Horseback Riding in Greece
THE LASSITHI TRAILS OF CRETE - UNGUIDED |
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 god of Greek gods was born in a cave in the Lassithi plateau, which you ride over on 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 using maps, trail markers and written directions. You are responsible for care and feeding of your horse during the week.
Ride a week through mountainous terrain where the largest colony of vultures in Europe is found. Upon reaching the sea there may be time to swim with the horses, and later sleep with the sound of the sea lapping at the shore.
I really enjoyed this ride-the horses were wonderful, tough, and willing. Our hosts were outstanding; I can't say enough about how helpful, pleasant, and professional they were. They were also truly concerned that we had a good ride, but perfectly willing to let us enjoy ourselves as we wished. The food at the hotel where we ate for five nights was GREAT-local dishes well prepared. The ride route was well marked...the countryside more varied and interesting than expected with rocks, climbs, drops, stairs, and olive groves...
- C.C.
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Arrive and transfer to the stables in Avdou where you will have an orientation and description of the ride with plenty of time to look over the maps you will be using. Dinner and overnight at the nice onsite hotel with swimming pool, and restaurant. |
| Day 2: | Ride up the hills of Sfendili, crossing near the Byzantine church of Avdou and ride briskly over the plateau of Mochos with wonderful views of the Psiloritis mountains, the highest peaks of the island. Return to the hotel for overnight. |
| Day 3: | Today the trail starts 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. 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. Overnight in Dzermiado at the Hotel Kourites or in Magoulas at the Hotel Dionissos. (6 hours riding) |
| Day 4: | Cross through the empty vastness of the Dikti Mountain range in a southerly direction. Experience the special feeling of being alone in nature with the horses, encountering only an occasional friendly shepherd living off the land. Return to the hotel for overnight while the horses stay in the mountains. 5 hours riding) |
| Day 5: | Traverse down through a desert land dried by winds from Africa, which is not far to the south. Soon you will meet the clear blue water of the Libyan Sea for a refreshing swim, if conditions permit. Unfortunately cantering is not permitted on the beach, which is vanishing into the sea, but if the weather is warm and the sea conditions are safe, you may be able swim with the horses. Sleep here with the sound of the sea in your ears. (6 hours in the saddle) |
| Day 6: | Ride along the sea before turning inland again to follow the Anapodaris River which has cut out a 5 km. long gorge which is growing deeper with time. Soon the land will become more friendly and hilly with many olive groves, vineyards and villages. Overnight at the hotel where you began the ride. (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 at the hotel’s restaurant and a final overnight at the hotel. (5 hours riding) |
| Day 8: | Breakfast, then transfer (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 | Advanced Strong Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-6 |
| Riding Per Day | 5 - 6 hours |
| Pace | Moderate |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Arab, thoroughbred crosses, Dutch warmbloods |
| Weight Limit | 190 lbs |
| 2012 Dates | Please call for available dates on this trek. |
| 2012 Price | $1,485 High Season
$1,410 Low season |
| Single Supplement | $210 |
| Transfers | Transfers to and from Heraklion Airport or Ferry Station are at your own expense and cost around 50 euro each way per vehicle. |
| Additional Information | Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid. |
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