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0845 3000 247 +44 (0) 1539 531258 |
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RIDING DATES 2007 |
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One-week rides are scheduled to start on the following Saturdays. April 15, 22. 29; May 13, 20, 27; June 10, 17, 24; July 8, 15, 22; August 5, 12, 19; September 2, 9, 16, 30; October 7, 14, 28 The two-week ride is available on request starting on the following days: June 10, 17, 24; July 8, 15, 22; September 2, 9, 16 Other departure dates may be available on request. The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 3319. |
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HIGHLIGHTS |
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Lunca Ilvei Riding Adventures Horse and Carriage Trips Calèche to Bârgau Pass Farming with Horses Riding Lesson Bârgau Mountains Bârgau Pass Hotel Castel Dracula Beclean Lipizzaner Stud Somes Valley Rodnei Mountains Suhard Mountains Vatra Dornei FURTHER AFIELD Painted Monasteries Lucina Hutzul Stud Maramures |
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TRAVEL |
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Tarom, Malev, Austrian & Alitalia fly to Cluj Regular trains or transfers from Cluj (3 hours) to Bistrita; Overnight trains Bucharest - Bistrita, Bucharest - Vatra Dornei, Bucharest - Cluj Other trains: Timisoara - Cluj - Salva - Nasaud - Ilva Mica - Lunca Ilvei - Vatra Dornei Suceava - Iasi: Buses: Bistrita - Lunca Ilvei Road transfers & day trips by car available from Bistrita |
Riding Adventures in "Dracula Country" 2007
Prices on request - only available as part of a tailor-made holiday inclusive of flights and transfers
with the Stefan cel Mare Riding Centre in Lunca Ilvei
DRACULA COUNTRY LOCATION MAP FLIGHTS GETTING ABOUT CAR HIRE
CONTACT US
On Horseback in the Bârgau Mountains
Transylvania is Europes great undiscovered trail riding destination, as well as being where Cold Mountain was filmed. Our rides take place in northern Transylvania (a province of Romania), based at Lunca Ilvei, a remote mountain village in the Bargau region. The area is quiet and unspoilt, with the nearest town 60km away, no through road, and most of the limited traffic still horse-drawn. Food is locally grown, organic and flavoursome. Meadows are scattered with wild flowers. At the riding center, horses are used to bring hay and other supplies, to plough the land, and to travel around the local area. This is a trip back into the past, where you can experience a horse-drawn rural society that has scarcely changed in generations.
The rides are run by, Julian Ross, an Englishman officially qualified as a Romanian equestrian tourism guide - now a legal requirement in Romania - and the only non-Romanian rider to hold this qualification. He offers a unique blend of experience, knowledge and culture at Romanias longest-established riding holiday centre.
The horses are characteristic of the area, including the robust Hutzul mountain horse found only in the Carpathian range. Scenery is attractive and varied. To the north are the Rodna mountains, whose peaks reach over 8,000 feet. The nearest big town, the former Austro-Hungarian city of Cluj-Napoca, lies over 100km to the west. To the east lie the unique 'painted monasteries' and the historic spa town of Vatra Dornei. To the south is the 'Borgo pass' immortalised by Bram Stoker in 'Dracula' a real place.
The rides are run by, Julian Ross, an Englishman officially qualified as a Romanian equestrian tourism guide - now a legal requirement in Romania - and the only non-Romanian rider to hold this qualification. He offers a unique blend of experience, knowledge and culture at Romanias longest-established riding holiday centre.
The horses are characteristic of the area, including the robust Hutzul mountain horse found only in the Carpathian range. Scenery is attractive and varied. To the north are the Rodna mountains, whose peaks reach over 8,000 feet. The nearest big town, the former Austro-Hungarian city of Cluj-Napoca, lies over 100km to the west. To the east lie the unique 'painted monasteries' and the historic spa town of Vatra Dornei. To the south is the 'Borgo pass' immortalised by Bram Stoker in 'Dracula' a real place.
0845 3000 247
+44 (0)1539 531258
The riding centre is the longest established trail riding venue in Romania. It is the only centre in Romania operating full-time with qualified guides and experienced staff. The riding centre aims to support the surrounding rural community through, wherever possible, purchasing supplies and services from local people. The centre is also active in promoting modern horse-drawn farming, and works in conjunction with the World Equine Organisation and Developing Technologies (both UK charities). An important aspect is the development of hay-making equipment, which are made available to local peasant farmers on a not-for-profit basis. Another project provides specialist training for local farriers. The centre farms organically using horses.
We also offer a slightly more adventurous one-week ride for more experienced riders. This reaches higher altitudes and remoter places, and the days in the saddle are longer and more strenuous. This trip will appeal to people who ride regularly and wish to do something out of the ordinary.
A number of longer two-week trips are run during the summer, and are more adventurous rides taking in remoter terrain and getting even further of the beaten track. These longer trips offer eight days trail riding in total, and visit the remote Lucina mountain horse stud, which may be the oldest continuously functioning horse breeding centre in the world.
The horses average between 1,40m and 1,60m (14 hands to 15.2 hands), are of a medium build and are adaptable, fit and well suited to the going (which can get rough in places) rather than fast. They are of a kind, calm temperament, well mannered and sensible to handle. They are well suited to riders of intermediate ability who want a relaxing, easy ride. Mares and geldings are used, although the stock does include a pair of Hutzul stallions for draught and carriage work. English general purpose and endurance saddles are used on all horses. Some stock saddles, which are rather like military saddles, are also available.
THE RIDING: There is between 4 and 6 hours riding a day, broken up with rest stops and a break for lunch. A rest day is also programmed into the two-week trips.
The rides are at quite a varied pace, with routes taking you through forest and up steep mountain tracks. Overall it is not fast, owing to the mountainous terrain, but there are opportunities for trots and canters each day where the terrain permits. There is a little road work in the vicinity of the villages you pass through. The pace can usually be tailored to suit riders ability.
Regular groups are limited to a maximum of 8 guests. Groups booking a private ride just for themselves may be larger please call us to discuss your requirements. Julian and Kelli, your guides, generally lead each trip personally. If required, a French or German-speaking guide can be provided.
Baggage is transported for you by a back up vehicle (generally horse-drawn when on the regular one-week trip).
RIDING EXPERIENCE: To participate in these rides you need a reasonable amount of riding experience and should be comfortable and secure in the saddle and able to control a well-schooled horse outside in open country at all paces. You should also be reasonably riding fit and used to riding over varied terrain. The horses are calm, sensible and well mannered so they are well suited to people of intermediate ability who want a relaxing, easy ride.
TERRAIN: This area is very unspoilt and hardly touched by tourism. It is wonderful for riding with plenty of open space and varied scenery. Much of the riding is through forest, across pastures, and up and down mountains. There are a few places where riders need to dismount to walk over rough ground - a good chance to stretch your legs! Most of the higher ground is open rather than forested, so there are extensive views. There is much to see of cultural interest with many local people living in conditions that have changed little for hundreds of years. Horses are still widely used for ploughing fields and pulling carts.
MEALS: Food in rural Romania is still generally organic and full of flavour. Most produce is locally grown. Breakfast is eaten at the guest houses or inns and typically includes eggs, cheese, cold meat, bread, butter, jam, choice of milk (which is often straight from the cow!), tea or coffee. Lunch is generally a picnic out riding with bread, cheese, cold meat, cakes, and fruit. Dinner includes soup, (a strong point of Romanian cooking), a main course which will sometimes include regional specialities such as peppers stuffed with meat or vegetables, seasoned minced meat wrapped in cabbage or vine leaves, spicy meatballs, followed by fruit. Vegetarian and vegan meals can be provided (Romania has a strong home tradition of vegetarian and vegan cookery), as can other special diets, but please let us know in advance by filling in your dietary requirements on the booking form.
