Holiday itinerary
This magical one week holiday in a truly inspirational setting combines yoga and horse riding. Stay in a captivating retreat that overlooks the charming fishing village of Agios Nikolaos Lefktro, while enjoying revitalizing yoga sessions as well as unforgettable horse treks on some of the most picturesque routes in Europe.
Indeed it was a Greek, Xenophon, who wrote the first detailed description of riding over 2400 years ago – so what better place to learn the art of horse riding than in magnificent Greece? Xenophon’s philosophy was based on sensitive treatment, which will be a key element in your private one-on-one riding classes and group treks in stunning surroundings.
As classic horse riding makes riders aware of their bodies and reduces muscle tension, yoga and riding is the perfect combination if you are looking for a relaxing holiday. The group yoga classes take place in an airy yoga studio or in the pretty garden pergola. Your friendly yoga tutor Kerry, an experienced hatha yoga practitioner, will be on hand to ensure that the yoga sessions will leave you with a great sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.
The one-to-one riding lessons are tutored by Deborah who has been teaching riding for over 30 years. She will tailor the tutoring to suit your experience, so that even the most advanced rider will feel a new inspiration for riding. You will also have the unique opportunity to participate in group guided horse treks in the foothills of the beautiful Taygetos mountains.
A wonderful vegetarian lunch will be provided daily and you’ll enjoy regional specialties mad using fresh and healthy local produce including the centre’s own honey and olives.
Revitalize yourself with a holistic yoga and riding holiday in picturesque countryside Greece amidst olive grove foothill, traditional villages and dramatic coastlines for a holiday with a difference
Suitability
- The group yoga classes are suitable for all levels from beginners seeking an introduction to the joys of yoga through to advanced practitioners
- The riding can be enjoyed by people of all levels of experience including complete beginners as all riders will have tailored one-to-one lessons with a professional riding tutor as well as some group riding treks
- Minimum age 16 for the classes although under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult
- Note: yoga classes and riding lessons are given in English
Travelling Solo?
- This yoga and riding holiday makes a great singles holiday as it is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people
- Prices are based on 2 sharing a room therefore, solo travellers will have to pay a compulsory single room supplement as no single shared room options are offered on this holiday
Non-Participating Partner
- Non-participating partners are welcome to join you and share a room for a discounted price
- To check the price click on the ‘costings and extras’ tab
Yoga And Riding Holiday Start Days
- The yoga and riding holiday runs during the winter and spring months from October to May
- You can arrive any day of the week and join riders and yoga classes so arrival days are flexible
- The duration of the holiday is 7 nights/8 days
- If dates appear ‘on request’ please email us and we’ll check availability for your preferred day of arrival as quickly as possible
Yoga And Riding Holiday Itinerary
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on weather, the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows:
Day 1 – Arrival day
- You can check into your room any time after 2pm, take your time to explore the centre and gardens or take a walk to the village to have a swim in the sea before dinner
- A delicious welcome vegetarian dinner is served at the centre this evening to help you get to know your fellow guests
Days 2-7 – Yoga and horse riding
- You will have a total of 4 group yoga classes and 4 private one-on-one horse riding lessons spread across days 2-7, the exact schedule will be given to you on arrival
- There will also be two group guided horse treks into the Taygetos mountains along some of the most picturesque routes you will find in Europe
- In the day after arrival your refreshing breakfast will be followed by your first riding lesson
- All riders will have one-to-one riding sessions with Deborah, where you will learn how to build rapport with your horse while at the same time become aware of your own body
- Early afternoon enjoy a leisurely and delicious lunch at the centre with your fellow guests
- The 1.5 hour tutored yoga classes will include opening the breath, asana preparation, sun salutation, strengthening, stretching, relaxation and/or meditation
- After your yoga classes on days 3-6 you can arrange your own plans for evening meals visiting any of the lovely local Tavernas or restaurants in either Agios Nikolas or in nearby Stoupa or you make the most of the self-catering apartment
- On your last evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group around 7.30pm at the wellbeing centre
Day 8 – Departure day
- Today is departure day and you’ll be asked to check out of your room around 11am ready for your returning home with unforgettable memories, feeling relaxed and revived
Your Yoga Tutor
- Your expert yoga tutor Kerry has many years’ experience teaching yoga in the UK and Greece and has previously been a healer at the Bristol Cancer Help Centre in the UK
- Kerry teaches a strong hatha yoga style influenced by the teaching of BKS Iyengar
- Kerry also worked as a restaurateur and has a passion for good food cooked from fresh, seasonal ingredients so meals at the centre are always a treat
- Rediscovering his Greek roots, Kerry practices what he calls 'Integral Healing' – a bringing together of many healing traditions including energy healing, Reiki, Zen shiatsu, Christian healing and dream healing
- Kerry draws on his background in healing as well as his yoga knowledge and experience throughout his classes and you will find Kerry’s friendly approach will inspire your yoga practice
Your Riding Tutor
- Your highly experienced tutor Deborah has been running riding schools for over 30 years
- Deborah has previously had her own stables in Ireland and England, and now in beautiful Greece
- Under her professional guidance you will be taught the art of classical riding
- Deborah successfully adapts her teaching to suit students of all levels of experience
- When teaching, she emphasises the connection between the student and the horse
- Deborah has the gift of inspiring all of her students, even the most experienced rider will get a new inspiration for riding
About The Horses
- The horses are all well trained and vary in ages and size, to suit both beginners and more experienced riders
- The horses heights range from the smallest horse at 11hh (pony) to 15.2hh
- The Irish cob is the perfect companion for country rides, but is equally happy in the arena
- The 15.2hh stallion has a wonderful character and has fathered some foals in the area
- Riding is conducted during the cooler parts of the day with horses always being provided with shade and water
What Will I Learn?
