8-day hiking trip in N. Greece - Olympus, Meteora, Zagori

North Greece: a mountain paradise with astonishing beautiful villages and magnificent scenery!

There is a lot more than the famous white and blue islands, to enjoy in Greece.

Become one of the happy few who are able to discover the hidden beauty of a diverse countryside in north of Greece. Explore important historic sites and the mythical home of the 12 ancient Greek gods. Discover the mountain paradise of Zagori, with authentic villages and spectacular scenery. Enjoy great food and the unique spirit of hospitality of the people.

This anti-classical Greek alternative tour… is going to be your best-ever classic tour!

Day 1: Arrival in Litochoro, in the foothills of Mt.Olympus

We start our trip in Litochoro village, in the foothills of Mt. Olympus. Getting to Litochoro is faster via Thessaloniki (2 hours ride) or a longer drive (6 hours) via Athens.

• Overnight in Litochoro.

Day 2: Litochoro & Walk to Shelter A - Spilios Agapitos, alt. 2.100 m - 23km

Transfer to Prionia, from where we begin our hike, at an altitude of 1,100 metres. The route from Prionia to Spilios Agapitos Refuge is the most frequented hiking path on Mount Olympus, 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 an altitude of 2,100 metres and reach the Refuge Spilios Agapitos where we will spend the night.

• Estimated hiking time: approx. 3- 4 hours.
• Difficulty level: 3

Overnight in Spilios Agapitos.

Day 3: Peak ascends and back to Litochoro

After an early wake-up and breakfast, we have two options according to participants' fitness and weather conditions:

We either climb first Skala at 2,882 metres and then cross a narrow ridge climb to the summit of Skolio at 2,911 metres (4-5 hours walking on narrow paths – some scrambling involved – altitude gain of 800 metres).

Or if weather permits and there is no snow, we ascent to the main summit – Mytikas (2,917 metres), Greece’s highest peak, following a narrow gorge (it involves about 1 km of scrambling).

After reaching the summit we descend by the same way to the main path and cross the spectacular precipice under the summit of Stefani – the throne of Zeus, we emerge to the plateau of Mouses. We return back to Prionia via the same route through Spilios Agapitos refuge, from where we transfer back to Litochoro where we spend the night.

• Estimated hiking time: approx. 8- 9 hours.
• Difficulty level: 4 

Overnight in Litochoro.

Day 4: Wine tour in Olympus Foothills and travel to Meteora

Our day will be more relaxing exploring the villages of Olympus foothills. After our breakfast, we continued to the winery of the Kourtis family, in the village of Raches. The hosts will guide us through the vineyards and the cellar, and our day will end with a lovely meal with local products and tasting of the family wine.

• Duration: 4 Hours
• Minimum participation: 3 participants

Our journey continues to Meteora where we will spend the night. Meteora is one of the most spectacular and extraordinary landscapes you should visit when in Greece. The dramatic rocky pinnacles of Meteora with the monasteries atop, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a not-to-be-missed sight.

Overnight in Meteora.

Day 5: Meteora Hiking Tour and drive to Zagori

Walk to the cliff-top monasteries following a trail known by the locals!

We start from St. Nicolas Monastery in Kastraki village, following the same old paths the monks used to use, which wind their way amongst the tall rock towers. We pass beneath the ruined monastery of Pantocrator on the north side of the rock of Dupiani. Then the path takes us to the heart of the lush forest reaching the abandoned and restored Monastery of “Ypapanti” and the ruins of St. Dimitrios. Afterwards, our trail turns uphill. A short walk leads us to the cliff-top monasteries Varlaam and Great Meteoro where we visit one of them. We then walk downhill to Kastraki through the rocks by the ancient path used by the monks, passing next to the cave of St. George Mandila, where every year climbers hang their scarves. Enjoy the unique views from the top of the rocks and learn from our professional mountain guides about the history and the geological significance of the area.

After our rewarding walk, we will visit one of the famous monasteries before we depart to the region of Zagori and Pindos Aoos National Park.

Overnight Zagori (Monodendri or Vitsa).

Day 6: Bridges and Villages Hike

This wonderful circular hike is an ideal way of exploring the hidden gems of Central Zagori!

Zagori is well known for its traditional network of footpaths, which were built to connect its 46 villages until modern roads were opened. Starting from the village of Kipi, which once served as a local government, we will walk on several iconic and impressive stone bridges of the area, built in the 17th-18th century and which are usually known by the name of the benefactor who paid for their construction.

During our hike, we will have the chance to visit Lazaridi’s museum, located in the picturesque village of Koukouli. The museum is housed at the house of its creator, Kostas Lazaridis, who with a lot of care gathered all the rare flora of Vikos Gorge. In the museum, we will have the opportunity to discover rare plant collections that grow on the canyon’s rocks and to learn about the ‘Doctors of Vikos’.

Then we will head towards Kipi village, following the very old stone path of Koukouli, also known as "Koukouli Steps". In Kipi, our beautiful hike will come to an end.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty level: 2
• Distance: 7km
• Ascend:160m
• Descend:160m
• Terrain:‎ footpath, cobblestone path

Overnight Zagori (Monodendri or Vitsa).

Day 7:  Vikos Gorge crossing (approximately hiking time: 6 - 7 hours)

Enjoy a fascinating hike in one of the most beautiful gorges in Europe.

Vikos Gorge is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Greece. The gorge consists of limestone and dolomite formations, dating back to 150 million years ago and vertical walls extending up to a height of 1700 meters. The gorge is part of the 12,600-hectare Vikos-Aoos National Park and has been listed in the Guinness Book of records as the deepest canyon worldwide in proportion to its width.

The hike starts from Monodendri village with a 45-minute descent until we reach the river bed. The trail is ascending and descending surrounded by steep mountain tops and dense forests of deciduous trees and 1800 plant species. Before ascending to Vikos village, we will visit Voidomati’s springs, Greece’s cleanest and coldest river, with an average all-year temperature of 8,5°C. If you are brave you might want to try the experience of a very refreshing dive in the crystal clear waters during summer months! The hike finishes at Vikos village, after a 1-hour ascent from Voidomatis Springs.

• Duration: 7 hours
• Difficulty level: 3
• Distance: 12,5 km‎
• Elevation gain: 825 m ‎
• Terrain:‎ cobblestone path, footpath

Overnight Zagori (Monodendri or Vitsa).

Day 8: Rafting and travel to the next destination.

We end our discovery in Zagori with a relaxing rafting descent in the crystal clear waters of Voidomatis River, in the heart of the National Park of Vikos–Aoos. 

Voidomatis River rises in Vikos Gorge and follows an impressive waterway wreathed with age-long plane trees that border its bed and traditional stone bridges over the waters. Voidomatis River joins its crystal clear waters with those of Aoos River, in Konitsa’s plain.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty level: 2
• Grade: 2/6 WW
• Distance: 6,7 km

Highlights

• The breathtaking rocky pinnacles of Meteora with the monasteries atop, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Vikos Gorge with stunning walls of up to 1 km in height, and its 20km long magnificent beauty.
• Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, is a place of divine beauty, blessed by the ancient Greek gods and chosen by Zeus to host their home.

Accommodation:

• Papanikolaou Guesthouse - Litochoro
• Robolo - Litochoro
• Spilios Agapitos - Olympos
• Guesthouse Doupiani - Meteora
• Grand Meteora Hotel - Meteora
• Selini Guesthouse - Vitsa
• Archontiko Zarkada - Monodendri
• Kores Boutique Hotel & Spa - Vitsa