Lunca Ilvei
WEATHER: These rides operate from fixed dates between April and October when the weather in the area is best. In spring and early summer the ground is scattered with wild flowers and in autumn the area is full of colour with the changing leaves. Temperature averages are: April 11°C; May 16°C; June 19°C; July 21°C; August 21°C; September 18°C; October 13°C. It may be about 5 degrees hotter at midday and 5 degrees colder at nightfall. Showers, though not common, are possible at any time. The sun will be warm and bright in the clear mountain air.
HEALTH & SAFETY: There are no serious endemic diseases in the area. It is advisable to be up to date with Tetanus and Hepatitis vaccinations. The water is safe to drink. Rabies is not a problem. There are no dangerous animals or reptiles. The village has a good doctor who speaks English, and a basic pharmacy. There is a hospital within one hour by road. Romania is generally a safe country for foreign travelers, provided that common sense is exercised, and the crime rate is low. The country is safe for single female travelers.
VISITORS WITH MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT AND DISABILITY: We will help visitors to mount and dismount when necessary, and have a mounting block available at overnight stops. We have horses that can be ridden side saddle, and have received riders who have needed to ride in that style owing to physical handicap. Accompanying non-riders generally travel by horse-drawn vehicle, so they need to be able to hang on tightly when the vehicle negotiates occasional rough ground. Our driver will help passengers to get in and out. We try to be as helpful as we can to meet the needs of each individual. In general, ground floor accommodation is available at each overnight stop, however there will be some steps to negotiate in almost every building.
COMMUNICATIONS: The riding centre has telephone and fax communication available on request at reasonable rates. There is a mobile phone signal in some parts of the area. The village has a post office that is open on weekday mornings.
WHAT TO BRING: A list of things to bring will be sent when you make your booking.
Horse studs. We can arrange a visit to the state horse studs at Lucina (Hutzuls), Beclean-pe-Somes and Fagaras (Lipizzaners) and Radauti (Arabians). May and June are the main times of foaling.
Horse and carriage trips. As well as riding, you can try out a horse and carriage. Transport around the village of Lunca Ilvei is often by horse and carriage, and you will have the opportunity to try driving a pair of experienced horses under supervision if you wish. We offer experiential carriage trips of up to one week duration for small groups.
Farming with horses. The riding centre farms with horses. In the appropriate season, you can try your hand (under experienced supervision) at ploughing, harrowing, operating a horse-drawn mower, or helping load and move carts of hay. (We can show you how to cut hay with a scythe too.)
SIGHTSEEING BEFORE AND AFTER THE RIDE: There are a number of organised sightseeing options, which can be added before or after a riding trip, or in some cases in the middle of the first two-week itinerary. In addition to combinations with other regions of Romania, some of the attractions in reasonable proximity are as follows:
The Painted Monasteries: Enjoy a trip to experience the world-famous painted monasteries of the Bucovina, which are approximately 100km east of the riding centre. One day allows two or three monasteries to be visited, and two days allows more to be visited (there are eight in total) or a side visit to 600-year old Lucina Hutzul stud (home to several hundred rare breed mountain horses) or Radauti Arabian horse stud.
Vaser Valley Forestry Railway: Visit the unique 50km-long steam-worked narrow gauge logging railway at Viseu de Sus, which operates Mondays to Saturdays and carries passengers as well as timber.
Maramures: the remote region of northern Romania famous for its traditional agriculture, woodcrafts and its wooden architecture.
FAMILIES: We have smaller horses that are suitable for children. Family groups are very welcome. A visit to Transylvania will open young peoples eyes to a traditional way of life, with sights such as free-ranging farm animals and horse-drawn transport that they wont see in the West. Our experience is that our rides are suitable for reasonably mature children as young as 11 to 12 years provided that they can control a quiet horse in a group in open spaces at varying speeds.
XBARGAU MOUNTAINS - RIDING HOLIDAYS 2006
DATES 2006
One-week rides (nr 1 and nr 2) are scheduled to start on the following Saturdays. These are arrival dates at Bucuresti. Other departure dates may be available on request.
April 15, 22. 29; May 13, 20, 27; June 10, 17, 24; July 8, 15, 22; August 5, 12, 19; September 2, 9, 16, 30; October 7, 14, 28
The two-week ride (nr 3) is available on request starting on the following Mondays. (These are departure dates from the UK.) Other departure dates may be available on request.
June 10, 17, 24; July 8, 15, 22; September 2, 9, 16
These holidays are only available in conjunction with flights and transfers, and are protected under our ATOL licence 3319. The simplest options are to fly to Bucharest and travel onwards to Lunca Ilvei by comfortable sleeper train services. Alternatively we can organise flights to Cluj with road transfers to Lunca Ilvei. These holidays may be extended with extra nights in Cluj, Bucharest or even a side trip to the famous Painted Moansteries or the heart of Transylvania. Please do not hesitate to call for further information.
-BARGAU MOUNTAINS - SAMPLE ITINERARIES 2006
ONE WEEK RIDING ITINERARY (Nr.1)
One-week trail ride / nr 1
This is our regular one-week riding circuit, available for individuals and for groups of up to eight. (We can run the ride for larger group bookings on request.) Each riding day involves 5-6 hours in the saddle.
Description
Day 1 (Sunday) Arrive at Lunca Ilvei in the afternoon, where your hosts, Julian and Kelli, will welcome you and take you to meet the horses. Dinner, and a nights rest in a local guesthouse.
Day 2 (Monday) Sheepfolds and farms. We start off our ride setting off eastwards across high pastures. After stopping at a sheepfold, we descend into an area of spread out farmsteads. Nearby was the setting for the great Romanian novel "The Hanging Forest" by Liviu Rebreanu - "the Romanian Kafka". We arrive in the village of Poiana Negri (passing many attractive folkloric wooden houses) to spend the night in the new Poiana guesthouse. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 3 (Tuesday) Travelling to Draculas Borgo Pass. Today we ascend westwards through the deep forests of the Dorna Valley, where much of Romanias excellent mineral water originates. We travel along a quiet forest road, alongside which bears tracks are sometimes seen, including sections in virgin forest where some good canters are available. We pass through a nature reserve that harbours interesting carnivorous plants, insect and reptile life. Coming out of the forest, we reach Bram Stokers Borgo Pass where we spend the night at Hotel Castle Dracula. As well as a good restaurant and a bar with a spectacular view, the hotel boasts a small museum about the fictional vampire (don't let the hotel worker disguised as Dracula alarm you!) You have the chance to visit a small monastery on a hilltop overlooking the village. The horses stay on a local farm for the night. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 4 (Wednesday) The real Borgo Pass. Return to your hosts village of Lunca Ilvei along a succession of gentle peaks and saddles, with views stretching up to 50km. We cross a surviving Roman road and pass a monastery chapel at the hamlet of Ciosa. At our high lunch stop, views spread around in all directions as we survey a land of farmsteads and forests, peaks and valleys. We emerge onto a high ridge before dropping down to our guesthouse in Lunca Ilvei for dinner and a nights rest. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 5 (Thursday) The path of kings in days of old. We ride northwards over a high ridge, descend through ancient beech forest (home to wolves, lynx, foxes, deer and other animals) and drop down into a silent forested valley, then climb up to the pasturelands of Poiana Persa (Persa Meadows). This obcina (bare mountain crest) covers several square miles and is, in summer, home to up to one hundred mares and foals enjoying summer grazing. There are fine views from here over a high, secluded region of alpine pastures called "obcinas" where shepherds spend six months of each year without machines or electricity. A few remains of First World War trenches are to be seen too until 1918 this was frontier territory. From here we follow the Plaiul Moldovei, the medieval riding route between Transylvania and Moldavia. Now a quiet trackway used by shepherds, this path was ridden by the kings and merchants of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. We descend the Plaiul Moldovei, past the remains of two medieval fortresses, down to the village of Sant where we spend the night in a local guesthouse run by the Grapini family. Riding time: 6 hours.
