VIP 3-Day Tour From Athens: OLYMPUS THE MOUNTAIN OF GODS!

Exploring Mount Olympus is often on every traveler’s Greece bucket list, and this VIP 3-day tour promises a carefully curated experience to the very heart of the gods’ homeland. Designed for those who want more than just a snapshot, it offers a blend of guided hikes, spectacular panoramic views, and the chance to sleep overnight on one of Greece’s highest and most dramatic peaks.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the personalized guide service ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd. Second, the luxurious transport and accommodations take away the hassle, letting you focus on the scenery. Lastly, the ability to reach Greece’s highest peak, Mytikas, with optional climbs and a stay in the mountain refuge, makes for an unforgettable adventure. But, it’s worth noting that the steep ascent to Mytikas might not suit everyone, especially those with limited hiking experience.

This tour is perfect for adventure lovers who crave authentic mountain exploration with expert guidance, stunning vistas, and a taste of mountain refuge life. If you’re after a hassle-free, well-organized journey into Greece’s mythical landscape, this experience hits those marks well.

Key Points

• Expert-guided adventure: Knowledgeable guides help you navigate Olympus’s trails and share fascinating insights.
• Spectacular panoramic views: Expect breathtaking scenery of peaks, forests, and the Aegean Sea.
• Comfortable logistics: Hassle-free pickup and drops, plus accommodation in mountain refuges.
• Challenging peaks: Climb to Greece’s highest point, Mytikas, with safety ropes for steep sections.
• Overnight at high altitude: Sleep in the Plateau of the Muses, in the highest mountain refuge of Greece.
• Authentic experience: Walk through pine, beech, and fir forests, and visit the tallest chapel in the Balkans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Olympus VIP Tour

The Starting Point: Athens to Gortsia

Your adventure begins with a comfortable 5-hour drive from Athens to Gortsia, the gateway to Mount Olympus. Travel is in a private, air-conditioned vehicle—meaning less stress and more comfort. Reviewers mention the “hassle-free pick-up and drop-off” which really helps when coordinating logistics in a busy city.

The drive itself offers some scenic views, and you’ll appreciate the convenience of being picked up from your hotel or Airbnb. The journey is a good chance to get excited, and your guide will likely share intriguing tales about Olympus and its mythological significance.

Day 1: Gortsia to Petrostrouga Mountain Refuge

The first day involves a 3.5-hour hike through lush forests of pine and beech trees. Expect to ascend from around 1100 meters to 1950 meters, gaining altitude gradually, which helps acclimate your body for the higher climbs ahead. Along the way, you’ll enjoy balconies overlooking the Aegean Sea—a highlight for many hikers.

One reviewer notes that “the ascent through forests was stunning, with many scenic viewpoints.” The trail is well-maintained, but be prepared for some moderate uphill sections. Reaching the Petrostrouga refuge offers a chance to relax in the dormitories, and the view of Mount Athos from there is a bonus for many.

Staying overnight at this refuge sets the stage for the next day’s more ambitious climbs. The refuge is considered the highest mountain shelter in Greece, providing basic but cozy accommodations, making it a perfect base for summit ascents.

Day 2: From the Refuge to the Muses Plateau and Mytikas

This is the most intense day of the tour, with a total of around 5.5 hours of hiking. The route takes you from 1950 meters to the Plateau of the Muses, where all Olympus peaks are in view—including the Throne of Zeus and the impressive Stefani peak.

Travelers describe this as “a walk through legend,” with some expressing surprise at just how alpine the terrain feels, despite Greece’s reputation for sun-drenched landscapes. The trail is rocky and steep in parts, requiring the use of safety ropes—your guide will handle these, but it’s good to be prepared for a challenging ascent.

From the plateau, you’ll have a break to soak in the scenery before tackling the ascent to Mytikas, Greece’s tallest peak at 2,918 meters. For many, this is the highlight; standing at the top is genuinely humbling and offers one of the most iconic views in Greece.

Not everyone chooses to climb Mytikas; some prefer to wait at the refuge while others opt out of the steepest sections. According to reviews, “the ascent is quite difficult and steep, but the guide’s safety ropes and expertise make it manageable.” The climb is challenging but doable for those with a good level of fitness.

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Day 3: Sunrise from Prophet Elias and Descent

On the final day, you wake early to witness a spectacular sunrise from the Prophet Elias chapel, the tallest chapel in Greece, perched at 2,470 meters. Many reviewers say this early morning moment is “worth every step,” with views that are truly awe-inspiring.

