Experience with Mt. Olympus / Dion area?

If you love rugged, off the beaten path, then definitely make the change to Litohoro, Dion, and Meteora! We did the drive several years ago and it was full of the two lane winding roads with impromptu stops for roadside stands (Litohoro and Dion). Meteora will have bigger highway roads, but the base village remains quaint. The drive is scenic and fun and if you have adventurous spirits, it will fit the bill without being taxing. The walks and hikes in Meteora will be fine for all based on your fitness levels; try to go up to the main sanctuary early in the day so that you beat the tour bus(ses). Then you can explore the other areas away from the crowd while tour groups go up.

Mt. Olympus may be more challenging. Regardless of how fit you are, there is a big elevation change around Mt. Olympus that can impact you and you will be far from any medical assistance so be prepared. We did the hike from the base just to the "night before" camp area where the hikers stay the night before ascending to the peak and that was beautiful and plenty of hiking for us.

Dion was amazing--huge and we had it nearly to ourselves. Read up on the significant sights before you go as there is not a lot of information there for tourists (at least not when we went).

You may want to devote one night (the night before touring to get an early start the next a.m.) to each location, then spend the whole day touring each spot before driving to the next town. Even though they appear nearby on a map, the pace is slow. Hope you have a great trip whatever you decide.

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply. I found this wonderful hotel (Ktima Ballou) near Mt. Olympus which will be our base for a couple of nights. One day we will spend in the "local" area; one day doing Dion.

Trying to figure out if it is feasible to do the Royal Tombs in Verginia (Michelin says about 1 1/2 hours away) and then drive to Meteora after. We have 2 nights planned for Meteora. Sunset the night of arrival (hopefully) and private hiking tour the the next day. Day 3 we depart for the leisurely drive to Galaxidi - stopping where we are "moved" to stop.

At this point, I may just have to come back for Trip 3 to Northern Greece, Macedonia and the Ionian Islands. :-)

LOL--I was going to suggest a visit to Vergina, but didn't want to go over board . . . the museum there is one of the best my family has been to in the world--truly amazing and chilling. You literally walk into the tomb underground to view the exhibits and the items there are unequaled. If you plan a future trip to the north with more time, there is much more to see as well--nature, museums, ruins.

Well that seals the deal. Verbinia is on the list for this trip. We like "road tripping" and an hour and a half drive there isn't bad. Then after the visit it will be about a 2 1/2 hour drive (per Michelin) to Meteora. What do you think of doing it in conjunction with Dion on its own day? It does seem to be in the same general direction. Just a thought. :-)

Dion and Vergina in a single long day works; I would leave Meteora for a 2 day/1 or 2 night after that as your timing to avoid crowds will be easier once you are in the locale. Plus, it is a more spread out area where you will want to meander. Enjoy!

Thank you for your reply! That is exactly our plan! 2 nights in Kastraki after our Litochoro stay.