3-day hike to the top of Olympus, Mytikas (Private)

Join us on a tour where secrets, stories, and myths will unfold as we climbing. Each point has its own story, we will pass by Petrostrouga, the place where the glacial formations on the rocks took their name from the shepherds, will visit the cave of Vassilis Ithakisiou, where a great contemporary painter lived and painted all of his painting up to the mountain.We will find ourselves enjoying the view of the throne of Zeus from Skourta summit, will stay on the famous Muses Plateau, and we will find the face of Zeus carved on the rocks, in the afternoon we will enjoy the wonderful sunset near to Stefani and the next day early in the morning we will staring at the unique sunrise from the Prophet Elias chappel!

DAY 1

Gkortsia - Petrostrouga refuge

Our journey will begin with a visit to the exhibition center of the Olympus National Park, where we will have an introductory tour of what we are going to see these 3 days. At the end of this informative tour we will head to Gkortsia, our starting point of today hiking. The train is passing through a dense beech forest that alternates with pines and fir trees. On our way to the refuge, just before reach our destination, we will make a short detour to the point where one of the greatest contemporary Greek painters, Vassilis Ithakisios, lived for 20 summers. Here he painted his paintings, influenced by mythology, muses and the untouched nature. Until now you can find find some names of the muses who had painted them on the rock with a special mosaic writing. We need 30 minutes more to find Petrostrouga refuge which emerge through the centuries-old Bosnian pine trees. The refuge serves fresh delicious food and a cosy living room Hiking hours: 4 – 5 hours Hiking distance: 6 km Starting point: 1100 meters Highest point: 1945 meters Gain altitude: 900 meters Accomodation: in bunk beds in a refuge.

DAY 2

Petrostrouga refuge - Muses Plateau

The next day after a wonderfull sunrise and our breakfast, the day will find us on the trail to the Muses plateau, we will pass through the huts of the Shepherds and we will head to the top of Skourta. As we ascending where the tree zone ends and alpine zone starts an enhanting panoramic view to the Thermaikos gulf, Thessaloniki and the great Olympus Riviera, will magnetize our gaze. But what will fascinate you will be the spectacle of the ridge that leads to the plateau of the Muses and the throne of Zeus. The most difficult part of our ascent ends and from here we will have the opportunity to almost all of the 55 peaks over 2000 meters that Olympus has. Arriving at the plateau we will settle at the refuge Giosos Apostolidis, food, some rest and the adventurous we leave for the top with our guide. The end of the day will find us in Portes ridge to enjoy the unique sunset from 2750 meters. Hiking hours: 3 – 4 hours Hiking distance: 6 km Starting point: 1945 meters Highest point: 2650 meters Gain altitude: 850 meters Accommodation: : in bunk beds in a refuge.

DAY 3

On our way down

On third day we will wake up early and hike to the to the top of the prophet Elias summit, just 15 minutes away to enjoy a spectacular sunrise and the throne of Zeus that will be illuminated by the first sun light! We will return to the refuge, pack up and head to Refuge A, where we will have our breakfast. From here we need 3 more hours to Prionia where we will have our festive meal near to Enipeas river and its breeze! Hiking hours: 5-7 hours Muses Plateau – Skolio summit distance: 6 km Starting point – Muses Plateau: 2650 meters Highest point: 2912 meters Gain altitude Muses Plateau - Skolio: 650 meters Ending Point: Prionia meters Total distance that we will cover on 3rd day: 15 km.

* For the climb to Mytikas it will take about 2-3 hours. The ascent of the last 200 meters is done in an exposed field with shabby, it needs climbing, protective equipment and attention. Not suitable for people who have height phobia or acrophobia.