Crete Countryside and Beach, Crete (Greece)
Programmes
• Programme 1 - 7 days, 5 days riding, in Georgioupolis area.
• Programme 2 - 7 days, 3 days riding, Georgiouspolis and Santorini
• Programme 3 - 7 days, 3 days riding, Georgioupolis area + Hiking
• Programme 4 - 7 days, 5 days riding, Island Crossing
Programmes
• Programme 1 - 7 days, 5 days riding, in Georgioupolis area.
• Programme 2 - 7 days, 3 days riding, Georgiouspolis and Santorini
• Programme 3 - 7 days, 3 days riding, Georgioupolis area + Hiking
• Programme 4 - 7 days, 5 days riding, Island Crossing
Horses
Type of horses:
Mostly Cretan Horses (a rare breed) and Cretan X, a few others of various breeds
Nature of horses:
Gentle, forward-going and sure-footed.
Height of horses:
13 - 16hh
Weight limit:
95kg
Tack type:
English
Weather
Current Conditions:
Fair, 25 C
Forecast:
Fri - Sunny. High: 29 Low: 24
Sat - Sunny. High: 30 Low: 24
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Programme 1 - 7 days, 5 days riding, in Georgioupolis area.
2010 Price:
This programme is £615 per person. This includes 6 nights accommodation, riding and lunch during the 5 riding days.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Programme 2 - 7 days, 3 days riding, Georgiouspolis and Santorini
2010 Price:
The price for this programme is £690 per person. This includes 6 nights accommodation, riding, 2 breakfasts (when in Santorini) and 2 lunches (during the daytrips).
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Programme 3 - 7 days, 3 days riding, Georgioupolis area + Hiking
2010 Price:
The price for this trip is £565 per person. This includes 4 nights accommodation in Georgioupoli, 2 nights bed and breakfast when hiking, airport transfers, transfer of luggage from Georgioupoli to Chania hotel, lunch at local taverns during the 2 day trips.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Programme 4 - 7 days, 5 days riding, Island Crossing
2010 Price:
The price for this package is £995 per person. This includes accommodation for 6 nights in a studio or hotel, riding, all meals and airport transfers.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Crete provides a sublime setting for an adventurous and enjoyable horse riding holiday. The varied terrain allows you to experience the rough, wild trails leading to the mountains and the smooth, sandy beaches which provide that perfect opportunity for a long gallop on your faithful horse. Whether you are interested in taking in the stunning sea views or you'd prefer to take a 'mini safari' into the hills to see the wildlife, there is a programme to suit you here. This is also a great chance to absorb some of the culture of this historically significant part of the world, often considered the cradle of the western civilization.
Many of the horses here are of the Cretan breed or are a Cretan X, a rare breed with only a hundred true representatives. However, there are various other horses here too and there will be one to suit you perfectly. Some Cretan horses are able to do the tolt like Icelandic horses (there are 3 or so at this destination that are able to do this). All trails are led by an experienced English-speaking guide and ability groups are matched so that this Cretan adventure will be of the perfect pace for you.
Day rides and mini trails are also available so please ask the office if you'd like a tailor-made package. These can also be designed to suit children from the age of 6 onwards and beginners also.
As the horses here love a treat, you can buy apples or carrots for a €1...the perfect way to say "thank you" after a wonderful day of riding!
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Most of the itineraries involve stays in the tourist village of Georgioupoli for some of the time. Here you will have a private bathroom with shower, A/C, a fridge and cooking facilities as well as appreciating some warm hospitality. Other nights are spent in hotels and studios providing bed & breakfast (with lunch often being included during the riding daytrips) or cooking facilities.
This depends on what programme you choose - some provide one meal, some provide two and some provide three. In cases where you are not provided with food, there are cooking facilities available and plenty of access to restaurants and supermarkets.
Programme 1:
During the 5 days riding, lunch is provided at local taverns. Breakfast and dinner are at your own expense but you will have access to a fridge, cooking facilities, several restaurants and shops. There is also a wonderful bakery in the area.
Programme 2:
During your time in Georgioupoli, your accommodation is self-catering. However, as above, you will have access to all the local amenities that you need. For the 2 nights in Santorini, you will stay in a hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. For the 2 day trips, lunch is provided in local taverns and this is included in the package.
