Horseback Riding in Greece
CRETE TRAIL OF THE GODS |
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 proceeding 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. In mythology, Zeus, the supreme deity of the ancient Greeks, was born in a cave in the Lassithi plateau, which you will ride over during the trail. Many of the Greek heroes and gods had a real or mythological relationship with this wild and beautiful part of Greece.
For the experienced rider this is an adventurous trail of 160 km. Travel a week through mountainous terrain to the sea. Upon reaching the sea there should be time to swim with the horses and later sleep with the sound of the sea lapping at the shore.
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Arrive and take arranged taxi (out of pocket expense) to the stables in Avdou where you will have time for a swim before orientation and description of the ride. Dinner and overnight at the equestrian hotel with swimming pool and restaurant. |
| Day 2: | Ride up the hills of Sfendili. Crossing by the Byzantine church of Avdou, ride over the plateau of Mochos with wonderful views to the Psiloritis Mountains, the highest peaks of the island. |
| Day 3: | Begin riding today with a spectacular climb. After riding through the gorge of Gonies, climb from sea level to 1100 meters, following mostly old donkey routes. In the past this was the only possible path onto the Lassithi Plateau. Enjoy the breathtaking views and have lunch that is cooked in a traditional oven. Late in the day ride over the Lassithi Plateau. This fertile plateau between the peaks of the Dikti Mountains is known for its white windmills used to irrigate the land. Meet the locals still working their farms with donkeys, and canter over the plateau. Overnight in Dzermiado or in Magoulas. (5 hours riding) |
| Day 4: | Ride through the empty vastness of the Dikti Mountain range in a southerly direction. Experience the special feeling of being in the quiet of nature with the horses, encountering only an occasional friendly shepherd living off the land. Return to the hotel for the night while the horses stay in the mountains. (5 hours in the saddle) |
| Day 5: | Today’s ride goes down through a desert land dried by winds from Africa, which is not far to the south from here. Soon you will meet the clear blue water of the Sea for a refreshing swim.
Unfortunately cantering is not permitted on the beach, which is slowly vanishing into the sea, but if the weather is warm and the sea conditions are safe, you may be able to swim with the horses. Overnight in Keratokambos, next to the sea. |
| Day 6: | Ride along the sea before turning inland again to follow the Anapodaris River which has cut out a 5 km. long gorge of such depth it is almost dizzying. Soon the land will become more friendly and hilly with many olive groves and vineyards. Ride through villages and let the horses drink in Lake Ini. Overnight in Arkalochori, or transfer to your hotel where you began week, leaving the horses here for the night. (6 hours riding) |
| Day 7: | Return to Avdou through typical Greek countryside, past villages where time seems to have stood still. Feel welcome to stop and drink an Ouzo with the locals at one of the village squares. The Dikti Mountains rise up next to the trail; a sight you will not quickly forget. Complete the ride in Avdou where you began. Enjoy your farewell dinner and a final overnight at the stable’s hotel and restaurant. (5 hours saddle time) |
| Day 8: | Enjoy breakfast before departing by taxi (at your expense) to the airport in time for your departing flight. |
| 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 |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-6 |
| Riding Per Day | 5 - 7 hours |
| Pace | Moderate |
| Tack | All purpose English |
| Horses | Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred crosses, warm bloods and a local breed |
| Weight Limit | 200 lbs |
| 2010 Dates | *March 14-21, *March 21-28 (Full), April 11-18, May 2-9, May 9-16, June 6-13, Sept 12-19, Oct 3-10, Oct 31-Nov 7, Dec 26, 2010-Jan 2, 2011 |
| 2010 Price | $1,465 high season
NEW DISCOUNTED PRICE: $1,275
*$1,395 low season
*NEW DISCOUNTED PRICE: $1,235
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| Single Supplement | $225 NEW PRICE: $200 |
| Transfers | At riders expense |
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