EXPLORE MT. OLYMPUS
AND EXPERIENCE THE MYTHICAL & HISTORICAL NORTH GREECE
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We organize unique day trips, weekend adventures, 7 day Itineraries or totally custom experiences combining destinations and activities based on your needs. In any case you can prolong your stay, add activities or choose a more relaxing version. The key word for us is customization. We offer hiking/trekking at the mountain of the 12 gods, mountain Olympus which you can combine with sailing holidays in the North Aegean. Walk the ancient pilgrim paths and follow the footsteps that lead to the throne of Zeus. You will be excited by the ancient donkey tracks and the cobbled roads in the picturesque villages of Olympus. Follow our suggestion and hike the famous mountain of the Gods. Slide on its waterfalls and swim in the river pools. Pass by Olympus traditional villages mountain biking through the forest trails. Explore this mythic location. canyoning sea kayak climbing road bike Yours Sincerely
Explore Outside
FOLLOWING THE ANCIENT PILGRIM PATHS IN MT. OLYMPUS, GREECE 8 days Hiking A d ve n t u re H o l i d a y
OVERVIEW
Mountain Olympus is located at the North-East of Thessalia and at the South-West of central Macedonia, near the region borders of Larisa and Pieria. It is the highest mountain of Greece as well as the second of the Balcans. It covers a relatively small circular area that is pretty solid in shape, with a diameter of 25km. It has a pretty rocky terain with numerous peaks, long ridges and steep cliffs. Accoringly to its size, Olympus has many peaks.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Trekking expedition • Olympus Picks and the majestic view • Fauna and Flora You start this trip by traverse to the east side of Mt. Olympus and ascent to the picks. The itinerary continues in the Northwest side of Mt. Olympus.This side is the most beautiful, wild and untouched region of the Greek mountains and Europe.The climbs in this region are more difficult.Approached from the north of the perfecture and the village of Petra.
I T I N E R A R Y > Day 1: Arrival at Litochoro Arrival at your accommodation, settle and get a short briefing of your itinerary. > Day 2: Gortsia - Musses Plateau We meet early, at 7:00 a.m at your lodging and we depart for the mountain, few kilometers up from Litochoro, to our starting point at “Gortsia” 1100m. ROUT: Gortsia-Petrostrouga-Laimos-Musses Plateau 2700m Fourteen km along the Litochoro – Prionia road a narrow road leads off to the right which ends at a parking area. This location is called Gortsia and from here a wide path starts which leads to Musses Plateau and the refuges Christos Kakkalos and Giosos Apostolidis. Using the refuges as a base it is the ideal location from which to make short climbs to the peaks of Toumba (2801 m) and Profitis Ilias (2803 m), the highest church in the Balkan region. DURATION: 6 – 8 hours (15 κm) all in well-formed trail. We stay at the refuge. > Day 3: Musses Plateau - Skala Breakfast at the refuge (08:00a.m) Preparation and depart for the picks (09:00a.m) ROUT: Musses Plateau – Zonaria – Stavroities (2640 m.) – Skolio (2911m.) – Skala (2845m) Skolio is the 2nd highest summit in Greece altitude 2911 meters. The path is in the alpine zone of the mountain, the view is magnificent. From Skala pick we we follow the trail that will lead us to the refuge A’, Spilios Agapitos at 2100m. DURATION: 6 hours at single mountain tracks. We stay at the refuge for the night. > Day 4: Route A’ - Litochoro Breakfast at the refuge (07:00a.m), preparation for this day, in which we will be mostly descending. In any case you can prolong your stay, change your destination, add activities or choose a more relaxing version. The key word for us is CUSTOMIZATION.
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E D • 7 nights hotel accomodation • 7 breakfasts • Professional tour leader throughout • Transfers from / to the international airport and day transfers.
EXCLUSIONS • Meals • International flights and taxes • Personal expenses • Optional tours and entrance fees not specified • Travel insurance • Gratuities • Holiday surcharges
ROUT: Refuge A’ – 1100 μ. – Traverse Enipeas Gorge – Litochoro While traversing we will make a short break at the waterfalls and at the old monastery of Agios Dionysos. We exit the gorge at Litochoro. DURATION: 7 hours rout + tour at the monastery. > Day 5: Free Day Free day for rest or other activities.
