Home of the Gods
Trekking Mt. Olympus in Greece
May 29 - June 7, 2005
(Spans Memorial Day)
INTRODUCTION
The Greek Gods made their home on Mt. Olympus. From its steep rocky
summit, first climbed just 100 years ago, Zeus supposedly hurled his
thunderbolts at humankind. Its eastern flanks make up the country’s
first national park (created in the 1930’s), with dozens of endemic
species of flowers as well as some endangered bird and butterfly species.
There are no roads within the park, apart from the trailhead access
road. There are also no public accommodations other than several refuge
sites, which bring together groups of mountaineers, hikers, and backpackers
from across the globe in their cozy, homey atmosphere.
Mt. Olympus is not only the highest mountain
in the country at 9,570-ft., this most carefully protected of Greece’s
national parks also boasts the greatest concentration of flora an fauna,
huge expanses of forest and the crystal clear waters of the Enippeas
River. Wild flowers abound. Throughout the summer the forest paths are
studded with gentians, tulips, fritillaries and lilies, supplemented
by orchids in early summer. In the alpine zone we find a profusion of
pansies and bellflowers. Wild herbs scent the hillsides, and wild strawberries
will have just begun ripening enough for a snack. The forests begin
as dense brush in the lower regions and become opulent stands of fir,
pine and beech trees at higher elevations. Swooping from the treetops
is an unbelievable variety of birds, from vultures, eagles, peregrines,
falcons and buzzards, to warblers, thrushes, and woodpeckers.
For all this bounteous nature, many people
come here solely for the great views. From atop the 9,550-ft. peak of
Skolio (2nd highest peak), you can make like Zeus and survey the world
from a lofty perch. The dramatic rocky pinnacles of Meteora with their
thriving clifftop monasteries are a sight to behold. One marvels at
the audacity of the monks who first dared to perch simple shelters on
the tiny summits. Nowadays the monasteries are much grander, and we
take the privilege of reaching them via windy paths among the rocky
chaos.
This tour includes the two most famous
and impressive mountain landscapes of Greece—Olympus and Meteora—in
a single amazing trek. It is a rustic adventure with a focus on invigorating
hiking through the most amazing natural beauty, rather than on city
sightseeing and luxury accommodations. Our journey begins and ends in
Athens, newly polished and refurbished for the 2004 Summer Olympics.
This will be your chance to experience one of the world’s truly
great cities, the grandeur of its ancient ruins, and the dazzling spectacle
of the mountain majesty of the Home of the Gods!
ITINERARY
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change
at the discretion of the tour guide, due to adverse local weather conditions
or other unforeseen circumstances.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Depart U.S. / Travel Day
Today is a travel day. Try to arrange your flight itinerary to arrive
in Athens no later than 4:00pm tomorrow afternoon. If this is not possible,
you need to leave a day early. We can arrange for an additional night
at our group hotel in Athens.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Arrive Athens / Welcome Dinner
We arrange one group transfer from the airport to the hotel today,
timed to accommodate the greatest number of arriving guests. If you
are unable to take advantage of this transfer, you will be responsible
for making your own way to our hotel which is conveniently located in
the heart of Athens near the Acropolis. Settle into the hotel upon arrival.
This evening we gather in the hotel lobby to meet each other and our
guide, then head out for a short walking tour of the old section of
Athens known as the Plaka, where we enjoy a welcome dinner in a traditional
Greek taverna. (Dinner Included)
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Athens to First Refuge
After breakfast enjoy a scenic motorcoach transfer about 250 miles
to the village of Litochoro. This can take as much as 6-7 hours, so
we'll get an early start. Our outfitters can arrange a flight to Thessaloniki
and back for an additional $250 (approx.) per person to lessen the driving
time if the group desires.
