Our journey began early this day. As our taxi drove us to the train station, we noticed how the lively, bustling areas of Plaka and Monastiraki were still asleep aside from a few coffee shops. (PS Coffee is everywhere in Athens and I am here for it. 🙌🏼)
Thanks to our travel agent (🙋🏼♀️), we had a full day trip booked through Viator and Visit Olympus. If Amelia Curry was in Greece to see all things mythology and Ancient Greece, going to Mount Olympus was a must. Even if it was nearly 5 hours away from our home base in Plaka. I mean, how often are you in Greece?
Being a booked tour, we were part of a small group of other travelers. I am happy to report that we were the youngest of the group by at good 20 years. 😅 A couple from Florida and a trio from Boston (we couldn’t quite get a read on that situation but nicknamed the man Grandpa Joe). His female companions reminded Amelia of the two old guys from The Muppets. Accurate assessment.
Here are a few highlights of our grand Olympus adventure. And, yes, we did have a late meal of crepes and waffles around 11 PM after finally coming home to our neighborhood. It’s vacation. Don’t judge.
- Athens Central Train Station – While connected by rail, it’s fair to say the Greek railway system pales in comparison to the UK. But did it get us there? Yes. But on Greek time.
- Visit Olympus – Not going to lie, I had to pull my TA card the day before our trip because our train tickets had not yet been received. After escalating this concern to the TA team at Viator, all was corrected. Thankfully so, because Florida couple arrived at the train station with NO tickets and only their booking confirmation which would do nothing for them. So, I was able to switch from my traveler hat to my TA hat and get them sorted. All was well. The man talked a lot.
- Damien, the Guide – This man was everything you’ve heard about Greek hospitality. He was warm, engaging, and very, very funny. He drove like a Greek which was awesome and we *might* have gone off the road a couple of times but that’s part of the adventure, right? This man gets five stars from me.
- Castle of Platamon – Our first stop took us to the Byzantine castle where Crusaders would rest and recoup before
pillaging villagesspreading their Christian message. The castle sits atop a massive hill that overlooks the Aegean Sea on one side and Mount Olympus on the other. Those Crusaders had sweet digs. - Village of Litochoro – We drove through a town built at the base of the mountain that was full of tavernas, shops and cafes. While we did not stop here, it would be my list for another time for sure.
- Mount Olympus – The main attraction. We drove to a midpoint and were able to hike up a bit to see the breathtaking views and drink spring water from the source. It was cold and clear and refreshing. The Bath of Zeus was our main destination. Postcard perfect.
- Dion Archeological Park – Brief stop here to see ruins of Temple of Dionysus, ancient theatres and the Temple of Isis.
- Village of Dion – Here, we visited with the owner of a small, family owned taverna. Placed our orders for fresh octopus, moussaka, Greek salads, Greek sausage and Bouyourdi. Adjacent to the restaurant was a small archeological museum that housed a massive mosaic portraying Dionysus and his Satires.
Alyventures 