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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Greece
Intro to Greece
 CreteCrete West Coast
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Cyprus Turkey
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Island of Crete - Land of Zorba
Crete
Greece
Bicycling Magazine called our "bicycle tour of Crete “one of the 50 best rides on the planet.” For 21 years our partners have been refining our tour of this island paradise, with 3 optional hikes. Majestic mountains sweep down to emerald-blue seas. Lyrical sheep bells and the aromas of wild oregano and thyme add to the Mediterranean magic. Delight in Feta cheese, thick homemade yogurt, honey-soaked walnuts, and grilled seafood.
We explore Venetian ruins of Heraklion and visit the Archeological Museum with its fabulous Minoan pottery and jewelry. A guided tour of ancient Knossos brings to light the reign of King Minos. Relive stories of the bull jumpers and Theseus’ daring descent into the labyrinth to slay the Minotaur.
Highlights include the Lassithi Plateau where donkeys and old windmills echo a bygone era. Mountain vistas surround the village of Spili, noted for spring water. The famous Samarian Gorge (the most natural wonder of Western Europe) provides a spectacular hike - essentially downhill! Six nights of lodging are on or near the beach!
Crete’s magic also lies in its vestiges of the past. Guide Dale Hart unfolds rich layers of history for you. His stories bring to life the real Crete, where Zeus was born and Europa was loved.
Tour Highlights:
Ancient Knossos - Lassithi Plateau - Folklore Museum - Minoan site of Karphi - Potami River Valley - Libyan Sea - Plain of Messara - Amari Valley - Palm Beach - Preveli Monastery - Souda Bay - Omolos Plateau - Samarian Gorge - Harbor at Chania
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
11 nights in luxurious accommodations, all breakfasts and 10 dinners; bike rental
| A | 2013 | 12 day trip | 12d / 11n | $4189 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Heraklion hotel is included - drop off Chania
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$0
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2013
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Single supplement
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$700
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Arrive: Atlantis Hotel; Iraklion, Crete
Depart: Almirida, near Chania, Crete
Day One
Arrival in Heraklion, Crete, at Atlantis Hotel (A class). Orientation, tour overview, and reception.
Day Two
Stroll through the old city; guided tour of ancient Knossos and archeological museum. Afternoon transfer to the windmill-covered Lassithi Plateau, where a simpler lifestyle dates back several generations. Bike fitting. Afternoon walk.
Day Three
Morning ride on the plateau. You'll see men and women on donkeys. You may be slowed bye small herds of goats or sheep. Visit the cave where mythological Zeus was born. Enjoy folklore museum, followed by plateau walk through small farming plots. Optional hike to Minoan site of Karphi.
(14 miles + hike)
Day Four
Downhill ride through Potami River Valley. Swim the Libyan Sea - just in front of our hotel in Ierapetra. (29 or 46 miles)
Day Five
Travel inland through the Plain of Messara and the best farmland in Crete to beach village of Matala. (24 or 54 miles)
Day Six
Circular tour of the archeological sites of Phaistos, Aghia Triada, and Gortys; relax on the beach or hike in the area. (30 miles)
Day Seven
If you missed Phaistos yesterday, stop there on our way to Spili, located in the center of the island. Lunch at the quaint fishing and beach village of Aghia Galini. Choose a breathtakingly beautiful upper road overlooking the Amari Valley and Libyan Sea, or a lower route to Spili. (17, 33, or 36 miles)
Day Eight
Hike to Palm Beach, called Crete's most beautiful beach. Visit Preveli Monastery, an important site of resistance during World War II. (30 miles) Option to visit Rethymnon on the northern coast.
Day Nine
Ride through old villages to Kalives, a delightful village on the beach, overlooking Souda Bay. (30 or 40 miles)
Day Ten
Early bus ride for the Omolos Plateau to hike the famous Samarian Gorge, acclaimed the most natural wonder in Europe. You could get a glimpse of the wild mountain goats (Kri-kri).
