LASITHI TRAIL UNGUIDED - GREECE
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Only for intermediate or experienced riders, this adventurous trail of 100 miles takes you through the remote mountains and friendly villages of Crete. There is an unguided trail option anytime for experienced riders able to care for their own horses. In this case you are equipped with maps and route descriptions and the trail is already clearly marked. Guided trails take place once a month. Each night you stay at different tavernas or guest houses with the horses nearby. You have 2 saddlebags for your personal belongings and a change of contents is brought to you midweek. This truly is an opportunity to explore another culture on good horses with secure back up. Most people in Crete speak some English and arriving on horseback in small villages you are eagerly awaited guests. The countryside lends itself to good riding with many dirt tracks winding through olive groves and mountains. You are free to stop at any olive grove for your picnic lunch or linger at as many tavernas as you want!
SAMPLE ITINERARY - LASITHI TRAIL UNGUIDED
Day 1 Arrival, a welcome tour through the stables, a dive in the pool and evening dinner in the restaurant at the hotel. And a briefing of the point-to-point trail. Overnight stay in Avdou relaxing at the hotel before your riding holiday begins tomorrow.
Day 2 The trail starts with a spectacular climb. After riding through the Gorge of Gonies, we climb up from sea level to 1100m (3500 ft) over the old donkey route. In the past this was the only possible path to the Lasithi Plateau. We enjoy breathtaking views and eat lunch at a taverna in a village along the way. Lunch is cooked in a traditional oven. Overnight in Magoulas, Hotel Dionissos.
Day 3 Time to discover the Lasithi Plateau. This fertile plateau between the tops of the Dikti Mountains is well known for it's white sailed windmills which irrigate the land. Meet the friendly locals who still work the land with their donkeys, move on at a quick canter over this flat plateau or visit the cave where Zeus was born. Overnight in Magoulas.
Day 4 Today we cross the Dikti mountain Range in a southerly direction and leave the villages of the plateau behind. There is nothing but vast mountain scenery. Experience the special feeling of being alone with the horses, the mountains, nature and the occasional rough but friendly shepherd. Overnight in Avdou at the base hotel.
Day 5 We ride downhill through a desert landscape which is dried by the south winds from nearby Africa Presently we see the clear blue water of the Mediterranean Sea and can go swimming with the horses! We sleep next to the sea and of course here we eat fresh fish from the wood fire. Overnight in Keratokampos.
Day 6 First we ride along the sea, then we turn inland again. From there we follow the Anapodaris River which cuts a 5 km. long gorge inland. We climb up the side of the gorge marvelling at the dizzying views. Suddenly the land becomes more hospitable, hilly with many olive groves and vineyards. Overnight in Avdou at the base hotel.
Day 7 We ride back to Avdou through typical Greek country side. We pass Greek villages where time has stand still. Feel welcome to stop and drink Raki with the Cretans at one of the village squares. Next to our path rise the Dikti Mountains, which we will not quickly forget. Overnight in Avdou, at the hotel.
Day 8 After breakfast depart for the airport and your flight home.
Notes: The riding times vary from 3 hours to 7 hours on one day. In the case of unguided trails the days can be taken at your own pace and on some days there are shorter or longer routes available to your accommodation that night. The itinerary may change due to weather or other local considerations. The trail is not available in July and August due to the heat, the Sun and Riding program is offered instead with a few hours riding in the cooler hours of the day.
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 at local restaurants, from the dinner on the first day until breakfast on the last day. Overnight stay in the hotel (see Sun and Riding Program for details), during the trail overnight stay in hotels or apartment, with toilet/shower en suite. During the overnight stays in Avdou you can enjoy your meal at the base hotel. Luggage is carried in saddle bags and a change will be brought to you on the Wednesday of the trail. All horses, and tack and guide.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Lunches (picnics can be ordered from your overnight hosts or purchased very cheaply along the road wherever you decide to stop), drinks, transport to and from Heraklion. The return transfer from the airport is not included. Guest can take a taxi at the airport which costs 30 euro. Night tariff is 33 euro.
FURTHER DETAILS
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