# Pony Club Ecotourism - Knowledge Base

## Company Overview
- **Name:** Pony Club Ecotourism (or Pony Club Acheron)
- **Description:** A family-run ecotour on the mythic Acheron river in Greece, offering safe and family-friendly 1-day ecotourism packages (Rafting, Kayaking, Horse Riding, and Trekking).
- **Brand Personality:** Authentic, welcoming, safe, and refreshing. "Cold, wild, real." Family-run since 1998. Outdoor tours with experienced local guides.
- **Target Audience:** Families and tourists visiting the Epirus coast (Parga, Sivota, Loutsa Beach) during the summer, looking for outdoor activities and a refreshing escape from the coastal heat (11-15°C river water).

## Location & Contact
- **Location/Address:** Springs of Acheron, Glyki, Thesprotia 46200, Greece. (Most guests arrive from Parga, Sivota, or Loutsa Beach).
- **Phone:** +30 698 661 7090
- **Email:** bookings@ponyclub.gr (for bookings/refunds), info@ponyclub.gr (for general enquiries)
- **Hours:** Off-season (mid-September to spring): open on request, no fixed hours. Call a day ahead. Summer: 10:00 – 15:00 every day.

## Packages & Pricing
Prices include Greek VAT at 24%. Children are defined as guests aged 4–12.

1. **Package 1 (Classic Adventure)**
   - **Price:** €20 per Adult, €15 per Child
   - **Includes:** Rafting (30 mins), Riding (10–15 mins), Trekking (canyon crossing 15m - 2h), Transport back to the base, safety equipment.

2. **Package 2 (Waterway Discovery)**
   - **Price:** €25 per Adult (Minimum age 8+ for kayak)
   - **Includes:** Kayak (30 mins), Riding (10–15 mins), Trekking (canyon crossing), Transport, safety equipment.

**Add-ons:**
- **Individual Horse Riding:** €10 per person (10-15 minute ride around the river bank).
- **River Gear Bundle:** €30 per bundle (Includes waterproof phone bag, river shoes, drypack. Sold, not rented - yours to keep). Items are also sold separately: phone bag €6, dry bag €16, river shoes €11.

## Activities Details

### Rafting
- **Duration:** 30 mins on water (approx 3 hours total time commitment for the day's experience).
- **Age limit:** Ages 6+ (family-friendly, calm spring-fed water with no rapids or drops).
- **Details:** Springwater is 11–15°C. Guide ratio is 1:6. Includes professional guide, rafting boat, life jacket, helmet, return ride.

### Horse Riding
- **Duration:** 10-15 min ride.
- **Age limit:** Ages 4+ (suitable for complete beginners, children).
- **Weight limit:** Maximum 100 kg (220 lbs) for horse welfare.
- **Details:** Calm riverside trail. Helmets provided. Guide walks alongside on foot the entire route. Closed-toe shoes and long trousers recommended.

### Kayaking
- **Duration:** 30 min on water.
- **Age limit:** Ages 8+.
- **Details:** Self-paced guided paddle. Guide ratio 1:6. Includes kayak, paddle, life jacket, helmet, briefing, return transfer.

### Trekking
- **Duration:** 15m - 2h routes.
- **Age limit:** All ages.
- **Details:** Self-guided routes along historic paths. Route notes and maps provided.

## Booking & Arrival Policies
- **Booking Window:** Bookings are valid for arrival any time between 10:00 and 14:00 on the selected date. (Flexible arrival.) We close at 15:00, so 14:00 is the latest arrival. Off-season arrival times are agreed by phone when you call ahead.
- **How to book:** Online booking is closed. From mid-September to spring the club opens on request: call +30 698 661 7090 (answered 10:00 – 18:00) a day or two ahead, agree a time, pay on site.
- **Safety:** Participation is subject to guides' assessment of conditions and fitness. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- **Valuables:** Leave phones, wallets, and non-waterproof items at the base before water activities (secure area available).

## Refund & Cancellation Policy
- **7 or more days before activity:** 100% refund.
- **3–6 days before activity:** 50% refund.
- **Less than 3 days before activity:** No refund.
- **Cancellation by Pony Club (Weather/Safety):** 100% refund or free reschedule. Light rain is fine; storms or unsafe water levels cause cancellation.
- **Heat cancellations (horse rides only):** Greek law on working equids forbids horses working at all when the official forecast is 39°C or above, and forbids work from 12:00 when it is between 35°C and 39°C. On those days we cancel horse rides and refund in full, including same-day cancellations, or offer an earlier time. Rafting, kayaking, and trekking are unaffected.
- **No-Shows:** Forfeit booking without refund.
- **How to request:** Email bookings@ponyclub.gr with name and booking date, or call +30 698 661 7090. For a booking paid online before September 2026, include the Stripe Session ID.

## FAQs / Good to Know
- **What to bring:** Swimsuit/swimwear, towel, water shoes (or old trainers), sunscreen, hat, change of dry clothes. For riding: closed-toe shoes and long trousers/leggings.
- **Are there facilities/food?** Guests can stay for traditional Greek lunch, coffee, or free time by the river after activities.
- **Is it safe for non-swimmers?** Yes, life jackets are mandatory, but you must inform your guide so they can pair you thoughtfully.
- **Can I take photos?** Yes, but a waterproof case/dry bag is recommended for phones on the water. We sell these - phone bag €6, dry bag €16, river shoes €11, or all three in the €30 River Gear Bundle. We do not rent or lend gear.