The national parks surrounding Athens offer three standout tour experiences. The top choice is the comprehensive 7-day Vikos-Aoos trek, perfect for adventurers who want the full package of rafting, hiking, and authentic Greek mountain life. Mt. Olympus makes an excellent day trip, combining mythology with moderate hiking through Enipeas Gorge and charming village visits. Nature lovers will appreciate the flexibility of private guided hikes in Parnitha National Park, just outside Athens. We especially love the Vikos-Aoos tour for its excellent guides and well-planned itinerary that showcases the best of Greek wilderness. Let’s explore the details of these remarkable tours.
Key Points
- The Vikos-Aoos National Park Tour offers a comprehensive 7-day experience with diverse activities, comfortable accommodations, and a high overall rating of 5.0.
- The Mt. Olympus National Park Day Tour provides a 13-hour guided experience, featuring visits to archaeological sites and a mythological landscape, with a 4.7/5 rating.
- The Parnitha National Park Hiking Tour is a private, customizable option with the opportunity to spot wildlife, tailored to various fitness levels, and priced from €175 per person.
- The tours cater to active participants, with varying degrees of accessibility and fitness requirements, ensuring a suitable experience for different travelers.
- Positive reviews across all tours highlight the quality of guides, transportation, and overall value, influencing decision-making for potential visitors to Athens’ national parks.
7 Days Journey to Vikos-Aoos National Park From Athens
Typically, the journey from Athens to Vikos-Aoos National Park takes 7 days. This tour has an impressive 5.0 overall rating based on 8 reviews, and it accommodates a maximum of 14 travelers per group.
The package includes essential inclusions like rafting in the Aoos River, transportation from and to Athens, local transfers, and an English-speaking guide throughout the trip.
Travelers will enjoy 6 nights of accommodation, with 5 nights in traditional guest houses and 1 night in a mountain refuge. The tour also provides 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners, as well as public liability insurance.
The tour starts at 8:00 am, and participants can choose from various meeting points, including hotel pickup in Athens, the ΑΠΟΛΛΩΝΙΟΝ location in Ag. Paraskevi, or the Nomismatokopeio metro station. The activity ends back at the initial meeting point.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level, though it’s not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.
Read our full review: 7 Days Journey to Vikos-Aoos National Park From Athens Review
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From Athens: Mt. Olympus National Park Guided Day Tour
For those seeking a captivating day trip from Athens, the Mt. Olympus National Park Guided Day Tour offers an opportunity to explore the legendary home of the Greek gods. Priced at Kč 4,021 per person, this 13-hour excursion includes roundtrip train tickets, a knowledgeable guide, and visits to the archaeological site of Dion, the picturesque village of Litochoro, and the Platamon Byzantine Castle.
Highlights include the Bath of Zeus in the Enipeas Gorge, providing a chance to take in the mythological landscape.
With a 4.7/5 rating based on 68 reviews, the tour earns praise for its transportation, guide quality, and value for money. Travelers note the engaging storytelling and the convenience of the train ride.
Participants should arrive 30 minutes early at the Athens Railway Station and bring their passport or ID card. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, making this tour an accessible and enjoyable way to experience the grandeur of Mt. Olympus.
Read our full review: From Athens: Mt. Olympus National Park Guided Day Tour Review
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Hiking in Parnitha National Park From Athens
A private hiking tour in Parnitha National Park, located just outside Athens, provides an opportunity to explore the park’s pristine forests and diverse wildlife.
The tour is customizable, allowing participants to choose routes suitable for all fitness levels. Travelers can expect to spot foxes, squirrels, and even red deer during the up to half-day hike, accompanied by an English-speaking private guide.
The tour includes private transportation, bottled water, and hiking gear, as well as a lunch. Pickup is available from various accommodations in Athens, with a start time of 9:00 am.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant travelers, it’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness.
The tour is priced from €175.00 per person, with the final cost varying based on the group size. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
Reviews of the tour highlight the exceptional service provided by the guides, as well as the flexibility and customization of the hike.
Read our full review: Hiking in Parnitha National Park From Athens Review
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The Sum Up
Athens is surrounded by a wealth of beautiful national parks, each offering unique experiences. Whether you prefer a multi-day journey to Vikos-Aoos, a guided day tour to Mt. Olympus, or a hiking adventure in Parnitha, there’s an option to suit every traveler. With stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich history, these national park tours provide an opportunity to take in Greece’s natural wonders.