General Description

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 and nights are in comfortable guesthouses and village hotels. There are two 7 night itineraries; the Pelion Coast Ride follows a route across the peninsula, taking you from one coast to the other, high into the hills and through sleepy, traditional villages with wonderful views of the rocky coastline and startlingly blue Aegean Sea. The Katigiorgis ride is a relaxed combination of riding and excursions with each night spent at a small hotel in the quiet fishing village of Katigiorgis.

Summary

2008 Dates:		Pelion Coast Ride 19th to 26th April 3rd to 10th May 17th to 24th May 31st May to 7th June 15th to 22nd June 6th to 13th September 20th to 27th September 4th to 11th October Katigiorgis Ride Saturday to Saturday, on request throughout the season (except on Pelion Coast dates).
Season:		Pelion Coast rides are run April to June, September & October and Katigiorgis Rides between April and October (except Pelion Coast dates).

Horses and Riding

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 Pelion Coast Ride includes 6 days riding and there is generally between 4 and 7 hours riding each day, with breaks to rest and for lunch. The itinerary for the Katigiorgis Ride is quite flexible. There is usually 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. On one day in particular you will need to get off and lead several times, once walking for up to half an hour. Although the pace is slow you need to be at least an intermediate rider to take part in the rides as, although they are well-schooled, the horses are quite young and fairly spirited. You should also be fairly fit to cope with the hours of riding and the walking required and should be able to mount up unassisted. You are also encouraged to groom, tack up and untack your own horse.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in a selection of guesthouses and small village hotels, each with its own charm. Some of the guesthouses are several centuries old and have been sympathetically restored and converted for guests. Most rooms have their own private bathrooms but this cannot always be guaranteed.

Rates & Travel

Travel

The meeting point for the rides is Athens airport and you will be met here, usually at about 2 pm on the first day and driven to Katigiorgis on the Pelion peninsula. There are direct flights to Athens with a number of different airlines from many different UK airports and if you book early there are some very good deals on offer with low cost airlines such as Easy Jet as well as with British Airways and other scheduled carriers. You can also meet at Skiathos airport which is a short boat and car to Katigiorgis.

Itinerary in Brief (Pelion Coast Ride)

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