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. We take lunch with us in saddlebags, 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 / 6 riding days Ride price detailed prices price promise 2012: double pp £659/€779/$1,059 Departure dates 2012: From 1 Jan to 1 Jul and 26 Aug to 31 Dec. Any day arrival. 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 Transfer is €50, more for late night arrivals. Transfer time is approx 45 minutes. Flight guide London - Heraklion return from £175 with Easyjet Single supplement detailed prices No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise: 2012: £135/€155/$215

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.

Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

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
• 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.

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.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.

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.
For price details click here

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.

Riders who booked this ride also considered:

Catalan Based with Mini Trail - Spain
On this beautiful horse riding holiday in the Catalan region of Spain, your accommodation in the same beautiful 16th century Inn  with panoramic views every night with its own swimming pool and the horse meadows beside the house. The week includes a mini trail where the horses are left en route while you  are driven back to your accommodation. Good pace riding and quality food.

Reading List
We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.

Winds of Crete - David MacNeill Doren
The Chania Town News - Douglas Bullis 
Last Temptation and Zorba The Greek - Nikos Kazantzakis
The King Must Die and The Bull From The Sea - Mary Renault

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