Ride World Wide

Riding holidays and horse safaris

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 itinerary is a relaxed combination of riding and excursions with nights spent at a small hotel in the quiet fishing village of Katigiorgis.


Riding: 3-5 hours a day

Horses: local mountain TB cross, Thessaly horse, Anglo Arabs

Pace: slow due to the terrain (there are places where the horses need to be lead)

Riding ability: intermediate

Weight limit: 82kg (12st 12lbs)

Accommodation: small village hotels and local guesthouses

Group size: max 5

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The horses are local cross breeds, many of which have been bred by your guide and are a mixture of local mountain breeds crossed with Thoroughbred, Arab and Thessaly horse. They are between 14hh and 16hh. 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 itinerary is quite flexible. There is usually 3 to 5 hours riding on 6 days and about 18 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 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 and most have a small balcony and private bathroom. On one night you may also stay in Lafkos, with accommodation in a traditional mansion, beautifully decorated. Rooms here are very comfortable but bathrooms may be shared. 

Rates 2011 Katigiorgis Ride - Euros 1060; single supplement - Euros 145
Non-riders - Euros 690; single supplement - Euros 145
Children under 16 (Katigiorgis) - 10% discount

Rates include - 7 nights twin accommodation, all riding, guiding and equipment, all meals and transfers from / to Skiathos (or Athens).

Rates exclude - international flights / travel to Skiathos (or Athens), 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.
Dates 2011 Katigiorgis Ride
On request throughout the season (except mid July to late August).
Season: April to October (except mid July to late August).

The meeting point for the rides is Skiathos airport and you will be met here and taken by car and boat to Katigiorgis on the Pelion peninsula (about half an hour in all). Several charter companies fly direct from the UK to Skiathos, with services usually on Fridays.

Alternatively transfers from Athens or Volos to the Pelion can also be arranged by car, usually for an extra charge (depends on the groups travel plans). The drive takes 5 ½ to 6 hours from Athens, 1½ hours from Volos.

Itinerary in Brief

Day 1 Met in Skiathos and transfer about 40 minutes by boat and car to the Pelion peninsular. Dinner at a taverna in the village. Night in Katigiorgis.
Day 2
 Breakfast, and a chance to swim in the sea before meeting the horses. Lunch in the harbour then set off on an afternoon familiarisation ride. Return to Katigiorgis for dinner and night.
Day 3
 Perhaps a morning lesson or time to relax. In the afternoon a short ride to the beach and a chance to swim with the horses in the sea. Dinner and night in Katigiorgis.
Day 4
 A day ride to Platania or Paltsi. Lunch at a taverna and in the afternoon ride back to the stabels. Dinner and night in Katigiorgis.
Day 5
 Breakfast and a morning hack or lesson. In the afternnon drive to Lafkos, a lovely village overlooking the Pagasitic Gulf. Dinner and night at a guesthouse in Lafkos.
Day 6
 Return to Katigiorgis for lunch and in the afternoon ride to the village of Promiri. Dinner at a taverna and (weather permitting) ride back in the moonlight. Night in Katigiorgis.
Day 7
 Perhaps a full day ride with lunch en-route, then ride back to Katigiorgis. Dinner and night in Katigiorgis.
Day 8
 Breakfast and depart for Skiathos airport (or to Athens)

Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions