KEPHALONIA RIDING WEEK WITH 2 DAY TRAIL - GREECE

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Kefalonia is the largest Ionian Island. It's history is around 4500 years old. Only very few holidaymakers know the beauties of this island - it is such a green and lush landscape. On this island you have the chance to ride well schooled Haflinger horses - perfect trail horses - in mountainous areas, on old donkey paths, canter across olive groves as well as swimming in the sea with your horse. You will visit old ruined villages, destroyed by the earthquake in 1953 and see the most interesting sights - all on horseback. All the riding tours are guided by a qualified riding teacher and the horses are all in excellent condition.

Trip length 8 days / 7 nights / 6 days riding Ride only price 2008: £665, non riders £299 2009: £709, non riders £355 Departure dates 2008: All year round except 8-15 April and 12- 19 October (see Sami Trail) 2009: Available April, May, June, September and October, anyday start. Approximate riding time per day approximately 4 - 5 hours in the saddle daily Riding ability required From beginner on by arrangement. Min age 4 Group size 1 - 8 Meeting point (getting there) Kefalonia Airport or Sami port Transfer By taxi to start, about €30 per vehicle, free on return journey Car hire strongly advised for this holiday Flight guide London - Kefalonia from £130 return. Weekday flights tend to be cheaper. Single supplement None if willing to share, otherwsie £95 in 2009

SAMPLE ITINERARY - KEPHALONIA RIDING WEEK WITH 2 DAY TRAIL

Sample Itinerary for riding week with 2 day trail

Day 1
Your horse riding holiday starts as you arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner.

Day 2
We start with a 2-3 hours ride near the stable.

Day 3
We do a half - day trip (4 ½ to 5 hours) today. We leave the stable, going to Drogarati Cave, which you can visit if you like. We continue through a big olive plantation to the villages Haliotata and Poulata. We see the old ruins of Liviatata and Old Karavomylos and reach Mellisani Lake. You can visit it. On our way back we go to the beach. Whoever feels like it can swim together with their horses. After that, we return to the stable.

Day 4
We do a 3 to 3 ½ hour trail - riding on the mountains. We visit Monastery Fanentes and an old ruined village. The view to the islands Lefkada and Ithaka is fantastic. Return to the stable.

Day 5
We climb up the mountain through a very steep goat trail and come down the other side to another beautiful old village, Mousakata.

Day 6 & 7
We depart on our two - day trip in the mountains riding amongst wild goats. We can explore much further than on the day rides this way. We barbecue on a high plateau enjoying the sea view We sleep in tents or just under the stars depending on the weather.

Day 8
A sad farewell after breakfast, the end of a lovely week exploring Kefalonia on horseback.


Sample Itinerary for Riding Week with 3 day trail in Kefalonia

Day 1
Arrival in the late afternoon and dinner.

Day 2
We start with a 1 ½ to 2 hours ride near the stable.

Day 3
We do a half - day trip (4 ½ to 5 hours) today. We leave the stable, going to Drogarati Cave, which you can visit if you like. We continue through a big olive plantation to the villages Haliotata and Poulata. We see the old ruins of Liviatata and Old Karavomylos and reach Mellisani Lake. You can visit it. On our way back we go to the beach. Whoever feels like it can swim together with their horses. After that, we return to the stable.

Day 4
We do a 3 to 3 ½ hour trail - riding on the mountains. We visit Monastery Fanentes and an old ruined village. The view to the islands Lefkada and Ithaka is fantastic. Return to the stable.

Day 5 - 7
In the morning we go up to Mount Aenos on an old donkey trail. We pass at a beautiful village, where we have our coffee. Later we arrive at out camp where we have barbecue and stay for the night. You can sleep under the stars or in two person tents. The next morning, after a powerful breakfast, we continue up to Mount Aenos, riding through the forest which is still home to wild horses. We have a break for q picnic lunch and return to our camp. The following morning head back to the stables via a different route.

Day 8
A sad farewell after breakfast, the end of a lovely week exploring Kefalonia on horseback. Please note these are sample itineraries and, as with many riding holidays, may change due to weather or other local considerations.

NOTES - KEPHALONIA RIDING WEEK WITH 2 DAY TRAIL

Evening meals are often taken in Sami in the typical Greek taverna's where it can be a bit difficult for strict vegetarians to find suitable food particularly out of season. The accommodation is around a 20 minute walk or 2 minute car drive from the stables and Sami is around 4 miles away from your accommodation so car hire is strongly advised.

The weight limit for this ride is 16 st/220 lb/100 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
Seven nights in a twin room in the guesthouse with shower, toilet and central heating for the winter. Use of spacious communal kitchen, garden, terrace, barbecue (guests use). Half board (breakfast and lunch) your hosts are superb cooks! Local home made wine is included with your substantial lunch. Return transfers from Sami Port.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Return transfers from Argostoli Aiport, entrance fees to the various caves (open May - September) transport to and from Kefalonia are not included. Single supplement only if not willing to share.

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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