Day 1. Friday 24 May 2024:
Arrival Olympus Riviera
Arrival at our hotel in Paralia Katerini beach – Olympus Riviera. Check in and free time to relax. While being in this tranquil environment we can walk on the sandy beach, enjoy the next few hours in the sea breeze or optionally try watersports and have some fun. Furthermore, we can explore the hotel amenities of the hotel or try taking a stroll to the nearby village for delicious Greek coffee or souvenir shopping. At our rich buffet dinner at the hotel restaurant, we ´ll have the first chance to gather. Overnight at Paralia/Olympus Riviera.
DAY 2. Saturday 25 May 2024:
Hiking with the Olympus Gods On the second day of our tour, after our breakfast, we will depart from our hotel and head towards the majestic Mt
Olympus. Our first stop will be at the Olympus National Park Information Center, where we will have a guided tour and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the area. We continue our journey towards our starting point of our hiking, the old Monastery of St. Dionysios in Olympus. St Dionysios of Mount Olympus is probably the most beloved monastery in the region Pieria, a historical and touristic monument, visited by many. The old monastery was founded by St Dionysios in 1542, on Olympus Mountain, at an altitude of 850 m, at 18 km distance from Litochoro village. It has been an important educational and spiritual center and took an active part in the Revolt in 1878 against the Turks. It was destroyed by the German Nazi in 1943 but nowadays the monks succeeded in reconstructing the main church of the Monastery and their goal is to fully reconstruct the monastery, based to the original design. From that point we start our light hiking at a comfortable pace, through a dense beech tree forest that gradually changes into a beautiful boreal pine forest. Along the way, we will take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and enjoy the fresh mountain air. We will stop at designated rest areas along the trail to catch our breath and take in the beautiful scenery. At our final point of the hiking route, we will visit the Sacred Cave of Saint Dionysios of Olympus. Tucked under an overhanging rock at the top of the Enipeas Gorge, lies a large cavity housing the chapel and a holy water spring. There was the hermitage of St Dionysios. This is the return point to our hiking journey. Return to our bus and transfer to our hotel at Olympus Riviera to rest gain our powers. In the evening following our delightful dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, we’ll visit the vibrant heart of the 1st Olympus Adrenaline & Nature Festival—the main kiosk area in Litochoro village. Here, a plethora of activities awaits, providing us with an opportunity to engage with local professionals who will share insights into the region’s outdoor activities, allowing us to savor local delicacies and immerse ourselves in authentic experiences. The main stage will come alive with plenty of happenings, featuring live music, captivating dance performances, and more. It promises to be a night filled with cultural richness and entertainment. We will return with our private bus to our hotel full of memories and joy. Overnight at Paralia/Olympus Riviera.
DAY 3. Sunday 26 May 2024:
Crossing the Path of Love and Wishes
In the morning we enjoy our rich breakfast at the hotel, and we take off with our private vehicle heading to Ano Milia. Ano Milia is a picturesque village located in the Pieria region of Greece, known for its natural beauty and traditional charm. There we will follow the unique “Path of Love and Wishes”. The Love Path in the Pieria Mountains derives its name from tales of love and romance, making its way through the enchanting forests surrounding the village of Ano Milia. Nestled at an altitude of 1000 meters, this earthly paradise offers a unique walking experience suitable for individuals of all ages. Accessible from the heart of the village, near the beautiful Agia Paraskevi church, the path is adorned with stone fountains from the old days, gushing streams and wooden bridges perfectly integrated into the landscape. The diverse vegetation, include beech, chestnut, oak and fir trees, transforms the landscape into a living canvas. As we embark on this walking journey, we encounter the natural wonders of streams, small waterfalls, and picturesque bridges, all showcased on a meticulously maintained trail. There in the magnificent nature, we can enjoy our light lunch from the lunch box. Furthermore, during our walk, we will have a plant tour by a botanologist expert in local flora, providing an enriching opportunity to delve into the unique flora of the Pieria region, adding a botanical dimension to this already captivating magical destination. Information will accompany various flora species, ensuring a delightful and educational experience for those exploring this magical haven, making it an ideal destination for walkers. Then we depart to visit the nearby city, Katerini. One of the highlights of the city is the main park in the city center and the pedestrian walkway which is full of café and restaurants to spend time and explore the local gastronomy. The city is also known for its market, with a wide variety of stores where you can find all kinds of shopping options. Return to our hotel and free time to relax in our comfortable rooms. Late in the afternoon after our dinner, a lively gathering will be held at the hotel’s Bar. A party for us, to come together in shared joy, dancing to the rhythm of music that fills the air. The night will unfold with laughter, dance and shared moments. It’s an ideal occasion for all of us to deepen our connections and make lasting memories in the vibrant ambiance of the hotel’s Bar. Overnight at Paralia/Olympus Riviera.
DAY 4. 27 May 2024:
Dion archaeological site- Therapeutic horse-riding
Early in the morning, after our breakfast we depart from our hotel to visit the archaeological site of Dion for a guided tour. The city of Dion was situated at the foot of Mount Olympus and it was a sacred city of the Macedonians, dedicated to God Zeus.In Dion, Alexander the Great invoked the help of the father of the gods, with sacrifices for his campaign in Asia. During our tour of the archaeological park we will come across buildings and findings that testify to the existence of a glorious and flourishing civilization. We continue by visiting a Horse-Riding Club for a therapeutic riding course in nature. A therapeutic riding course is a specialized program that utilizes horseback riding as a therapeutic intervention for individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges. Tailored to address various therapeutic goals, such as improving motor skills, balance, and coordination, the course is often conducted under the guidance of certified instructors and therapists. The rhythmic motion of the horse, combined with the unique bond between rider and horse, can have profound positive effects on participants, fostering emotional well-being and confidence. Therapeutic riding courses are recognized for their ability to provide a unique and uplifting therapeutic experience, making them valuable for individuals with a range of abilities and needs. Return to our hotel and time to rest. Free time to relax by the beach or take a stroll along the coastline. Dinner and overnight at Paralia/Olympus Riviera.
DAY 5. 28 May 2024:
Optional Tour – Macedonian Majesty
On the fifth day of our tour, after breakfast, we can optionally embark on a cultural journey to explore some of the historical treasures of the region. Our first stop will be the Tomb of Phillip the Second, an extraordinary archaeological site that bears witness to the grandeur of ancient Macedonia. We’ll be amazed by the impressive architecture and intricate details of the tombs, which date back to the 4th century BC.Next, we’ll make our way to the charming city of Veria. Here, we’ll stroll through the quaint alleys, admire the beautiful architecture and monuments, and visit the monument of the Apostle Paul, who preached in Veria during his journey through Greece. As we stroll through the street indulge in local delicacies and treat yourself with a slice of the famous local “Revani” sweet. Return to our hotel and free time. Dinner and overnight at Paralia/Olympus Riviera.
DAY 6. 29 May 2024:
Last day at Mt Olympus/Pieria
On our final day of our trip, after our last breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Mt Olympus/Pieria, an amazing region full of history, mythology, and natural beauty. We hope that you’ve enjoyed your time and that you’ve created unforgettable memories.
