Mount Olympus Wildlife Photography Workshop
A focused wildlife photography expedition in the high alpine zone of Mount Olympus
4 Days / 3 Nights — 1 Night in Litochoro + 2 Nights in a Mountain Refuge
Mount Olympus is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including foxes, deer, wild boar, birds of prey and the Balkan chamois, one of the mountain's most characteristic alpine animals.
Aegean Aputure offers a small-group photography expedition focused on observing and photographing Balkan chamois in their natural mountain environment.
This is not a conventional wildlife tour. The experience is built around early starts, mountain hiking, patience and responsible wildlife photography. You will spend two nights in a mountain refuge, allowing us to work in the alpine zone without making long pre-dawn approaches from lower elevations.
Throughout the expedition, a wildlife photographer and mountain leader will guide you through the terrain, helping with fieldcraft, photographic technique, composition and responsible approach.
Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed. The objective is to give you the time, access and field knowledge needed to make the most of the conditions we find on the mountain.
Why This Expedition Is Different
Photograph Balkan Chamois in Their Natural Environment
We operate in the exact alpine zones where chamois feed, move, and rest. Our timing and routes are optimised for golden-hour sightings.
The focus is on observing chamois in the high alpine environment of Mount Olympus rather than searching for controlled or staged encounters.
We work according to the conditions of the mountain and the behaviour of the animals, maintaining an appropriate distance and avoiding unnecessary disturbance.
Two Nights in a Mountain Refuge
Spending two nights in the refuge gives us more time in the alpine zone and allows us to work around the best available light and wildlife activity.
It also means:
- Earlier access to the alpine zone
- Less time spent on long approaches from lower elevations
- More opportunities to observe changing wildlife behaviour
- Time to photograph both sunrise and sunset conditions
- A genuine overnight mountain experience
- The refuge is simple, communal mountain accommodation. It is part of the experience rather than a luxury stay.
Built Around Photography
This expedition is designed for photographers who want to improve their fieldwork as well as their images.
Depending on conditions, we work on:
- Understanding chamois behaviour
- Reading terrain and anticipating movement
- Quiet and responsible approach techniques
- Working with long lenses in mountainous terrain
- Composition and environmental wildlife portraits
- Working with changing alpine light
- Making photographic decisions in difficult terrain
- Reviewing images and adjusting your approach
Small Groups
The expedition is limited to a maximum of 4 participants.
A small group allows for a more focused experience, easier movement through mountain terrain and more direct photography guidance.
Main Logistics Arranged
We arrange the main logistics of the expedition, including transfers, accommodation, refuge reservations, guiding and photography coaching, so you can concentrate on the mountain and your photography.
The Expedition
DAY 1 — ARRIVAL IN THESSALONIKI & WELCOME NIGHT IN LITOCHORO
Your guide meets you at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) or at your hotel.
We then transfer privately to Litochoro, the mountain town at the foot of Mount Olympus.
Check-In in Litochoro
We stay in a comfortable mountain guesthouse.
The first evening is used to:
- Rest after travelling
- Prepare photography equipment
- Check the weather and mountain conditions
- Review the route and safety considerations
- Discuss the following day's plan
Welcome Dinner & Expedition Briefing
Before heading into the mountain, we discuss the practical side of the expedition, including:
- Chamois behaviour
- Wildlife photography ethics
- Photography strategy
- Mountain safety
- Equipment considerations
- The ascent and refuge plan
Overnight: Litochoro
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2 — ASCENT TO THE REFUGE & FIRST CHAMOIS SESSION
Early Morning — Transfer to Prionia
After breakfast, we transfer to Prionia, the trailhead for our ascent.
Hike to the Mountain Refuge
We begin the approximately 3–4 hour ascent through the mountain terrain, gradually moving towards the alpine zone.
During the hike, the guide will help you adapt your photography and movement to the environment, including:
- Moving quietly through wildlife habitat
- Carrying and protecting photography equipment
- Reading the terrain
- Watching for signs of wildlife activity
- Working safely on changing mountain terrain
Arrival at the Refuge
Depending on the season and operating arrangements, accommodation will be at the designated mountain refuge.
After settling in and taking a short break, we head out for our first scouting session.
Afternoon & Sunset Photography
We explore suitable nearby areas to look for chamois and observe how the animals are using the terrain.
If conditions allow, we continue into the late afternoon for photography in softer light.
The emphasis is on observation and patience rather than forcing an encounter.
Overnight: Mountain refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3 — FULL DAY CHAMOIS PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE ALPINE ZONE
Sunrise Session
We start before sunrise and move quietly into the alpine zone.
The exact route and locations depend on weather, visibility, terrain and wildlife activity on the day.
This is where the extra night in the refuge becomes important: we can spend a full day working in the mountain environment without having to return to lower elevations after every session.
Morning Wildlife Photography
We spend the morning observing and photographing chamois where conditions allow.
Field coaching may include:
- Responsible approach and positioning
- Using terrain as natural cover
- Photographing behaviour rather than simply portraits
- Working with long lenses
- Using the surrounding landscape as part of the composition
- Adjusting settings as light and weather change
Midday Break & Image Review
We return to the refuge for a break, food and equipment check.
There is also time to review images from the morning and discuss what can be improved for the afternoon session.
Afternoon & Sunset Session
Later in the day, we head out again and explore another suitable area according to the conditions.
The goal is not to follow a fixed wildlife route, but to adapt to what the mountain and animals are doing that day.
Overnight: Mountain refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 — FINAL SUNRISE, DESCENT & DEPARTURE
Optional Sunrise Photography
For those who want one final early-morning session, we head out before sunrise for a last opportunity to photograph the alpine landscape and wildlife.
Descent to Prionia
After the final session and breakfast, we begin our descent.
The return journey also gives us opportunities to photograph the changing mountain environment, including landscapes, forest details, birds and other subjects encountered along the route.
Return Transfer
From Prionia, private transport takes us back to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) or your hotel.
End of expedition.
Meals: Breakfast
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Explore. Capture. Remember.
Private Transfers
Private transfer from Thessaloniki Airport or your hotel to Litochoro, and return transfer at the end of the expedition.
All Mountain Transfers
Transport between Litochoro and Prionia for the mountain portion of the expedition.
1 Night in Litochoro
One comfortable guesthouse or lodge night before entering the mountain, including the welcome briefing and preparation for the expedition.
2 Nights in a Mountain Refuge
Two nights in a mountain refuge in the alpine area, allowing us to begin early and remain close to the wildlife habitat.
Refuge accommodation is simple and communal, with conditions appropriate to a remote mountain environment.
Daily Mountain Snack & Hot Drink
One mountain snack and one hot drink or coffee per day.
Professional Wildlife Photographer & Guide
Guiding throughout the expedition, including photography coaching, fieldcraft, wildlife observation, responsible approach techniques and mountain safety.
Photography Coaching
Practical, field-based instruction throughout the expedition, adapted to your equipment, experience and the conditions we encounter.
Refuge Meals
Mountain refuges operate in a remote alpine environment, so meal options are generally simple and limited.
Typical options may include basic mountain dishes such as soups, pasta or omelettes.
Because supplies have to be transported into the mountain, the selection is not comparable to a normal restaurant.
Refuge meals are paid directly by participants at the refuge unless otherwise stated in the final booking information.
Who This Expedition Is For
This expedition is designed for photographers who are comfortable working outdoors in demanding mountain conditions and who want to combine wildlife photography with a genuine alpine experience.
You should be comfortable with:
- A 3–4 hour mountain ascent
- Hiking on uneven and steep terrain
- Carrying your personal photography equipment
- Early-morning starts
- Variable weather and temperatures
- Simple mountain-refuge accommodation
- Spending extended periods outdoors while waiting for wildlife
A reasonable level of hiking fitness is important. The mountain environment comes first, and routes may be adjusted when weather, terrain or safety conditions require it.
Workshop Highlights
- Balkan chamois photography in the alpine environment
- Sunrise and sunset photography sessions
- Two nights in a mountain refuge
- Small groups of maximum 4 participants
- Wildlife photography coaching in the field
- Mountain guiding and safety support
- Private transfers
- Image review and practical feedback
- Focus on responsible and ethical wildlife photography
Chamois
Aegean Aputure Care Package
Included with every Mount Olympus Wildlife Photography Expedition:
- Complimentary photo review session
- One professionally edited portrait from the field
- RAW/JPEG image backup before departure
Price / Dates Availability
2027 Dates & Availability
26–30 May, 2027 4-DAY / 3-NIGHT 2027
Maximum: 4 participants per expedition
Private Expedition
Solo Photographer — €1,650
Includes private guiding, private transfers, 1 night in Litochoro, 2 nights in a mountain refuge and photography coaching.
Small Group Expedition
2–4 Participants — €1,250 per person
Includes group guiding, group transfers, 1 night in Litochoro, 2 nights in a mountain refuge and photography coaching.
Maximum 4 participants.
Payment
€800 deposit per participant at booking
The remaining balance is due 30 days before departure:
- Solo Photographer (€1,750): €950 remaining
- 2–4 Participants (€1,250 per person): €450 remaining per participant
Bookings made within 30 days of departure are subject to availability and require full payment at the time of booking.
How to Book
Bookings for Aegean Aputure expeditions will be handled through WeTravel.
Online booking will become available when Aegean Aputure officially begins operations in January 2026.
For questions about the expedition, equipment or suitability, contact: