Our Destinations
Letter Randocheval
Why travelling with Randocheval ?
CRETE : ODYSSEY RIDE ON HORSEBACK...
Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
Unlimited, wild landescapes under the
meditarranean sun...
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ITINERARY
"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.
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.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
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 AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL
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 GUIDES
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.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
During the trail, accomodation in family hotels. Rooms are equipped
with private shower and WC, and in the beginning and the end of the trail
(3 or 4 nights) in the 4* equestrian hotel.
The equestrian hotel is built with natural stones from the surroundings
and fits perfectly into the natural and preserved environment.
The 12 hotel rooms are locateded into 2 bungalows, each housing 6 large
and confortable rooms, with private bathroom (and bath tub) and balcony
or terrace.
The main building houses the reception, a café as well as a restaurant
and next to it is the naturally formed large swimming pool.
Restauration
Half-board, breakfast and dinner at the hotels, beverages not included.
Dinner includes a free choices from menu (starter, main dish and salad).
Drinks, lunches, desserts and other foods are not included.
Picnic lunches are not included during the trail, but you have the possibility
to buy them either in the hotels or in mini-markets in the villages where
you spend the night.
DATES AND RATES
| 2008 - Guided Trail | ||
| September 14 to 21 |
934 € |
complet |
| October 05 to 12 |
934 € |
available |
| November 02 to 09 |
934 € |
available |
| 2008 - Liberty trail | ||
| Period from March 01 to June 01 |
914 € |
available |
| Period from August 31 to december 21 |
914 € |
available |
Single supplement : 135 €
This supplement is payable when booking by those who expressly wish to stay
in an individual room. If you are ready for sharing, no single supplement
will be applied, even if you are finally accomodated in single room.
| Options (per person) 2008 | |
| Supplementary night at the 4* equestrian hotel , grand confort cat., half-board |
52 €/person double room basis 71 €/person single room basis |
To be added:
- personal expenses,
- lunch, desserts
- activities
RATE INCLUDING
- the trail as described above, half-board basis- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval
RATE NOT INCLUDING
- 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.
BOOKING - INFORMATION
For any inquiry, please contact Anne !
PRATICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
Greece - Crete
LENGTH
8 days, 7 nights, 6 days on horseback.
LANGUAGE
English, Greek, Dutch.
GROUP SIZE
Liberty trail : minimum 2 riders, maximum 4, (except special request)
ACCESS
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.
CLIMATE
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.
Formalities
Check with your local Embassy according to your nationality.
Vaccines-Health
No specific vaccination, we recommend you to be up to date with your usual
vaccinations, in particular the tetanus vaccine.
Remember that a repatriation travel insurance is compulsory.
REFERENCE :CH170-Crete
