The Ionian Islands are blessed with snow white beaches, white cliffs and lush green land that is the direct result of the rain that falls between October and March around Corfu. Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and is naturally wealthy and fertile with famous produce such as robola (its local wine), honey and the local soft cheese, myzithra. It has a rich cultural heritage related to music, literature and in the west the Italian influence is evident.
Many have described Kefalonia as the island of Paradoxes, this is due to its strange geological phenomena such as the strange occurrence near Argostoli where thousands of tons of seawater ceaselessly pour into Katavothres and disappear into the earth. The highlights of the island are its superb sandy beaches, picturesque fishing harbors and interesting hiking trails that are found between the lush vegetation of olive and cypress trees and its magical caves (Melissani and Drogarati) that are famous for their excellent acoustics. The famous opera singer Maria Callas once sang in the Drogarati cave.
Kefalonia is one of the largest Ionian Islands of Greece consisting of high mountains with green valleys and rivers and streams with crystal clear waters that come from the top of Mount Ainos. The view from the monasteries will take you breath away as well as the magnificent colors of the hidden caves and old ruined villages.
The most southern coast provides a home ground to the famous Caretta-Caretta loggerhead turtles while on the northern coastline resides the Manachus-Manachus Mediterranean monk seal.
You will ride on well trained Haflingers and Bavarian Warmbloods with their sturdy ability to ride through the mountainous areas and old donkey trails.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive on Kefalonia Island. You will be transferred to the guest house in Koulourata, near the city of Sami. Settle in and enjoy your surroundings and your view of Mount Ainos.
Day 2: Today you will be introduced to your horse and have a short 1 ˝ - 2 hour trail ride near the stable, leaving the rest of the day to do some sight-seeing or shopping.
Day 3: This morning, you will ride out from the stable and head up to the Drogarati Caves where, if you wish, you may stop and visit. These caves are estimated to be over 150 million years old and are noted for their orange and red stalagmites and stalactites. A concert platform holding 500 was built at this site because the acoustics were so wonderful. From here you will continue through a huge olive plantation down to the villages of Haliotata and Poulata and pass through the old ruins of Liviatata and old Karavomilous where you will reach Milissani Lake. Once again you may opt to take some time to visit. Here too, is a cave with a tiny island inside with unimaginable colors to greet you. It was first explored in 1951. On your return you will have a chance to go down to the beach and if you wish, may swim together with your horse. You will then return to the farm.
Day 4: Today you will ride up through the mountains until you reach the Monastery Fanentes, where the view of the islands Lefkada and Ithaka is fantastic. In the afternoon you might wish to go into the city of Sami which is a main port of the island. It was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1953. The “cyclopean walls” can still be seen among the ruins of “Ay Fanentes Monastery”.
Day 5: Once again you will climb up the mountains through a very steep goat trail and come down the other side to visit another beautiful old village, Mousakata. This ride will showcase the beauty and the diversity of Greece as the terrain is varied. There will be some nice spots for trotting and cantering and the views will be gorgeous.
Day 6: On this day you will ride up through a large river bed, high into the mountains through fruit plantations and olive groves. You will pass through two old canyons on an old donkey trail to the village of Pirgi where you will stop for a coffee break and then onto a high plateau at the foot of Mount Aenos. Rest and enjoy the scenery and then head back down to the stables.
Day 7: On your last full day you can either choose to go for a short trail ride close to the stables or opt to do a riding lesson in either dressage or jumping. The Bavarian Warmblood is noted for its ability in dressage, so if you have never tried dressage or are a veteran, this is a nice.
Meeting Point: Argostoll Airport or Kefalonia Ferry.
Saddles: Western, English and Trekking.
Other Activities: Sight-seeing, shopping, hiking, diving, fishing, wineries, museums.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$ 1,995 per person, shared.
$ 250 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 7 nights guest house accommodation
- breakfast and lunch each day
- 6 days guided trail riding
- Horse
- Tack
- Transfers to/from Kefalonia airport or ferry
- Tax.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Greece
Horse Riding
Island Vacation
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