Programme 3:
Self-catering in Georgioupoli as above. Tavern lunches included during the 2 day trips.
Programme 4:
Accommodation is in a studio or hotel. All meals are included in this package.
Activities
Hiking in the fascinating countryside, enjoying the beautiful beaches, exploring the history and culture of the area, observing the wildlife. The sandy beach here is over 4km long so fab for enjoying the sunshine. There is a swimming pool area in the village, a place to play mini golf, a water sports centre and a small train offering excursions. People visiting the area usually visit the historically interesting and culturally rich city of Chania and the smaller but fascinating city of Rethymno. There are public buses running quite regularly and it is possible to rent cars, scooters and quads in the village.
There are various excursions such as bike, boat, hiking and bus trips which can lead you through to traditional villages to various beaches or to see the Palace of Knossos. Hikers would love to visit the turquoise lake of Kournas.
In the evening the village is buzzing as most people go out to eat and drink. There are also beach parties during the summertime.
Guests visiting from November to April will find that the riding is more concentrated during the daytime, therefore there will be more time to explore in the evenings. During the summer months, riding is done in the mornings and evenings when it is not so hot. Lunchtimes are spent swimming, relaxing and sightseeing.
Further Details
Languages: English, German, French, Dutch and Greek (English speaking guides)
Health requirements: Fit and healthy. Those with health problems can be provided for with prior notice.
Age limit: 12+
Tuition: None
Included: Accommodation, riding, some meals, transfer from and to the airport, harbour to and from hotels.
Not included: Flights, some meals.
Travel Information
Transfers from and to the airport are included in the packages. Your destination is about 45 minutes drive from Chania airport.
Airport: Chania
Programmes
Programme 1 - 7 days, 5 days riding, in Georgioupolis area.
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This trip is perfect for those looking for a based holiday. You will stay in the village of Georgioupoli, a tourist and fishing village with great facilities and lovely surroundings. This ride is a combination of trails and beach riding, great if you'd like to sample a bit of everything. The 5 days of riding include: 2 relaxing day trips (each of about 6.5 hours riding with breaks): The first day trip will lead you into the spring village of Argiroupolis. During the journey you will visit Lappa, an ancient site now renowned for its delicious avocados. This ride is a varied trip back into ancient times! The second day trip takes you up into the White Mountains and is a colourful trip, combining stunning views with a chance to experience the true hospitality of traditional Cretan villages. 2 mini safaris (about 4 hours riding each with breaks): The first of these mini safaris is a combined ride - you start out on the sandy beaches of Georgioupoli and will continue over country roads to the turquoise Lake of Kournas, a beautiful sight. The second mini safari takes you into the Apokoronas countryside and villages. 1 exciting beach ride (about 2 hours riding): Enjoy the sense of freedom as you ride along this long, sandy beach. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Type of ride: | Based including trails and beach riding. |
| Total riding time: | 23 hours |
| Departure dates: | All year |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Programme 2 - 7 days, 3 days riding, Georgiouspolis and Santorini
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This package merges some exploration of Crete on horseback with a few days of peace and tranquility on the stunning island of Santorini. This is an ideal combination holiday - you can view Crete from the comfortable saddle of a loyal Cretan horse and then spend a few days mellowing out in the homeland of Minoan culture, the beautiful island of Santorini. View the lovely blue and white buildings and experience what is said to be one of the best sunsets in the world. The 3 days riding around Georgioupoli includes: 2 relaxing day trips (about 6.5 hours each with breaks): The first day trip will lead you into the spring village of Argiroupolis. During the journey you will visit Lappa, an ancient site now renowned for its delicious avocados. This ride is a varied trip back into ancient times! The second day trip takes you up into the White Mountains and is a colourful trip, combining stunning views with a chance to experience the true hospitality of traditional Cretan villages. 1 mini safari (about 4 hours riding with breaks): This mini safari is a combined ride - you start out on the sandy beaches of Georgioupoli and will continue over country roads to the turquoise Lake of Kournas, a beautiful sight. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Type of ride: | Based and trail |
| Total riding time: | 17 hours |
| Departure dates: | All year |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Programme 3 - 7 days, 3 days riding, Georgioupolis area + Hiking
