TRANSYLVANIA WEEK - ROMANIA

more photos | book | ride reviews |

In the heart of Romania's Transylvania at the borders of the Olt, one of the longest rivers in Romanian, lies the old little village of Halmeg, where time has stood still and horses are still very much part of the local culture. The river also provides a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing and fishing.

The inn and stables for the riding horses are in authentic village farmhouses. The herd wanders in the vast meadows and hills near the village, grazing and nibbling the fresh herbs and grasses whilst watched over by their shepherd.  This part of Romania boasts unspoilt nature with meadows scattered with wild flowers, woods, creeks and hills with beautiful views, the climate is warm, dry and sunny almost the whole summer long. 

On your riding holiday you will encounter shepherds with flocks of sheep, goats and buffaloes and have many opportunities to meet the local villagers whose traditional lives seem lost in time. One of them main aims of your hosts is to stimulate the local economy, buying fresh produce from the villagers and employing local people as guides and cooks. 

With over 45 mares, stallions and foals your hosts are one of the largest breeders of Lipizzaners in Romania and these striking horses - renowned for their beauty, nobility and faithfulness will be your constant companions. Each day follows a different trail through the surrounding countryside and finishes with a hearty meal around a welcoming fire in your comfortable guesthouse, surrounded by your hosts friendly dogs.

This is a great holiday for those who enjoy good riding, a flexible itinerary that allows for other activities and excursions if desired and those who are looking for a cultural riding holiday amongst the simple yet warm charms of rural Romania.

Trip length 8 days / 7 nights Ride price detailed prices price promise 2012: double pp £729/€865/$1,175 Departure dates 2012: 22 April; 6, 20 May; 3, 17 June; 1, 15 July; 9 September; 7 October Approximate riding time per day 5 to 6 hours Riding ability required Be able to walk, trot and canter comfortably Group size 1 - 8 Meeting point (getting there) Sibiu Airport, Romania (SBZ) Transfer 2012: Meeting point is Sibiu Airport, transfer is 1.5 hours and is €80 per person return. Flight guide 2012: London to Sibiu via Munich with Lufthansa from £150 return. Single supplement detailed prices No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise: 2012: £155/€185/$249

SAMPLE ITINERARY - TRANSYLVANIA WEEK

This itinerary is a sample of the rides available. The daily itinerary is very flexible and varies depending on local conditions such as weather and riders desires. There is always the chance to take a day off to rest or visit nearby towns or Draculas castle for example.
 
Day 1
Arrival in Romania and transfer to the inn. We meet the horses and other resident animals which are all well loved and cared for. Drinks, snacks and extensive dinner followed by a good nights rest to get you ready for your horse riding holiday.

Day 2
Meet and try your horse in a trip to Sona. Find out how sure footed and responsive they are riding through the hills along the Sapte Mamelle. We have lunch at the Asobar. Maybe we will meet the retired forester Traian. Back along the river Olt and we visit the shepherds where we try their buttermilk and buy some Telemia (soft fresh sheep cheese). Back to the inn for a nice hot shower, drinks and the Telemia while we await a fine dinner.

Day 3
After breakfast and preparing our lunchboxes we go for a nature ride and we do not see a village all day. We go through forests, valleys and hills and have picnic in the open field. After returning home we can take the horses for a ride in the Olt River and when the weather is fine, we swim with the horses. After that a nice cold beer is waiting for us and again a lovely 4-5 course dinner.

Day 4
Goal for today is the village of Ticus, an old Saxon village where recently some houses have been renovated with German money. Here we have lunch in the local pub owned by Heinz. We may see tracks of bears on the way back which we hopefully will not meet and with some luck we may see some deer.

Day 5
Today we will visit Felmer. We go through open field in Northwestern direction. In the village we see the once beautiful fortified church, unfortunately now gone to ruin. We have lunch at Theodora's who owns a little pub. We ride through a wide valley and cross little waters and streams. When we return in Halmeag you can visit the oldest fortified church of Transylvania. The English/German speaking vicar is happy to give you a tour.

Day 6
Today we go to the end of the world, the village of Cobor. It was used in many movie sets of war and westerns. Here we have a drink at Pista Baci's (uncle Pista) pub and shop where even the local constable is a regular visitor. In this area many beautiful coloured birds, bee-eaters, have their nests.

Day 7
Today we go in Northeast direction and our goal is CriHalma. We go along the river where we have some long canters and gallops. We have lunch in the local pub and back in the inn a "Masa festive" is waiting for us.

Day 8
Breakfast and already time to say goodbye to Romania. Transfer to the airport.

NOTES - TRANSYLVANIA WEEK

Read the article in Horse magazine September 06 about this destination.

The weight limit for this ride is 16 st/220 lb/100 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 accommodation in 2 or 3 person rooms, all meals from dinner on the first night to breakfast on the last day, beer, house wine and mineral water with meals, all riding, horses, English speaking guide.
For price details click here

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights to and from Sibiu airport. Transfers from Sibiu to the guest house, imported drinks and drinks other than with meals, excursions not part of the itinerary, a single supplement if you wish to have a room to yourself (this may not always be available).

Riders who booked this ride also considered:
 
Montana Bridger Ranch - USA
If you are interested in improving your riding skills, especially western and horsemanship, this is the place to come with regular clinics organised throughout the year and one day or more a week set aside for natural horsemanship clinics on demand. Cattle work is also done for all the neighbouring ranches.

Western Ranch - France
A cattle ranch in unspoilt countryside with western tuition for intermediate riders onwards. Also varied riding out.

more photos | book | ride reviews |

conditions of access  booking conditions print  back  top

sitemap