4 Mythical Mountains in 6 Days: Hiking the Historic O22 National Trail

ACTIVE PERIOD: 1 to 6 October 2026
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2

DURATION: 6 days
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 6

4 Mythical Mountains in 6 Days: Hiking the Historic O22 National Trail

Price from €1265

Overview

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Trekking Hellas, we offer a unique 6-day hiking experience on the most impressive sections of the historic O22 National Trail. This iconic route connects Parnitha with Parnassos, crossing Kithaironas, Helicon and Kirfi.

Each mountain reveals a different side of Greek nature, from dense fir forests and alpine landscapes to gentle ridgelines and wide panoramic views. At the same time, the trail follows the footsteps of Greek mythology, where the myths of gods and heroes were born, creating a multi-day experience that blends hiking, culture and inspiration.

The program is designed for Greek and international travelers in good physical condition who seek a moderate yet rewarding mountain experience and wish to discover Greece through its landscapes, myths and mountains.

Experience an unforgettable 6-day anniversary trek, shaped by 40 years of experience in nature, culture and exploration!

Day 1: Transfer to Parnitha & Welcome briefing
Day 2: Hike in Parnitha - Mola Spring – Chouni Gorge
Day 3: Hike to Kithaironas summit + visit Thebes
Day 4: Hike in Heliconas + visit Delphi
Day 5: Hike in Parnassos to Gerondovrachos summit
Day 6: Hike in Northern Parnassos and Transfer to Athens

Activities / Schedule

Athens – Parnitha – Introduction & briefing

Departure from Athens and transfer by van or bus to Parnitha at Bafi mountain refuge.

Meeting of the group, Briefing and accommodation with dinner/breakfast at Bafi mountain refuge.

Parnitha – Pigi Mola – Chouni Gorge

Parnitha, the highest mountain in Attica, was in ancient times a sacred mountain dedicated to Zeus Parnithios, who was worshipped as the god of rain, storms and weather.

The route starts at the Bafi shelter. We will initially move on a perimeter route towards the Mola spring following a local path, then entering the O22 path we will descend towards the most famous gorge of Parnitha, Chouni. We will finish at the foot of the mountain in Thrakomakedones where our vehicle will pick us up.

Daily program:

Morning hike following the Parnitha massif.

Distance: ~7.5 km.

Elevation: +100m. - 600m

Duration: ~4:00 hours

Difficulty: 2/5 - Moderate

Afternoon transfer to Kithairona
Accommodation with dinner at the V. Tsakos Refuge

Kithaironas – Prophet Elias Peak 1358m.

Kithaironas is the mountain between Attica and Boeotia. It is associated with the mythical king Kithaironas who was transformed into a mountain, with Oedipus who was abandoned on its slopes and with Hercules who killed the lion there. The mountain was considered a sanctuary of Dionysus, a place where mysteries were performed and often resonated with the playing of the guitar.

The route starts from the “Vangelis Tsakos” shelter (1,100 m.) and through fir forests leads to the Three Peaks (1,358 m.) and to Prophet Elias (1,409 m.), with panoramic views of Attica, Boeotia and the Corinthian Gulf. The circular route returns to the shelter, offering an inspiring experience.

Daily program:

Morning Hike following the path in the mountainous massif of Kithairon.

Distance: ~8 km

Elevation: +/- 470m

Duration: ~4:30 hours

Difficulty: 2/5 - Moderate

Afternoon transfer to Thebes
Free time to visit the Archaeological Museum of Thebes & Dinner
Accommodation in a guesthouse in Thebes

Elikonas – Villages of Kyriaki & Elikonas

Helicon is famous in Greek mythology as the sacred home of the nine Muses, protectors of the arts and sciences. It is also at Helicon that Narcissus saw his idol and was enchanted by its beauty.

Our day begins with a short transfer from Thebes to the village of Kyriaki.

Our hiking route starts from the village of Kyriaki and ends in the village of Helicon (Zeriki). We will pass through the mountainous rocky environment with passages through fir and oak forests and intense valleys.

Daily program:

Morning transfer to the starting point
Morning hike following the O22 trail in the Helicon massif

Distance: ~7.5 km

Elevation: + 300m. – 400m.

