Come and stay in a beautifully converted farmhouse situated between the Montiferru Mountain range and the turquoise waters of the Sardinian coastline. The family-run country retreat in the heart of ancient woodland is tastefully decorated using local materials. Have a dip in the pool, an invigorating Jacuzzi or just relax with a cold drink and enjoy the ambience of this exclusive little hide-away.
All levels of rider are catered for equally well, riders with less experience may opt for the Country Retreat (Programme A), riders with more experience may opt for the Programme B which has a day riding inland and a ride at the sea or Programme C where all the riding is by the sea. Experienced riders can also consider the 8 day Mountain to Sea Trail. The riding activities usually take place in the morning, leaving plenty of time to relax or explore the island in the afternoons. We recommend car rental to make the most of this.
The family have been breeding horses here for over 100 years, the farmhouse used to be the family home. The joy and passion for their horses and this land is evident in the attention to detail and beautifully kept stables and ménage. The horses are exceptional, Anglo Arab and Sardinian bred, well schooled and forward going and together you will enjoy some excellent rides out in the countryside and more experienced riders can opt to ride by the sea.
Your hosts are also instructors for all levels, so this is a great place to work on your dressage or show jumping on accomplished horses, should you so wish. The tuition for younger riders is aimed at introducing them to the world of having a horse, joyfully giving the child the opportunity to interact with horses and learn the basics of horse management.
Another highlight of this trip is the cuisine, mostly locally produced and organic and always delicious and typical - served either in the dining room with open kitchen or al fresco on the terrace overlooking the impeccably kept grounds.
DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS OF FOUR OR MORE ON PROGRAMMES B AND C. PLEASE ENQUIRE.
A 10% DISCOUNT IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO RETURNING CLIENTS.
Trip length
Programme A: As required although a three night minumum stay applies.
Programme B: 4d / 3n / 2d riding
Programme C: 5d / 4n / 3d riding
From: 2012 Programme A 4d/3n Low season: Programme A: double pp - standard room £259/€305/$415
2012 Programme B: Programme B: double pp standard room (double bed) £405/€479/$649
2012 Programme C: Programme C: double pp standard room (double bed) £635/€749/$1,019
Departure dates
Open 4th April - 31 December 2012. Any day arrival.
Low Season: 4 April - 30 June; 1 October- 23 December
Mid Season: 1 July- 31 July; 25 August- 30 September
High Season: 1- 24 August
Approximate riding time per day
Programme A: 2 hours per day
Programme B & C: 3-4 hours per day
More riding can be arranged on site; please see "Notes" section below.
Riding ability required
Programme A: From beginner onwards
Programme B & C: Comfortable in walk, trot and canter on a good horse in open ground
From Alghero to the hotel 100 Euro per car each way.
From Olbia to the hotel 110 Euro per car each way.
Alternatively car rental is a good option with this ride.
Flight guide
RyanAir fly to Alghero from Stansted and Liverpool, EasyJet fly to Olbia from Gatwick. Flights start from around £100 return.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - SB SARDINIAN COUNTRY RETREAT
Programme A (Country Retreat)
Three night minimum stay, as required. Any day arrival. Half board.
A programme for beginners or more advanced riders who want to combine luxury accommodation with tuition and/or trails on well schooled forward going horses as well as allowing plenty of time for non-riding activities and sightseeing. Two hours of riding per day are included as standard on this programme and are flexible in make up. They can be taken as trail riding (in one or two sessions) in the surroundings or lessons of approx 40min can be substituted for an hours trail riding.
Please note that riding is not included on the arrival or departure days.
Programme B (Country and Sea)
Three days, three nights, two days riding. Any day arrival. Full board.
A programme for competent riders with limited time who would like to experience the variety of Sardinia's landscape and include some beach riding on their short break.
Day 1: Arrival. Dinner and overnight. Day 2: After breakfast you head off on horseback in the local area for a 3 to 4 hour trail ride; winding along the old shepherd paths, through the shady cork oak forests, wild vineyards and cantering through meadows covered with flowers. Lunch is taken back at the estate and afternoon is at leisure. Dinner and overnight. Day 3: Horses and riders are taken by road from the interior of the island to the protected coastal area of Sinis, a half island. The ride takes you through pine woods across meadows and up to the steep cliffs with the Mediterranean stretching out before you. Finally you will reach the famous Maimoni beach, glittering white sand and turquoise sea. After a four hour ride horses and riders are taken back to the estate to have lunch and relax by the pool. Dinner and overnight. Day 4: Depart after breakfast.
Programme C (Three Beaches)
Five days, four nights, three days riding. Any day arrival. Full board.
A programme for experienced riders who would like to explore the wild Sardinian coastline and beaches. The horses used for this itinerary are stabled just 30 metres from the sea and riders are transferred each day by vehicle (about 40min) to the horses, allowing maximum riding along the coastline.
Day 1: Arrival. Dinner and overnight. Day 2: After breakfast riders are taken by road to the area of Is Arenas, riding under the canopy of fragrant pine trees along soft sandy tracks. Finally you arrive at the beach, almost 10 km long. Galloping along the sand, perhaps popping over some driftwood and splashing in the surf with your horse. Lunch is taken at the stables and if riders have their own transport they can choose to spend the afternoon further exploring the coastline. Day 3: Today we will discover the area of Capo Mannu. With cliffs reaching over 200 metres high the scenery is dramatic and beautiful, the sea froths around the base of the cliffs. Heading a little inland you ride around a salt water lake, home to flamingos and a rich diversity of birdlife. Day 4: The ride takes you through pine woods across meadows and up to the steep cliffs with the Mediterranean stretching out before you. Finally you will reach the famous Maimoni beach, glittering white sand and turquoise sea. Day 5: Departure after breakfast.
Please note that these itineraries are intended as a guideline and may be altered according to the prevailing conditions at the time.
NOTES - SB SARDINIAN COUNTRY RETREAT
Car hire is strongly recommended for all programmes.
Extra riding can be arranged on site. One unit costs 18 Euros in 2012 and can be used as follows:
Riding lesson ( 40 minutes individual lesson) = 1 unit
Hack (75 minutes, guided tour) = 2 units
Excursion at the sea (minimum 2 riders, about 2 hours) = 4 units
Please note that the length of the hacks/ excursions can somewhat depend on the pace of the ride as dictated by your guide.
The weight limit for this ride is 19 st/264 lb/120 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
The trip price includes halfboard (breakfast and dinner), en suite accommodation, all riding as per the itinerary, tack, qualified English speaking guide and tuition if required, services and taxes.
For price details click here
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights, transfers, alcohol with meals. Guests should bring a small quantity of Euros for personal expenditure or extra drinks from the bar outside meal times. Tipping is not expected but welcome should you feel the service has been excellent.
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Reading List We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.
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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Tel: +44 (0)1767 600606 Fax: +44 (0)1767 312555
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