Day 6 (Friday) The routes of Empress Maria Teresa. We return to Lunca Ilvei by a different route, stopping for lunch at the site of Habsburg fortress with fine views of the three 8,000 feet Rodna mountains. We travel along a Habsburg military road, now a little-used grassy track, but in the late 18th century important for defence of Empress Maria Theresas growing frontier. From here the view is immense, and there is a tangible feeling of remoteness. Nearby, only one hundred years ago, a gendarme post existed to protect travellers against highwaymen! We arrive on a ridge overlooking Lunca Ilvei and descend sharply to arrive in the village. Back to our guesthouse for a final night, when possible including folk music played by two local musicians. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 7 (Saturday) Depart after breakfast.
We recommend three days of relaxation and culture amidst the tranquil backdrop of Bucovina and the Painted Monasteries after all rides
What is included
Six nights accommodation.
All meals from dinner on day of arrival at the riding centre to lunch on day of departure from the riding centre.
Wine or beer and soft drinks with meals.
Five days trail riding.
Baggage transfer on the trail.
Services of guide full time.
What is not included
Visa fees where applicable.
Travel to and from the riding centre.
Additional optional sightseeing trips not included in the itinerary.
Alcoholic drinks other than those mentioned above.
Personal insurance (which is obligatory).
Use of telephone and fax.
Any gratuities that you may wish to leave.
ALTERNATIVE ONE WEEK ITINERARY (Nr.2)
This is a remoter and more adventurous one-week itinerary, run on request for groups of three to eight. The days are longer than the regular one-week ride, so participants will need to be fitter and more in practice in the saddle. This itinerary is not suitable for beginners.
Description
Day 1 (Sunday) Arrive at Lunca Ilvei in the afternoon, where your hosts, Julian and Kelli, will welcome you and take you to meet the horses. Dinner, and a nights rest in a local guesthouse.
Day 2 (Monday) Travelling to the Borgo Pass. Climbing southwards onto a high ridge, we are heading towards Bram Stokers Borgo Pass. The path undulates along a succession of gentle peaks and saddles, with views stretching up to 50km. At our high lunch stop, views spread around in all directions as we survey a land of farmsteads and forests, peaks and valleys. Pass a monastery chapel at the hamlet of Ciosa, then cross a surviving Roman road. The horses stay on a local farm for the night, and riders stay at the Hotel Castle Dracula. As well as a good restaurant and a bar with a spectacular view, the hotel boasts a small museum about the fictional vampire. You have the chance to visit a small monastery on a hilltop overlooking the village. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 3 (Tuesday) Through the deep Carpathian forests. We descend north-westerly into the deep forests of the Dorna Valley, where much of Romanias excellent mineral water originates. We travel along a quiet forest road, alongside which bears tracks are sometimes seen, before riding into virgin forest where some good canters are available. We pass through a nature reserve that harbours interesting carnivorous plants, insect and reptile life. Coming out of the forest, we arrive in the village of Poiana Negri (passing many attractive folkloric wooden houses) to spend the night in the new Poiana guesthouse. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 4 (Wednesday) Paths of former Austro-Hungary. We head north-east through forest and farmland, then climb up to the high Suhard ridge, following an old Habsburg road used by the former Border Regiment. At the summit of 1,548m wide views open out, and places such as Bram Stokers Borgo Pass can be seen distantly. On a clear day, we can see distant peaks in the Ukraine. Ahead of us, in the Golden Bistrita valley, once lay the border between Austro-Hungary and Tsarist Russia. We descend southward into the valley, passing the small Recele monastery, and make our way to the attractive village of Ciocanesti where we spend the night in a village guesthouse. Riding time: 6 hours.
Day 5 (Thursday) The paths of emperors and kings in days of old. We climb back up to the ridge and travel along the Habsburg border trail, now a little-used grassy track, but when built in the 1760s used to patrol the perimeter of Empress Maria Theresas growing frontier. From here the view is immense, and there is a tangible feeling of remoteness. This was Austro-Hungarys wild west and, nearby, only one hundred years ago, a gendarme post existed to protect travellers against highwaymen! From here we follow the Plaiul Moldovei, the medieval riding route between Transylvania and Moldavia. Now a quiet trackway used by shepherds, this path was ridden by the kings and merchants of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. We descend the Plaiul Moldovei, past the remains of two medieval fortresses, down to the village of Sant where we spend the night in a local guesthouse run by the Grapini family. Riding time: 8 hours.
Day 6 (Friday) The routes of Empress Maria Teresa. We return to Lunca Ilvei by a different route, stopping for lunch at the site of Habsburg fortress with fine views of the three 8,000 feet Rodna mountains. We travel along a Habsburg military road, now a little-used grassy track, but in the late 18th century important for defence of Empress Maria Theresas growing frontier. From here the view is immense, and there is a tangible feeling of remoteness. Nearby, only one hundred years ago, a gendarme post existed to protect travellers against highwaymen! We arrive on a ridge overlooking Lunca Ilvei and descend sharply to arrive in the village. Back to our guesthouse for a final night, when possible including folk music played by two local musicians. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 7 (Saturday) Depart after breakfast.
We recommend three days of relaxation and culture amidst the tranquil backdrop of Bucovina and the Painted Monasteries after all rides
What is included
Six nights accommodation.
All meals from dinner on day of arrival at the riding centre to lunch on day of departure from the riding centre.
Wine or beer and soft drinks with meals.
Five days trail riding.
Baggage transfer on the trail.
Services of guide full time.
What is not included
Visa fees where applicable.
Travel to and from the riding centre.
Additional optional sightseeing trips not included in the itinerary.
Alcoholic drinks other than those mentioned above.
Personal insurance (which is obligatory).
Use of telephone and fax.
Any gratuities that you may wish to leave.
TWO WEEK ITINERARY - SUHARD MOUNTAINS AND LUCINA STUD (Nr 3)
This is an even remoter and more adventurous ride, getting really off the beaten track. There is a minimum group size for this ride. The days are longer than the regular one-week ride, so participants will need to be fitter and more in practice in the saddle. This itinerary is not suitable for beginners.
Description
Day 1 (Sunday) Arrive at Lunca Ilvei in the afternoon, where your hosts, Julian and Kelli, will welcome you and take you to meet the horses. Dinner, and a nights rest in a local guesthouse.
Day 2 (Monday) Travelling to the Borgo Pass. Climbing southwards onto a high ridge, we are heading towards Bram Stokers Borgo Pass. The path undulates along a succession of gentle peaks and saddles, with views stretching up to 50km. At our high lunch stop, views spread around in all directions as we survey a land of farmsteads and forests, peaks and valleys. Pass a monastery chapel at the hamlet of Ciosa, then cross a surviving Roman road. The horses stay on a local farm for the night, and riders stay at the Hotel Castle Dracula. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 3 (Tuesday) Through the deep Carpathian forests. We descend north-westerly into the deep forests of the Dorna Valley, where much of Romanias excellent mineral water originates. We travel along a quiet forest road, alongside which bears tracks are sometimes seen, before riding into virgin forest where some good canters are available. We pass through a nature reserve that harbours interesting carnivorous plants, insect and reptile life. Coming out of the forest, we arrive in the village of Poiana Negri to spend the night in the new Poiana guesthouse. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 4 (Wednesday) Monoliths. Today we make a circular ride to visit the striking Twelve Apostles rock monoliths, which stand over the Negrisoara area. We spend a second night at the Poiana guesthouse. Riding time: 6 hours.
Day 5 (Thursday) Paths of former Austro-Hungary. We head north-east through forest and farmland, then climb up to the high Suhard ridge, following an old Habsburg road used by the former Border Regiment. At the summit of 1,548m wide views open out, and places such as Bram Stokers Borgo Pass can be seen distantly. Ahead of us, in the Golden Bistrita valley, once lay the border between Austro-Hungary and Tsarist Russia. We descend southward into the valley, passing the small Recele monastery, and make our way to the attractive village of Ciocanesti where we spend the night in a village guesthouse. Riding time: 6 hours.
