Greece: Holy Mountains And Legendary Places, 10 Days

In the evening, gathering of the passengers at a selected hotel in Athens, with an option of organized transfer from a nearby airport.

Gathering at Athens Airport and drive to the Corinth Canal, intended only for smaller ships separating the Peloponnese peninsula from the Greek mainland, sightseeing. This will be followed by a drive to the important archeological site of Mycenae. The place is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the oldest centers of Greek civilization, where we will see the fortress, the famous Lion’s Gate and tombs. We will return to the coast and take the coastal road to the resort of Xylokastro.

We will head through the wooded landscape towards the Oros Ziria mountains. Through the hamlets of Trikala, we will reach the smaller winter center of Zereia (1600 m), which will be the starting point of our trip for Kyllini (2376 m), the second-highest peak of the Peloponnese. Nymphs are said to have lived on the mountain, and Hermes, the god of trade, is said to have been born here. The terrain is varied, from rocky to grassy areas, a total of 5 hours of hiking, an altitude difference of 800 meters. After the descent, return to the valley and drive along the Gulf of Corinth to Patras, the third-largest Greek city, lying along the Ionian Sea.

Today we will move from Patras back to the mainland, crossing a nearly three-kilometer-long bridge. Following the picturesque coastal road along the Gulf of Corinth, we will then reach our main destination of the day, Delphi (UNESCO). There was an all-Greek oracle in Delphi, where the famous Pythia prophesied with ambiguous answers. We will visit the Temple of Apollo, the treasury and the stadium, hotel accommodation in nearby Arachova.

Drive along the mountain road to the largest Greek winter sports center (1800 m). This day is dedicated to the ascent to the highest peak of Parnas mountains, at 2457 meters high Liakouras. According to Greek mythology, Parnas is intended for poets and writers, and will reward us with beautiful views of the Peloponnese and the Gulf of Corinth and Olympus. For a technically undemanding tour we will need 4 hours, altitude difference 650 meters. After driving from the mountain, in Thermopylae we will reach the Aegean Sea for a short time. We will move to historic Thessaly and past Trikala, in the late afternoon arrival at the tourist resort of Kalambaka.

A short drive to the pearl of medieval sacral architecture Meteora. Mighty sandstone towers and monoliths will remind us of this important tourist spot, which has also been recognized by UNESCO. The monks built 24 monasteries on inaccessible towers, six of which are still in operation. They are accessible by stairs, and the real treasure of the Greek Orthodox Church is on display. After the tour, we will drive to Larissa and the province of Macedonia and along the Aegean Sea to the resort of Plaka Litochorou.

Preparation for the tour to the mountain of the Gods-Olympus and drive to the starting point Prionia (1100 m). We will walk first through a pine forest, and above the forest border with a winding path to the hut A / Spilios Agapitos (2100 m), to the hut is 2.5 hours hike, the altitude difference is 1000 m. Overnight at the hut and dinner. The hut is modernly equipped and can accommodate 90 mountaineers.

After an early breakfast hike through the southern slopes of Olympus, a mountain with several peaks higher than 2800 meters and covering 600 square kilometers, some are covered to the top with grass, others require some experience. The well-trodden path runs first to the top of Skala (2866 m), and then further along a rather rocky slope, which requires experiences, to the highest peak of Mytikas (2917 m). Olympus played an important role in Greek mythology as the seat of the 12 gods. From the top, there is an extensive view of Macedonia and Thessaly. Those with smaller ambitions will be able to climb the easier peak of Skolio (2911 m). The descent will be in the direction of the ascent past hut A to Prionia, a total of 5-6 hours of walking, altitude difference of 820 meters. From there will be a drive to Plaka Litochorou, with the possibility of swimming in the sea and accommodation.

We will drive along the highway through the province of Ellada and when we reach the sea again, we will stop at the legendary Thermopylae. Here in 480 BC the Spartan king Leonidas with his small army defended the passage from the Persian army. Because of the betrayal, everyone died and even today it is a symbol of loyalty and heroism. After the tour, we will continue our drive to the Greek capital Athens, which will await us with chaotic traffic. Accommodation at the hotel and dinner in a typical Greek restaurant with dinner, ouzo drink, and shirataki dance.

After breakfast, visit some of the sights, such as Omonia Square and Syntagma, the Olympic Stadium, and the Royal Palace. To conclude, we will climb the Acropolis and see the Parthenon, transfer to the airport and end the trip.

*POSSIBILITY OF EXTENDING HOLIDAYS BY THE AEGEAN SEA COAST.

Those who want to extend their stay in Greece for a few days have the option of air transportation from Athens or Thessaloniki.