Through the mountains to the Libyan Sea

Crete Explorer Ride
Riding tours in Greece

Crete, an island in the sun surrounded by a clear, blue sea. A rough and wild landscape with mountains of 2,5 km high, where you still can ride within silence of nature. Horse riding on an island covered with olive-trees, beautiful mountains, historical places with timeless myths and astonishing tracks. Swim in the ocean and dry up at a deserted beach. Be prepared for numerous surprises and for the honest and warm hospitality of the island. Take part in this modern travel of experience and adventure and only then your heart will beat the rhythm of the old days.
The horses, mostly Arab, thoroughbreds and crossbred, have a forward going, but still gentle character. By training them especially for riding in the mountains, they are a challenging travel partner for you; full of spirit and courage. The trail is an adventurous trail of 100 miles through the Dikti Mountains. You will meet the biggest colony of Egyptian vultures in Europe in the high mountains. The ride takes you up across the fertile and climate-wise comfortable high plateau Lassithi , offering some fast gallops, to the south coast with its many tiny bays and deserted beaches. In a country where the largest animal is a donkey, a group riding through a village on horseback is always considered a big event.

IT-GR-LAS
Rates include: Accommodations with breakfast and dinner, lodging in private rooms with bath,  6 guided riding days. English speaking guide.
8 days/ 7 nights $ 1,350     Single+ $205
-- based on € 950 / € 1145
2008 Dates: 
03/16-03/23    04/13-04/20    05/18-05/25
06/01-06/08    09/14-09/21    10/05-10/12
10/19-10/26   11/02-11/09
  availability & reservation

Meeting:  Avdou
Airport:    Iraklio  (Heraklion)
Transfer: by taxi ($45) or local bus (~$5)
Level:      Intermediate
Horses:   Warmbloods / Sporthorses
Tack:       English Wintek
Pace:       Moderate with trots
                and nice canters 
Min/Max Riders: 4-8
Note:  Some steep riding country.
Lunch is very inexpensive and to be paid locally at the taverns.  Drinks are not included on this ride.
First and last night at 4-star country hotel and equestrian center.
Non riders: There are many activity options available - from Para-gliding to Caving, Mountain Biking and Hiking to Golfing (5 miles away)

Also: A weekly stationary riding option is available with daily starrides .....

Itinerary
Day 1  Arrival in Iraklio and transfer to the four-star equestrian country hotel Velani, located near Chersonissos. Dinner & overnight. The 10 acre estate is located in the country side of the village Avdou, in the province of Heraklion. The moment you arrive on the hillside of the country hotel you immediately experience the serene quietness and the tremendous panoramic view. Under us stretches the Lagada Valley with the Apposelemis River crossing through, above us rise the red coloured peaks of the Dikti Mountains. Birds of prey, like the Griffon Vulture, glide along these peaks. The estate is surrounded by protected Kerm Oak forest and olive groves stretching down to the valley. On the estate many protected trees and flowers can be found, like different types of beautiful orchids. The hotel suits its surrounding as it is built with real natural stones collected from the land it stands on, giving it a robust and natural look. The hotel has a neo-classic style creating a romantic atmosphere for long summer nights.
Day 2 We take an active trip in northerly 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, 5 km). Overnight in Country Hotel Veláni****   -- 3 hours in the saddle
Day 3 The trail starts with a spectacular climb. After riding through the gorge of Gonies we climb up from sea level to 1100 meter high, over the small old donkey route. In the past the only possible path to the Lassithi Plateau. We enjoy the breathtaking views and eat a lunch cooked in a traditional oven. In the end of the day we ride over the Lassithi Plateau. This fertile Plateau between the tops of the Dikti Mountains is known for its white windmills irrigating the land. Meet the locals still working with their donkeys on the land. Here we make a quick canter over the flat plateau. Overnight in Magoulas, Hotel Dionissos or in Dzermiado Hotel Kourites.
-- 6 hours in the saddle
Day 4  Today we cross through the Dikti mountain range in south direction. Nothing but loneliness, experiences the special feeling of being alone with the horses, the mountains, the nature and some rough but friendly shepherds. Overnight Transport to Country Hotel Velani ****, the horses stay in the mountains  -- 5 hours in the saddle
Day 5 We ride downhill through a desert land dried by the south winds out of the so close Africa. Until we meet the clear blue water of the Libyan Sea for a refreshing dive. We go for swimming with the horses. (We will  decide if the sea conditions are safe to do so) We sleep next to the sea and of course here we eat fresh fish from the wood-fire. Overnight in Keratokambos, Finikas Rooms.  -- 6 hours in the saddle and swimming with the horses
Day 6 First we ride along the see and then we turn inland again. We follow the Anapodaris River which cut out a 5-km long gorge. Still now the water is cutting the gorge deeper; we grow dizzy from the depth. Suddenly the land becomes more friendly, hilly with many olive and wine yards. We cross through villages and let the horses drink in lake Ini.Overnight transport to Country Hotel Veláni **** or stay in Arkalochori Hotel Efthimia.  -- 6 hours in the saddle
Day 7  We ride back to Avdou through typical Greek countryside. We pass Greek villages where time has stand still. Feel welcome to stop and drink an Ouzo with the Cretans at one of the village squares. Next to our path rise the Dikti Mountains, which we will not quick forget.  Overnight in Equestrian Country Hotel Veláni****. -- 5 hours in the saddle
Day 8  Breakfast and departure.

   see video