|
Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Greece
Intro to Greece
Crete Crete West Coast
----------------------------
Cyprus Turkey
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crete Mountain Explorer Ride
Crete
Greece
Crete is a perfect Greek island in the sun waiting for you to explore it!
Surrounded by the clear and blue Mediterranean seas and with its rough and wild rolling landscape of mountains reaching 2,5 km high, you will find horseback riding here on Crete is rather special. Here you ride in the coveted silence and peace that only a tiny island covered with olive-trees, historical sites and timeless myth can offer. From the moment you arrive on the hillside of the 4-star country hotel you will immediately be enchanted by the stunning panoramic views of a countryside which beckons for you to mount up and hit the trails. Imagine riding through the Gorge of Gonies, climbing up from sea level to 1100 meters high, or trekking across the remote Lassithi Plateau, a beautifully fertile plateau between the tops of the Dikti Mountains. Enjoy the pleasing views of a quaint local countryside comprised of white windmills still irrigating the lands, rough yet friendly shepherds supervising their herds and workers whom continue to tend to their fields traditionally with their donkeys under the hot Mediterranean sun. Ride along the pretty olive groves and wine yards and pass through Greek villages which have been curiously caught in tradition and time. Traverse desert lands that have been cultivated by the Southern winds of the very close and mysterious continent of Africa. Meet the largest colony of Egyptian Vultures in Europe, nestled up high in mountains. And if conditions are just right, you can take a refreshing swim in the beautiful Libyan Sea with the horses and after we will follow the Anapodaris River and the impressive 5 km gorge it has carved out from the solid Earth. There will be time also to visit the nearby and charming town of Avdou and partake in a drink of Ouzo with the locals at the village square.
The trail is an adventurous one - 100 miles through the Dikti Mountains - 6 riding days and 32 riding hours.
The Unguided Option - truly alone with horse and nature
Only for the very experienced rider who has complete knowledge horse care it is possible to do this trail without our guide. You will have the help of a map, a route description and painted arrows on every cross road marking the entire trail while all your personal luggage needed are taken in your saddlebags. 2 times during the week you will be able to have a luggage change.
For this option there is a minimum of 2 guests required for safety reasons. The route the guest ride with the unguided trek is exactly the same as the route of the guided trek.
|
|
|
Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations with breakfast and dinner, lodging in private rooms with bath, 6 guided riding days (32 hrs), English speaking guide.
Optional Self Guided Trips are available
| A | 2012 | 8 day ride, MP | 8d / 7n | €995 | $1335 |
| Single supplement | €150 | $205 |
| Extra night with meals pp (dbl) | €60 | $80 |
| March 25 discount | (€50) | ($60) |
| Self Guided trip option - experienced riders only | €0 | $0 |
| Non Rider Rate | €425 | $570 |
Group Leader is FREE with Group of 8+. OR for 5+ riders take off $55 for everyone on any date.
Rates Note:
Non riders: There are many activity options available - from Para-gliding to Caving, Mountain Biking and Hiking to Golfing (5 miles away).
Transfer Option:
|
2012
|
Transfer from Heraklion airport one way, per car
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
|
€
50
|
$70
|
|
2012
|
Transfer from Heraklion airport by taxi approx rate one way
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
|
€
70
|
$95
|
|
2012
|
Transfer from Heraklion airport by bus approx $10 one way
- to be paid locally
|
€
0
|
$0
|
How to travel to Crete By Air: A direct flight to Heraklion, Kazantzakis International Airport.
Or from Athens, by domestic flight to Heraklion Airport (flights go almost every hour). Domestic flights are offered by Aegean Airlines or Olympic Airlines. By boat: A ferry service in between Crete and Piraeus (Port of Athens) is offered by Minoan Lines and Anek Lines. The ferry departs in the evening and arrives the next morning very early. During the high season there is also an extra service during the day.
Please let Hidden Trails know if you'd like to book a taxi transfer. This does need to be done in advance of your arrival, but is paid locally. We advise you to let us arrange the taxi, as not all taxi drivers are willing to drive the last 2 km of unpaved road to the hotel or let you pay extra for this.Please let us know if you would like this, together with your arrival time and flight number. Or you can take a local bus to the hotel.
