The Crete Star Ride radiates out from your friendly hosts’ very comfortable hotel to visit different parts of the island each day. There are fascinating archaeological sites to visit which are some of the best Greece has to offer.
The trails vary from steep mountain paths to fertile agricultural valleys where there are olive groves, citrus fruits and other crops. Your sure-footed horses will take you to the tops of mountains, giving you stunning views of the picturesque landscape and a glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea sparkling in the distance. After a day in the saddle you will appreciate the best cuisine and wines Greece has to offer.
The Crete Star Ride is for those who would like to relax in one location for a week and take guided tours each day from a fixed location. It saves the hassle of packing your bag all the time and getting installed in a new place. From this one location you can still see much of the surrounding countryside which offers such varied trails for horses. The central location of your hotel allows interesting trail rides at varied paces in every direction so that you are seeing totally new country every day.
Arrive and take arranged taxi (out of pocket expense) to the stables in Avdou where you will have time for a swim before orientation and description of the ride. Dinner and overnight at the equestrian hotel with swimming pool and restaurant which will be home base for the week.
Ride to the archaeological site of the ancient city of Lyttos with views over the valley of Kastelli. (The army of the city joined the Trojan War.) During the Roman period Lyttos was a city with great fame and a rival of Knossos. It had an aqueduct, theater and acropolis. Lyttos was mentioned by Homer as Lyktos. Nowadays little can be seen of this as excavations of the site have not as yet been completed. After your visit, ride along the remains of the Roman aqueduct, returning to your hotel. (4 hours riding).
Ride up the hills of Sfendili and cross near the Byzantine church of Avdou, then ride briskly over the plateau of Mochos. The Psiloritis Mountains in the distance are the highest peaks of the island (8,200 ft.). (4 hours riding).
In 2015 the Langada Valley was turned to a lake by man-made dam in the Aposelemis River. The water created habitat for a variety of animals, which you may glimpse as you ride around the 3 km lake’s edge. Ride to the abandoned village of Sfendily, which is now half submerged beneath the lake’s surface. (4 hours riding)
A steep climb up the mountain with excellent views over the stables and the Langada valley below. Ride through Kerm Oak forest to visit the mysterious Church of the Saint Fotini which is hidden deep in a cave. (2.5 hours riding).
Ride through the gorge of Gonies to start your spectacular climb to the Greek village of Kera at 800 meters. Here you have a lunch break in the Restaurant Niki. After lunch ride down along the springs of Kera and return to your lodgings for another peaceful night. (5 hours riding)
Your final ride takes you out through a quiet beautiful valley of olive groves, and along a small cypress forest. Make some steep descents before returning for a swim or relaxation in the serene setting before your farewell dinner. (3 hours riding)
Enjoy breakfast before departing by taxi (at your expense) to the airport in time for your departing flight.
This itinerary is flexible and may be changed at the guides' discretion due to weather or other unforeseeable circumstances.
November 2-13
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Our guide was awesome!! Everyone at Country Hotel Villeni was caring, hospitable and accommodating. The organizers are consummate hosts, who truly care about their visitors. They also care about their horses, and with the guides' help and knowledge, provide a nice atmosphere for them in an area where dealing with horses is not easy. I loved the trip!
Andrea Melliadis, Oct 2011
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