Trekh-28

Trip packages

Mt.Olympus Trekking

For groups of 4 – 16 participants: 250 €/person 4 days/3 nights, 26 - 29/6/2011, 24 - 27/7/2011, 28 - 31/8/2011, 18 - 21/9/2011

The Greek Gods made their home on Mt.Olympus. Not only the highest mountain in the country, Greece’s oldest and most carefully protected national park, also boasts the greatest concentration of flora and fauna, huge expanses of forest and the crystal clear waters of the Enippeas River. Above it all, soars the 2911m peak of Skolio (2nd highest peak) from where we, like Zeus, can survey the world.

Mt. Olympus is the most famous mountain in Greece (its peak is at 2917m) of course it’s the mythical home of the ancient Greek Gods. From its steep rocky summit, first climbed only 100 years ago, Zeus supposedly hurled his thunderbolts against humankind. Its eastern flanks were the country's first national park (created in the 1930's), with dozens of endemic species of flower as well as some endangered bird and butterfly species; there are no roads within it apart from the trailhead access road. There is also no habitation apart from the two-staffed refuges, which bring together groups of mountaineers from across the globe in their cozy and homely atmosphere. The mountain's watershed divides the regions of Thessaly (south) and Macedonia (north); to the east is the Aegean Sea, which brings in the afternoon/evening mist so characteristic of this mountain.

Level Requirements
In Mt. Olympus we walk 5-6 hours per day, we mostly follow good forest paths; above the tree – line, the terrain varies from grassy uplands to rocky ridges, with some scrambling required for the peak ascents. A good level of fitness and experience is required to climb the peak and the guide reserves the right to make the final decision if we climb the final peak.

Itinerary in brief:
The trip starts and ends in Litochoro.
For travel arrangements to/from Litochoro or accommodation in Litochoro please contact us.

Day 1: Litochoro & Walk to Refuge A - Spilios Agapitos, alt. 2.100 m (http://www.mountolympus.gr/)
(Estimated Walking Time: approx. 3 hours)
Arrive and meet your guide and rest of the group in Litochoro. 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 and makes up 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 2.100m alt. and reach the refuge.

Day 2: Peak ascents – Refuge Ch. Kakkalos, alt. 2,700 m (http://www.olympus-climbing.gr/)                          
(Estimated Walking Time 4- 6 hours)
From the refuge, a zig zaging path will bring us just under the mountains main summits. From there we have two options according to group’s fitness and weather conditions: We either climb first Skala at 2.882 meters and then crossing a narrow ridge climb to the summit of Skolio at 2.911meters. Or if weather permits and there is no snow, we ascent to the main summit - Mytikas (2.917meters), Greece’s highest peak, following a narrow gorge (it involves about 150 m of scrambling)! (4-5 hrs walking on narrow paths – some scrambling involved – altitude gain of 800m). 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 plato of the  Mouses – an alpine plato at an altitude of 2700m where a small but friendly refuge will accommodate us  ( 2-3 hrs walking ).

Day 3: Plateau of the Muses – Refuge A - Spilios Agapitos, alt. 2.100 m (http://www.mountolympus.gr/)         
(Estimated Walking Time 3 – 4 hours)
This is an easy day in breathtaking scenery. Before we start our descent, we will climb a small peak – named Profitis Ilias – just above our refuge to admire superb views of Mnt Olympus summits and deep gorges (2 hrs round trip). Then following the path we came the day before we will descent to our starting point – refuge A at 2.100m   ( 3 hrs walk ). Afternoon at leisure for rest as the next day will be demanding

Day 4: Ennipeas gorge       
(Estimated Walking Time 6 – 7 hours)
After an initial sheepish descent, we enter the Enippeas gorge, passing a cave-chapel and the monastery of St. Dionysus, as well as taking advantage of several swimming opportunities en route in river pools. After about seven hours walking, the gorge opens up on the outskirts of Litochoro. The route is quite tiring, but the varied geological features, the small lakes with crystal waters and the sheer mountain slopes provide a rare beauty and are entirely rewarding.

Available Dates for 2011:
26 – 29 June 2011
24 – 27 July 2011
28 – 31 August 2011           
18 – 21 September 2011
and any other date upon request

PRICE/PERSON
250 €/person (for groups of 4-16 pax)

Price includes:

• Accommodation in berths on refuges on Mt. Olympus
• Trekking Hellas English speaking guide during the ascent of Mt.Olympus
• Transfer Litochoro – Prionia

Not Included:

• Personal expenses
• Drinks and beverages
• Meals
• Optional gratuities to leader, guides and local staff
• Transport from Athens or other towns to / from Litochoro

NOTES:
•    Please note that this itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the tour leader, according to local and weather conditions.
•    As Mt. Olympus is a challenging walk and the safety of our clients always comes first, our guides retain the decision if clients are to actually climb the peak of Mytikas. This will depend on both the clients’ abilities and weather conditions. In case of snow, the ascent to Mytikas is not possible.


Recommended Gear List:
Please try to travel as light as possible; remember that you must carry everything you bring on all the days' walk.
* Large, comfortable rucksack (65-85 litres) with padded straps and waist belt, internal frame preferred; waterproof liner recommended to keep clothing, etc. dry inside.
* Sturdy, worn in trekking shoes
* Good waterproof top with hood
* Warm clothes, both for windy / cold daytime conditions and for the cool evenings (fleece tops or similar)
* Shorts and long trousers for walking, preferably quick-drying material (cotton or polycotton not denim)
* Sweatshirts or T-shirts for walking, at least one with long sleeves and collar (against sun-burn)
* Sheet sleeping bag or similar (e.g. duvet cover), for the overnights in the refuge, although blankets will be available.
* Sunglasses, towel, sun hat or cap, sun block
* Penknife
* Water bottle
* Wash bag and simple first aid kit (plasters or blister kit, aspirin or similar, antiseptic)
* Photographers: bring your cameras
* Torch (head torch if you have one)
* Walking sticks


Indicative food and drinks served at refuges (based on 2010 pricelist)

DRINKS - BEVERAGES
Refreshments (coca cola, orange, lemonade, Lipton ice tea) €2.30
Mt. Olympus Tea €1.50
Hot chocolate €3.00
Νescafe €2.50
Filter coffee €2.50

FOOD
Vegetable soup €5.00
Bean soup €5.00
Lentils with rice €4.50
Pasta with sauce €5.50
Beef with pasta, rice or mashed potatoes €8.50
Sausage with pasta, rice or mashed potatoes €7.00
Pasta Bolognese €7.00
Sausage portion €5.00
Cabbage salad €3.00
Tomato & cucumber salad with olives and green pepper (personal portion)€3.00
Tomato & cucumber salad with olives and green pepper (large portion) €4.50
Feta cheese €3.50
Tzatziki  - cream cheese salad €3.00  
Bread extra portion €0.50
Breakfast (bread, butter, marmalade, honey, cheese) €4.50