Grece: Crete- Cretan Sceneries
From 1.632 €

Grece: Crete- Cretan Sceneries

holiday package
Created: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Ref ID: 21047129
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
1.632 €
Based on 2 adults
Itinerary
Tours
More pictures (3)

Day 1: Chersonissos

Crete on horseback is pure poetry... this is the island of the sun, surrounded by the sparkling blue sea. The nature around us seems to want to tell us the story of this land, harsh yet sweet... the island that gave birth to Zeus, the homeland of Minos and the Minotaur, a millennial crossroads between Asia, Africa, and Europe.
We must start from the sea to truly know Crete. It was from the Eastern sea that the first inhabitants of Crete arrived in prehistoric times, but we will continue inland to truly understand it, with its mountains and olive groves. This is a holiday that will not disappoint you, blending beauty, myth, and history; from the breath of the sea to the secrets of its mountains.
Riding across this island, this dimension of Crete appears to be the closest to the authentic spirit of its people.
Once you arrive on the island, you will gaze upon the Langada Valley and the Aposelemis River, which winds its way between the bases of the Dikti mountain peaks, surrounded by forests. This scenery offers unlimited opportunities for beautiful horseback trekking, through small villages nestled among Cretan nature.
We will be based in Chersonissos, just a short walk from the stables, a small village primarily focused on tourism, where you can relax in the evening by the pool and watch the sunset.

ITALY/HERAKLION/CHERSONISSOS (-/-/D)
Arrival at Kazantzakis International Airport (HER), pick-up from the airport on request (Euro 55.00 per ride for up to 4 people, to be paid locally) or you can take the bus to the hotel (check-in available from 15:00). Time at leisure to relax by the pool, stable tour. Dinner with your guide and overnight stay at the hotel.


Day 2: Chersonissos

CHERSONISSOS (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will ride to visit the archaeological site of the ancient city of Lyttos with a beautiful view of the Kastelli Valley. The city was a rival to Knossos, its army participated in the Trojan War, and it was mentioned by Homer as Liktos. During the Roman period, it reached great splendor with its acropolis, theater, and aqueduct, the remains of which we will see. We will spend about 4 hours in the saddle. Overnight at the hotel.


Day 3: Chersonissos

CHERSONISSOS (B/L/D)
Today we head north toward the hills of Sfendili. We will pass the Byzantine church of Avdou and the plateau of Mochos with views of the Psiloritis mountains, whose highest peak is 2500 meters. Overnight at the hotel.


Day 4: Chersonissos

CHERSONISSOS (B/L/D)
On horseback to the artificial Aposelemis Lake, created in 2015 with the construction of a dam. With its 3 km length, the lake attracts an incredible variety of animals. We will ride along its shores to the abandoned village of Sfendili, half submerged. Overnight at the hotel.


Day 5: Chersonissos

CHERSONISSOS (B/L/D)
Today’s ride will be softer, only about 2.5 hours, to reach a panoramic point over the Langada Valley. We will ride through an oak forest and visit the mysterious church of Saint Fotini. Overnight at the hotel.


Day 6: Chersonissos

CHERSONISSOS (B/L/D)
Breakfast and departure for the Gonies Gorge, where we will begin the climb to the beautiful village of Kera at 800 meters. Lunch at the typical restaurant Niki before descending and returning to the stables.


Day 7: Chersonissos

CHERSONISSOS (B/L/D)
Last day in the saddle through a wide valley dotted with olive groves and cypress forests. Overnight at the hotel.


Day 8:

CHERSONISSOS/ HERAKLION/ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast, check-out by 11:00, and departure for the airport by bus or transfer on request (Euro 55.00 for up to 4 people, to be paid locally).

Note:
The itinerary described above is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control. Alternative activities for non-riders: mountain biking, climbing, golf (7 km away).

Notes:
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°
DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
MINIMUM AGE: 12 years
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
EQUIPMENT: ENGLISH or WESTERN SADDLE
HORSES: CRETAN and CRETAN-ARAB HORSES
RIDE TIME: 3 to 5 hours per day in the saddle (average 4 hours). The pace will be evaluated based on the group's and/or individual riding level. We will mainly proceed at a walk, but galloping will be possible.
WHAT TO BRING: Equestrian clothing, including waterproof gear. Riding helmet (available on-site), sunscreen, first-aid kit, repellent.
TYPE: Equestrian holiday with hotel accommodation
ACCOMMODATION:
7 nights at the Country Hotel Veláni****, offering 12 rooms spread across 2 buildings, each with a private balcony, Wi-Fi, and a hairdryer. The neo-classical-style hotel was built with natural stone and is in a beautiful location overlooking Langada Valley and the colorful Dikti mountain peaks. The main building has a bar and restaurant offering traditional cuisine. A spring-water pool is available.
The stables are a short distance away, with 14 boxes, an outdoor and covered riding arena, and equipped saddlery.
Dinners at the à la carte typical restaurant, 2 lunches at a restaurant, and the rest as picnics (drinks not included).
Meals included from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8. The à la carte dinner includes appetizers, main course, and side dish. The hotel’s farm-to-table cuisine features produce from its own vegetable garden, orchards, and olive groves. Desserts, wine, and coffee are not included.
Please indicate any allergies or requests for vegetarian menus.
Departure dates available upon request year-round with a minimum of 2 participants departing from Italy (excluding July and August).
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 2 MAX 8

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
1.632 €
Based on 2 adults
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This idea includes
Destinations 2
Accommodations 1
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Included
All meals as per the itinerary
7 overnight stays in a double room at the hotel with full board
6 days of horseback riding (approximately 23 hours in total)
Horses and equipment provided
Expert local guide speaking English
Medical assistance insurance, medical repatriation, luggage damage
Excluded
Flights and/or ferries to Crete
Transfers (on request - to be paid locally)
Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, beverages, tips, personal extras
Alcoholic drinks
Anything not highlighted under the "What’s Included" section
"Climate Crisis Fee" tax per room per night – to be paid locally (€1.50 from April to October and €0.50 from November to March)
Cancellation coverage
Accommodation
- Country Hotel Veláni