro- Kalambaka- Kastraki
Litochoro- Kastraki: 151kms, approximately 2.5 hours drive
Transfer from Litohoro to Kalambaka in the nearby village of Kastraki.

Mode of transportation: Private A/C Motor coach
Overnight in Kastraki.

Day 7: Kastraki
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 Greek Orthodox spirituality.

We will have enough time to visit two of the most important ones: the Megalo Meteoro and the Varlaam.

Whoever was the first hermit to scale a pinnacle, you can only marvel at how long it took to get stone by stone, brick by brick, board by board up to those heights with a basket and a rope ladder. The largest of the monasteries, the Megalo Meteoro, also known as Metamorphosis- took three centuries to complete after it was founded around 1356. A few monks of the order of St. Basil, with a valuable collection of manuscripts dating from the 9th century and ancient icons displayed in the old refectory, look after the monastery. Varlaam, with 16th century frescoes by Franco Catellano (partly restored in 1870) and an old windlass, now used only for lifting supplies but formerly used for elevating monks as well.

Mode of transportation: Private A/C motor coach.
Overnight in Kastraki.

Day 8: Return to Athens
Kastraki- Athens: 350kms, approximately 5.5 hours drive

After breakfast we drive back to Athens.
End of program.

Mode of transportation: Private A/C motor coach.

We suggest you allow an extra day or two in Athens before or after the trip in order to explore the host city of the 2004 Olympic Games. Please ask us to help you with reservations and suggest things to do.

Change to itinerary: Please note that this itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the tour leader, according to local and weather conditions. Please also note that Mt. Olympus is a challenging walk and the safety of our clients always comes first. Therefore, our guides retain the decision if you actually climb the final peak; this will depend on abilities and weather conditions.

Departure Dates

July 15-22, September 16-23 and September 26-October 2, 2009
Group size: minimum 4 persons, maximum 16

Prices

2009
$2,625 per person, double occupancy, based on two persons traveling together.
$1,695 per person, double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together.

Inclusions:
· 8 days/7 nights.
· Accommodations in double rooms on a bed & breakfast basis in 3 star hotels and/or guesthouses and in berths while on refuges on Mt. Olympus.
· English-speaking guide during the ascent of Mt. Olympus and day hike in Meteora.
· Transfer from/to Athens on the second and last days.
· Trekking activities as mentioned in the program.

Exclusions:
· International or domestic air & taxes
· All items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, room service, personal insurance, alcoholic beverages, etc)
· Air travel
· All meals except breakfast
· Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above
· Travel Insurance
· Visas (if required)
· Gratuities
· Entrance fees to the two monasteries (6 Euros each, per person)

Trip Information

Leadership and group size: Your tour leader will be with you throughout the Mt. Olympus ascent to guide you along the route, help organize and interpret in the villages and assist the group in any other way possible. The leaders are fluent in English and Greek as well as often-another language, and have walked in the area before. They will try and give you a real insight into the local way of life and, for those interested, will happily give some basic Greek lessons while walking or over evening drinks. Although not specialists, they are interested in the areas flora and fauna and usually carry field guides. They always have maps and a compass. We expect to run this trip with a group of 4-16 participants.

Transport: you will travel from Athens to the mainland by private A/C mini bus or bus (depending on the size of the group). The trip starts and ends in Athens. Your baggage will travel by bus.

Climate and clothing: Weather on Olympus can change rapidly and we need to be prepared for a variety of conditions. It is typically hot and sunny; t-shirt & short weather. However, there is a fair chance of clouds, wind and even storms around the peaks. A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential. The evenings are often cold- bring light thermals for insulation or other warm clothing.

Equipment: Please try to travel as light as possible; remember that you must carry everything you bring on all the three days walks. Luggage not needed on the trek can be left at your hotel in Athens or our partners’ office in Athens.

· Large, comfortable rucksack (65-85 liters) with padded straps and waist belt, internal frame preferred; waterproof liner recommended to keep clothing, etc. dry inside.
· Sturdy, broken 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 sunburn).
· Sheet sleeping bag or similar, 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 plenty of film!
· Flashlight.
· Walking sticks.

Required details: On all of our programs we like to know all important health issues concerning our clients. When making reservations kindly inform us of your age, approximate level of fitness and health issues as well as any dietary requirements.