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This programme provides 3 days of horseback exploration with the chance to hike around Crete and view some of the most interesting areas. You will see Crete's beautiful gorges (including the largest in Europe) and on your last night you can stay in one of the romantic hotels in the old harbour. The 3 days riding includes: 2 relaxing day trips (each of about 6.5 hours riding with breaks): The first day trip will lead you into the spring village of Argiroupolis. During the journey you will visit Lappa, an ancient site now renowned for its delicious avocados. This ride is a varied trip back into ancient times! The second day trip takes you up into the White Mountains and is a colourful trip, combining stunning views with a chance to experience the true hospitality of traditional Cretan villages. 1 mini safari (about 4 hours with breaks): This mini safari is a combined ride - you start out on the sandy beaches of Georgioupoli and will continue over country roads to the turquoise Lake of Kournas, a beautiful sight. The Hiking: After the riding you take the public bus to Omalos and you hike down to Europe's longest gorge, the Samaria gorge. This is mainly a downhill walk for about 4.5 hours and it is a 17km adventure. You can choose to stay overnight in Agia Roumeli or in the quieter Sougia. If you spend the night in Agia Roumeli then you take the boat to Sougia the next morning. After about 2kms walking you'll reach the entrance of the peaceful Agia Irini Gorge. This is a lot shorter than Samaria but it takes 5 hours to walk through. In the village of Agia Irini, you can take the bus back to Chania where you can spend your last night in a romantic hotel in the old harbour. Your luggage will be brought from Georgioupoli to Chania, so you will only need to carry your back-pack during the hike. The accommodation here is bed & breakfast and this is included. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Type of ride: | Based and trail |
| Total riding time: | 17 hours |
| Departure dates: | All year |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Programme 4 - 7 days, 5 days riding, Island Crossing
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Day 1: Arrival day. Depending on your time of arrival, you will have a chance to settle in today and to do some of the other activities available. Day 2: This exciting and varied 5 day trail across the island starts with an unforgettable beach ride in Georgioupoli. If you've ever dreamt of a shoreline gallop, speeding over the smooth sands of a long and beautiful beach, this will be your dream come true. You will pass through the traditional village of Kastellos and will begin your way to Argiroupoli. This evergreen village is famous for its water springs and the delicious avocados grown there. It is a really special area. You will trail your way across ancient Lappa and through the Kotsifou Canyon before reaching the village of Mirthious where you will spend your first night. Day 3: As the first day is demanding, the second offers more relaxation. Today you will be astonished by the brightness and lucidity of the Lybian Sea. The rough coastline, the fragile wild flowers, the mysterious atmosphere created by rocks rising from the sea...you will experience all of this and more! You will mainly follow dirt roads and goat tracks, following the ancient aqua duct to KatoMoni Preveli, experiencing the wonders of nature all around you. There is a feeling of peace and quietness that reaches riders here. Enjoy the freedom of swimming in the cooling sea and savour the tasty and traditional Cretan cuisine. By following the majestic coastline you will reach the village of Karemnes. From there you will ride through the hills to beautiful Triopetra where you will spend the night. Day 4: After an enjoyable breakfast you will ride off road through the valley and into the village of Akoumia. Today you will see olive groves, wild flowers, grazing sheep and truly splendid views. This day ends in the traditional village of Spili, renowned for its Venetian lion-head fountains. Day 5: During this fourth day you will make your way up north again through purely natural areas and traditional small villages. You will visit the medieval site of Voripari and the Minoan Nekropolis up from Armeni. You will spend the night close to Gonia. Day 6: Your last day will lead us back over some well-hidden paths to Georgioupoli. Villages like Gerani, Koufi, Karoti, Episcopi and Dramia will colour in this wonderful day. The visit to Kournas Lake and your superb beach ride back to the starting point will round off this amazing and unforgettable trip. Day 7: Departure day. Depending on the time of your flight, you may be able to take part in some of the other activities available here. |
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| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 6 |
| Ability description: | Advanced |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 30 hours |
| Departure dates: | All year |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |