Hiking Northern Greece
Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Thessaloniki by 3pm to meet your fellow travellers. From our meeting point, hop in a private transfer to Litochoro. Meet your CEO, an experienced local hiking guide, at tonight's welcome meeting. Opt to head out for dinner with the group.
Please note that if you wish to opt-out of the included group transfer, you may travel to Litochoro independently and join your CEO and fellow travellers at tonight's welcome meeting. Litochoro is accessible by train from Athens or from Thessaloniki.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Transfer to Priónia, where our Mount Olympus ascent begins. On today's half-day hike, travel along a section of the famous E4 path. Trek through lush forests of pine, beech and fir trees on one of the mountain's most well-travelled routes. Enjoy dinner at the refuge and prepare for tomorrow's summit hikes.
Please note: you must bring a daypack for tonight's overnight trek on Mt. Olympus. Your main luggage will be left at the guest house in Litochoro, where we will return to stay the following night.
- Mount Olympus Hike Day 1: Begin the hike in Prionia, at an altitude of 1,100m. Today's route will take us through a part the E4 path that connects multiple long-distance trails from Spain to Greece. Hike along winding paths and sloped trails surrounded by thick forests until we reach the Spilios Agapitos mountain refuge at 2,100m. Elevation change: + 1,000m
With an early morning start, head out to climb the Skala and Skolio summits — two of the highest among Mount Olympus' many peaks. En route back to the refuge, cross under the "Throne of Zeus" and over the Muses plateau. After a short rest, descend via the E4 and end the day in Litochoro.
- Trek to Skala and Skolio Summits: Begin today's first hike as the sun rises. Set out to reach the summits of Skala (at 2,882m) and Skolio (at 2,911m), the second-highest of Mount Olympus' peaks. Some scrambling will be required as we hike along narrow paths to the top. Elevation change: +/- 800m
- Mount Olympus Hike Day 2: From the mountain refuge, take same route along the E4 back to Prionia. Elevation change: - 1,000m
Travel to Meteora and see its famous clifftop monasteries. Learn about the area's history and unique geological features as you hike along local trails with unparalleled views. Pass by the ruins of Pantokrator and the "hidden" monastery of Ypapanti to reach the magnificent Varlaam and Great Meteoron towering over the valley. Transfer to Zagori.
Please note that if you wish to enter the Great Meteoron monastery, you must pack suitable clothing (i.e. an additional shawl, long pants) with you on this day. Entrance is €3.
- Hiking in Meteora: Today's hike starts and ends in the village of Kastraki, and follows a lot of the same paths local monks have used since the 15th century. From the monastery of St. Nicolas, wind your way through tall rock towers to reach the Pantokrator ruins. Continue into the heart of the forest to Ypapanti, seemingly wedged into the cliffs. Hike up to an elevated viewpoint to see the monasteries of Varlaam and Great Meteoron - the oldest and grandest in Meteora. Elevation change: +/- 472m
Explore the quaint stone villages of Zagori, a region of made up of over 45 remote villages and hamlets tucked into the Pindus mountain range. Discover the area's beautiful arched stone bridges and cobbled paths, built to link dozens of mountainous communities together — centuries before roads! Today, it's a hiker's paradise.
- Zagori Mountain Villages and Bridges Hike: Our trek follows a circular route through some of the best-preserved traditional villages of central Zagori. From Vitsa we follow a downhill path to the Misios bridge and continue to Koukouli, then onto the village of Kipi with its triple-arched Plakidas bridge. Get a glimpse into Vickaki Gorge before hiking through dense forest to reach Dilofo. The Zagori region is famous for its local stone craftsmanship and traditional architecture, offering a true window into the past. Elevation change: +/- 538m
Trek through the stunning Vikos Gorge, known as the "Greek Grand Canyon" and part of the Vikos-Aoos National Park. Carved by the Voïdomatis River over millions of years, the Vikos Gorge is the world's deepest canyon in proportion to its width, according to the Guinness records. Hike to some excellent viewpoints framed by striking limestone and dolomite formations. Later, enjoy dinner at a taverna that specializes in locally-foraged ingredients.
- Hiking Vikos Gorge: Hike through one of Europe's most impressive gorges at 12km long and 900m deep, with vertical cliffs that rise up to 1,700m high. From the village of Monodendri, follow the trail into the canyon as it ascends and descends through the rocks and forest, filled with deciduous trees and over 1800 plant species. Stop by the Voidomati Springs and opt to dip into its extremely cold waters before ending at the village of Vikos. Elevation change: +/- 300m
- Locally-Foraged Dinner at Taverna: Visit a local restaurant, regarded as one of the best in the Zagori region, for a dinner that features foraged ingredients like wild mushrooms and other seasonal ingredients. Learn about the history and variety of foods picked by local farmers, including more than 30 types of mushrooms sourced from the forests of Zagori.
After breakfast, take an included group transfer to the port of Igoumenitsa (for the Corfu ferry) or Preveza (for Aktion Airport).
Trip Inclusions
- Spend a night on Mt Olympus before hiking to the summit.
- Visit Meteora and marvel at its monasteries built atop massive natural pillars.
- Wander through the wild beauty of Zagori in the Northern Pindos National Park.
- Sit down for a hyper-local foraged mushroom farewell dinner.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Foodie Moment: Locally-Foraged Dinner at Taverna, Zagori
- Two-day Mount Olympus Hike including treks to Skala and Skolio Summits
- Hiking in Meteora
- Zagori Mountain Villages and Bridges Hike
- Hiking Vikos Gorge
- Private vehicle, walking
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
- Hotels/guesthouses (6 Nights)
- 6 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
For travellers who prefer their adventures powered by motion - G's Active tours offer an immersive way to explore the world. Whether it’s hiking rugged trails, biking scenic routes, or kayaking along rivers and coastlines, all you'll need to bring is your energy, enthusiasm, and a love for active adventure. Our expert guides provide all the gear and logistical support needed so you can focus on the journey.
Dates & Pricing
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