Day Eleven
Morning visit to tour old Venetian quarter and renowned harbor at Chania. Option to enjoy the splendid beachfront along Crete's northern shore or ride in the area. (15 or 20 miles)
Day Twelve
Trip ends in Almirida after breakfast. Fly back to Athens or take an evening ferryboat.
Meeting:
Heraklion
Airport:
Heraklion
Transfer:
Heraklion
Arrive: Atlantis Hotel; Iraklion, Crete
Depart: Almirida, near Chania, Crete
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Moderate to Challenging.
Rolling to hilly with several challenging grades on a daily basis.
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Moderate to Challenging
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Cycling Level - Moderate to Challenging Terrain - Rolling to hilly with several challenging grades on a daily basis. What's Included* Use of bicycle (Trek hybrid or road bike) * A non-regimented, “cycle at your own pace itinerary” with an average of 30-50 miles per day with the option of additional or fewer miles. * Lodging in select country inns & hotels. * Daily breakfast & dinners (fewer dinners for some tours; see individual tour descriptions and prices). * Free transfers and long term parking. * Full van support. * Detailed maps, route descriptions, and cultural information on a daily basis. * Most commercial transportation within the country of most tours. (See daily itineraries for specific transfer information). * Friendly and experienced multi-lingual guides. * Expert bicycle mechanics. * Guided tours of selected historical Destinations visited. * Pre-departure information packet includes: tour specific info., reading list, packing list, training suggestions, riding tips, etc. * T-shirt. * All bicycles come equipped with trunk bag; rear rack; water bottles; lock; pump; spare tube; odometer/computer.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport required by all except: (a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passports must be valid for the following durations:(a) British and EU (excluding Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republi. more
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*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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..view other reports for different trips
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Moderate to Challenging.
Rolling to hilly with several challenging grades on a daily basis.
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Moderate to Challenging
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Cycling Level - Moderate to Challenging Terrain - Rolling to hilly with several challenging grades on a daily basis. What's Included* Use of bicycle (Trek hybrid or road bike) * A non-regimented, “cycle at your own pace itinerary” with an average of 30-50 miles per day with the option of additional or fewer miles. * Lodging in select country inns & hotels. * Daily breakfast & dinners (fewer dinners for some tours; see individual tour descriptions and prices). * Free transfers and long term parking. * Full van support. * Detailed maps, route descriptions, and cultural information on a daily basis. * Most commercial transportation within the country of most tours. (See daily itineraries for specific transfer information). * Friendly and experienced multi-lingual guides. * Expert bicycle mechanics. * Guided tours of selected historical Destinations visited. * Pre-departure information packet includes: tour specific info., reading list, packing list, training suggestions, riding tips, etc. * T-shirt. * All bicycles come equipped with trunk bag; rear rack; water bottles; lock; pump; spare tube; odometer/computer.
Passports
Passport required by all except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passports must be valid for the following durations:
(a) British and EU (excluding Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia) passports must be valid for length of intended stay.
(b) Australian, Canadian, USA and excluded EU passports must be valid for at least three months beyond length of stay.
Note: EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Greece is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Romania and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
(a) 2. EU nationals staying more than 90 days or for employment (including establishing a business, trade, profession or commercial activity) have to apply in person to the consulate general of Greece for a national visa; (b) Greece refuses admission and transit to holders of travel documents issued by the area of Cyprus not controlled by the Government of Cyprus, and holders of UN laissez-passers; (c) Some nationals may have to register with the Aliens Department of the nearest police station within 48 hours of arrival. Contact the nearest embassy/consulate to determine whether this is necessary prior to travel.
Types of Visa and Cost
National visa: £30.
Working Days Required
Three to 14, dependent upon nationality.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No/2 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Island of Crete - Land of Zorba
Tour Code:
ZZ-CABK05
12 days /
11 nights
~$4,189.00
Dates :
May and Sept
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
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1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
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5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accommodation
Tack:
Horses:
Pace:
Moderate to Challenging.
Rolling to h...
Airport:
Heraklion
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF 
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