Northern Greece • Mt. Vermio & Mt. Olympos

After arrival at Thessaloniki airport you drive per rental car app. 2 hrs to Naousa and check in your hotel in the village Kopanos, a few km distance from Naoussa center in a rural area. In the evening we recommend you to go to the authentic and well maintained village Arkochori for a stroll and a dinner in a traditional Greek tavern where you might taste a good local wine ‘Damaskinos’.

After breakfast you drive to the tiny village of Rodakinia, where you can have a coffee at the traditional Rakokazano near the winery. You then do an easy walk via farming tracks through peach orchards and vineyards in the Naoussa wine region to reach the well-established winery Kir Yianni. The owner Mr. Yianni, is a quirky man whose character is reflected in his fabulous wines. Nowadays he is the mayor of Thessaloniki and you will be guided around by Elpida and Charoula.
You’ll taste the excellent wines, along with some snacks. After the wine-tasting tour, it’s just a 1-hour stroll back to Rodakinia.

Challenge: 2,5 hours, 9 km / 5,5 mi, 200m ascent, 200m descent

Today’s walk starts in Ag. Nikolaos, a lush green area 4 km from the centre of Naoussa. It is a huge park area next to the Arapitsa River with a waterfall and a nice wood with immense oak- and plane trees. After a coffee at a local café in this lush green park, you ascend through dense forest up to the church Prof. Ilias from where you have great views over the plains. Optionally you ascend even further until the Monastery Ypapantis. After a visit and a picnic you walk back to the church Prof. Ilias from where you descend via a different trail: a hefty descend through forest. In this section there live quite some wild pigs.

Challenge: 4 hours, 10,5 km / 6,5 mi, 600m ascent, 600m descent

You drive south today via the archaeological site at Dion, to reach your pension, ‘O Vassilis’ in Rapsani.
A long section along the shore offers views to Mt. Olympos, a mythical range with peaks rising to almost 3000 m. At the foot of Mt. Olympos you can visit the wonderful site of Ancient Dion, a huge archaeological park and a green oasis for a pleasant walk. Here you’ll explore the remains of a walled city from the 5th to 3rd century B.C. The city was established by the Macedonians and it was here that Alexander the Great offered sacrifices at the Olympian sanctuary of Zeus. There are well-preserved remains of public baths, churches, palaces, a cemetery, temples, a stadium and 2 amphitheatres. Afterwards, there’ll be time for lunch at a simple tavern nearby. Then you drive further south to the pretty village of Rapsani to enjoy an evening stroll in this picturesque setting. Sample local dishes at the tavern on the village square, accompanied by a good Rapsani wine. 

Challenge: walk over Dion archaeological park 

Today’s walk starts directly from Rapsani and takes you to the village Kraniá. It’s a lovely, relaxing route on rural tracks through mountainous terrain and you’ll be treated to views of the Aegean Sea. Your walk ends in the tiny village Krania.
A taxi-on-call from Rapsani will take you back to your hotel (taxi not included). Time permitting, you can visit the welcoming and informative wine museum in Rapsani this afternoon or tomorrow morning. 

Challenge: 3 hours, 9,2 km / 5,5 mi, 580m ascent, 300m descent

For today you have a long walk, though not too demanding. Starting once again from the village square in Rapsani, you descend via footpaths and dirt tracks to the lush banks of the River ‘Xiropotamos’ and cross it via an ancient stone bridge.
Then you continue your descent, parallel to the river, to reach the unique Monastery of Agioi Theodoroi, a perfect place for a break. You then follow woodland paths along the riverbed, crossing it now and again. At the end of the track, you pick up a dirt track, now in ascent, passing several vineyards. You pass the Nunnery at Moni Sotiros, where you may be offered the traditional ‘loukoumi’. The last section follows a quiet country lane back to Rapsani. 

Challenge: 4,5 hours, 16,5 km / 10 mi, 500m ascent, 500m descent

You start off with a drive to the village of ‘Tempi’, situated on the Pinios River. You park your car near Tempi at the Dougos Winery.
A pre-arranged transfer takes you to the starting point for your walk, near a historic iron bridge over the Pinios River. From there you walk parallel to the river, and high above it, mostly on the flat with the occasional section in gradual ascent. There are some terrific spots for a picnic lunch. As you start your descent down toward the River Pinios, you come to the Dougos Family vineyards.
Your walk ends here, at their winery, where you pick up your car and drive to the nearby village of Ampelakia. 

Challenge: 4 hours, 12 km / 7,5 mi, 625m ascent, 620m descent

Drive to Thessaloniki airport and drop off your rental car.
Departure from Greece.