VILLAGE RIDES, CRETE - GREECE

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In the Langada area of Crete there is unlimited space for horse riding. Each day we set out on a different track, through beautiful landscapes, meeting no traffic. In saddlebags, we take with us a lunch, which we enjoy in a quiet spot under the olive trees. The Sun and Riding itinerary is available in July and August but it is too hot for the longer rides of the Village Rides. Beginners can also enjoy the Sun and Riding program and experienced riders are separated.

Trip length 8 days / 7 nights Ride only price 2008: £719, non riders sharing riders room £375 for the week 2009: £719, non riders sharing room £375 Departure dates 2008: From 1st January to 22th June, and from 31st August to 31st December excludes dates of the guided Lasithi Trail 2009: As above from 1 Jan to 21 Jun and 30 Aug to 31 Dec. Approximate riding time per day 5 hours per day Riding ability required From novice on, experienced riders separated, ( must be able to walk, trot and canter on a good horse ) Min age 8 Group size max 10 Meeting point (getting there) Heraklion, Greece Transfer By taxi from meeting point, about €35 - 40 Flight guide London - Heraklion return from £155 Single supplement 2008: £149 2009: £149

SAMPLE ITINERARY - VILLAGE RIDES, CRETE

This riding holiday includes 6 riding trails with a total of 23 riding hours.

Day 1
Arrival, a welcome tour through the Stables and evening dinner.

Day 2 Ancient Lyttos Ride. We ride up to visit the archaeological site of the ancient city of Lyttos giving an excellent view over the valley of Kastelli. The city of Lyttos (meaning high, tall), was a strong town and a rival of Knossos. The army of the city joined the Trojan War and the city was already mentioned by Homer as Lyktos. During the roman period Lyttos was an autonomous city with great fame. It had an aquaduct, theatre and acropolis, nowadays little can be seen of this as excavations of the site has not been done yet. The site has 2 churches. After the visit we ride along the remains of this roman aquaduct. (4 hours riding and a visit to Lyttos)

Day 3 Olive ride. We make an active trip in north direction, we ride up the hills of Sfendili. We cross the Byzantine church of Avdou, we ride quick over the plateau of Mochos and have an excellent view to the Psiloritis Mountains, highest peaks of the island (2, 4 km). (4 hours horse riding)

Day 4 River Ride. We follow the Aposelemis River, which we of course also need to cross. (4 hours riding)

Day 5 Red rock ride. A spectacular climb up the mountain giving an excellent view over the stables and the Langada valley. We ride through Kerm Oak forest to visit the mysterious Church of the Saint Fotini which is hidden deep into a Cave. (2,5 hours riding and visit to the cave)

Day 6 Vulture gorge ride. We ride through the gorge of Gonies to start our spectacular climb to the Greek village of Kera at 800 meters. Here we have a lunch break in Restaurant Niki, before we start our decent along the springs of Kera. (5 hours riding)

Day 7 Cypress Ride. The last day we ride out through a very quiet beautiful valley full of olive groves, we ride along a small cypress forest and make some steep descends with the horses which we now fully trust. (2.5 hours horse riding) Day 8. Breakfast and departure.

NOTES - VILLAGE RIDES, CRETE

ACCOMMODATION The accommodation is in a small hotel with: • 12 large and comfortable rooms • a restaurant with panoramic view • a bar with Mediterranean terrace • a large swimming pool • our own equestrian centre The estate is 3,5 hectare large and located in the country side of the village Avdou, in the province of Heraklion, on the island of Crete in Greece. Avdou is situated 9 miles from the sea and the lively holiday centre Chersonissos. Here you can find all the modern facilities you might need e.g. banks; a private medical centre, water sports and souvenir shops. In the Bay of Chersonissos there are several small sandy beaches. The wide sandy beach lies on the west side of Chersonissos reachable by bike, scooter or car. The beaches are child friendly and some have coast guards.

The weight limit for this ride is 14 st/198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
8 days/ 7 nights on a basis of Dinner Bed and Breakfast, dinner a la carte and accomodation in the hotel. All riding, horses, tack and guiding as per itinerary.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Lunches, which are picnics ordered from your hosts or purchased very cheaply along the road, drinks, transport to and from Heraklion. Transfer from the airport is not included.

FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.

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