Duration: ~3:30 hours

Difficulty: 2/5 - Moderate

Afternoon transfer to Delphi
Free time to visit the Delphi Museum & have dinner
Accommodation at a hotel in Delphi

Parnassos – Gerontovrachos Peak 2390m.

Parnassos, the "mountain of Apollo", holds a central place in Greek mythology as the seat of the Nymphs and the place of foundation of the Delphic oracle. According to legend, it was named after the hero Parnassos, while on its peaks the ark of Deucalion and Pyrrha rested after the flood, constituting the new cradle of humans.

Our day begins with a short transfer from Delphi to the Alpine zone of Parnassos.

Our hiking route starts at 1800m. We will follow the uphill part of the O22 trail to the Gerontovrachos peak. The view along the way is magnificent as we see steep peaks all around us and the sea in the distance.

Daily program:

Morning transfer to the starting point
Morning hike following the O22 trail in the Parnassos massif - Ascent to the Gerontovrachos peak.

Distance: ~6 km.

Elevation: + /-681m.

Duration: ~4:00 hours

Difficulty: 2/5 - Moderate

Accommodation at the Defner refuge with dinner

Parnassos - Descent of northern slopes - Alpine zone - Polydroso

Morning short transfer to the starting point
Morning Hike following the O22 trail in the Parnassos massif - Descent Fterolakkas - Ano Polydrosso

Distance: ~8.5 km.

Elevation: + /-950m.

Duration: ~6:00 hours

Difficulty: 2/5 - Moderate

Return Transfer Polydrosso – Athens

Accommodations

Important Info

In a glance

CURRENCY: euro (€)
AVERAGE AGE: 18 - 70
TIMEZONE: UTC+02:00 (EET)

Highlights

National Trail O22, Nature & Mythology
Hiking Exploration of 4 Mountains in 6 Days
Historical Monuments of Thebes and Delphi
Accommodation in Mountain Refuges and Guesthouses

Fixed dates

1 to 6 October 2026

Price

1295€/person

The excursion requires a minimum number of participants of 6 people to take place.

Participation requirements

Good Physical Condition
Min Age: 18 years – Max Age: 70 years

General information

The anniversary hike on the most beautiful parts of the National Trail O22 will take place as part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the founding of Trekking Hellas!

The mountains of Zeus, Dionysus and Apollo, as well as Pan, the Muses and the Nymphs, invite you on a journey full of nature, history and mythology.

The 38 km route is divided into 5 days where we will hike from 6 - 8.5 km daily.

Ream more

Experienced Greek and English speaking trekking guide Trekking Hellas with first aid knowledge and pharmacy.
Transfer from and to Athens (days 1 & 6
Daily transfers according to the program
Accommodation in a shelter (in an 8-bed dormitory) with dinner and breakfast (days 1,2,5)
Accommodation in a hotel in a single room with breakfast (days 3,4)
Lunch box X 5 days
Individual accident insurance
Truth and liability insurance
VAT 24%

Dinner in Thebes or Delphi (day 3,4)
Drinks, soft drinks or snacks
Entrance tickets to museums in Thebes & Delphi
Any guided museum tour
Climate Resilience Fee / 5€ / night / room. To be paid directly by the customer at the hotel reception.
Anything not described in the inclusions

Equipment

Trail running or trekking shoes
Sportswear or hiking clothes appropriate for the season
Energy snacks-gels-isotonics
Waterproof jacket
Hat
Water bottle or flask
Headlamp
Personal items
Medications if you are taking medication or suffer from allergies
Lightweight sleeping bag-liner & pillowcase
Sunscreen, hat, glasses
30lt backpack for daily hikes
Sack or backpack with clothes, toiletry bag, microfiber towel, slippers (mandatory in shelters)

Reviews

Fantastic hike in the mountains around Parnassos. The scenery is amazing and the view is breathtaking!
Eleni and Giorgos are very friendly and shared many stories about the area in general. We recommend it 100%

Grégoire B

Hi there

I wanted to say thank you for a wonderful trip. There was not one problem and we felt so cared for right till the last airport drop of. Whatever you said you did and that is special We are so sad to leave Greece and the mountains. We had a beautiful last night in Athens with a magnificent sunset on the hill(rocks) Thanks to all and especially Eleni who is beyond wonderful.

Elana and Mikayla