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Horse Riding in Romania, Transylvania
Transylvania is not only famous as the homeland of Bram Stoker’s fictional character, Count Dracula, but is also associated with the dramatic history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, well-preserved medieval villages, and excellent Romanian wines. We invite you to discover Transylvania on a horse riding holiday to remember. Immerse yourself in a forgotten world that you probably believe has ceased to exist in today's Europe.
| QUICK FACTS |
| Riding ability |
Intermediate and above |
| Duration |
7 days / 6 nights - 5 days horse riding |
| 2010 Dates |
11 - 17 April, 25 April - 1 May, 23 - 29 May, 6 - 12 June, 20 - 26 June, 4 - 10 July, 18 - 24 July, 1 - 7 August, 15 - 21 August, 29 August - 4 September, 12 - 18 September, 26 September - 2 October, 10 - 16 October |
| Accommodation |
Accommodation on the ride is quite varied and you will stay 2 nights in family homes and one night in Ceausescu’s hunting lodge. The homes are simple but clean and well maintained, with bathrooms and lavatories, hot water and central heating. Bathrooms are often shared and may be along the corridor or through the kitchen. Most bathrooms have showers rather than tubs but are clean with plenty of hot water.
Ceaucescu’s hunting lodge is set in the forest far from any village and has double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. The last two nights are usually spent at Miklosvar in houses which have been restored with great care and attention to detail. Each room is different with lovely antique furniture and woodburning stoves typical of the region. Rooms are twin bedded. |
| Group Size |
2 minimum/8 maximum |
| Weight Limit |
90kg |
| Meeting Place |
Sepsiszentgyorgy, Saint George |
| Cost 2010 |
£899 |
| Deposit |
20% |
| Flight Guide Cost |
Flights from London Heathrow and regional UK airports to Bucuresti Otopeni airport vary from around £245 per person. Operators include BA, Tarom, KLM, Swiss, Air France and Lufthansa |
| Includes |
Accommodation, all meals from dinner on day of arrival at the equestrian centre to lunch on day of departure from the centre, soft drinks with meals, wine or beer with dinner. Five days riding, services of a full time guide and transfers from Brasov. |
| Excludes |
International flights, visa fees where applicable, transfers to and from the equestrian centre, optional sightseeing trips not included in the itinerary, alcholic drink other than those mentioned above, insurance and gratuities. Transfers for Bucharest 70 Euros each way or 140 Euro is alone in a car or 55 Euros if 3 or more share a car. |
| Optional |
Extension of your trip - please ring for an information pack. |
SPECIAL FEATURES
There are no fences, no roads, just hills, forests, pastures, meadows, meandering streams and the occasional shepherd with his dogs. Staying with local families in their homes and one night in Ceaucescu's hunting lodge.
TRIP INFORMATION
Climate
Due to the mountainous region, temperatures vary and weather can change rapidly. Rain gear, such as a raincoat and overtrousers or a riding raincoat that covers your legs, is required for every ride.
Terrain
The rides offer a varied pace, taking guests through forests, across pastures, and up steep mountain tracks. The scenery is beautiful and diverse, the area largely untouched by tourism. The mountainous terrain limits the speed of the ride, but there are opportunities for trots and canters each day.
Riding
Riders must be reasonably fit and be comfortable riding in walk, trot and canter. Pace of rides will vary depending on the ability of the riders and the terrain.
Hosts
The Kálnoky Family who have returned to Transylvania after 50 years of exile. Our guide, Marót Filep of Vadad speaks English, is a graduate equestrian guide and has great experience in this field.
Horses
Huzul mountain horses, Shagya Arabs, Lipizzaner crosses and other local breeds.
Tack
English general purpose and endurance saddles are used on all horses.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RIDE
This horse riding holiday is in the region north of Brasov between the towns of Sfantu Gheorghe, Baraolt and Rupea, a designated 'Natura 2000' area. This is the standard itinerary available from the beginning of April to the beginning of November. Around 5-6 hours are spent in the saddle as you travel through wild hills and forest landscapes. The villages are situated at 450 - 600m and the hills reach 700-900m. This whole region is called Erdovidek, or “Woodland”, and has been looking very much the same over the centuries.
Meet the horses!
Mura
Gergo
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