Europe > Romania

Winter in the Carpathian Mountains

On this equestrian adventure in Romania, immerse yourself in the unspoiled natural beauty of the Carpathian Mountains. Bundle up in your coat and ride trails that wind through rolling hills and meadows blanketed in – hopefully! - powdery snow. This holiday promises an intimate encounter with Romanian history as you explore medieval villages and the charming towns of Brasov and Sibiu. After a day of exploration, relax in the snug guesthouse, where you can also enjoy a glass of local wine or brandy. Please note: although snow fall in this area of Romania is generally good in January/February, snow can never be guaranteed.
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Centre based holidays
8 days/5 days riding -
From £0
Open to non-riders

Itinerary

Highlights

- Explore iconic landmarks, including the renowned Bran Castle and the impressive Black Church.
- Deepen your understanding of Romanian history and culture.
- Embark on a potential snow-filled ride through the Carpathian Mountains.
- Experience the thrill of a sledge ride against a picturesque backdrop.
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  • Day 1 1: Home – Bucharest Airport - No riding

    Sinca Noua Guesthouse
    Fly to Bucharest airport. Flights are not included but can be arranged upon request. Please book a flight that arrives before 4pm.
    Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to the accommodation (around 3,5h journey). At the guesthouse, you will be received with a welcome drink and a lovely dinner.

    Overnight at Sinca Noua guesthouse.

  • Day 2 2: Trail riding - 4-6 hours riding

    Sinca Noua Guesthouse
    After breakfast, you will go on a short tour of the farm and meet the horses. The morning ride will take you through wide meadows that will allow for some stretches of canters. Enjoy the crisp air of the mountain and (hopefully), the snowy landscape.
    Return to the guesthouse for a warm lunch, and relax by the fireplace before heading out again. You will spend a few more hours exploring the surroundings of the guesthouse before calling it a day.
    In the evenings there is time to relax with a homemade liqueur or brandy in front of the open fire, or you can choose to have a drink at the bar.

    Dinner and overnight at Sinca Noua guesthouse.

    Please note that snow cannot be guaranteed but is very likely throughout January and February.

  • Day 3 3: Trail riding - 4-6 hours riding

    Sinca Noua Guesthouse
    Today you will head out on another trail to explore the nearby forests. It’s very likely you will cross tracks of red deer and wolves and, with a little luck, you might even spot one!
    Return to guesthouse for lunch and head out again to enjoy some more snowy stretches of trot and canter through the Carpathian hills.

    Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.

  • Day 4 4: Medieval Villages of Transylvania - No riding

    Sinca Noua Guesthouse
    Today the horses will have a deserved break while you go on to explore Transylvania.
    Depending on what the guests decide, you may visit the Bran Castle – also know as the Dracula Castle – and the old towns of Brasov, and Sibiu. If there is time, you may also visit a few other medieval villages of Transylvania.

    Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.

  • Day 5 5: Trail riding - 4-6 hours riding

    Sinca Noua Guesthouse
    Today you will get back on horseback, and set off on another riding adventure through the surroundings of Sinca Noua. While riding through the hills and meadows, you may come across some of the inhabitants of the Carpathians.
    In the evening, you may watch the short videos about your hosts’ conservation projects, and discuss further details with them.

    Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse

  • Day 6 6: Trail riding - 4-6 hours riding

    Sinca Noua Guesthouse
    Today you will ride out through the snowy landscapes of the Carpathians.
    Return to the guesthouse to recharge your batteries and enjoy a warm meal. If you wish, in the afternoon, there is the possibility of organising a sledge ride.

    Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.

  • Day 7 7: Trail riding - 4-6 hours riding

    Sinca Noua Guesthouse
    Another day spent riding across the idyllic landscapes of Transylvania. You may come across some more lynx and wolf tracks and, if you are lucky, spot these beautiful animals.

    Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.

  • Day 8 8: Bucharest – Home - No riding

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport. Please book a departure flight leaving after 2pm.

Dates & prices

Price details

No departure for this destination. Please contact our travel advisers for more information.
- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 2 riders and a maximum of 6 international riders, plus guides.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin/double room.

- There is no single supplement if you are willing to share a room with another guest of the same sex. To guarantee your own room there is a single supplement of €85/£75/$90.

- Scheduled transfers from/to Bucharest airport are included. On the first day, you should land before 4pm, and, on the last day, flights should depart after 2pm. Private transfers can be arranged for €200/£175/$215, per car, each way.

- There is an optional Bear hide visit. The rate is approx. €30 per person, paid locally.

- - Non-riders are welcome and benefit from a special rate of €750/£645/$795, per person.

- Accompanied young riders are welcome from 13 yo, provided they match the riding requirements.