Tour Dates for 2012
Check here for details and availability
|
| A |
2012
|
03/25
- 04/01
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day ride, MP
|
3
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
|
04/08
- 04/15
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day ride, MP
|
3
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
|
04/29
- 05/06
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day ride, MP
|
3
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
|
05/06
- 05/13
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day ride, MP
|
3
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
|
05/27
- 06/03
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day ride, MP
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
06/03
- 06/10
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day ride, MP
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
09/02
- 09/09
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day ride, MP
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
09/23
- 09/30
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day ride, MP
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
10/07
- 10/14
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day ride, MP
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
11/04
- 11/11
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day ride, MP
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
12/26
- 01/02
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day ride, MP
|
3
/10
|
Reserve
|
|
There is a Self Guided trip Option available any time with 2+ riders from March-May and Sept to Dec - suitable for Experienced riders ONLY
|
Rates do not include:
Drinks, lunch (very inexpensive to be paid locally at the taverns), dessert. Saddle bag lunch can be purchased in the restaurant for 5 euro. Transfer from Iraklio (Heraklion) airport not included (paid locally).
Day 1 Arrival in Heraklion (also know as Iraklion) and transfer to the four-star equestrian resort, Country Hotel Velani****, located near Chersonissos. The 10 acre estate is located in the country side surrounding the village Avdou. The moment you arrive to the resort you immediately experience the serene quietness of the vast landscape and are appreciative of the tremendous panoramic view. Under the hotel stretches the Lagada Valley with the Apposelemis River crossing through, above rises the red coloured peaks of the Dikti Mountains. You will see 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 and within the estate you will find many protected trees and flowers, like the different types of beautiful orchids. The hotel blends well with its surrounding as it is built with real natural stones collected from the land it stands on, giving it a natural and calming look. It's neo-classical style creates a romantic atmosphere for long summer nights. Dinner & overnight.
Day 2 Today we take an active trip in northerly direction; we ride up the hills of Sfendili, cross the Byzantine church of Avdou, ride quick over the "Plateau of Mochos" and have an excellent view to the Psiloritis Mountains, the highest peaks of the island (2,5 km). Overnight in Country Hotel Veláni**** -- 3 hours in the saddle
Day 3 Today the trail starts with a spectacular climb, riding through the Gorge of Gonies up from sea level to 1100 meters high, over the old and narrow donkey route. In the past it was the only possible path to the Lassithi Plateau. We enjoy the breath-taking views and eat a lunch cooked in a traditional Greek oven. At 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 and the locals still working with their donkeys. Here we will have a quick canter over the nice, flat plateau. Overnight in either Magoulas, Hotel Dionissos or in Dzermiado Hotel Kourites. -- 6 hours in the saddle
Day 4 Today we cross through the Dikti mountain range in a southern direction and you will experience the unique feeling of being truly alone with the horses, the mountains and unspoiled nature. A good kind of loneliness. We may come across some rough, but friendly shepherds as well along the way. Transport to Country Hotel Velani **** for overnight, while the horses stay in the mountains -- 5 hours in the saddle
Day 5 Today we ride downhill through desert lands dried by the southern winds out of the very close continent of Africa. We will eventually meet the clear blue waters of the Libyan Sea and go for a refreshing dive. We can normally also go swimming with our horses, but only if sea conditions are safe to do so. Tonight we will sleep next to the great sea and, of course, here we shall dine on fresh fish from the wood-fire. Overnight in Keratokambos, Finikas Rooms. -- 6 hours in the saddle and swimming with the horses
Day 6 Today we start with a ride along the sea and coast before we will turn inland again. We follow the Anapodaris River which has cut out an impressive 5-km long gorge. Still now the water continues to cut the gorge deeper. Careful you may grow dizzy from the incredible depth! Suddenly the land will become more friendly and accessible again; softer hills with many olive and wine yards. We cross through villages and let the horses drink in Lake Ini. Transport to Country Hotel Veláni**** and overnight, horses stay on trail -- 6 hours in the saddle
Day 7 We ride back to Avdou through the typical Greek countryside. We pass Greek villages where time has stood still. Feel welcome to stop and drink an Ouzo with the Cretans at one of the village squares. Next to our path rises the Dikti Mountains, which we will never forget. Overnight in Equestrian Country Hotel Veláni****. -- 5 hours in the saddle
Day 8 Breakfast and departure.
**subject to change
Meeting:
Avdou
Airport:
Heraklion International Airport
Transfer:
Heraklion (Iraklion) Airport by taxi or public bus
Distance:
40 km
How to travel to Crete By Air: A direct flight to Heraklion, Kazantzakis International Airport.
Or from Athens, by domestic flight to Heraklion Airport (flights go almost every hour). Domestic flights are offered by Aegean Airlines or Olympic Airlines. By boat: A ferry service in between Crete and Piraeus (Port of Athens) is offered by Minoan Lines and Anek Lines. The ferry departs in the evening and arrives the next morning very early. During the high season there is also an extra service during the day.