Litochoro was developed in the 1920s as a sanatorium
for the tubercular, and more recently it has settled into its role as
a base camp for climbers. The approach to Litochoro provides gorgeous
views of the towering peaks of Olympus. From here we continue a few
more miles to Prionia and our trailhead. We commence our trek at an
altitude of 3,281 feet. Today's hike features a leisurely pace and long
course (roughly 3.5 hours) on a steep trail through shady beech and
fir forests up to an elevation of 6,890 feet where we arrive at our
first Refuge for an overnight stay. (All
Meals)
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
Peak Ascents
There are three named peaks on Mt. Olympus, and today we attempt to
scale all of them. We take a path up the cliffs to reach the first peak,
Skala, at 9,455 feet, and then continue to Skolio at 9,550 feet (the
second highest peak in Greece). From here we have the option to make
an assault on Mytikas, at 9,570 feet the highest peak in the country.
Not for the faint of heart, it involves some scrambling on a well-defined
route, but is not dangerous if the weather is favorable. As it involves
more difficult climbing, however, it will be entirely the guide's decision
as to who will climb the peak of Mytikas. We return to our refuge for
the night and celebrate an exhilarating day of hiking. Depending on
the number of peaks we climb, total hiking time today will be 8 to 12
hours! (All Meals)
Thursday, June 2, 2005
Plateau of the Muses to Second Refuge
We leave the refuge after breakfast, walking toward the Plateau of
the Muses, and on to the second refuge at 8,860 feet elevation. The
dramatic peak of Stefani, known as the Throne of Zeus, dominates this
plateau. Total walking time today will be 3 to 4 hours. (All
Meals)
Friday, June 3, 2005
Enippeas Gorge to Litochoro
After an initial steep descent, we enter the Enippeas Gorge, passing
a cave chapel and the monastery of St. Dionysus. Along the way we will
take advantage of several swimming opportunities in river pools. After
about seven hours of walking, the gorge opens up on the outskirts of
Litochoro, our home for the evening. We enjoy accommodations in a small
guesthouse near the main square. The rest of the day is free to relax
and explore the village. (All Meals)
Saturday, June 4, 2005
Litochoro to Kalambaka / On The Rocks
After breakfast, a 2.5-hour motorcoach transfer takes us the 94 miles
from Litochoro to the villages of Kalamabaka and neighboring Kastraki.
Kalambaka is known in all Greece (and around the world) because of the
famous Monasteries that are built on the tops of the Meteora rocks,
located around the north and east of the town. Kastraki is located just
to the west, amphitheatrically built in between the huge rocks. This
area is very popular with rock-climbers drawn to the challenge of ascending
this magnificent landscape complex of the enormous monoliths bursting
forth from the earth. Here we have a small hotel facing the Meteora
Rocks. After arrival we enjoy our first walk in the fantasy world of
Meteora. (All Meals)
Sunday, June 5, 2005
Meteora Monasteries
Today we walk around western Meteora, following the same old path the
monks used to take, which wind their way amongst the tall rock towers.
These paths take us to amazing cliff-top monasteries, the high places
of Greek Orthodox spirituality. We will have enough time to visit two
of the most important monasteries: the Megalo Meteora and the Varlaam. (All
Meals)
Monday, June 6, 2005
Return to Athens
After breakfast we transfer back to Athens, a scenic 200 mile drive
of about 5.5 hours. (Alternatively, we may drive to Thessaloniki and
fly to Athens if the group approves the additional charge.) After arriving
at our city center hotel, the afternoon is at your leisure. This evening,
we gather in the hotel lobby and accompany our guide on a final walk
through the Old Town to our Farewell Dinner. (All
Meals)
Tuesday, June 7, 2005
Sightseeing & Departure
After breakfast take a half-day sightseeing tour of gorgeous, historic
Athens, home of the 2004 Summer Olympics. Visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon
and Panathinaikon Stadium, where the first modern Olympic games were
held in 1896. After lunch we provide one group transfer to the airport
for those returning home today. Let us know if you would like to extend
your stay in Greece, and we will be happy to assist with your arrangements. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
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