Rider weight limit is 95kg/15 st/209 lbs. If you are over this limit, please contact us.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider

Inland transport

Airport transfers (within the schedule)
Optional transfer to the guesthouse on day 5, and back to camp on day 6

Accommodation

Double room - guesthouse

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8
All drinks are included, except the ones from the bar

Extras

Sightseeing visits mentioned in the itinerary

Price doesn't include

Meals

Drinks from the bar and personal extras

Transport

International flights

Extras

Tips to the local team
Donation to the CARPATHIA Conservation Project
Bear hide visit (check "Dates&Prices")

Insurance

Visas and personal purchase
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement

Transport

Airport transfers - outside of the regular schedule

Extras

Sleeping bag
We are currently updating our dates and prices they will be online soon. If you want details of this holiday, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Equestrian info

Horses

There are around 40 horses available. They are a mix of Arab and Shagya-Arab, Kisberi, Gidran, and other Hungarian breeds. All horses have a good temperament and are both fit and surefooted.
They range in height from 15hh to 16,2hh.

You will ride different horses throughout the week – between 2-4 different horses.

Guide & local team

The local guides are experienced and professional. They are very familiar with all the trails and take great care of the horses and guests. Additionally, they have first aid training.
All guides speak English, while some also speak German and French.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

To take part in this holiday, you must be an intermediate rider or above. You are able to walk, trot and canter on forward going horses, and comfortable riding out in open spaces.

Rider weight limit is 95kg/15 st/209 lbs. If you are over this limit, please contact us.

Pace

The riding is active with long stretches of trot and canter.
Please note that you may be required to dismount and lead your horse downhill (up to 30 min.).

Tacking ability and participation

You are responsible for tacking and untacking your horse. You are very welcome to help with grooming as well.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You should be comfortable at all three paces.
The terrain is diverse, and includes mountainous sections that may be more challenging.

Equestrian equipment

Endurance saddles. Saddlebags are provided.
Helmets are mandatory and you should bring your own.

Travel info

Comfort

Accommodation is in a guesthouse located in the same property as the stables. The guesthouse has nine en-suite rooms, some of which are suitable for families. On the ground floor, there is a spacious dinning room where meals are served. There is a lounge area with a bar and a fireplace so you can relax in the evenings. Wi-Fi is available.

Meals

On this holiday, you will experience a variety of Romanian dishes and western cuisine. All meals offer a wide variety of organic produce that are harvested directly from the property’s garden. The meat is also organic and locally sourced. Jams, spreads, breads and desserts are home-made.

Special diets can be accommodated. Please let us know in advance.

Climate

In spring and early summer, temperatures are pleasant (20-25ºC). This is a great time to enjoy the spring flowers in full bloom.
Summer may get rather hot (especially July/August). Riding hours during these months are often adjusted to avoid the afternoon heat.
Autumn is a nice season to visit and enjoy the beautiful fall colours (average temperature of 18ºC).
The winter is somewhat unpredictable though there is usually a good chance of snow in January/February.

Tips

Tipping is common in Romania. We suggest around €40 for the staff for a one-week stay.

Packing list

Head
- A riding helmet is mandatory. Helmet makers (GPA, HKM, LAS Helmets, Lamicell, Troxel, Equithème) now offer horse-riding helmets that are ventilated, strong, light and comfortable.
- Sunhat: cap for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and snow

Upper Body
- Thermals (long or short-sleeved T-shirts)
- Long-sleeved cotton shirts (to provide protection from the sun)
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent (more than one)
- Warm Goretex-style jacket (water-proof and breathable)

Legs
- 2 pairs of jodhpurs or long leather trousers
- 1 change of trousers (riding trousers or jeans)
- 1 pairs of waterproof over trousers (should not flap around while riding)
- 1 tracksuit pants/comfortable walking trousers for optional hikes
- Cotton or synthetic underwear (non-irritant)

Hands and feet
- 1 pair of comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps or long boots.
- 1 pair of hiking appropriate shoes (ankle-high shoes are ideal)
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Other useful items
- Small bumbag to be worn whilst riding
- A soothing cream may be useful to treat areas irritated by long hours in the saddle
- Backpacks are not to be worn whilst riding. Everything should be kept either in pockets or in a bumbag : lip balm, sun screen, small camera, glasses, rope etc.
- Water bottle (1.5 litres or 2 equivalent)
- Toiletries
- Swiss army knife or equivalent (in checking-in luggage!!)
- Small plastic bags for your rubbish
- Ear plugs (may be useful)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Vitamin C tablets
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
- 10cm wide bandage
- Painkillers
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

General information
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- In your hand luggage carry any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride

Our Recommendations

- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals