MT OLYMPUS AND METEORA, GREECE (SEPTEMBER 27 - OCTOBER 5)

Join us for an Epic Adventure in Greece to climb the legendary Mt Olympus, Mountain of the Gods, and hike among the spectacular scenery of Meteora!

Nights - 8. Cost - £749. Group size - 18.

This trip is a truly diverse adventure, combining two Greek highlights - summiting the highest mountain in Greece, and hiking in stunning Meteora - with a bonus visit to a fascinating archaeological site and a well deserved beach day at the end.

From Thessaloniki airport, we travel to the small Northern Greek town of Vergina, where we will have time to visit the Archaeological Site of Aigai.

We then make our way to Meteora, known for its byzantine monasteries perched on top of steep rocks. Hiking among the stone giants of this spectacular area, we will have the opportunity to explore the most impressive viewpoints and ancient monasteries.

After these warm up hikes, we will be ready for our main goal of the trip, trekking to Mt Olympus, the 'Mountain of the Gods'. Our challenging 4-day hut-to-hut trek will take us not only to Greece’s highest peak, but will allow us to explore some spectacular off the beaten track trails in the surrounding mountains.

Our trip will finish off with some well deserved relaxing beach time in the lovely seaside town of Plaka where we will have the opportunity for a refreshing swim.

ACCOMMODATION:

Accommodation on this trip will be a combination of twin share rooms in hotels (3 nights), shared dorm rooms in mountain huts (3 nights) and twin share bungalows (2 nights).

ITINERARY:

Sat 27/09 - Pick up from Thessaloniki airport at noon (for flights arriving by 11:35AM), transfer to our hotel in Vergina, visit the Archaeological Site of Aigai.

Sun 28/09 - Transfer to our hotel in Meteora where we spend two nights, afternoon hike with monastery visit.

Mon 29/09 - Hiking and exploring Meteora with monastery visit.

Tue 30/09 - Transfer to Prionia, start of Mt Olympus trek, hike to Agapitos hut.

Wed 01/10 - Hike to Apostolidis hut, ascent Mt Olympus peak (only with day pack).

Thu 02/10 - Hike on the Plateau of the Muses and surrounding mountains.

Fri 03/10 - Hike down to Litochoro village. Transfer to our seaside accommodation where we spend our last two nights.

Sat 04/10 - Free day to enjoy the beach!

Sun 05/10 - Transfer to Thessaloniki airport (leaving our accommodation around 8:30/9AM) for flights leaving from 12:30 onwards.

Please note this itinerary is subject to change based on weather and other factors.

DIFFICULTY:

Hikes during the Mt Olympus part of the trip will be challenging with significant elevation to be tackled and this trip is therefore only suitable for fit and experienced hikers with a head for heights. You should be comfortable walking with a full pack on rough, rocky and uneven terrain and on sometimes narrow and exposed paths. You will need the fitness to cover around 12 km with up to 1200m of ascent and up to 1600m descent in a day. Hikes during the Meteora part will be of medium difficulty.

NOTE ABOUT SUMMITING MT OLYMPUS:

Mount Olympus has multiple peaks and (weather permitting) our guide can take us as far as the popular summits of Skala Peak at 2,882m or Skolio Peak, the second highest peak at 2,911m, as the ascent to these peaks is not technical.

The final section from Skala Peak to the highest peak of Mytikas at 2,917m is however an exposed, graded scramble. For that reason, if you wish to climb Mytikas, you will need to use the services of a separate experienced local guide who can support you on this final section and provide the necessary equipment (previous scrambling experience recommended).

These guides can take up to 4 people at a time and we will help to organise this for anyone interested (see more info in the comments section below).

For anyone that does not wish to tackle Mytikas, Skala and Skolio are equally worthy summits and offer spectacular views without the need for difficult scrambling.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• 5 nights accommodation in twin share rooms (3 nights in hotels in en-suite rooms, 2 nights in bungalows on a seaside campsite (each bungalow has a toilet but shower facilities are shared)
• 3 nights accommodation in shared dorm rooms in mountain huts
• 2 breakfasts
• 1 English speaking mountain guide
• 1 Epic Adventure Club trip leader
• Airport transfers and all other transfers as foreseen by the itinerary (due to the limited boot space we won't be able to take large suitcases, soft bags preferred)
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Any other meals not specified (in the villages we can get breakfast/buy packed lunches at local cafes/supermarkets, and we will sample the local cuisine at nearby restaurants/tavernas for dinner. The mountain huts sell basic breakfasts, lunch packs and dinners*.
• Flights (see below)
• Bed linen/towel in the huts (you will need to bring a sleeping bag liner, pillow case and towel)
• Entry fees
• Travel Insurance

*Please note that meal options will be limited in the mountain huts. If you have any specific dietary requirements other than regular vegetarian you will likely need to bring some of your own supplies on the trek.

FLIGHTS AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS:

We will provide one airport pick up from Thessaloniki airport on Saturday 27 September for flights arriving by 11:35 (AM). The following outbound flights from London are suitable:

Easyjet EZY8243
Departs 06:20 LGW London Gatwick
Arrives 11:35 SKG Thessaloniki

British Airways BA772
Departs 06:05 LHR London Heathrow
Arrives 11:25 SKG Thessaloniki

Please note it is possible to take a later outbound flight (i.e. 09:25 BA from LHR) but you will then have to make your own way by bus/taxi to Thessaloniki followed by a train to Mesi Veroias from where our guide will be happy to pick you up. Please enquire for details with the organiser if you consider this option.

For the return on Sunday 5 October, we will provide one airport drop off at Thessaloniki airport by 10:30 for flights leaving from 12:30 onwards. Suitable flights to London would be:

Easyjet EZY8246
Departs 12:35 SKG Thessaloniki
Arrives 14:10 LGW London Gatwick

British Airways BA773
Departs 13:25 SKG Thessaloniki
Arrives 15:00 LHR London Heathrow

If you decide to book different flights you will have to meet the group at the airport by noon on 27 September.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use GREECE as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. The account details are:

Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003

Please email ingridhansen1@gmail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)