It would be difficult to find anywhere else quite like the sleepy villages, isolated valleys and wildlife-filled forests of Transylvania. This is Romania at its most alluring, and exploring this region on horseback, galloping through flower-filled meadows with backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains, offers a true sensory immersion of Transylvania. Rides take place from April to October and are named after the seasonal mountain flora in bloom at the time. Count Kálnoky's stable provides a range of excellent mounts (including Lippizaners and Shagya Arabs) for a range of abilities and weights, though all riders should be confident at walk, trot and canter in open country and among other riders. Drivers transport your luggage from village to village, leaving you free to enjoy the ride and the bucolic scenery. At the end of each day, settle in to your characterful local guesthouse for the evening where your hosts revel in the opportunity to share stories about life in rural Romania, past and present.
TRANSYLVANIAN RIDING ADVENTURE
HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy energising rides through forests and meadows, in lands where horses still play a key role for local communities.
- Gain a privileged insight into traditional rural life in Romania, staying in comfortable village guesthouses hosted by welcoming local families.
- Appreciate the remarkable flora and fauna in Zalánpatak, Prince Charles' 'home in Romania' with its impressive biodiversity.
- Support cultural and natural preservation efforts in this unspoilt region of Transylvania.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Bucharest to Miklósvár
You will be met in Bucharest for your scenic drive to Miklósvár, a tranquil village in the heart of Transylvania, nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The four-hour journey will take you past mountain scenery, historic churches and sleepy villages where time appears to have stood still. Arriving in Miklósvár, a warm welcome awaits as you meet your hosts to discuss the horses and riding ahead, enjoying pastries and a traditional tipple of Romanian brandy. You will then be shown to your accommodation, returning later to the main house for a three course dinner served family-style in the cosy wine cellar.
Overnight: Kálnoky's Transylvanian Guesthouses
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Day 2 Miklósvár to Baile Malnas
After breakfast this morning you will be driven to the stables at Valea Crisului to meet the horses and set off on your ride. Beginning with a slow ascent onto a ridge, you will head north across high pastures enjoying sweeping views of the Carpathian Range. The trail ride passes beech forests, wildflower meadows and the occasional shepherd – encounters with bears are thankfully more unusual. A picnic lunch provides energy for the final section of this 10-mile ride, reaching Baile Malnas. At the end of the 1800s this typical Transylvanian village was enjoying its heyday as a thriving spa destination and, though the same cannot be said for Baile Malnas today, you may still wish to sample some of the mineral waters for their purported medicinal properties! A hearty local dinner is prepared by your village host.
Overnight: Baile Malnas Local Guesthouse
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Day 3 Baile Malnas to Batanii Mici
Bidding your local host farewell you will set off after breakfast for your ride through peaceful woodland tracks in the forests of the Hatod region. Your ride continues around the extinct Murgó volcano, descending grassy slopes before eventually reaching the village Batanii Mici (or 'Little Bacon'). The friendly villagers here will show you their watermill and looming traditions passed down over generations. Dinner will be taken with your village host before you retire to your guesthouse for the night.
Overnight: Batanii Michi Local Guesthouse
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Day 4 Szép Arca and the Olt River valley
Leaving Batanii Michi after breakfast, today's 15-mile ride weaves north west through tranquil forests and hay meadows as you ascend the Szép Arca ("Pretty Face") hill, which forms part of the wider Hargita Range. Take in the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys as you descend south towards your picnic stop at the edge of a small lake. Continue through the picturesque Olt River valley until you reach the grounds of Miklósvár Manor. You will arrive in plenty of time to visit the Museum of Transylvanian Life (set in the one-time hunting manor of the Kálnoky family estate) and perhaps take a pre-dinner drink at the Stone Pub.
Overnight: Kálnoky's Transylvanian Guesthouses
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Day 5 Zalánpatak valley and Prince Charles’ estate
Departing Miklósvár once more you will ride east through forests and meadows, ascending the ridge which overlooks the Zalánpatak valley. With views of the Carpathian range in the distance, you will descend to the village of Zalánpatak, your base for the next two nights. This small settlement once centred around a family-run glassworks but is where you can now find the private retreat of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. He was captivated by the beauty and biodiversity to be found in this part of Transylvania (which is home to one of Europe's rarest species of orchid), adopting the village as his 'home in Romania'. You will stay in one the beautifully restored village houses, and a walk through the Prince's estate can be taken before dinner, where you can observe the prolific wildlife that frequents the meadows at sunset.
Overnight: Zalánpatak Guesthouse
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Day 6 The historic trail to Kőröspatak
Setting out after breakfast, your day ride is a 12-mile stretch crossing hills and brooks in the direction of Kőröspatak. The route you will take is a traditional trail taken by generations of the Kálnoky family, this being the only way for them to travel between the two villages. The high pastures afford wonderful views, and the final stretch takes you to the ruins of the old tower that overlooks Kőröspatak. Dip your horse’s legs in the small stream that crosses the village, before taking a transfer back to Zalánpatak for the evening.
Overnight: Zalánpatak Guesthouse
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Day 7 Depart
Bid farewell to rural Transylvania after breakfast for the drive back to Bucharest in time for your flight home or onward arrangements in Romania.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| High | £ 1,415 | $ 2,086 |
| Low | £ 1,190 | $ 1,754 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Price is per person based on two people sharing a room.
- An intermediate level of riding experience is recommended for this itinerary.
- Most riding outfits provide horses that can cater for a maximum weight of 90 kilograms (14 stone). Please discuss with our specialists if you require a higher weight limit.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation and meals during your time in Transylvania.
- All riding and activities on a group basis (maximum group size 8, but up to 12 can be accommodated for a private group.)
- Horses, saddles and saddle bags.
- Guide services and transfers.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Transfer from Bucharest to Miklósvár.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and gratuities (discretionary).
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
