Zoraïda's Horse-Riding
Georgioupolis - Crete - Greece







German
Riding Holidays - Program 4
FOR THE REAL RIDERS !!!!! Advanced level only.
7 days, 5 days riding roundtrip - Island Crossing

Total hours riding: about 34.5

Day 1: Arrival and welcome. Free time to look around the village of Georgioupoli, walk along the beach or to the nearby Lake of Kournas. The night is spent in Georgioupoli.

Day 2: This exciting and varied 5-day trip across the island starts with an unforgettable beach ride along the long sandy beach of Georgioupoli. For those who have always dreamt of galloping along the shoreline, this will be a dream come true. We then make our way up to Kastelos and ride through the almost abandoned village of Patima, to reach the greenery of Argiroupoli village. As at every lunch break, the horses will be unsaddled and put in a shady place, so they can eat and rest from 3 to 4 hours. The village of Argiroupoli is well known for its springs, ancient mills, avocados and associated products. Amidst these delightful surroundings - green, even in the middle of the summer - we enjoy typical Cretan dishes, listening to the sound of the waterfalls. After lunch, there is plenty of time for a stroll (map provided) or a visit to the local Museum of Village Life.
Continuing on our trip, we ride through the village of Kato Poros which has been renovated in traditional style and the fun continues along shady dirt tracks through unspoiled countryside. This magnificent trail leads us to the village of Aghios Vasilios, where we spend the night.

Hours riding: 8, morning & late afternoon, large lunch break, some small stops during the ride.

Day 3: This day offers a completely different scenario. We start off riding through the peaceful Kotsifou Gorge, surrounded by an impressive mountain plateau and enjoying splendid views over the Libyan Sea. Passing through the heart of the popular tourist village Plakias, we make our way to the quiet bay of Ammoudi, where we have lunch. There is time to relax on the beach, go for a swim (alone or with your horse - not on Sundays or public holidays) or go diving (not included).
With our batteries recharged, we pass through the winding tracks of Lefkoghia and follow the ancient aqua duct down to the famous Preveli Monastery. After a short visit with splendid views we head on further towards Ammoudi, passing the even older ruins of Kato Moni Preveli.
We spend the night at the beach of Ammoudi from where you may choose to take the 10-minute walk to the famous Preveli Palm Beach or enjoy a cool swim (with or without your horse). A delicious dinner is provided at the local tavern near the sea.

Hours riding: 6, morning & late afternoon, large lunch break, some small stops during the ride.

Day 4: The Lybian Sea with the rough coastline, mountains rising steeply from the shore, is the perfect backdrop to our ride. Our route treats us to vistas of open stretches of unspoilt countryside. Following the superb coastline we reach Triopetra. Here is our last chance for a dip in the Lybian Sea!
After lunch, we follow a dirt track winding through the hills and countryside that brings us to Crete's place of miracles: the Monastery of Agias Antonios, in the middle of nowhere...
We enjoy the peace and quiet during our short stop, before continuing towards the traditional village of Akoumia, where we spend the night.

Hours riding: 6.5, morning & late afternoon, large lunch break, some small stops during the ride.

Day 5: Our track leads gently over the hills, to the villages of Kendrochori and Kissos and through the fields of the Ghious Kambos plane. Admire the natural habitat of sheep and goats, also home to many species of birds and plants. This area is also well known for its excellent cherries.
Treating ourselves on a great lunch at the entrance of the Patsos Gorge, and riding all day in quiet, natural surroundings, admiring the pureness of nature and the simplicity of village life on Crete. The night is spent near Armeni.

Hours riding: 8, morning & late afternoon, large lunch break, some small stops during the ride.

Day 6: Today, we head west through the hills towards the village of Gonia, where we have lunch. We pass through new development and traditional villages and enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim at the beach of Episcopi (without horse). Afterwards the accent is on beach riding: from Petres back to Georgioupoli in the late afternoon until sunset. The night is spent in the picturesque village of Georgioupoli, where we round off this amazing and unforgettable trip.

Hours riding: 6, morning & late afternoon, large lunch break, some small stops during the ride.

Day 7: Free time & departure.

Fixed departure dates:
4th of October - 10th of October 2010
29th of October - 3rd of November 2010
4th of December - 10th of December 2010
12th of February - 18th of February 2011
26th of March - 01st of April 2011
9th of April - 15th of April 2011
23rd of April - 29th of April 2011
07th of May - 13th of May 2011
21st of May - 27th of May 2011
5th of June - 11th of June 2011
18th of June - 24th of June 2011
17th of September - 23rd of September 2011
1st of October - 7th of October 2011
15th of October - 21st of October 2011
12th of November - 18th of November 2011
3rd of December - 9th of December 2011

Groups starting from 4 persons may always request other dates.

Accommodation
Accommodation for 6 nights in a studio or hotel included.

Food
Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner for all 7 days is included.

Flight & hotel transfer
Fights are not included. However, the transfer from the airport or harbor, to and from the hotel, is included.

Price per person:
€ 1.190,-

For reservations and possible questions do not hesitate to contact Kristi. German, English, French and Dutch spoken.