Greece
These rides explore the Pelion peninsula, an unspoilt corner of Greece that juts out into the Aegean Sea on the east coast. In mythology, perhaps because of its lush vegetation and thick, impenetrable forests, the area was home to the Centaur and with its tiny secluded bays, winding cobbled tracks that lead to remote whitewashed cottages, groves of gnarled olive trees and shady forests of beech and chestnut, it is picturesque, forgotten riding country. Village Squares, shaded by huge plane trees harbour hospitable little tavernas. The rides are a relaxed combination of riding, swimming and excursions with nights spent at a small hotel in the quiet fishing village of Katigiorgis.
Rides are run on request for 2 to 6 people between April to October (except mid August).
SUMMARY
Riding: 2-5 hours a day
Horses: Thessaly horse, local home breds
Pace: slow due to the terrain (there are places where the horses need to be lead)
Riding ability: intermediate
Weight limit: 90kg (14st 2lbs)
Accommodation: small village hotel
Group size: max 6
Season: April to October (except mid August)
HORSES & RIDING
Horses: The horses used are all home bred, mostly pure Thessalian, and some crossbred with Arabian lineage. They range from around 15 to 16 hands, are forward going and fun to ride. English saddles are used and the horses are generally ridden in hackamores or snaffles. Rides are limited to a maximum of 6 guests.
Hours: The Katigiorgis itinerary is quite flexible. There is usually 2 to 5 hours riding on 6 days and about 15 to 20 hours riding in all, but this can be adjusted to suit.
Pace and experience required: The pace overall is quite slow and there are often places where you need to dismount to lead the horses. Although the pace is slow you need to be an intermediate rider to take part in the rides as, although they are well-schooled, the horses are quite young and fairly spirited. You are encouraged to groom, tack up and untack your own horse.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is in the small fishing village of Katigiorgis at the Avra Studios. The hotel is only 100 yards from the beach, with a swimming pool and also a lovely view. Bedrooms are twin bedded with private bathroom and have a small balcony with views onto the sea.
RATES & DATES
| 2019 Rates |
Katigiorgis Ride (7 nights) - Euros 1115 Non-riders - Euros 810; Children under 16 (Katigiorgis) - 10% discount single supplement - 120 euros, payable locally NB Prices for shorter stays minimum 4 nights, sometimes possible on request Rates include - twin accommodation, all riding, guiding and equipment, all meals and transfers from / to Skiathos or Volos. NB Taxi transfers Athens to Volos add 65 euros per person each way, payable locally Rates exclude - international flights / travel to Athens, Skiathos or Volos, any visa fees, personal medical insurance (compulsory), alcoholic drinks during the ride, personal items at hotels etc, any tips you may wish to leave. Prices are quoted in Euros as the ride prices in Greece are set in this currency. Payments to us can of course be made in pounds sterling if you wish and we can give you a sterling rate at the time of booking. |
| 2019 Dates |
Katigiorgis Ride |
ITINERARY
Itinerary in brief - Katigiorgis Ride
| Day 1 | Met in Athens, Volos or Skiathos and transfer Katigiorgis on to the Pelion peninsular. Dinner at a taverna in the village. Night in Katigiorgis. |
| Day 2 |
Breakfast, and meet the horses for a short trial ride. Lunch in the harbour then an afternoon ride into the hills, returning to Katigiorgis for dinner and the night. |
| Day 3 |
Ride to the beach where, weather and conditions permitting, you can swim with your horse in hte sea. In the afternoon perhaps a short lesson in the arean. Dinner and night Katigiorgis. |
| Day 4 |
Breakfast and set off to Platania to the south or Palti to the north. Lunch at a taverna and in the afternoon ride back by a different route. Dinner and night Katigiorgis. |
| Day 5 |
Breakfast and a lessson or morning hack. The afternoon is free to relax on hte beach or perhaps for an excursion by car. Dinner and night Katigiorgis. |
| Day 6 |
After breakfast set off riding ti the traditonal village of Promiri. Lunch in the square under the giant plane tree then return by a different route to Katigiorgis. |
| Day 7 |
Perhaps a ride to the beach to swim with the horses and a simple picnic. After lunch ride back to the stables at Katigiorgis. Dinner and overnight Katigiorgis. |
| Day 8 |
Breakfast and depart for Athens, Volos or Skiathos. |
| Contact us at info@rideworldwide.com or on tel (+44) (0)1837-82544 / 825440 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions. |
TRAVEL
There are several travel options. The most regular flights are to Athens and meeting here is usually at 14.00 on the first day, follwed by a taxi transfer, 3 to 4 hours, to Volos where you meet your guide. From here you will be driven about an hour and a half to Katigiorgis. Taxi transfers Athens to Volos are 60 euros per person each way.
British Airways, Easy Jet, Ryan Air and Olympic Airways all have direct flights from London airports to Athens.
You can also fly to Volos - meeting time here is usually at 17.30 on the first day.
Another option is to fly to Skiathos and you will be met here and taken by car and boat to Katigiorgis on the Pelion peninsula (about an hour in all). Several charter companies fly direct from the UK to Skiathos and Volos, with services usually on Fridays (extra nights can be booked in Katigiorgis).
Or you may prefer to hire a car and drive to Pelion yourself. The drive takes 5 ½ to 6 hours from Athens.
