South Rhodes Trail South Aegean Greece This tour lets you discover the beautiful island of Rhodes. Ride across mountains, olive groves and Greek villages and learn more about the local culture. Your hosts take great care of the horses and always make sure that you eat delicious local food on the way. Choose between a progressive itinerary (changing accommodations) or opt for a more relaxed trip with all nights spent at the same accommodation. Whichever option you choose, we are sure this is a trip you will remember. Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Center-based ride Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Laerma Airport: Rhodes Airport Transfer: Rhodes Airport Riders: Min 3 riders Max 6 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers can be arranged anytime from Rhodes airport for an extra fee.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Please note: If you choose the normal program you will sleep in different accommodations throughout the week. If you choose the comfort option, you will sleep at the same accommodation in Laerma during the whole trip (we will transfer you between the horses and Laerma).
This trail can also run in reverse (from Aigios Isideros to Laerma) if necessary. 

Day 1: Arrival
We can arrange a transfer from Rhodes airport (extra cost) for you. After dinner, we will have a briefing on the trail route.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight in Laerma

Day 2: Introduction
This morning, we get to know the horses. We start with a little training in Western riding and commands. Soon after, we set off on a beautiful ride round the ranch and we will visit the Thari Monastery.
Riding approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Midday snack & Dinner
Overnight in Laerma

Day 3: Ride to Arnitha
Today, we start our adventure. After riding for about 10 km, we have the opportunity to explore “Asklipeo”, the birthplace of Asclepius (Aesculapius), son of Apollo and the God of healing. In case of difficult weather conditions (heavy rain or heat wave), we will take the shorter way, which does not include Asklipeo (riding approx. 20km instead of 30km).
The city of Asklipeo is know for having one of the most remarkable churches on Rhodes. It was built in 1060 as a cross-domed church and in the 14th century it was expanded. The wall paintings show scenes of the Old Testament. In the Southern Cross arm of the church, a rather typical representation of the Apocalypse is shown, a seven-headed dragon, trumpeters and the four apocalyptic horsemen.
The small museum invites us to inspect the original farm tools and the old olive press. When walking along the narrow streets of “Asklipeo” you should be prepared to be overwhelmed by the medieval feeling especially when coming closer to the “Castle”, built by knights in the 15th Century.
We will then head deeper in to the countryside, riding through the valley, before venturing way up to the Mountain Village of Profilia. From there, our eyes can wander across the gorgeous panoramic view to the Aegean Sea. Soon we arrive in Arnitha, a small village with roughly 300 residents. The history of this village dates back to the Hellenistic period. There we will stay in a small monastery called saint Filimonas, located right next to the village. Our dinner features a delicious variety of fresh Mediterranean dishes.
Riding approx. 5.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Midday snack & Dinner
Overnight in Saint Filimonas Monastery in Arnitha

Day 4: Arnitha to Monolithos
Beach time.....but first we ride up a little hill on the top of the village, pass the small chapel of Saint Nicolas (originating from the 13th century) and at the end of the village, we will ride through a nice valley and then reach the beach. There we will stop to have a rest and swim. Depending on the weather, you will have the fantastic opportunity to swim with your horse as well. After some relaxing time, you can enjoy a ride on the beach until we reach the cliffs of Monolithos. The name means a huge single rock (in Greek "lithos"), on which the castle was built on around the 14th Century in order to guard the sea in the Dodecanese. The charm of Monolithos comes mainly from its amphora form, the charming white stone houses with their tiled roofs and red geraniums, which grow around the hills of the medieval castle.
In the evening, you can expect a wide selection of Mezze (Tapas) to satisfy your appetite!
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Midday snack & Dinner
Overnight in Monolithos

Day 5: Rest Day (no riding)
Today, the horses will enjoy a day off. You can take some time to discover the village, experience some of the culture or just relax at the beach. In the evening, we can try some wine in an old wine cellar prior just before dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Midday snack & Dinner
Overnight in Monolithos