After sunrise, you begin your descent, passing through the Spilios Agapitos refuge and lush forests of firs, pines, and beech trees. The trail back to Prionia, at 1,100 meters, takes about 5.5 hours, offering a chance to reflect on your experience amid Greece’s natural beauty.

The journey back to Athens wraps up with a relaxing drive, and many travelers feel that the entire trip offers incredible value—combining challenging hikes, luxury logistics, and authentic mountain refuge stays.

Practical Details and What To Expect

Transportation and Accommodation

Your transport is included from Athens, with a seamless pickup and drop-off service, removing stress from your travel plans. Accommodation during the trip is arranged at mountain refuges and the Plateau of the Muses, providing a genuine mountain-huts experience with dormitory-style rooms. For many, this is a highlight, offering a break from typical hotels and a chance to sleep in the mountains.

Hiking and Physical Preparedness

The itinerary involves multiple hikes, from 3.5 to 5.5 hours per day, with significant altitude gains and rocky terrain. The ascent to Mytikas is steep and requires using safety ropes, so a good level of fitness and comfort with heights are recommended. The tour’s reviews highlight that safety measures are well-managed, but some travelers note the steep sections can be tough.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers all accommodations, private transportation, and guided services, making it a fuss-free experience. Lunch and personal expenses are not included, so packing snacks and water is advisable. Travelers mention that the guide is knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights along the way, which adds value to the experience.

What to Bring

Expect to be outdoors for much of the trip, so essentials include hiking shoes, sun protection, layered clothing for changing weather, water, and a small daypack. Some reviews mention the importance of trekking gear like walking sticks or poles for stability, especially during steep or rocky sections.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for active travelers comfortable with multi-hour hikes and varying terrain. It’s perfect for those who want to reach Greece’s highest summit with expert guidance, and who enjoy a mix of adventure and scenic beauty. The overnight stay at the mountain refuge makes for a truly immersive experience—ideal for serious hikers or mountain lovers.

If you’re someone who values authentic mountain lodging and panoramic vistas, this trip will meet your expectations. However, if you prefer more relaxed sightseeing or have mobility limitations, this might feel a bit demanding.

The Sum Up

This VIP 3-day tour offers a rare chance to explore Greece’s divine mountain in a guided, comfortable, and adventurous way. The combination of scenic hikes, expert guides, and the opportunity to sleep overnight at high altitude makes it a memorable experience for those ready to challenge themselves. It balances the thrill of reaching Greece’s highest peak with thoughtful logistics, ensuring you can focus on the incredible scenery and the sense of achievement.

For anyone passionate about hiking, mountain landscapes, or Greek mythology, this tour delivers a compelling package. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who value knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and authentic mountain refuge stays—not just a quick tourist stop but a genuine journey into Olympus’s grandeur.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children under 18?
No, the tour is not recommended for children under 18 due to the physical demands and steep sections.

How long is the drive from Athens to Gortsia?
The drive takes approximately 5 hours by road, in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

Are accommodations included?
Yes, accommodations at mountain refuges and the Plateau of the Muses are included, offering dormitory-style rooms.

What should I bring?
You should bring hiking shoes, sun protection, layered outdoor clothing, water, a sleeping bag, a daypack, personal medication, and trekking gear like walking sticks.

Is the ascent to Mytikas challenging?
Yes, it involves steep sections and the use of safety ropes; some guests find it quite demanding but manageable with proper guidance.

Can I skip climbing Mytikas?
Absolutely. If you prefer not to climb the highest peak, you can wait at the refuge or opt out of the steep sections.

What’s the best time to do this tour?
While the exact season isn’t specified, considering Greece’s climate, late spring to early autumn would be ideal for hiking.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation, all accommodations, guided tour, and pick-up/drop-off in Athens are included. Lunch and personal expenses are not.

Is this a group tour?
Yes, but it offers a private group experience, providing a more personalized vibe.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It requires good fitness and comfort with mountain hiking, especially for the ascent to Mytikas; it’s suitable for active travelers.

This 3-day Olympus adventure is a rare chance to combine physical challenge with breathtaking natural beauty and mythic significance. Whether you’re chasing the summit or simply soaking in the mountain’s majesty, it’s sure to be a trip you’ll remember.

You can check availability for your dates here: