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North Greece Hike

Highlights

  • The breathtaking rocky pinnacles of Meteora with the monasteries atop, a UNESCO Word Heritage Site.
  • Vikos gorge with the 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 a divine beauty, blessed by the ancient Greek gods and chosen by Zeus to host their home.

Day 1: Arrival in Litochoro, in the foothills of Mt.OlympusDay 2: Litochoro & Walk to Shelter A - Spilios Agapitos, alt. 2.100 m - 23kmDay 3: Peak ascends and back to LitochoroDay 4: Wine tour in Olympus Foothills and travel to MeteoraDay 5: Meteora Hiking Tour and drive to ZagoriDay 6: Bridges and Villages HikeDay 7: Vikos Gorge crossing (approximately hiking time: 6 - 7 hours)Day 8: Rafting and travel to next destination.


Source: Trekking Hellas

Description

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 that 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!

Source: Trekking Hellas

Itinerary

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


(Estimated Walking Time: approx. 3-4 hours)

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.


Day 3: Peak ascends and back to Litochoro


(Estimated Walking Time: approx. 8-9 hours)

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 crossing a narrow ridge climb to the summit of Skolio at 2,911metres (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 (2,917metres), Greece’s highest peak, following a narrow gorge (it involves about 1 km of scrambling).

After reaching the summit we descent 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 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.


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 continue to the winery of 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. 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.


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 to hang their scarves. Enjoy the unique views from the top of the rocks and learn by 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.


Day 6: Bridges and Villages Hike


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

Starting from Vitsa village, we visit the most iconic traditional villages of the area such as Vitsa, Koukouli, Kipi and Dilofo villages. The hiking tour will give us the opportunity to see, admire and walk on the arched stone bridges, which were very significant to Zagorians as they were the only connection between the villages and its inhabitants before roads were built!


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


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


Day 8: Rafting and travel to 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.

Source: Trekking Hellas

What's Included

  • 6 nights in guesthouses or boutique charming hotels with breakfast and one night in berths in a mountain hut.
  • English-speaking tour leader during the trip
  • All necessary transport starting from Litochoro and ending in Ioannina town
  • Litochoro to Meteora
  • Meteora to Zagori
  • Zagori to Ioannina
  • Activities as described in the itinerary with English speaking Trekking Hellas local guides.
  • Meals: 3 picnic lunches during the hikes in Meteora and Zagori and one winery tour with a meal
  • Hotel stay over tax payable


Source: Trekking Hellas

Additional Information

Equipment


  • Small backpack 30lt
  • Trail running or hiking shoes
  • Hiking clothes suitable for the season (long & sort trousers, t-shirts, fleece etc)
  • Waterproof jacket/membrane (for the rainy days)
  • Hat or beanie, sunglasses, sunblock
  • Snacks (nuts / dried fruit / energy bar)
  • Your own personal water bottle. As part of our environmental policy and actions, we are committed to eliminating the use of plastic water bottles.
  • Torch (head torch if you have one)


Source: Trekking Hellas

Map

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