Lesvos Island Ride

Introduction
South Aegean Greece
This tour is ideal for those who want to mix riding and relaxing. The program includes 3 to 4 hours in the saddle for each riding day, exploring the beautiful island of Lesvos.
Highlights include a chance to swim with the horses in the Mediterannean Sea and a beautiful day ride to an authentic fishing village.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent in the same location.

Description
All overnights are spent at a 4-star hotel in Efthalou, about 6 kilometers from the stables. From the hotel, there is a shuttle bus offering regular transfer to the village of Molyvos so that you can explore this lovely town.
Transfers between the hotel and the stables are included in this program.

This lovely hotel offers modern accommodation. All rooms feature an ensuite bathroom (with hairdryer), a phone, a TV, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and heating.
There is an outdoor pool where guests can relax.

Room Occupancy
Solo travelers can choose to share a room. However, if no one is found to share the room with you, the single supplement fee applies.



Meals
At the hotel half-board is included. You can choose if you prefer to include lunch or dinner (breakfast is always included). Meals at the hotel are served buffet-style.
During long trails (on Days 2, 5 & 6) lunch is included during the riding tour.


Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions if given prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Safety
Your guide Rita has been trained in a seminar of first aid for riders by the British Horse Society. First aid kits for horse and rider will be taken with in each trip. She is a qualified FEI coach.
Hard hats are available to borrow at the stables if needed. However, it is always better if you can bring your own helmet, to ensure a perfect fit.

Riding level
Participants must feel comfortable at a walk, trot and canter. They also need to be able to rise and post the trot. It is also preferable that riders feel comfortable mounting and dismounting on their own.
We ask riders to help tack-up and groom the horses.

Horses
We currently have 9 horses. Most of our horses are around 150-160 cm high. We also have 2 cob horses.

Riding Terrain
The island has many hills so we will be going uphill and downhill during almost half of our rides. We also go for rides on the beach.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

During the briefing, we give riders more information about the horse they will be riding. We let them know about the horse's behavior on past rides and how to react so that everyone feels safe. We also make suggestions on the riding style for each horse, according to their personality.
Before we set off on the trail, we do a test ride in the arena so that everyone can adapt to their mount.

Please, note that most riding is done in the morning. The afternoons are usually free for you to relax or explore the island.

The program may vary according to season and to the rider’s capabilities. If needed, riders will be grouped according to riders' capabilities.

Day 1: Arrival
We can arrange a transfer from the Mitilini airport (extra cost) for you. You will get to know your horse and, if time permits, go on a test ride (this can be done the following morning as well).
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight in Efthalou

Day 2: Bafios Ride
Today, we ride about 20 kilometers to Bafios. Our trail goes along sandy tracks, uphill to Bafios. From up there, the views are stunning! We will stop at a small café for a refreshment.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Efthalou

Day 3: Ride & Swim
Our destination for the day is Petra Beach. If the weather allows, we go swimming with the horses.
Riding approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Efthalou

Day 4: Molyvos Ride
We explore the back roads of Molyvos, on our way to the racetrack. Once there, we can enjoy a fun gallop. Then, we ride back to the stables.
Riding approx. 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Efthalou

Day 5: Petri Ride
On our way to Petri, we will ride up steep hills, passing through archeological sites of ancient watermills and crossing rivers that run all year round. We will stop at a local tavern for refreshments.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Efthalou

Day 6: Fishing Village Ride
Today's destination is Sk. Sikamnia, a lovely fishing village. This is a long riding day. In the morning, we ride through sandy coastal roads passing by Efthalou hot spring waters. We arrive in the afternoon in Sk. Sikaminia where we stop for lunch. Then, we go for a swim in the sea and explore the village until the afternoon. Eventually, we get back in the saddle and ride the same route back to the riding center.  
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Efthalou

Day 7: Departure
No riding scheduled for today. You can choose to sign up for riding lessons (extra fee) if you have some time before your flight.
Meals included: Breakfast


Non-Riding Activities
Non-riders are welcome to join this trip.
While the rest of the group is riding, non-riders have the opportunity to explore the village, walk to the sea for a swim or sign up for one of the many touristic activities available such as jeep safaris, kayaking, boat trips, museum and church guided visits and many more.
Non-riders also have the opportunity to come and join the rest of the group at our break points and have lunch with us. We suggest non-riders to rent a car in order to explore the island and join the riding group when needed.

Rates and Dates for Lesvos Island Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Hotel in Efthalou
Airport: Mitilini Airport
Transfer:

Climate:
                                           Mitilini area