North Greece Hiking Tour

The North Greece Hiking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Litochoro

Begin the tour from the village of Litochoro, in the foothills of Mt. Olympus. Getting to Litochoro from Thessaloniki is a 2 hour ride, whereas from Athens it is a 6 hour drive.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Litochoro
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Transfer to Prionia and Hike to Spilios Agapitos

Transfer to Prionia, from where you begin your hike at an altitude of 1,100 meters. The route from Prionia to Spilios Agapitos Mountain Hut is the most frequented hiking path on Mount Olympus and part of the E4 European Trail.

Prionia is the highest point that can be reached by car. Most of the hike is through a thick forest of pine, beech and fir trees, and the trail is in good condition. Make your way up to an altitude of 2,100 meters and reach the Spilios Agapitos Mountain Hut, where you will spend the night
Overnight Location: Mountain hut in Mt. Olympus (2100m)
Distance: 3-4 hours, 6km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Peak Ascends and Back to Litochoro

After an early rise and breakfast, you have two options depending on the fitness level of the group and local weather conditions: you can either climb up to the summit of Skala at 2,882 meters and then cross a narrow ridge and climb to the summit of Skolio at 2,911 metres (4-5 hours walking on narrow paths (some scrambling is necessary – altitude gain of 800 meters), or weather permitting, you’ll ascend the highest summit of Greece, Mount Olympus (2,917 meters), following a narrow gorge (about 1 km of scrambling).

After reaching the summit you descend following the same path and cross the spectacular precipice under the summit of Stefani, the throne of Zeus. Emerge on the Plateau of Mouses. Return back to Prionia via the same route through Spilios Agapitos mountain hut, from where you transfer back to Litochoro.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Litochoro
Distance: 4-5 hours or 8-9 hours
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Wine Tour and Travel to Meteora

Your day today will be much more relaxed! Explore the villages in the foothills of Mount Olympus. After breakfast you will visit the winery of the Kourtis family in the village of Raches. Your hosts will guide you through their vineyard and wine cellar, and you will have the chance to enjoy a wine tasting and a lovely meal.

Your journey will continue towards Meteora, where you will spend the night. Meteora is one of the most spectacular and extraordinary landscapes in Greece. The stunning rocky pinnacles of Meteora with the imposing monasteries atop, listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are an absolute must-see. Overnight in Meteora.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Meteora
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, meal at winery

Day 5 Meteora Hiking Tour and Drive to Zagori

This morning, walk to the cliff top monasteries following a trail known only by the locals. Pass beneath the ruined monastery of Pantocrator on the northern side of the Dupiani rock. This path will take you to the heart of a lush forest reaching the abandoned and restored Monastery of “Ypapanti” and the ruins of St. Dimitrios. A short walk will lead you to the cliff top monasteries of Varlaam and Great Meteoro.

Descend to Kastraki following the ancient path used by the monks, passing next to the cave of St. George Mandila where climbers hang their scarves every year. Enjoy the unique views from the top of the steep rock formations and learn about the history and the geological significance of the area. Descend to Zagori.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Zagori
Distance: 4 hours, 7km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 6 Central Zagori Villages Hiking Tour

This wonderful circular hike is an ideal way to explore the hidden gems of Central Zagori! Starting from the village of Vitsa, you will visit the most iconic traditional villages of the area such as the Koukouli, Kipi and Dilofo villages. Walk on the arched stone bridges, which were very significant to the Zagorian people, as they were the only connection between the villages and its inhabitants before roads were built.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Zagori
Distance: 6 hours, 12km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 7 Vikos Gorge Crossing

Enjoy a fascinating hike in one of the most beautiful gorges of Europe. The Vikos Gorge is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Greece. The gorge consists of limestone and dolomite formations dating back to 150 million years and vertical walls extending up to a height of 1700 meters. The gorge is part of the 12,600 hectare Vikos-Aoos National Park and has been listed in the Guinness book of records as the deepest canyon worldwide in proportion to its width. Visit the springs of Voidomatis, Greece’s cleanest and coldest river. If you are brave enough, you might take a plunge!

The hike finishes in the village of Vikos.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Zagori
Distance: 6-7 hours, 13km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 8 Rafting Voidomatis and Departure

Today, try something new with a rafting adventure in the crystal clear waters of Voidomatis river, in the heart of the National Park of Vikos – Aoos. The Voidomatis River rises in the Vikos Gorge and follows an impressive waterway wreathed with age-long plane trees that border its bed and traditional stone bridges over the waters. The Voidomatis River debouches its crystal clear waters into the Aoos River, in Konitsa’s plain.

After rafting, you’ll be taken to Ioannina, where the tour ends.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast