Day 1 - Arrival
Riding: 1 hours
You will meet at the yard in the afternoon to get acquainted with the horses, so make sure to come dressed for riding! The first ride is a lesson so your hosts can see how you ride and what horses you might enjoy. Following this, there will be a short meeting to discuss safety on the trail and the itinerary for the week, as well as a chance to meet the yard team and guides.
Day 2 - Excursion to Vafeios
Riding: 4 hours
Today you will ride along the sandy roads of Molyvos to the hill top village of Vafeios, which has only 130 residents. There is some challenging terrain as you ascend the 300m to the top but you rewarded with absolutely breathtaking scenery over the bay of Molyvos. Stop for a light authentic Greek lunch and coffee before riding back to the stables.
The ride will cover around 20 km.
Day 3 - Excursion to Ipsilometopo OR Swimming with Horses
Riding: 2 - 5 hours
Your ride today is dependent on the seasons.
In Spring/Autumn you follow a trail over the mountains on a steep path to Vafeios where you may be required to dismount and lead your horse for around five minutes. Once you arrive to Vafeios, you will take a sandy track over the mountain to the village of Stipsi and then onto Ipsilometopo. Refreshments and an authentic Greek lunch will await your arrival in a local taverna. You will cover approximately 28km.
In summer, the day is focused on swimming so make sure your swimsuit is under your riding clothes. You'll ride about 45 mins to the remote beach of Eftlou where you'll remove the horses saddles and your riding gear. Hop on bareback and ride the horses into the sea for a refreshing dip. Adventurous riders can head a little deeper so that their horses actually swim. Once everyone has had enough of the water, the horses are tethered to dry in the sun whilst riders relax. Later, saddle up and ride back to the stables.
Day 4 - Excursion to Molyvos Race Track
Riding: 2 - 3 hours
Today you will follow the quiet back roads of Molyvos, passing the local race track, where you will be given the chance of a gallop. The race track is only offered to confident riders as the horses know they are allowed to race on the track and their competitive nature shines through. The group is split and less confident riders are offered an alternative option with less speed!
After a quick pit stop at a natural spring for the horses you continue your trail through a local forest. The landscape is quite flat and so there are plenty of opportunities for canters.
Today you will cover around 10km
Day 5 - Excursion to Petra
Riding: 4 hours
Today you will take to the back roads of Molyvos to ride to the neighbouring bay and town of Petra. You will negotiate steep hills and pass many great archeological sites, such as ancient water mills and maybe even spot some fossilised trees. On arrival to Petra, you will get the chance to gallop the long sandy beach. On your way back to the stables you cross a small bridge and visit the remote church of Agia Fotini.
You will cover around 20km.
Day 6 - Excursion to Skala Sikamineas
Riding: 6 hours
This is the longest trail day. Leaving in the morning, you will head East from Molyvos, following trails that will take you past the coastal town of Eftalou - site of the famous natural hot springs. Arriving to Skala Sikamineas in the afternoon, you will stop for lunch, enjoy a well deserved swim in the sea and exploration of this wonderful harbour village. In the afternoon, you will remount your horses and return to Molyvos via the same route.
You will cover around 30km today.
Day 7 - Day to explore
Riding: No riding.
Today you will have a free day and your last chance to explore the town of Molyvos. Lessons can be taken at the yard if you should wish to do so, but as Molyvos is a touristic destination there are many other activities on offer that your hosts will happily help you plan - perhaps a boat trip, mountain trail, lazy day on the beach or simply exploring the village on foot.
Day 8 - Departure
Riding: No riding.
After breakfast it's time to say farewell and head home.
NB: Please note that the programme may vary according to the season and the riders' capabilities. Beginner groups are always welcome and trips will be grouped according to particular rider's needs.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.
