5-DAY MOUNT OLYMPUS

Highlights

• Thermopylae battlefield, museum and statue of King Leonidas
• Monastery of Grand Meteoro
• Varlaam Monastery
• City of Kalambaka

Pick up from Athens and drive to Kalambaka via historic Thermopylae, site of the battle between ancient Greeks and Persians that changed the course of European history. We see the battlefield, the statue of King Leonidas and the museum.

Then we drive to Meteora (where locals are known as ‘Meteorites’) to visit some stunning Byzantine monasteries clinging to rocks and hillsides that have been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

The Monastery of Great Meteoron, built on the most imposing rock, is the largest and most formal of the monasteries, founded in the 14^th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite, the first man to organise a systematic monastic community. Nearby, the Monastery of Varlaam is named after its ascetic founder, who lived in a cave as a hermit and built a chapel on top of a rock. In the 16th century the chapel was enlarged and made into the present-day monastery.

Today’s final visit takes us to Kalambaka for lunch in a typical taverna where you can taste the delicious local cuisine.

Overnight in Kalambaka or somewhere nearby. Dinner at leisure

Info & Facilities

• Duration: approx. 10 hours

Included

• Pick up: from customer’s location
• Bottle of water
• English speaking driver
• Entrance fees for Meteora monasteries
• Typical lunch in the village of Kalambaka

Today we hike Mount Olympus, the legendary Home of the Gods and the highest and the most interesting mountain in Greece. Olympus has 52 peaks and deep gorges. The highest peak, Mytikas, meaning ‘nose’, rises to 2,917 meters (9,570 ft) and is notable in Greek mythology as the home of the Greek gods. The natural history here is also noted for its exceptional biodiversity and rich flora – it has been a National Park since 1938 and is a World Biosphere Reserve. Every year, thousands of visitors admire its fauna and flora, tour its slopes, and climb its peaks.

We set out from Dion where we visit the museum and the archaeological site, then walk to Prionia (the beginning of the path for Olympus). From there it’s around a 2 hour hike to the old monastery Agios Dionysios – on our way we stop to cool down with a swim in a natural pool. After hiking we visit Platamon and its castle.

Overnight in Kalambaka or somewhere nearby. Dinner at leisure

Info & facilities

• Duration: 8 hours
• Minimum age of participants: 5years

What you should have with you:

• Second pair of shoes (one pair will get wet)
• Hat, sunglasses and sun cream
• Swimsuit and personal towel
• Small rucksack for personal objects

Included

• Tea and snack
• Transportation, equipment and insurance
• Lunch in a typical taverna on the way back

Today we transfer to the stunning Pelion Peninsula, legendary home of the Centaurs – the mythical creatures that were half-man, half-horse. An area that combines natural beauty with folklore and culture, it has recently been designated as a Heritage Destination by UNESCO.

Firstly, we pass through Argo, and check out the train museum, the local pottery and a traditional bakery. Then we head for Volos, the capital of Pelion, where we stop for a coffee at Volos beach.  Lunch is also at Volos, where we will be staying the night. Afternoon at leisure to explore.

Info & Facilities

Duration: approx. 4 hours

Included

• Transportation
• Lunch on Volos with delicious Greek meze and ouzo

We start by kayaking from Damouchari, paddling south to Mylopotamos, stopping en route in Fakistra to see the caves and other points of interest. For lunch we have a picnic in Mylopotamos (Dakos) after which we transfer to Tsagarada (in Achillopouleio). We then hike to Ag. Friday (Megalo Platani) and to Damouchari. All the hiking is downhill across easy terrain.

Return to Volos for overnight stay. Dinner at leisure.

Info and facilities

• Duration: 9
• Distance 4.5km kayak and 4km walk
• Level: Easy (no experience required)
• Also suitable for children who know how to swim

Included

Transportation

• All necessary equipment for the operation of the activity
• English speaking Trekking Hellas Guide
• Taxes
• Picnic lunch

A day spent discovering the natural flora of Pelion.  Our visit starts at Millie’s, where we visit the local church and Library, have a picnic with herbs and a botany workshop. Then we hike for 2.5 hours to Kala Nera, passing by the cave that is the legendary home of the Centaur Chiron, famous for his wisdom and knowledge of medicine, who tutored Heracles, Achilles, Jason and Asclepius.

Return to Volos for overnight stay. Dinner at leisure.

Info and facilities

• Duration: 7 hours
• Level: Easy (no experience required)

Included

• Transportation
• All necessary equipment for the operation of the activity
• English speaking Trekking Guide
• Taxes
• Picnic lunch

Return to Athens Airport early in the morning.