Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking

• Crete Odyssey ride , Guided version
  Special discount on March 15th departure : - 40 euros
  
• "Liberty" version without guide, only for riders with a solid trail experience
  Special discount for departures from March 01st to 26 and from November 09 to December 17 :
  - 40 euros

"CRETE ODYSSEY RIDE", guided trail

Join in our modern horseback Odyssey through a land of olive groves and ancient sites with timeless myths, rough mountains and deserted beaches and be prepared to experience the warm and honest hospitality of Cretan people.

Day 1 - Sunday : Heraklion
Arrival in Heraklion, heart of Crete Island.
Taxi transfer from the airport to the 4* equestrian hotel (approx. 40 km, transfers must be booked in advance and paid directly). Arrival and welcome tour through the stables, then a first dive in the pool and dinner in the restaurant. Briefing. The program of this day may change due to plane schedules.

Day 2 - Monday
For this first day on horseback, we begin with an active trip to the North, up the hills of Sfendili. On our way we get a glimpse on the byzantine church of Avdou and enjoy a first canter on the Mochos plateau where we discover the excellent view on the Psiloritis mountains, the highest peaks of the island (2500m).
After app. 3 hours we come back to the 4* equestrian hotel where we spend the night.

Day 3 - Tuesday
This morning, the trail starts by a spectacular climb. After riding through the gorge of Gonie, we climb up from sea level to 1100m, over the small old donkey road which was the only possible access to the Lassithi plateau in the past. We enjoy the breathtaking views and have a traditional oven cooked lunch.
A the end of the day we ride over the Lassithi Plateau, known for its white windmill irrigating the land. Here we can meet local farmers, still working with the donkeys on their land. We have a quick canter on this flat plateau. Overnight at a hotel either in Magoulas or in Dzermiado. (app. 6 hours ride)

Day 4 - Wednesday
Today we cross through the Dikti mountain range in South direction.
Nothing but loneliness and the special feeling of being alone with the horses, the mountains, nature and some rough but friendly sheperds.
Overnight transport to the equestrian hotel. Horses stay in the mountains.
(app. 5 hours riding).

Day 5 - Thursday
After breakfast, back in the saddle for a ride downhill through 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 (if the conditions are safe). Tonight we sleep close to the sea and of course eat fresh fish from a wood-fire.
Overnight in Keratokambos, after app. 6 hours in the saddle.

Day 6 - Friday
Today we first ride along the sea before we turn inland again. We follow the Anapodaris River which cut out a 5km long gorge. Still now the water is cutting the gorge deeper and we grow dizzy from its depth. Suddenly the land becomes more friendly, hilly with many olive and wine yards. We cross through villages and along lake Ini. (about 6 hours ride)
Overnight transport to the equestrian hotel.

Day 7 - Saturday
We return to Avdou through the typically greek countryside, passing villages where time seems to have stand still. If we like to, we can stop at one of the village squares and have an ouzo (or other drink) with the Cretan people.
The splendid view on the Dikti mountains that rise next to our path will be an unforgettable souvenir. (App. 5 hours riding). Night at the equestrian hotel.

Day 8 - Sunday
Departure after breakfast. Taxi transfer to the airport or continuation of your stay.

As the trail is taking place in a mountain area, the guide might change the itinerary due to weather conditions.

LIBERTY TRAIL Unique amongst our riding programs, this version is reserved for experienced outdoor riders, able to look after their horse during a weekly trail.
Alone with your horse and nature, we offer you the possibility to join this "Cretan Odyssey" in complete liberty, without guide.
The itinerary (the same as described above for the guided trail except that night 2 is spent to the equestrian hotel), will not be a problem as we will provide you with a map and route description and every crossing on the entire trail is marked with painted arrows to show the direction.
And in any case, you can always contact the riding center with your cell phone. Your luggage will be in the saddlebags on the horses and at mid-week the logistic vehicle will bring you clean garments for change.

For safety reasons, there must be a minimum of 2 riders on this trail which makes it ideal for couples, families or groups.

You can extend your stay for some days at the equestrian 4*hotel. There is a naturally formed large swimming pool, as well as a pool for children (40 cm deep).
Paragliding, hiking, caving and mountain climbing can be done directly from the hotel and it is also possible to rent mountain bikes. A 18-hole golf course is located 7 km away. Your are 1 km from the village and 15 km from the sandy beach of Anissaras.

Horses
Different origins, particularly thorough-breds, arabs, barbs et greek local breeds.

Tack
English tack with saddle bags.

Required riding level
This trail is reserved for experienced riders in good physical condition. The "Liberty trail" requires good hacking experience and riding level.
Riders should be able to care for their horses in total autonomy.
5-6 hours daily rides, total itinerary approx. 160 km.Max weight : 90 kg.
Minimum age : 12 years, with the requested riding abilities and accompanied by an adult.

Your hosts in Crete are Sabine and Manolis. In most cases, Sabine will be your guide and Manolis will help with logistics.

On the guided trail, luggage will be transported by car evry day to the next hotel. On the "Liberty trail" the logistic vehicle will meet you on the 4th day to bring you some clean garments. Your luggage will be in the saddlebags on the horses.

- the trail as described above, half-board basis
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval

- transfers from/to the airport (app. 45€ per taxi and per trip)
- lunches, drinks, desserts, and other food
- tips
- any other service or activity
- insurance : repatriation aid or multiple-risk (cancellation, luggage, repatriation). You can subscribe to these insurances only if you are a European resident. If you live outside European Union, please check with your local insurance company.

Guided trail : 4 - 8 riders
Liberty trail : minimum 2 riders, maximum 4, (except special request)

Arrival in Heraklion, capital of Crete.
We can organise transfers from and to the airport. Transfers must be booked in advance and paid directly 45€ / taxi / trip, so the price will depend the number of guest sharing the transfer.
If you want to organise yourself your transfer, please be aware that most of taxi drivers don't want to drive the last 2km over the unpaved road to the hotel or count an extra cost for this. If you arrive by public bus to Avdou, please be aware there is only 2 buses a day, so you have to make a phone call from the village and we will pick you up there for free. Please note that in each case, you have to inform us about arrival time and flight number.

Crete has a mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and usually mild winters.
In the central part of the island winters are much more severe (mountains are covered with snow from November to April).
On the northern coast rain falls mostly in winter time whereas on the southern coast there are less precipitations and practically no rain at all between April and mid-October.
Most of the time you can swim in the sea from April to mid-October. In summer temperatures go up to 40°C, but the heat is tempered by the 'Meltemi', a North wind.