North West side traversing-Megala Kazania Olympus The program for the next two days, takes place in the Northwest side of Mt. Olympus. This side is the most beautiful, wild and untouched region of the Greek mountains and Europe.The climbs in this region are more difficult.Approached from the north of the perfecture and the village of Petra. For the movement of the group we will use Mini Bus or rent 4x4 vehicles. > Day 6: Petra We meat at your accommodation at 7:00a.m. Transfer to the village of Petra Olympus, and from there to the North side of the mountain with 4x4 ROUT: Kserolaki 1350m – Kopsi Barbala – Musses plateau 2750m. DURATION: 6 -7 hours A difficult ascending traverse finishing at the Musses plateau where we settle. > Day 7: Megala Kazania Breakfast at the refuge (07:00a.m) We depart for our destination, Megala Kazania ROUT: Musses – Megala Kazania – Forest road DURATION: 6 – 7 hours walk and finish at our cars. > Day 8: Departure Breakfast, last minute photos and we take the way back.
ORGANISE YOUR TRIP The refuges are fully equipped and organized. Sleeping bag is not necessary, bring a pillow case if you prefer. You will find bottled water at the refuges and a variety of local cuisine at affordable prices. You have the option of a private room.
GEAR UP • Backpack • Sun protection • Trekking footwear • Windproof/waterproof membrane • Light pants and short pants • Base layer, fleece • T-shirt (2)
• Underwear (2) • Flashlight • Trekking poles
DAILY HIKING TRIPS IN MT. OLYMPUS You can choose from below which route to follow for a days adventure/weekend trip or combine routes for a prolonged experience, placing day offs for wine tasting when ever you like.
Enipeas Gorge ROUT: Prionia – waterfall –Moni Agiou Dionisiou –Gorge –Litchoro DURATION: 7 Hours , The tour to the waterfalls and the Monastery is included. We meet at your hotel at 7:00 and we depart for Prionia
Ascent to Petrostrouga We meet at your hotel at 7:00 and we depart for the position “diastavrosi” crossjunction. ROUT: Diastavrosi – petrostrouga – stragos – Gomarostalo – Prionia DURATION: 5 – 6 Hours
Refuge Α΄ Olympus We meet at your hotel at 07:00 and depart for Prionia ROUT: Prionia - refugee Α΄- back to prionia DURATION: 5 hours
In any case you can prolong your stay, change your destination, add activities or choose a more relaxing version. The key word for us is CUSTOMIZATION.
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E D • Professional tour leader throughout • Transfers from / to the routes • Visit places of interest • Snacks
North picks-Barbalas We meet at the hotel at 07:00 and depart for the refuge krevatia at Vrontou ROUT: Refuge -barbalas–Refuge DURATION: 5 - 6 hours
North picks– Kitros ridge We meet at the hotel at 07:00 and depart towards Kserolaki ROUT: Kopsi Salatouras –Kitros DURATION: 6 – 7 hours
Traverse Olympus Mt. From East to West We meet at your hotel at 07:00 and depart to Kalivia village by 4χ4 vehicles up to 2450 m. ROUT: Plateau Megalis Gournas – Skolio – Skala – Hondromesorachi –Refuge A’ – Prionia. DURATION: 7 hours
EXCLUSIONS • Accomodation (Ask for Quotation) • Meals • Personal expenses • Optional tours and entrance fees not specified
• Travel insurance • Gratuities • Holiday surcharges • Holiday surcharges
MOUNTAIN BIKE IN GREECE SINGLE TRACKS IN MT. OLYMPUS 240KM 9 days Adventu re
OVERVIEW
You will be excited by the ancient donkey tracks and the cobbled roads in the picturesque villages of Olympus. This is a great mountain bike itinerary very close to beaches that lie below us. In any case you can prolong your stay, add activities or choose a more relaxing version HIGHLIGHTS
• Two mountain bike guides for real flexibility • There is the chance to avoid the most demanding trails by riding with the second guide • Optional activities: Hiking, Rafting, Canyoning, Paragliding • Local hospitality • The best rocky single tracks Greece is not known as one of the classic European bike destinations and yet the Greek landscape is dramatic, dominated by mountains and sea. Impressive single tracks create the perfect Greek mountain bike experience. You will be excited by the ancient donkey tracks and the cobbled roads in the picturesque villages of Olympus. This is a great mountain bike itinerary very close to beaches that lie below. Our guides know this area inside out, and with two of them we can offer more demanding as well as easier rides for you. In any case you can prolong your stay, change your destination, add activities or choose a more relaxing version. The key word for us is CUSTOMIZATION.
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E D • 8 nights hotel • 8 breakfasts • Professional tour leader throughout • 2 Mountain bike guides • All transports
EXCLUSIONS • Meals • International flights and taxes • Personal expenses • Optional tours and entrance fees not specified • Travel insurance • Gratuities • Holiday surcharges • Mountain bike can be arranged with additional cost
I T I N E R A R Y > Day 1 Fly at Thessaloniki’s airport, then transfer at you accommodation at Platamonas. > Day 2: Lower Olympus Summit to sea day, P. Panteleimonas-Katis lake-finish at the sea side. 35-48 km. > Day 3: Kisavos Mountain A ride that goes across the mountains and descends all the way to the the sea. Kisavos-Ampelakia-Stomio. 40-50 km. > Day 4: Optional rest day, enjoy Platamonas beach and relax or hike the trails of Mt. Olympus > Day 5: Olympus We start at Agia Triada-Kserolaki-Krevatia and finish at Dion* the ancient village and Archeological site. The village owes its name to the important sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. 37-55 km. *The first mention of Dion in history comes from Thucydides, who reports that it was the first city reached by the Spartan general Vrasidas after crossing from Thessaly into Macedonia on his way through the realm of his ally Perdikas II during his expedition against the Athenian colonies of Thrace in 424 BC.
> Day 6: Lower Olympus, P Poroi – Rapsani. Visit the local wineries. Wine tasting will waiting for us in the finish of this great mountain bike ride. 38-42 km. > Day 7: Pieria Sierra, Elatochori-Ritini, 37-44 km. > Day 8: Rest day-Spa day or chance to go sailing, windsurfing, canyoning, rafting or hiking. > Day 9: Departure- transfer to the airport or continue with our great sailing trips!! ORGANISE YOUR TRIP This trip is Fitness Grade 3. You need good fitness from regular exercise sessions and time spent actively in cycling. The trip involves full days on the bike with some challenging climbs/ up heels. This mountain bike holiday is Skill Grade B & C. On the holiday there is a mixture of rocky, technical single track riding, double track mountain trails, cobbled/paved roads.
WHAT TO BRING • Exploreoutsides can receive your bike and have it tuned waiting for you. • Don’t forget your bike technical clothing
MORE MYTHICAL & HISTORICAL EXPERIENCES Mountain bike in Greece Epic Mt. Bike routes in Vermio mountain, adventure bike trip Unique cycling routes in one of the oldest residential areas of Greece. The palace and royal tombs at Vergina, east of the mountain, the Macedonians in Veria and the passing of Apostle Paul are the most important historical highlights. Vermio is a mountain with many peaks and relatively gentle slopes and long, exceeding 50km. The highest mountain peak is Tsanaktsi (2065m). The mountain is covered by extensive forests of oak, mainly on the eastern slopes. Also developed firs, pines, chestnuts, etc. The climate is continental, at higher altitudes there is a mountain climate type, with cool summers and several local rains. The mountain is approached from Naousa and is only 80 km from Thessaloniki. Also in this adventure trip In you can prolong your stay, add activities or choose a more relaxing version. The key word for us is CUSTOMIZATION.
