Horseback Riding in Greece
CRETE STAR TRAIL |
Greece with its many islands stretching down into the Aegean, is no more than 50,000 square miles in total area (about the size of the state of New York), yet is responsible for great achievements in art, architecture, mathematics, drama, philosophy, sports (the Olympic games), and democracy -- legacies for the preceeding ages.
Though the Cretan terrain is rugged it has olive orchards and vineyards, with great local pride in the quality of its olive oil. What it lacks in soil, it more than compensates for with coastline. No town in Greece is more than 75 miles from the water, with hundreds of coves and inlets, bays and gulfs. Many of the Greek heroes and gods had a real or mythological relationship with this wild and beautiful part of Greece. In mythology, Zeus, the supreme deity of the ancient Greeks, was born in a cave in the Lassithi plateau.
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Arrive at the hotel and settle in for the week. There may be time for a swim before dinner. |
| Day 2: | Ride to the archaeological site of the ancient city of Lyttos with views over the valley of Kastelli. (The army of the city joined the Trojan War.) During the Roman period Lyttos was a city with great fame and a rival of Knossos. It had an aqueduct, theatre and acropolis. Lyttos was mentioned by Homer as Lyktos. Nowadays little can be seen of this as excavations of the site have not as yet been completed. After your visit, ride along the remains of the Roman aqueduct, returning to your comfortable hotel base for the week. (4 hours in the saddle)
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| Day 3: | Ride up the hills of Sfendili and cross near the Byzantine church of Avdou, then ride briskly over the plateau of Mochos. The Psiloritis Mountains in the distance are the highest peaks of the island (8,200 ft.). (4 hours in the saddle) |
| Day 4: | Follow along the Aposelemis River, crossing it at times to a stop for lunch under the shade of olive trees. (4 hours riding) |
| Day 5: | A steep climb up the mountain with excellent views over the stables and the Langada valley below. Ride through Kerm Oak forest to visit the mysterious Church of the Saint Fotini which is hidden deep in a cave. (2.5 hours in the saddle) |
| Day 6: | Ride through the gorge of Gonies to start your spectacular climb to the Greek village of Kera at 800 meters. Here you have a lunch break in the Restaurant Niki. After lunch ride down along the springs of Kera and return to your lodgings for another peaceful night. (5 hours in the saddle). |
| Day 7: | Your final ride takes you out through a quiet beautiful valley of olive groves, and along a small cypress forest. Make some steep descents before returning for a swim or relaxation in the serene setting before your farewell dinner. (3 hours riding) |
| Day 8: | Departure after breakfast, or when necessary for outbound flights. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Avdou |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 6 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Intermediate Novice |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-6 |
| Riding Per Day | 3 - 5 hours |
| Pace | Moderate |
| Tack | All purpose English saddles |
| Horses | Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred crosses, warm bloods and a local breed |
| Weight Limit | 200 lbs |
| 2010 Dates | Begin any day of the week January 1 - February 21, March 12 - June 26 and September through December
CLOSED FEBRUARY 22 0 MARCH 11
High season March 29-Nov 7 and Dec 23-Jan 9, 2011 |
| 2010 Price | $1,015 low season
NEW DISCOUNTED PRICE: $900
$1,085 high season
NEW DISCOUNTED PRICE: $960 |
| Single Supplement | $225 NEW PRICE: $200 |
| Transfers | At riders expense |
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