ITINERARY

Day 1: Welcome in Greece

Arrival in Thessaloniki. Transfer to your hotel. Depending on the arrival time, short visit of the city. 1 night in Thessaloniki.

Day 2: The royal tombs of Vergina. Hiking to the Olympus Hut

Today you visit the archeological site of Vergina; one of the main highlights of northern Greece and an UNESCO world cultural heritage site, with the Tomb of Philip; father of Alexander the Great. Transfer to Litochoro; the town at the foothills of Mt. Olympus, and further to the location of Prionia; at 1100m of altitude (approx. 195 km). You go hiking through the “Wood of Silence”, in the Gorge of Enippeas, towards the mountain hut ''Spilios Agapitos''; at 2100 m. 1 night in "Spilios Agapitos" refuge.
Total transfer: about 195 km, 2h30min
Hiking: about 3-4 hrs, +1050m, demanding

Day 3: Climbing the Mountain of Gods

This day you go climbing the Olympus Mountain and its peak Skolio; at 2911 m, with great panoramic view to the other peaks, the Aegean sea and even Mt. Athos peninsula. Upon request (when booking) and if the participants have the adequate equipment and experience, you may also climb to Mitikas; the highest peak of Greece, at 2918 m. You hike down to the hut and Prionia. Transfer to Kastraki; a picturesque village built at the shadow of Meteora rocks. 1 night in Kastraki.
Total transfer: about 170 km, 2h30min
Hiking: about 8-9 hrs, +850m / -1870m, very demanding

Day 4: Meteora Monasteries and Zagori; the “Land behind the Mountains”

Today you walk below and between the spectacular gigantic monoliths of Meteora and you visit the fabulous Byzantine monasteries, which are built on the impressive rocks, high above the plane of Thessaly; they look as they are floating between heaven and earth. In the afternoon you travel through the mountain complex of Pindos to Ioannina; a picturesque city built on the shore of Pamvotis Lake and you continue further to the area of Zagori; famous for the traditional architecture of its stone built villages and the wild beauty of its landscapes. 1 night in Monodendri.
Total transfer: about 140 km, 2h30min
Hiking: about 4 h, simple to moderate

Day 5: Hiking the spectacular gorge of Vikos

Today you hike through the magnificent, shadowed gorge of Vikos; in the National Park Vikos-Aoos, towards the homonymous village. The gorge of Vikos, with a length of 20km, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the deepest canyon in the world, in relation to its width. The main part of the gorge stretches from the village of Vikos to Monodendri and it has a depth of about 1000m. Transfer to Igoumenitsa to catch the ferry to the island of Corfu. 3 nights in Corfu.
Total transfer: about 140 km, 2h30min
Hiking: about 5 hrs, -550m, +250m, moderate-demanding

Day 6: Pantokrator: The highest mountain of Corfu

Transfer to Spartilas; a traditional village at 340m of altitude. You walk on the slopes of Mt. Panokrator that are covered with shrubs, passing by a ruined monastery to a rocky plateau. You eventually reach the summit, at 911m. Panoramic view to the Greek and Albanian mountains and coasts. Return to Spartilas, partially on an alternative path. Transfer via Kassiopi and on a panoramic road around the north-eastern part of the island, to your hotel.
Hiking: about 5h, +600m / -600m, moderate

Day 7: At leisure. Optional cultural tour in the town of Kerkyra

Today you can either relax by the beach for swimming and sunbathing, either you can go for an optional cultural tour to the main town of Corfu; Kerkyra, with about three thousand years of history, where each era has left its traces. The old town, with its two fortresses, has a strong Venetian character. On the esplanade, the Liston-building with its arcades reminds the period of the French administration. The green cricket-pitch represents the British period. In the archaeological Museum stands the splendid pediment of Gorgo from the temple of Artemis. From the Medieval-Byzantine period dates the beautiful church of the Saints Jason and Sosipatros. On the hill of the ancient acropolis stands the district of Kanoni, with excellent view to the Pontikonisi (''Mouse-island''). Mon Repos; the former king’s palace with its jungle-like garden and two ancient sanctuaries. In the afternoon, you can visit the Achilleion; the summer palace of the empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sissy), with beautiful view to Kerkyra and the east coast.

Day 8: Farewell!

Today this beautiful hiking adventure ends. Transfer to the airport or to your holiday resort to continue your holidays in Corfu!