The two most famous, 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, but also the oldest and most carefully protected national park in Greece. It also boasts of the greatest concentration of flora and fauna, huge expanses of forest and the crystal clear waters of the Enippeas River. Above it all, the 2,911m peak of Skolio, 2nd highest peak, soars from where you can, like Zeus, 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 taking the privilege of reaching them via windy rocky paths among the rocky chaos.
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
Meet at the airport with your guide. There is one major transfer from the newly built Athens Airport Eleftherios Venizelos to the hotel, which is conveniently located in the heart of Athens. Settle into the hotel. In the evening meet with your guide for a short walking tour of Athens and enjoy dinner in a traditional Greek taverna in the old part of Athens, in Plaka.
Day 2: From Athens travel to Litochoro & walk to refuge A
Athens - Litochoro 387km, approximately 6 hours drive. After breakfast, departure for the drive to Litochoro, with lunch in a taverna on the way. Early in the afternoon transfer to Litochoro and from there to Prionia from where the walk begins at an altitude of 1,000 metres. Walking through shady beech and fir forests, where a variety of woodland birds and flowers can be seen. Continuing up to 2,100m altitude to reach the refuge. Estimated Walking Time: 3.5 hours.
Day 3: Peak ascents
Taking a path going up the cliffs to reach the first Skala at 2,882 metres and then to Skolio at 2,911metres. From here there is the optional side-trip to Mytikas, 2,917metres, Greece’s highest peak. N.B. This involves some scrambling on a well-defined route. Then returning to the refuge. Estimated Walking Time 4/6 hours.
Day 4: Plateau of the Muses – Refuge B
Leaving the refuge after breakfast towards the Plateau of the Muses and on to the second refuge at 2,700m. The dramatic peak of Stefani, the throne of Zeus, dominates the plateau. Estimated Walking Time 3/4 hours.
Day 5: Walk through Enippeas Gorge to Litochoro
After an initial sheepish descent, entrance to 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. Estimated Walking Time 6/7 hours.
Day 6: Travel to Meteora
Transfer from Litohoro to Kalambaka, the nearby village of Kastraki. Litochoro - Kastraki 151 km, approximately 2.5 hours drive.
Day 7: Walk and monastery visit
Walk around western Meteora, following the same old paths the monks used to use, winding their way amongst the tall rock-towers. These paths go up to the rocks and to the cliff top monasteries, the sacred places of the Greek Orthodox spirituality. Time to visit two of the most important ones: the Megalo Meteoro and the Varlaam.
Day 8: Return to Athens:
After breakfast, drive back to Athens. Kastraki - Athens 350km, approximately 5.5 hours drive.
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