The Mythical land of Almopia The mythical land of Almopia took its name from the Giant Almopa, son of Poseidon. Our trip there starts with hiking the magnificent Tzena Canyon with the pristine vegetation, the large waterfall and 25 wooden bridges, with trunks over streams of crystal water. After the humid and mysterious jungle gorge, we are greeted by Tzena, with ravines and hillsides stripped of trees. A landscape simple and almost melancholic by its breathtaking beauty of the nakedness of high altitude. Only grass, shrubs and wildflowers can withstand the powerful north wind. After hiking this magnificent but not so demanding canyon we head towards Loutraki. Next to the river under the trees the scenery is set for the perfect barbeque. While our chef is preparing our lunch we take the advantage of testing our skills at climbing. Exploreoutsides.com climbing teachers will wait for us there to give us gear and help us have a taste of climbing. Having regained our powers we continue our trip to the city of Aridea and the Almopia Spa, where we will enjoy the therapeutic treatment of the waters. The hot springs of Loutraki are spurting at altitude of 360 – 390 m. Created by rain water that penetrates the ground and reaches a great depth, where it is heated, rises higher and of the course is enriched with minerals and other ingredients. Have fun swimming at the warm waters of the outdoor swimming pools and have a shower at the revitalizing waterfall. Take a nap at the way back to Thessaloniki where we will arrive late afternoon.
THE LAND OF MACEDONIANS > Day 1: Vergina – The Wine Route of Naousa Departure from Thessaloniki. Destination Vergina – Aiges It is probably the most famous archeological area of Macedonia in the world. In Midas gardens, as Herodotus mentions, mythical Macedonians created their capital city Aeges. The first amazing palaces of Macedonian kings were built here as well as the foundations of the Macedonian state. Aeges dominated as Macedonian capital city until the 5th century B.C. when king Archelaos transferred the capital to the coastal (at that period) city of Pella. After Vergina we follow the vinicultural route of Naousa which is geographically the most central route among the Wine Roads of Northern Greece, because in Naousa there is a significant amount of wineries open to visitors, since from a wine- making point of view - at least as far as the quantity is concerned - it is the most important enological area in Macedonia.As travelers to the Wine Route of Naoussa we will visit 5 wineries, all definitely worth a visit: Argatia, Boutari Winery, Domaine Foundi, Kir-Yianni Winery and Vaeni Naoussa. Having tasted local wine and cuisine we head towards the city of Naoussa and the Museum of Wine and Vine. After our visit to the Museum we settle to our hotel. Free day to spend at your disposal. Go explore Naoussa! > Day 2 : Aristoteles School – Almopia Spa – Pella - The Wine Route of Pella Early departure. After breakfast we head towards The School of Aristotle which is found in the place “Isboria” in Naoussa in a beautiful landscape. This is the place that accommodated the School where the philosopher Aristotle taught young Alexander at the middle of 4th century b.c. Our journey to the Land of Macedonians will bring as to Almopia Spa, where we will enjoy the therapeutic treatment of the waters. Relaxed by the spa, we take the way back to Thessaloniki but not before we visit the land of Alexander the Great. In Pella we set out on a magical journey through time to the glorious kingdom of ancient Macedonia, where Alexander the Great was born. Peer into the rich history of the Macedonian state capital, a bustling metropolis of the Classical period. A number of excavations of the site reveal the ancient city’s majestic grandeur. Near ancient Pella is our last stop the winery Ktima Ligas. This traditional winery will give us the opportunity to taste its wines and local cuisine while explaining how good wine is made. We return to Thessaloniki at late afternoon.
In any case you can prolong your stay, change your destination, add activities or choose a more relaxing version. The key word for us is CUSTOMIZATION.
W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E D • 1 night hotel accommodation • 1 breakfast • Museum guides • Transfers
EXCLUSIONS • Meals • Personal expenses • Optional tours and entrance fees not specified • Travel insurance • Gratuities • Holiday surcharges
CONTACT US Adventure Travel Company Hello@exploretheoutside.com Mob. 0030 6936781260 Fax. 0030 2311241752 Prespes, Greece www.ExploreTheOutside.com