Greece, Crete Island
This adventurous trail of 160 km
is only for the experienced rider. We travel
for a week
through the Dikti Mountain Range, the Cretan south coast and the Greek country side.
Every day has a different terrain!
We make a quick canter over the Lassithi high plateau, we climb up to
1800 meters, we
meet a big colony of Griffon vultures in the high Dikti Mountains. We
sleep directly next to the Libyan Sea, where we eat fresh fish and we swim with
the horses.
We ride through the Greek
country side with its villages, olive groves and wine yards.
During the trail you stay in family hotels with private bathroom, the first
two and the last
2 nights you sleep in the Equestrian Country Hotel Veláni****. This trail
can be made with an experienced guide or individually.
Guided Lassithi Trek
Every day different
Day 1.
Arrival, a welcome to Country Hotel Velani, a dive in the pool and
evening diner in the Panorama Restaurant. A briefing about the trail route.
Day 2.
(3 hours horse riding)
We
make an active trip in north 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, the highest peak of the island.
Overnight in Avdou in Equestrian Country Hotel Veláni****.
Day 3.
(6 hours horse riding)
The
trail starts with a spectacular climb. After riding through the gorge of
Gonies we climb up from sea level to 1000 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.
Day 4.
(5 hours horse riding)
Today we cross through the Dikti Mountain Range in south direction.
Nothing but nature, experience the special feeling of being alone
with the horses, the mountains, the nature and some rough but friendly
shepherds.
Overnight Transport to Avdou in Equestrian Country Hotel Veláni****.
Day 5.
(6 hours horse riding and swimming with the horses)
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. (The swimming is
depending on safe weather conditions).
We
sleep next to the sea and of course here we eat fresh fish.
Overnight in Keratokambos, Finikas Rooms.
Day 6.
(6 hours horse riding)
First we ride along the sea 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 along lake Ini.
Overnight transport to Equestrian
Country Hotel Velani**** in Avdou.
Day 7.
(5 hours horse riding)
We
ride back to Avdou through typical Greek country side. We cross Greek
villages where time has stand still. Feel welcome to stop and drink an
Raki 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 Avdou, Equestrian Country Hotel Veláni****.
Day 8.
Breakfast and departure.
Every
day your luggage is transported to the next hotel.
The
minimum total of participants is 2 people, 4 weeks before the start of
the trail. The maximum is 10 guests.
Last guided trek of 2011:
24 - 31 Dec
Dates guided trek 2012:
25 Mar - 1
April
2 - 9 Sept
8 - 15 April
23 - 30 Sept
29 Apr - 6 May
7 - 14 Oct
6 - 13 May 4
- 11 Nov
27 May - 3 June 26
Dec - 2 Jan 2013
3 - 10 June
Price: 939
€,
(high season + 50
€).
Price extra night as a Non rider: 53 €,
(high season 60 €).
For details program look at terms and conditions.
Individual Lassithi
Trek
Alone with horse and
nature
Only
for the very experienced riders, who also have a knowledge of taking care of
horses, it is possible to do the Trek without our guide.
The
trail is made with the help of a map, a route description and painted
arrows on every cross road marking the entire trail.
Luggage
is taken in saddlebags on the horses, a
luggage change is possible 2 times during the week.
On
the individual trail there is a minimum of 2 guests per trail because of
safety reasons in the mountains.
For a description
of the route have a look at our guided trek.
You can start this trek on every day of the week.
The treks are possible to book from March until June and from September until January. We don't do
the 6 day treks during the warm summer months.
Price:
939
€,
(high season + 50 €).
Price for an extra night as a Non rider: 53 €,
(high season 60 €).
For details program look at terms and conditions.
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