Mount Olympus and Ancient Dion Day Trip from Thessaloniki
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Overview
A full-day trip by air-conditioned coach from Aristotle's Square in Thessaloniki to the foot of Mount Olympus and the sacred city of Dion. You follow an easy trail to the Agia Kori waterfall, visit the Dion archaeological park, stop at the Olympus National Park information centre and have lunch in the mountain village of Litochoro. An English-speaking archaeologist-historian travels with the group, which makes the day ideal for curious travellers who like history and nature together.
Highlights
- Easy marked trail in Olympus National Park to the Agia Kori waterfall, with time for a swim
- Dion archaeological park: temples, theatres, baths and mosaics at the foot of the mountain
- Olympus National Park information centre with exhibits on wildlife and mythology
- Lunch and a stroll in the mountain village of Litochoro
- English-speaking archaeologist-historian on board
- Air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi; baby seat on request
- Central meeting point at Aristotle's Square
Full Description
Mount Olympus National Park and the Agia Kori trail
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, with its main summit above two and a half thousand metres, and in ancient belief it was the seat of the twelve gods. The national park around it is a protected landscape of gorges, beech and pine forest and rare plants. On this Mount Olympus day trip from Thessaloniki you do not climb to the summit; you take the marked red trail to the Agia Kori waterfall, about seventy-five minutes of easy walking in total.
The path is accessible to most walkers, runs under trees beside a stream and ends at a pool of cool, clear water where many travellers swim. Trail conditions change with the season, and in winter or bad weather the programme can be adjusted. Wear sports shoes and bring swimwear, a towel and water. If you ask how hard a Mount Olympus hike is, this trail is short and gentle.
The archaeological park of Dion
Dion was the religious capital of ancient Macedonia, a city set below Olympus and devoted to Olympian Zeus. Kings held festivals and games here, and tradition says Alexander the Great made sacrifices at Dion before his campaign. In the park you walk among sanctuaries, a Hellenistic theatre, Roman baths, the remains of villas and early Christian churches, and floors decorated with mosaics. A Dion archaeological site visit is a rewarding ancient-history stop in northern Greece.
You spend about ninety minutes there. Entry to the site and a guided tour of the ruins are not included in this option, so you pay the entrance fee on arrival, and your escort gives the historical background along the way. Reduced or free entry applies to some ages and nationalities, so carry your ID or passport.
Olympus National Park information centre
The information centre is a short stop of about half an hour and a useful one. Its displays explain the geology, plants and animals of the mountain, the paths that lead to the summit, and the way Olympus appears in Greek mythology and folk tradition. For anyone who has seen the peak from the coach window and wants to know what is up there, it fills in the story.
The exhibits are interactive and suit older children and adults alike. The stop also works as a rest break between the walk and the next stop, with a chance to buy a map or a local souvenir.
Litochoro village at the foot of Olympus
Litochoro is the town at the foot of the mountain and the starting point for most Olympus hikes. It has narrow lanes, traditional Macedonian houses, small squares and a lively cafe scene. Our lunch break of about an hour and a half is here, so you have time to eat and wander.
Lunch is not included in the price, so you choose a taverna and pay for yourself. Litochoro is a pleasant village to see in the afternoon, and it gives the Mount Olympus trip a calm finish before the drive back to Thessaloniki.
Itinerary
- Aristotle's Square meeting pointMeet your English-speaking archaeologist-historian and the group at Aristotle's Square and Egnatia Street (the Venizelos statue), ten minutes before departure.
- Coach to Olympus National ParkAbout seventy-five minutes in an air-conditioned coach to the foot of Mount Olympus.
- Agia Kori trail and waterfallAbout seventy-five minutes of easy marked trail, with time for a swim at the waterfall.
- Archaeological park of DionAbout ninety minutes among the sanctuaries, theatre, baths and mosaics; entry is paid on arrival.
- Olympus National Park information centreA half-hour visit with exhibits on the mountain's nature and myths.
- Litochoro village and lunchAbout ninety minutes for lunch and a stroll through the village.
- Return to ThessalonikiAbout ninety minutes by coach back to Aristotle's Square, ending after roughly ten hours in total.
What's included
- Meeting and drop-off at Aristotle's Square and Egnatia Street (Venizelos statue)
- Air-conditioned coach transport
- English-speaking attendant (archaeologist-historian)
- Basic travel insurance during transport
- Free Wi-Fi
- Baby seat available on request
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and beverages and personal expenses
- Entrance fee to the Dion archaeological site
- Guided tour of the Dion archaeological site
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- History and culture lovers
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.6/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 10 hours
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Travellers with mobility problems, as the trail involves uneven ground
- Pregnant women and infants, because the walk is not recommended for them
- Anyone who wants a summit climb (this trip is a short trail, not a mountaineering ascent)
Meeting point
The meeting point is Aristotle's Square and Egnatia Street (the Venizelos statue) in central Thessaloniki, and the return is to the same spot. This option does not include hotel pickup. Please arrive ten minutes before departure, at the time shown in your booking confirmation.
Important information
- Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, swimwear, a towel, sports shoes and long trousers for the trail
- Entry to the Dion site and a guided tour of it are not included; food and beverages are paid by you
- Reduced or free entry to Dion applies to some ages and nationalities, so carry your ID or passport
- The programme can change with weather, especially in winter
- This is not a mountain-climbing hike: the red trail is easy and marked, but it is not for people with mobility problems, pregnant women or infants
- Arrive ten minutes before departure at Aristotle's Square
- Free Wi-Fi is on board, and a baby seat can be arranged on request
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Mount Olympus and Dion day trip cost?
The price depends on the option you choose. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option and traveller type.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The trip meets and ends at Aristotle's Square and Egnatia Street (the Venizelos statue) in Thessaloniki.
How long is the Mount Olympus tour from Thessaloniki?
The day lasts about ten hours, including the drive, the Agia Kori trail, the Dion visit, the information centre and lunch in Litochoro.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Older children who can walk the easy trail enjoy it. It is not recommended for infants, and a baby seat is available on the coach on request.
What should I wear and bring?
Sports shoes, long trousers or sportswear, swimwear and a towel for the waterfall, plus a hat, sunscreen, water and snacks.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, depending on availability. Choose the date in the booking panel to see whether places are open.
Are the Dion entrance ticket and guided tour included?
No. The Dion entrance fee and a guided tour of the site are not included in this option; your escort still explains the history as you walk.
Do I have to climb Mount Olympus?
No. You take an easy marked trail to the Agia Kori waterfall, not the summit route, so no mountaineering experience is needed.
Is ancient Dion worth visiting?
Yes. It was the sacred city of ancient Macedonia and is rich in temples, mosaics and baths, set peacefully below Mount Olympus.
What is the best time to visit Mount Olympus?
Late spring to early autumn is best for the trail and the waterfall swim. In winter the weather can change the programme.
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