Day 6 (Friday) The Tatar Trail. We cross over the Mestecanis ridge, one of the three ridges which dissects the Bucovina region. Our route follows in part the Tatar road, another medieval trading route which linked east with west. Passing the attractive village of Fundu Moldovei, we pass over a branch of the second ridge, Feredeu, and drop down to a comfortable village guesthouse. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 7 (Saturday) Sightseeing in historic Bucovina. We rest on Saturday, taking a trip to see some of the attractions of the Bucovina, including (subject to availability) Radauti Arabian Horse Stud, the Salt Mine at Cacica, and the unusual Wood Museum at Campulung Moldovenesc. During the day the horses rest. We spend another night at the same guesthouse.
Day 8 (Sunday) Sightseeing in historic Bucovina. We take a minibus trip (included in the trip cost) to visit several of the world-famous Painted Monasteries of the Bucovina. It should be possible to visit Moldovita, Sucevita and Voronet monasteries. During the day the horses rest. We spend another night at the same guesthouse.
Day 9 (Monday) The true rural Bucovina. We ride eastwards through typical Bucovina landscape of forests, pastures and hills, scattered farms and rustic villages, to the village of Botusel. On the way, we may stop and visit a small monastery, seeing the frescoes and icons painted by a local artist. This is a remote land of alpine meadow and forest, peasant farmer and forester. Many of the population are Ukrainian and down in the valley some of the road signs are in the Cyrillic alphabet. We spend the night in a new guesthouse built and run by a local forester. Riding time: 6 hours.
Day 10 (Tuesday) Lucina mountain horse stud. We make a day ride across grassland (maximum altitude 1,357m) to reach Lucina horse stud, where the rare Hutzul horses are bred. Horses of this type have been bred here for hundreds of years. The stud is home to several hundred mares and foals of this unique Carpathian mountain breed, plus the national Hutzul stud stallions. Lucina is the only place in the world where all the blood lines of the Hutzul (the Prislop, Pietrosu, Goral, Hroby and Ousor blood lines) remain intact. We spend another night at the foresters guesthouse. Riding time: 7 hours.
Day 11 (Wednesday) The Bucovina ridges. We ride north-westwards through meadows and woods, with attractive views across the peaceful landscape of the western Bucovina. After stopping for lunch, we ride along the Golden Bistrita valley to the mountain village of Carlibaba, where we stay in a locally-run guesthouse. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 12 (Thursday) The paths of emperors and kings in days of old. Today we reach our highest altitude, around 1,700 metres (5,500 feet), after climbing up a quiet shepherds trail to the Varful Omului massif. On a clear day we can see into the Ukraine. The peak is covered in blueberry plants, and is a striking shade of pink when they flower in the spring. We ride for a short way along a high altitude Habsburg military border road, now peaceful and grassy, that dates from the 1760s. The views from this area are extremely wide-ranging, and there is a tangible feeling of remoteness. Until the beginning of the 20th century, there was a gendarme post nearby to protect travellers against highwaymen. Now we follow the Plaiul Moldovei, the medieval riding route between Transylvania and Moldavia. Today a quiet trackway used by shepherds, this path was ridden by the kings and merchants of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. We descend past the remains of two medieval fortresses, down to the village of Sant where we spend the night in a local guesthouse run by the Grapini family. Riding time: 8 hours.
Day 13 (Friday) The routes of Empress Maria Teresa. We return to Lunca Ilvei, stopping for lunch at the site of Habsburg fortress with fine views of the three 8,000 feet Rodna mountains. We travel along a Habsburg military road, now a little-used grassy track, but in the late 18th century important for defence of Empress Maria Theresas growing frontier. We arrive on a ridge overlooking Lunca Ilvei and drop down to arrive in the village. Back to our guesthouse for a final night, when possible including folk music played by two local musicians. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 14 (Saturday) Depart after breakfast.
What is included
13 nights accommodation.
