8 Day Authentic Greek Island Advanced Horse Riding Holiday in Molyvos, Lesbos, Greece

Day 1 - Arrival

• Riding: 1 hour

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 Petri (20 kilometers)

• Riding: 4 hours

Today, you'll take a very steep climb to the mountain village of Petri, a small village with 50 residents, and pass through steep hills. This mountain trail takes us along centuries-old paths still used today. It is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the past since this is how the ancient Greeks traveled between villages and transported goods. You ride past churches, over wooden bridges and ancient cobblestones, and view the ruins of the ancient water mill of Ligonas, which dates back to the 3rd century.

Ascending steep hills, you'll reach the mountain village of Petri with only 50 residents, built in traditional architecture of stone and wood. There we stop for a small break while enjoying the mesmerizing view of nearby Petra. This ride has a few opportunities for fast canters as the terrain is challenging, and on the way back you'll walk next to the horses for about 10 minutes. There also are other animal encounters on this trail, as yopass sheep and cow farms where the animals are not fenced; sometimes a friendly donkey follows us for a small part of the trail

Day 3 - Excursion to Ipsilometopo OR swimming with horses (dependent on the seasons)

• Riding: 2 - 5 hours

Seasonality will depend for Vafeios and swim (the previous trail)

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 28 kilometers.

In summer, the day is focused on swimming so make sure your swimsuit is under your riding clothes. You'll ride about 45 minutes 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 (10 kilometers)

• 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 10 kilometers.

Day 5 - Excursion to Petra (20 kilometers)

• Riding: 4 hours

Today you will take to the back roads of Molyvos to ride to the neighboring 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 fossilized 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 20 kilometers.

Day 6 - Excursion to Skala Sikamineas (30 kilometers)

• 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 - the site of the famous natural hot springs. Arriving at Skala Sikamineas in the afternoon, you will stop for lunch, enjoy a well-deserved swim in the sea, and exploration of this wonderful harbor village. In the afternoon, you will remount your horses and return to Molyvos via the same route. You will cover around 30 kilometers 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 program 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.

Weather conditions

The hours spent in the saddle will adopt to weather conditions:

• Spring / autumn: Longer rides because of cooler temperatures
• Summer: Shorter rides, more beach and swim options, because of higher temperatures.