This horse riding holiday from the Czech Republic to Germany, starts a short journey from Prague in a protected area of outstanding natural beauty. On this 75km trek to Germany you will enjoy the tranquility of the area as well as the resonance of its vibrant culture. Pure and mixed breed Czech warmbloods will guide you through this varied terrain with care and honesty. For non-riders there's the option of accompanying the horse riders on bikes, and even in beautifully decorated traditional horse-drawn wagons. During the trail you can explore the local area on horseback, and on your rest day visit Czech - Saxon Switzerland. Rich local traditions and natural beauty are all experienced en route. Accommodation is on the family run farms and hearty traditional meals are provided. Proximity to the fascinating city of Prague makes this riding holiday ideal to combine with a short city stay.
No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise:
2010: £96/€105/$145
SAMPLE ITINERARY - TRAIL TO GERMANY
Day 1 Arrive in the afternoon or early evening and settle in ready to start your horse riding holiday. Explore the farm, get to know the (many) friendly animals inhabitants, and take in the beautiful views down the valley. There will be time to meet the horses as they are based on site, just beneath your accommodation. Tonight we will stay in the cosy farmhouse and enjoy a delicious welcome meal prepared by our host, Dagmar, and riders will have a chance to get acquainted.
Day 2 Today, after a hearty breakfast of local produce, we shall groom and tack up our horses and set off our trek. We ride through undulating countryside, rolling meadows and fields full of crops, picnicking along the way. Today is a gentle ride of about 25km and we will overnight in a friendly family-run hotel Horni Harbatice.
Day 3 We progress further on our trail, passing through quaint little Czech villages where time seems to have stood still. We greet the friendly locals as we pass through - horses are well respected here, and still used in agricultural spheres. Onwards a further 25km today, and again a picnic in the forest or field while the horses rest in the shade from the hot sun. In the afternoon we reach our destination - the town of Dolni Chribska, in another small, family run hotel.
Day 4
Today is a rest day for both riders and horses, and our group is off to visit the National Park Czech Switzerland. The landscape of Czech Switzerland (České Švýcarsko) has for centuries fascinated geologists, natural scientists, sport climbers, casual visitors and the romantic souls of artists. While most of the nature reserve is blanketed by forest, it is the area’s rock cliffs and natural beauty that has sparked so much interest in its preservation and upkeep. Czech Switzerland also boasts the largest natural stone bridge in Europe.
Day 5
Today we reach Tomasov and cover a further 25km. Riding through ancient forests and open grassland our trusty steeds carry us on towards the German border. We have the opportunity to trot and canter in the varied terrain and again picnic en route with the horses. Dinner and accommodation in Tomasov.
Day 6 Our destination is in sight! Today we reach Germany, following the horse trail of Saxony Switzerland. Riders of horses and bicycles alike enjoy the peace and tranquility of the area, with undulating terrain coupled with dense woodland. Another 25km ride brings us to our goal, as we explore these ancient riding routes. Tonight we say fairwell to our horses, who have become our friends along the trail. Over dinner we shall drink to them! A return to Tomasov and another night spent in the pension there.
Day 7 Today we spend a whole day with the gypsy horse wagons, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way in the unspoilt surrounding countryside. The horse wagons are beautifully decorated in the traditional way, and they allow us to step back in history to a quieter time. It is a magical experience to trot down the lanes and tracks in one of these lovingly restored vehicles. We will be returning to the farm tonight, having sadly reached the end of our trip, and we will enjoy a farewell dinner together and look back over the journey we have made together.
Day 8 Departure after breakfast.
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
NOTES - TRAIL TO GERMANY
HOTELS IN PRAGUE
If you would like to combine your trip with a few days in Prague we will be happy to arrange that for you. Arrival or departure transfers can be arranged to or from your hotel in Prague. We have special relationships with the following hotels and would be happy to arrange your stay.
Hotel Kafka *** or Aparthotel Amadeus ***
Both hotels are situated near the city centre in the Zizkov district, just three tram stops from Wenceslaus Square. They are small, basic and friendly hotels with double en-suite bedrooms equipped with towels, satellite TV and a telephone. Breakfast style buffet is included.
Hotel U Prince *****
U Prince is a 24-room hotel in a 14th century building right on the Old Town square. Like Prague itself, everywhere you look is something: a raucous pair of parrots in a carved wooden cage, a beautiful ornate balustrade, vast brass urns and gilt-edged mirrors, odd ceramics, all dotted among banks of greenery.The hotel offers a seafood restaurant, cocktail bar, saloon, garden on the Old Town Square, also the viewing terrace with its spectacular views of Prague. All serving the best of traditional Czech and international cuisine. Breakfast is a small selection of cereals, bread, ham, cheese, fruits. There is also a hot selection of bacon, egg and sausages.
The weight limit for this ride is 18st /251 lb/114 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All transfers from the meeting point, all meals, wine/ beer/ canned drinks with meals, accommodation, horses, tack, English speaking guide, use of bicycle or wagons for non riders.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Drinks outside of meal times, spirits and tips.
What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
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