Please let Hidden Trails know if you'd like to book a taxi transfer. This does need to be done in advance of your arrival, but is paid locally. We advise you to let us arrange the taxi, as not all taxi drivers are willing to drive the last 2 km of unpaved road to the hotel or let you pay extra for this.Please let us know if you would like this, together with your arrival time and flight number. Or you can take a local bus to the hotel.
|
Tack:
|
|
English - Wintec
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Arab, Berber, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, and Weslh ponies for children
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with trots and canters. Occasional steep terrain, 4-6 hrs
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
out of 5) Intermediate
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
210 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
3 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
All the horses have a terrific forward
going ride to them, but are gentle of character. They have been trained specially for riding in
the mountains, so each are a challenging and fun partner for you -
full of spirit and courage. Each of our horses are full
of energy, but at the same time you will be pleasantly
surprised at how cool in the head and safe they are. Especially
for novice riders, we use extremely reliable horses to give them the
trust and safety that he or she needs to enjoy oneself to the fullest on
vacation. All our horses are friendly, well cared for, well fed, well
trained and love the long distance riding.
The Horses of the Stable (at last update!):
1 Arabian, 1 Berber, 2 Thoroughbreds, 4 Dutch Warmbloods, 4 Greek Warmbloods, 1 Jorkalidiko (Cretan Horse) and the guide's Hanoverian. For the children we have 2 Welsh ponies!
The Barn Facilities:
We are a small friendly stable giving home to approx. 17 horses and ponies. Due to our small character with a maximum of 9 horse riding guests per week, we are able to maintain a close and personal contact with every rider and horse. We like to show you the real Crete and to have you experience the fantastic Greek hospitality!
- 14 stalls with connected turnout paddocks giving the horses themselves the choice to go inside or outside.
- Outdoor arena, 42 x 20 meters with an all-weather proof floor
- Outdoor arena, 15 x 12 meters, for lunge work
- Tack room
- Pasture
- An indoor horse shower
- Bathroom/changing room for the guests
Note: The trail is partially in steep riding country!
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
The island of Crete has a temperate Mediterranean climate. This means it experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. Crete has the mildest climate of anywhere in Greece. Summer sees almost no rain, but winter months, especially December to February, can be quite wet. Average temperatures are at their peak in July and August at 26 ºC (78 ºF) while January and February see temperatures of 12 ºC (53 ºF) on average.
In winter the temperature rarely falls much below double figures in lowland and coastal Crete though Heraklion in February 2004 did experience an unusually cold period of weather which saw the whole island dusted in snow! Normally, though, snow is very rare anywhere on the island apart from in the higher mountains.
Springtime weather on the island can still see a number of rainy days, especially in the North, though clear and mild days are frequent as well. Temperatures can begin to hit the 20 ºCs and the sea begins to warm up.
Summer begins in earnest from June. The period June to September sees almost no rainfall and average temperatures of around 25 ºC. Daytime temperatures in mid summer are often in the low 30 ºCs, though it can sometimes reach up to 40 ºC! Summer 2002 saw the mercury rise to a stifling 45 ºC (113 ºF)!
Temperatures begin to cool off in late September again and the now dry island begins to receive some much needed rainfall. Early autumn is a pleasant time with calm, clear days. The weather becomes more unstable from November on as rainy and windy days increase, though sunny days with temperatures in the low 20s are not uncommon.
Different parts of Crete can experience very different weather patterns, due in the main to the weather barrier created by the mountain ranges that stretch from ease to west across the island. The south is on average a couple of degrees warmer than the north and is also drier. Similarly eastern Crete is drier and warmer than those regions in the west.
Crete straddles two climatic zones – Mediterranean and North African. Southern Crete falls into the North African climate zone, enjoying warmer weather and averaging over 2800 hours of sunshine a year. The varying climates on the island are reflected by the landscape and vegetation. The south can be very arid, especially in summer, while the north is more green and verdant. Southern Crete’s similarities with the North African climate are evident in the fact that African swallows remain year round rather than migrating south.
The mountain regions can experience heavy snowfall in winter due to their high elevation. Snow can often remain on the higher peaks such as Mt Ida until June. At these heights there is a distinctly mountainous climate, with large temperature variations between the seasons. Weather conditions often change rapidly. This mountain climate is very different from the coastal and lowland regions on the rest of the island.
The winds that visit Crete have an important role in shaping the island’s weather patterns. Cold, wet and windy winter days are experienced when the strong northern winds hit the island. The sirocco winds arrive from the southeast bringing hot, sand filled air from the deserts of Africa. When the sirocco winds arrive the island becomes very dusty and hot and visibility can fall. However, when they blow in winter they bring warm air and pleasant temperatures. Southerly winds in the summer months can sometimes bring stifling temperatures of up to 45 ºC. On other summer days the welcome ‘meltimi’ winds arrive from the north-west bringing a much needed cooling breeze to the island. When the wind blows from the east, Crete usually experiences calm and clear weather.
