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Expedition Guide

Harris Karagiannis

Since 2001, Karagiannis has led Zodiac and sea kayaking excursions in the Ionian Sea; hiking trips in Crete, Cyclades and Peloponnese; and trekking on Mount Olympus. A certified national parks guide, he also holds a degree in European civilization and is a lifeguard and water ski instructor. Karagiannis has travelled to far-flung locales - including the Amazon and Andes - in search of adventure.

Travel Facts

Country Name

Greece

Capital

Athens

Coordinates

37.983333,23.733333

Area

• Total:50,948 sq mi
• Land: 50,442 sq mi
• Water: 506 sq mi

Elevation Extremes

• Low: : Mediterranean Sea 0 ft
• High: Mount Olympus 9,570 ft

Population

10,737,428

Demonym

Greek

Climate

Month	High	Low	Rain
Jan	55	43	2.4
Feb	57	45	1.5
Mar	61	46	1.5
Apr	68	52	.90
May	77	61	.90
Jun	86	68	.55
Jul	91	73	.23
Aug	91	73	.27
Sep	84	66	.60
Oct	75	59	2.0
Nov	66	54	2.2
Dec	59	46	2.8

Time Zone

EET (UTC +2)
Summer (EEST (UTC +3)

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Voltage

220 V

Calling Code

30

Greece: Ascent to the Home of the Gods

• Expedition Type [ Mountain Trekking ]
• Difficulty [ Demanding ]
• Activities [ Hiking, Walking ]
• Duration [ 10 Days ]

Expedition Timeline

Hike through grassy uplands to rocky ridges and along narrow gorges, making your way ultimately to the high peaks of Mount Olympus. The ancient Greeks thought of the mountains as pathways to reach the gods, naming them accordingly - such as the throne of Zeus. The scenery along the way is gorgeous, with shady beech and fir forests that are home to woodland birds and flowers, sharp precipices, traditional villages and striking cliffs.

DAY 1

Arrive Athens, Greece

Arrive in Athens where you are met and transferred to your hotel in the historic Plaka district, the historic center. Stroll the cobbled streets, shopping for souvenirs and a bite to eat at a taverna.

Athenian Callirhoe Hotel

DAYS 2-4

Athens/Litochoro/Refuge A/Peak ascents/Plateau of the Muses

(Estimated Walking Time: Day 2: 3.5 hours; Day 3: 4-6 hours; Day 4: 3-4 hrs)

The trek begins in Prionia at a height of 3,281 feet, among shady beech and fir forests that are home to a variety of woodland birds and flowers. Overnight at the refuge at 6,890 feet. The next day you hike toward the mountain’s main summits. Depending on weather conditions, you trek to Skala at 9,455 feet to Skolio at 9,555 feet or up to Mytikas (9,570 feet), Greece’s highest peak. On the morning of day 4, summit Profitis Ilias to admire the superb views of Mount Olympus and deep gorges. Afterward, amble toward the Plateau of the Muses for an easy remainder of the day.

Refuge A (Mount Olympus) [ B L D ]

DAY 5

Enippeas Gorge/Litochoro

(Estimated Walking Time: Day 4: 3–4 hours; Day 5: 6-7 hours)

Today, you enter the Enippeas Gorge, passing a cave-chapel and the monastery of St. Dionysus. You have several opportunities to swim in river pools along the way. The gorge opens up on the outskirts of Litochoro about seven hours into your walk.

Litochoro Guest House Papanikolaou [ B L D ]

DAYS 6-8

Epirus/ Gamilla Summit/ Dragons Lake and Papigo

(Estimated Walking Time: Day 6: 3–4 hours; Days 7/8: 6-7 hours)

Drive to the Epirus region and the village of Papingo where you head out for two days of backpacking. Ascend to refugee. The next day, you summit Gamilla, the highest peak on the mountain (8,192 feet), where there are breathtaking views of the mountains of Epirus and all the way to the Albanian border. Make an early start on your eighth day for a climb to a rare site: an alpine lake at an altitude of 7,546 feet that is named after the “dragons” — the aquatic lizards — that inhabit it. Descend along the same route to the traditional stone-built village of Papingo

Astraka Refuge and Papingo: Guest House Papaevangelou [ B L D ]

DAYS 9-10

Vikos Crossing/Loannina/ Depart Athens

(Estimated Walking Time: Day 9: 6–8 hours)

Set out today and descend into Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest in Europe, reaching Voidomatis Springs where you walk upstream prior to ascending on the opposite side. Upon reaching the canyon’s rim, you walk to village of Monodendri to spend your last night. The next day, transfer to Ioannina for a flight to Athens and your homebound flight.

Papingo: Guest House Papaevangelou [ B L D (Day 10: B) ]

Departure Dates & Pricing

Prices are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy. Alternate Departure Dates can be arranged. Prices are subject to change.