Authentic Experiences
Hiking in the Mountains of the Greek Gods
- 12 Days 11 Nights
- Group: 6-14 People
- Zagoria, Meteora, Pelion, Olympus
- Activities: Hiking, Sport Activities
Information
Join us in Northern Greece, an off-the-beaten-path region of still authentic beauty.
Travel to mythical lands, between sea and mountains, in the footsteps of the gods of antiquity.
Along the way you will visit the hilltop monasteries of Meteora, the arched bridges of Zagori, the emerald coastline and the heavenly beaches of Pelion, not to mention Mount Olympus.
An immersive journey, where you will share your table with your hosts and learn the history of the region through its landscapes…
DAY 1: WELCOME TO THESSALONIKI
Arrival at Thessaloniki airport, where you will be welcomed by your guide and your driver. After 30 minutes of transfer, arrival in the city center and installation at the hotel.
Thessaloniki, at the crossroads of East and West, is a city rich in history with 15 monuments classified as World Heritage by Unesco. Now vibrant with cultural events, its heritage makes it one of Greece’s top gastronomic destinations.
Welcome dinner in a tavern, the opportunity to meet your traveling companions and taste the local flavors.
DAY 2: ON THE ROAD TO ZAGORI
This morning, your guide offers you a walk to the covered market of Thessaloniki, located 5 minutes from your accommodation.
Then you will take the road to Metsovo, the “princess of Epirus”, a small town at 1150 meters above sea level. Lunch, then leisurely walk around Metsovo and its attractions.
Arrival at the end of the afternoon in Elati, where Penelope warmly welcomes you in her guesthouse.
After a tasty dinner, you will enjoy the pure mountain air on the terrace of your guest room, or by taking a walk through the alleys of the hamlet.
DAY 3: CULTURAL IMMERSION IN THE VILLAGES OF ZAGORI
This morning after breakfast, your mountain guide Luc awaits you for a beautiful hike through culture and history. We will travel the famous network of trails and cross the iconic stone bridges of Petsioni, Milos, Kalgerikos and Kontodimos, built by famous local craftsmen in the 18th and 19th centuries. Starting from the village of Kipi, we will take a circular walk to the picturesque hamlet of Koukouli where we can visit the Lazaridi Museum, famous for its collection of rare and medicinal herbs. We will also taste local herbal liqueurs from Mr Nikos, a specialty not to be missed!
Free time for lunch, then return to the guesthouse to rest. Later we will take the direction of Elafotopos and after a short transfer, we will arrive at Lena’s: Embark on a journey of real flavors, far from supermarket shelves and mass food products. It is here that you will come to see how ingredients grown or produced literally a few meters away are transformed into traditional Mediterranean mountain recipes. Immerse yourself in the daily life of the inhabitants of Zagori, exploring the farm of 400 sheep, the loom and felt workshop, all accompanied by traditional music, drinks and an introduction to folk dances for the volunteers.
DAY 4: HIKE ALONG THE VOIDOMATIS RIVER
This morning we will take a peaceful route in the footsteps of Ice Age hunters along the spectacular Voidomatis River. In the shade of timeless plane trees, we will pass by Stone Age rock shelters and an abandoned monastery. The sandy banks are ideal resting places and the turquoise waters invite the brave to take an icy swim. The route starts at the single-arch stone bridge of Klidonia, another masterpiece of local stone craftsmanship, and ends at the Aristi Bridge.
Departure for Papigo, one of the 46 villages of Zagori located 960 meters above sea level at the foot of Mount Tymfi. Lunch break and short optional hike to the neighboring village of Mikro Papigo, with a swimming break at the “kolymvithres”, basins sculpted in limestone, formidable natural pools.
At the end of the afternoon, return to the guest house and dinner.
DAY 5: METEORA, BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH
After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful region of Epirus and hit the road for Meteora. Meteora is an impressive rock formation, on which Orthodox monasteries “suspended in the sky” have been built. The six monasteries still in operation are built on huge natural pillars and rounded hill-shaped rocks that dominate the region and are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
After your installation at the accommodation, first walk to admire the landscape and visit the caves of the hermits, then dinner.
DAY 6: THE METEORIC MONASTERIES BY ELECTRIC BIKES
This morning, visit the monasteries by electric bike. Hear stories about tradition, history and the monuments you see along the way: you will have the opportunity to visit two of the monasteries still in use, and have a picnic amidst this impressive landscape.
