This horseback riding vacation is set in the beautiful Macedonia Mountains in northern Greece, covering approximately 150km of trails while exploring a range of mountains, mountains and lakes that offer horseback riders scenic views of the area every day.
This centre based equestrian adventure uses the same comfortable hotel each night, which gives the added advantage of not having to pack daily. Guests can relax and recharge their batteries next to the pool during non-riding time. The horseback riding is mainly in the morning, allowing time to enjoy both wine, champagne and pepper tastings in the afternoons, as well as a visit to a local bear sanctuary.
Meals are often take at top quality local restaurants with some picnic lunches taken on the trails during the day including a fish barbecue by one of the lakes.
Both Western and English tack are available and most days offer the opportunity to canter through this beautiful countryside.
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Day 1
Arrival -Meet at Thessaloniki Airport by 1pm and transfer to a comfortable hotel near the farm. Enjoy a welcome dinner with the other riders and the guide at the renowned Thomas Restaurant, a multi-award-winning establishment recognized for its excellence.
Day 2
After breakfast, transfer to the ranch to meet the horses and go for a short ride around the local area, allowing riders to acquaint themselves with their new steeds, tack, and the adventure ahead. Head out on the trail towards the Communist Partisans’ Headquarters, located at 1,300 meters near Perikopi. This ride is a great opportunity for both horse and rider to get acquainted while enjoying the beautiful countryside and the region’s preserved natural landscapes. Enjoy a picnic lunch with traditional local pasta and mushrooms before riding on towards Nymfaio, where the horses spend the night. Enjoy a visit to the Brown Bear Sanctuary before heading back to the hotel for dinner. Riding 3hrs in the morning 2hrs in the afternoon. All paces possible through the rural forest paths.
Day 3
After breakfast, mount up and head out following the E4 European Long-Distance Path that leads to Xino Nero. Here enjoy the local natural sour water springs, followed by lunch After lunch, head to Amynteo and conclude the evening with a visit to the Alpha Estate Winery and enjoy the opportunity to taste some of the finest Xinomavro wine varieties. Dinner and overnight in hotel. 4hrs riding in the morning.
Day 4
After breakfast ride around the Petres lake before arriving at the traditional village of Agios Pantelimonas. Head towards Vegoritida lake for a swim, and a boat trip followed by a fish barbecue. After lunch visit Domaine Karanika tasting 5 different kinds of Champagnes before transferring back to the hotel. Dinner at the award winning traditional Kontosoros Restaurant (Xino Nero). 4hr riding in the morning.
Day 5
After breakfast mount up and ride out to the Filotas Coal Mine, the largest coal mine in the Balkans. Carry on heading towards Ximaditida lake for fishing and a picnic lunch by the lake. Dinner and overnight in hotel. 4hrs riding in the morning.
Day 6
Set off after breakfast and continue on horseback through forest and fields, rich in agriculture. Riding through the Partisan paths of Variko arriving at the historical village of Lehovo, which was burned down by the German army during WW2. Relax by the pool in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight in hotel. 3hrs riding in the morning.
Day 7
Departure - After breakfast, if time visit Thessaloniki for sightseeing or head straight to Thessaloniki airport, depending on flight times.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
There are 16 trail horses, primarily of a local Greek horse breed, which are well-suited to the terrain in this area. These horses are relatively short, but are known for their friendly nature and strong body morphology. The horses are very well trained and cater for a range of abilities.
Both Western and English saddles are available. There are 12 Western and 4 English saddles that can be utilised. Saddle bags are available for carrying water and essentials.
Riders should be comfortable at a walk, trot and canter on a good horse and have experience of trail riding. Rides can also be tailored for complete beginners and nervous riders on request.
This ride has a weight limit of 90kgs, if you are experienced rider but exceed this please check with your travel consultant
Minimum riding age of 12yrs
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
Accommodation is in a charming boutique hotel, either Kleio resort and spa or Hotel Panorama depending on availability. Both have swimming pools, wifi and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. Expect qualtiy traditional greek foods at the restaurant and homecooked delights for picnic lunches. Typical lunches including greek salads, grilled meats and fish.
Kleio Resort and Spa
Hotel Panorama
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information. Passport and Visa requirements can change regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece In the USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/greece
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
During summer (June–August), the weather in Northwest Macedonia, Greece is generally hot during the day (25–35°C / 77–95°F) and cooler at night (10–20°C / 50–68°F), especially in the mountainous regions. There is low humidity, but occasional thunderstorms can occur in the afternoons.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information.
There is a risk of West Nile virus in some parts of Greece. You should consider preventative measures to minimise exposure to mosquitoes.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Greece and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.
While pharmacies across the country stock a good supply of medicines, you should make sure you have sufficient medical supplies (including prescription medicines) for the duration of your stay and any unforeseen delays, adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 or 166 and ask for an ambulance
In Greece the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
Wifi is available at the hotel each night. Mobile single varies on the trails. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, sun screen, toiletries, casual clothes, footwear for the evening and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
- Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards (they can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
- Riding boots designed for riding and walking
- Half Chaps
- Riding gloves
- At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best
- Short and long sleeved shirts for protection from the sun
- Lightweight waterproof, summer storms can be unpredictable
- Swimwear
- Lightweight jacket or fleece – for cooler evenings
- Water bottle
- Mobile phone
- Bug spray (mosquito & horsefly repellent)
- Snacks/ energy bars /sweets
Provided by the hosts:
Small saddlebags
Helmets are available if needed
7d /6n / 5 riding days
2025: 7 - 13 July escorted
Other dates tbc and on request
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 1,385 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 115 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 1,615 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 135 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 1,919 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 159 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 18,275 |
| 2025 | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 1,489 |
Winds of Crete
The Chania Town News
Last Temptation - Nikos Kazantzakis
Zorba The Greek
The King Must Die
The Bull From The Sea
For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible visit www.thelongridersguild.com.
An excellent source of equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com
Best time to visit is between June and August.
Greece is located in south-eastern Europe bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Greece shares borders to the east with Turkey and to the north with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Bulgaria and Albania. The climate is temperate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Modern Greece, as an independent national entity, came into being in 1829 after a protracted independence struggle against the Ottoman Empire. Greece has been fighting for territory with Turkey ever since, continuing in their battle over the split island of Cyprus.
Ancient Greece has given the world democracy, the Olympic Games, theatre and a high literary culture through great works by Homer and some of the greatest philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato. However this was not just a world of sobriety and high academia. The Greek god of wine for example, Dionysus, was a hell raiser who encouraged the local townswomen to dance naked through the street in his honour. Hugely debauched festivals were held in his honour and some of that spirit has definitely been passed down through the generations and has found itself still celebrated in the tavernas across the country.
Greece is two hours ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code for Greece is +30.