Day 6: Monolithos to Aigios Isideros
Today's ride will provide wonderful panoramic views whilst we travel along the forgotten donkey and carriage paths to our destination, Aigios Isideros, a small mountain village located 523m below the highest mountain in Rhodes, Ataviros. In the evening, the locals will welcome you with the traditional hospitality at the village tavern and serve some delicious local dishes for you to enjoy.
Riding approx. 4.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Midday snack & Dinner
Overnight at Hostel in Aigios Isideros

Day 7: Ride back to Laerma
Those who have enough energy have the opportunity to hike up part of Mount Ataviros, along an old goat path (30 min. to climb about 620 m). The view at the top will amaze you.
After breakfast, it is time to ride back to the ranch. Enjoy the last hours with your loyal companion. In the evening depending on the weather, we will have a BBQ at the ranch or go to the village tavern.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Midday snack & Dinner
Overnight in Laerma

Day 8: Departure
Enjoy breakfast before heading off to your next adventure.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            Laerma area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	58	58	62	67	74	81	85	85	81	75	67	61
Average Low Temperature (°F)	48	48	51	56	62	69	73	74	70	63	56	51
Average High Temperature (°C)	14	15	17	20	23	27	30	30	27	24	19	16
Average Low Temperature (°C)	9	9	11	13	17	20	23	23	21	17	13	11

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Rhodes climate is typical of the Mediterranean and is strongly influenced by the sea. The Island has a pleasantly sunny climate.

Summers are hot, dry and very sunny. Day-time temperatures in summer are often mitigated by cooling sea breezes.
Spring and autumn are cooler, except when the occasional Scirocco wind from Africa brings unseasonably high temperatures and humidity.
Winters are mild, with the occasional short cold spells brought about by the north and north-easterly winds from central Europe.

Annual rainfall is low.

 

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

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
You can choose between the normal program (different accommodations through the week) or the comfort option, with all nights spent in the same location, in Laerma.

Description
While in Laerma, the package includes accommodation near Thari Monastery. It is possible to upgrade to a more luxurious accommodation in Laerma (comfort option).
Wi-Fi is not always available at the night accommodations. We think this will allow you to relax and enjoy your holidays even more.

Accommodation Itinerary for Normal program - subject to changes
Night 1 & 2: Laerma
Night 3: Saint Filimonas Monastery in Arnitha
Night 4 & 5: Monolithos
Night 6: Hostel in Agios Isideros
Night 7: Laerma



Accommodation near Thari Monastery
The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable. Most room have private bathrooms.

Accommodation in Laerma
There are 4 different studios. Each studio has its own kitchenette, private facilities (with hairdryer) and a small balcony. They all come equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a TV.

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
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

Breakfast is filling and it comes with coffee and juice.
The midday meal is usually a small picnic featuring traditional Greek food (meatballs with pitas and spinach, pies, wraps...) served with one soft drink.
Dinner includes generous portions of Mediterranean style food (moussaka, mezze...) as well as one drink.
We provide plenty of water throughout the tour.

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

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western (some Australian and English saddles are available on request)
Horses:		Mix of different breeds including Apaloosa, Arab, Andalusian and local Greek horse breeds
Pace:		Approx. 4-5 hours in the saddle per riding day About 120km total | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate and above
Age:		Min 16
Weight:		Max 190 lbs
Riders:		Min 3 riders	Max 6 riders

Philosophy
We want you to spend safe and joyful holiday on horseback. This why we specialize in small groups. It is important to us and for your enjoyment that horse and rider get along. Each tour begins with a standard ritual of brushing and stroking your horse. Before any tour we give you a instruction for western riding and to which commands our horses respond. Then, we go in the round pen, where you can get to know your horse better, before we go on with the tour.

Riding Level
We consider beginner riders, people who have completed less than 50 riding lessons (please be honest about how often you have sat on a horse).
Beginners and more experienced riders are only mixed in case they know each other and agree to share the experience.
For this tour, we expect all participants to feel comfortable and in control at all gaits.

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.

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.