All meals from dinner on day of arrival at the riding centre to lunch on day of departure from the riding centre.
Wine or beer and soft drinks with meals.
10 days trail riding.
Two days sightseeing, including transport, guide, meals, and museum entry tickets.
Baggage transfer on the trail.
Services of guide full time on the trail ride.
What is not included
Visa fees where applicable.
Additional sightseeing trips not included in the itinerary.
Alcoholic drinks other than those mentioned above.
Personal insurance (which is obligatory).
Use of telephone, and fax.
Any gratuities that you may wish to leave.
XPRICES 2006 - ON REQUEST
Other riding holidays are also available on request
These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 3319.
Insurance You must have medical insurance to cover you in the event of an emergency during your holiday. This must cover trail riding or riding holidays. You are also strongly advised to take out travel insurance to cover your baggage and other personal effects.
XADDITIONAL SERVICES 2006
Accommodation in the private guesthouse at the riding centre. Comfortable rooms, some of them with en suite bathrooms.
£ 20.00 per person per night, full-board, sharing a twin or double room
25% reduction for children under 10 years,
CART, CARRIAGE AND SLEIGH RIDES
Horse drawn cart - up to 8 people: £ 110.00 per cart/ day
Horse drawn sleigh - up to 8 people: £ 110.00 per sleigh/ day (subject to the weather)
Horse-drawn carriage (caleche) - 3 people: £ 110.00 per carriage/ day
Follow in Jonathan Harker's Footsteps - horse-drawn caleche to Hotel Castle Dracula in the Borgo Pass (see below): £ 110.00 per carriage (maximum 3 people)
Carts and carriages can also be taken by the hour: local rates available
HORSE-RIDING (per rider with a guide): £ 67.00 per day
VISIT TO SHEPHERDS by horse-drawn cart: £ 32.00 per person
VISIT TO SHEPHERDS on horse-back (competent riders only): £ 45.00 per person
TRANSPORT BY CAR: 0.25 Euro per km - payable locally
TRANSPORT BY MINIBUS: 0.60 Euro per km - payable locally
SERVIVES OF QUALIFIED GUIDE: 50 Euro per day plus guide expenses; payable locally
PERFORMANCE BY TWO LOCAL MUSICIANS: 25 Euro per evening; payable locally
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JONATHAN HARKER
Then a dog began to howl somewhere in a farmhouse far down the road
- a long, agonized wailing as if from fear.
The sound was taken up by another dog, then another and another,
till, borne on the wind which now sighed softly through the Pass,
a wild howling began which seemed to come from all over the country,
as far as the imagination could grasp it through the gloom of the night.
At the first howl the horses began to strain and rear,
but the driver spoke to them soothingly, and they quietened down,
but shivered and sweated as though after a runaway from sudden fright.
Then, far off in the distance, from the mountains on each side of us
began a louder and sharper howling - that of wolves
- which affected both the horses and myself in the same way
- for I was minded to jump from the calèche and run,
whilst the driver had to use all his great strength to keep them from bolting"
[ Extract from Jonathan Harker's Journal
Bram Stoker "Dracula", 1897 ]
We offer you a unique opportunity to recreate the journey
immortalised by Stoker's "Dracula" -
follow in the footsteps of Jonathan Harker through deep valleys
and dark forests, to emerge at the remote "Borgo Pass"
and arrive atHotel Castel Dracula as night falls.
This is a journey highly rated by Dracula Fans
- the ultimate Transylvanian Experience!
Winter, Sant village / Riding through hay meadows / Local Folklore
Threshing near Nasaud / Caliman Mountains / Horse ploughing
is a Division of BCD Meetings & Incentives
1 Atkinson Court, Fell Foot, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, United Kingdom LA12 8NW
Tel. +44 (0)1539 531258 or UK local rate: 0845 3000 247; Email. [email protected]
ATOL 3319 - IATA 91267691
The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL nrmber is ATOL 3319.
ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom.
Click on the ATOL logo if you want to know more.
Copyright © 2006 Transylvania Uncovered