- This yoga and riding holiday offers the best of both worlds, as classic horse riding makes riders aware of their bodies and reduces muscle tension, riding combines really well with yoga
Yoga
- The style of yoga taught at the wellbeing centre is a strong hatha yoga style that is influenced by the teaching of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar
- Yoga practice will cover Asanas (physical movements), Pranayama (breathing practices), Meditation (stilling and calming of the mind & inner self) and Relaxation (complete mind, body relaxation)
- The small groups allow you to explore alignment within your pose as well as fluid movement from one pose to the next working with our teachers to deepen your practice whatever your level
- Yoga sessions are suitable for all levels from complete beginners to those who regularly practise and sessions will be tailored to suit your level as group sizes are small
Riding
- Your professional tutor will teach you the foundations of classical riding
- In the tailored one-to-one riding lessons, beginners will learn the basics of horse riding while more experienced riders will quickly progress their riding skills
- You will learn how to build rapport with your horse, which is the philosophy behind classical horse riding
- You will learn how to communicate with your horse with the lightest of physical movements, even your breath
- This course will also help riders become aware of their own bodies, learning to reduce for example muscle tension and a lack of balance
- You will also experience breathtaking scenery in the amazing Taygetos mountains treks
What To Bring
- Please bring comfortable clothing you can move in easily for your yoga practice
- Yoga mats are provided but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer
- Hats for riding classes are provided, but many guests bring their own riding equipment
- Please wear trousers without a seam for the horse riding and boots/shoes with a sturdy, low heel
- During the winter months nights can become chilly, so bring warm clothes
Treatments / Massages
- Therapeutic massage and other wellbeing treatments are available to book at the centre for an additional cost
- Choose from shiatsu, Thai and Thai yoga massage, Aromatherapy, deep tissue massage, healing and Reiki, life coaching and dream journeys
The Accommodation
- The wellbeing centre has two rooms and sleeps a total of four people
- Other guests will stay in local Greek accommodation, all of which have an en-suite bathroom and cooking facilities as well as access to a lovely swimming pool (weather permitting)
- This accommodation is located between 5 and 15 minutes’ walk from the wellbeing centre where your yoga classes and meals will be taken
- Rooms are located on a first come first serve basis in terms of location but all options offer the same level of comfort and quality
- All rooms are simply furnished, comfortable, light and airy
- The wellbeing centre has a lovely terrace for guests to relax
- You can enjoy the al fresco dining area and organic vegetable and herb gardens at the centre
- Accommodation is included for 7 nights/8 days in a twin/double room and prices are based on 2 sharing a room
- Solo travellers will have to book a compulsory single supplement as sharing is not possible on this holiday (check the costings and extras tab for the compulsory supplements)
- Check in any time after 2pm on day 1 and check out by 11am on day 8
Meals
- A hearty brunch/light lunch is served at 12 noon on days 2-7 after your morning yoga session
- Delicious vegetarian welcome and farewell dinners are included on days 1 and 7
- The meals served are vegetarian and the menu is designed to reflect the wellbeing centre’s belief that food should be not only delicious but nutritious and healing
- The centre uses locally produced cheeses, the famous locally produced olives and olive oil, wild herbs, vegetables and its own honey produce at the centre
- On days 2-6 when dinner is not included, you can visit the local villages where fresh fish is a treat (if you are not vegetarian) or many other vegetarian dishes are served at reasonable prices in the local Tavernas
- If you have dietary requests these must be communicated to us at the time of booking
Free Time In Greece
- Outside of your yoga classes and riding lessons, there will be plenty of time for you to enjoy the real Greece
- You can visit one of the wonderful beaches located within walking distance, go cycling, hiking in the surrounding mountain or just meander through the streets of the surrounding beautiful villages
- If you prefer to unwind with more relaxing activities, enjoy delicious Greek food and local wine in a harbour side taverna
Enjoy yoga and horse riding in picturesque countryside Greece, take the chance to unwind in a peaceful retreat for a yoga and horse riding holiday with a difference