The afternoon is free, we will recommend various hikes and visits to do at your own pace. Dinner in a tavern near your accommodation.
DAY 7: THE PELION PENINSULA, HIDDEN GEMS OF GREECE
After breakfast, departure for the Pelion peninsula, the land of the centaurs. Its gentle slopes and easily accessible peaks make Mount Pelion a popular destination for hikers, nestled between the Pagasitikos Gulf on one side and the Aegean Sea on the other. We will make stops en route at the traditional villages of Milies and Ano Lechonia. Once we arrive at the accommodation, our local guide Nikos will take us for a walk around Tsagarada: water gurgles in the fountains and the rays of the sun stream through the leaves of the plane trees, oaks, beeches, gardenias, hydrangeas, camellias .
DAY 8: KAYAK ALONG THE EMERALD COASTS OF PELION
Today, our guide Nikos will meet us at the accommodation, from where we will leave for a pleasant hike to the famous beach of Damouchari, lasting about 1h30. Then, we take the paddles to explore the coast and its spectacular rock formations, a jungle just at sea level, large sea caves and a beach with turquoise waters. After a picnic, return to Damouchari and free time to enjoy the beach then return to Tsagarada.
DAY 9: THE WATERFALLS ROUTE
After a generous breakfast, we board the minibus for a short transfer to the starting point of the hike: we will walk along a beautiful little river with waterfalls, lakes and scenic roads. A 5km hike, relatively easy and suitable for all levels, along a path shaded by chestnut and beech trees. At noon, we will take a picnic break at the edge of a natural lake, and why not swim. The trail then takes us through a forest of apple trees which leads to the main road. Return to Tsagarada in the afternoon to relax before dinner.
DAY 10: THE BALCONY OF MOUNT OLYMPE
On the way to Palaios Panteleimonas, the balcony of Mount Olympus! It’s time to say goodbye to Pelion, and hit the road to Mount Olympus. We will stop for a coffee break with the view of the Pagasitikos Gulf, then upon arrival at the accommodation, you will admire the Aegean Sea in a garden lined with chestnut trees. Stroll through the most beautiful village in the region, dating from the 14th century and renovated in the 80s: it will enchant you with its cobbled streets, stalls selling the famous “mountain tea” and other local products. Dinner in a tavern.
DAY 11: MOUNT OLYMPE, THE MOUNTAIN OF THE GODS
To conclude this beautiful itinerary, we will take a hike accessible to all, on the highest mountain in Greece, Mount Olympus. Along the way, you will admire the beauty of this natural park: an impressive waterfall, the natural pools of Orlias where you can swim, and, of course, the enchanting atmosphere of Mount Olympus. According to legend, Orlias, the ancient river of Pieria, would have “disappeared” in shame underground, refusing to purify the Mainades who wanted to wash their hands of the blood of Orpheus there. The river resurfaces just outside Dion, where it forms its cascades. Then, walk in the village of Litohoro at the foot of Mount Olympus and return to Palaios Panteleimonas for dinner: the opportunity to share your impressions of your trip accompanied by tasty local dishes.
DAY 12: DEPARTURE
We leave this morning for Thessaloniki. Depending on the time of your flight, the transfer to the airport will be adapted.
PRICE PER PERSON €
GROUP SIZE: 6 TO 15 PEOPLE
*Price per person, based on shared occupancy of a double room. Excluding international flights.
GROUP DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2024 soon to be announced
*You can extend your tour with additional days, before or after the group tour. Possibility to privatize the program and choose your departure date.
SERVICES INCLUDED
– Accommodation in 3* hotels and bed and breakfast, in a shared double room, 11 nights
– All transfers mentioned in the program
– All breakfasts and dinners
– Lunch picnics
– Tour leader throughout the trip
– Mountain guide during the hikes
– Meals and accommodation for the driver and the guide
– Cooking and agritourism activity in Zagori
– The visit of Meteora by electric bike
– Kayaking activity in Pelion
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED
– The plane tickets
– Anything not mentioned in the program
– Entrance fees to monasteries (2-3 euros per monastery, visit of 2 monasteries)
*The agency reserves the right to modify the program according to the weather conditions and the physical conditions of the participants, in consultation with the tour leader, the guides and the participants.