Through the mountains to the Libyan Sea

Lassithi Ride - Unguided  
Riding tours in Crete, Greece

Alone with horse and nature

Crete, an island in the sun surrounded by a clear, blue sea. A rough and wild landscape with mountains of 2,5 km high, where you still can ride within silence of nature. Horse riding on an island covered with olive-trees, beautiful mountains, historical places with timeless myths and astonishing tracks. Swim in the ocean and dry up at a deserted beach. Be prepared for numerous surprises and for the honest and warm hospitality of the island. Take part in this modern travel of experience and adventure and only then your heart will beat the rhythm of the old days.
The Lassithi  Trail is an adventurous trail of 150 km through the Dikti Mountains. You will meet the biggest colony of Egyptian vultures in Europe in the high mountains. The ride takes you up across the fertile and climate-wise comfortable high plateau Lassithi, offering some fast gallops, to the south coast with its many tiny bays and deserted beaches. In a country where the largest animal is a donkey, a group riding through a village on horseback is always considered a big event.

IT-GR-LASUG
Rates include: Accommodations with breakfast and dinner, lodging in private rooms with bath, 6 riding days, detailed trail maps.
Low Season:
8 days/ 7 nights $ 1,060     Single+ $205
-- based on € 815 / € 150
High Season
8 days/ 7 nights $ 1,015      Single+ $205
-- based on € 779 / € 150
 

2008 Dates: 
No longer available in 2008

... Guided Trail  dates are available

Meeting:  Avdou
Airport:   Iraklio    (Heraklion)
Transfer: by taxi ($45) or local bus (~$5)
Level:      Strong Intermediate
Horses:   Warmbloods / Sporthorses
Tack:       English Wintec
Pace:  Moderate with trots
           and nice canters 
Min/Max Riders: 2-8
Note:  We will supply you with a map, a route description and pre-book the accommodations for you. Painted arrows on every cross road mark the entire trail. Luggage is taken in saddlebags on the horse, during mid-week you can change your luggage. On this individual trail we require a minimum of 2 guests per trail because of safety reasons in the mountains. Some steep riding country.
Lunch is very inexpensive and to be paid locally at the taverns.  Drinks are not included on this ride.

Also: A weekly stationary riding option is available with daily starrides .....

Itinerary
Day 1.
Arrival, a welcome tour through the stables, a dive in the pool and evening diner in the Restaurant. And a briefing of the trail.
Day 2. (5 hours in the saddle)
The trail starts with a spectacular climb. After riding through the gorge of Gonies we climb up from sea level to 1100 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.
Overnight in Dzermiado, Hotel Kourites. Or overnight in Magoulas, Hotel Dionissos.
Day 3  (2 hours in the saddle)
Time to discover 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. Make a quick canter over the flat plateau. We visit the cave where the upper god Zeus was born.
Overnight in Magoulas, Hotel Dionissos.
Day 4   (5 hours in the saddle)
Today we cross through the Dikti mountain range in south direction. Nothing but loneliness, experiences the special feeling of being alone with the horses, the mountains, the nature and some rough but friendly shepherds.
Overnight: Transfer to Equestrian Country Hotel Veláni **** or Hotel in Viannos.
Day 5 (6 hours in the saddle 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. (We decides if the see conditions are safe to do so) We sleep next to the see and of course here we eat fresh fish from the wood-fire.
Overnight in Keratokambos, Finikas Rooms.
Day 6. (6 hours in the saddle)
First we ride along the see 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 alone the lake of Ini.
Overnight in Arkalochori, Hotel Efthimia or transport to hotel Velani in Avdou.
Day 7. (5 hours in the saddle)
We ride back to Avdou through typical Greek countryside. We pass Greek villages where time has stand still. Feel welcome to stop and drink an Ouzo 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.

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