Sea temperatures around Crete are generally warm, and bathers can always swim comfortably from May right up to November. The water remains above 20 ºC during these months, peaking at 25 ºC in high summer. The sea temperature will drop to about 15 ºC in February before beginning to warm again with the onset of spring.
In the mountains it can also be cold in May or September. The hotel has laundry available, one wash costs 5 euro.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
|
|
| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
|
|
| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!). No jeans. |
| Riding boots that are also comfortable for walking. Mini chaps. |
| Riding helmet. Best if you bring you own. We have simple helmets for free in the stables. |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Rain coat |
|
|
| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjamas |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
| |
| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra film or batteries |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
*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.
..view other reports for different trips

The overnights are at a four star country hotel and 2 nights along the trail in country inns.
The hotel suits its surroundings; it is built with
natural stones collected from the land it stands on which give it a
robust and natural look. The hotel has a neo-classic style creating a
romantic atmosphere for long summer nights.

The
main building houses the reception, and a cafe with a large balcony on
witch you can drink your Greek coffee or Rakí. In the main building you
also find Restaurant Veláni with its large terrace overlooking the
riding place and the valley. The restaurant serves the Cretan diet which
is famous for being healthy and the use of olive oil. The olive oil is
our own, produced by the olive grove of the estate. Reception, café and restaurant have operating hours.
On
the arrival day guests are welcome the whole day, but guests rooms are
not ready before 2 PM. On departure day guests leave the room before
9:30 AM, but are welcome to spend their last day in the hotel. A
shower/changing room and toilets are available.

The 12 hotel rooms are grouped into 2 bungalows each housing 6 rooms. The bungalows lay quietly separate from the main activities.
The rooms are large and comfortable and all have a tremendous view over the valley. Each room has a large bathroom with bathtub and hair dryer. The rooms have a fireplace, heating and air conditioning, a fridge, a large glass door of 2 meter and a private balcony or terrace. Most rooms are equipped with a wood stove, wood is provided for free.
The hotel has WIFI internet connection for free in the main building and on the terrace.
Next to the main building lays the naturally formed large swimming pool 100 m2 (130 – 160 m deep) with a separate, lower situated, children pool of 11m2 (40 cm deep).

Meals
The stay is on a basis of half board - breakfast each morning and dinner at the restaurant each night. Dinner is your choice from the menu and includes a starter, main dish and salad.
Drinks, lunches, desserts and other snacks are not included.
The food we serve is traditional Cretan/Greek - food from a traditional wood-fire oven, many vegetable dishes, mezedes, or grilled meat.
Sometimes our guests prefer if we eat the Greek way (mezedes) and we put several dishes in the middle so everyone can try them!

This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
English - Wintec
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Arab, Berber, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, and Weslh ponies for children
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with trots and canters. Occasional steep terrain, 4-6 hrs
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
out of 5) Intermediate
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
210 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
3 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
All the horses have a terrific forward
going ride to them, but are gentle of character. They have been trained specially for riding in
the mountains, so each are a challenging and fun partner for you -
full of spirit and courage. Each of our horses are full
of energy, but at the same time you will be pleasantly
surprised at how cool in the head and safe they are. Especially
for novice riders, we use extremely reliable horses to give them the
trust and safety that he or she needs to enjoy oneself to the fullest on
vacation. All our horses are friendly, well cared for, well fed, well
trained and love the long distance riding.
The Horses of the Stable (at last update!):
1 Arabian, 1 Berber, 2 Thoroughbreds, 4 Dutch Warmbloods, 4 Greek Warmbloods, 1 Jorkalidiko (Cretan Horse) and the guide's Hanoverian. For the children we have 2 Welsh ponies!
The Barn Facilities:
We are a small friendly stable giving home to approx. 17 horses and ponies. Due to our small character with a maximum of 9 horse riding guests per week, we are able to maintain a close and personal contact with every rider and horse. We like to show you the real Crete and to have you experience the fantastic Greek hospitality!
- 14 stalls with connected turnout paddocks giving the horses themselves the choice to go inside or outside.
- Outdoor arena, 42 x 20 meters with an all-weather proof floor
- Outdoor arena, 15 x 12 meters, for lunge work
- Tack room
- Pasture
- An indoor horse shower
- Bathroom/changing room for the guests
Note: The trail is partially in steep riding country!
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.
|
|
|
|
Crete Mountain Explorer Ride
Tour Code:
IT-GR-LAS
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,335.00
Dates :
March to Dec
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :

Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Crete General
Tack:
English - Wintec
Horses:
Arab, Berber, Thoroughbreds, Warmblo...
Pace:
Moderate with trots and canters. Occas...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Heraklion International Airport
Location on Google Map
Video
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Travel Stories
Download tour PDF
|