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At the Bay of Biscay where the Gironde flows into the
Atlantic, towards the city of Bordeaux, the vines of Medoc have grown
for centuries. All the big castles from the 17th and 18th century
are well known to the wine connoisseur: La Fite, Latour, Mouton, Margaux
are just some of the big names. The landscape is varied: pine forests,
vineyards, and quiet trails. Architecture is mixed with famous wines in
Mediterranean scenery. Join us on an equestrian excursion through this
beautiful countryside with overnights in hotels and private castles.
 PG-DETB
Rates: Incl. all meals and lodging in hotels and private castles, wine
with lunch, 6 riding days
8 days/ 7 nights $ 2,450
Single +$450
-- based on € 1,725 / € 315
2008 Dates:
10/11-10/18
10/18-10/25
Meeting: Bordeaux
Level:
Intermediate+
Pace: Moderate, nice canters, gallops
Tack:
French trekking, English,
hackamore
Horses:
Anglo Arab and Selle Francais
Weight:
max
195 lbs
Min/Max: 5-11 riders
Note: Castle entrance fees, wine with dinner, and wine tasting
are not included
Itinerary
Day 1:
You will be met in the afternoon at Bordeaux airport or Saint Jean
railway station and transferred to the town of St. Emilion, a famous
winegrowing village with a picturesque medieval town center. St. Emilion
is also world-famous for its subterranean cathedral. Dinner and
overnight at the hotel ‘Logis des Remparts’.
Day 2: Your first day in the saddle starts relaxed with a wine
tasting at the castle of Forzada (Appellation St. Emilion Grand Cru).
Past the Citadelle of Bourg you ride across a landscape between sea and
interior where the vineyards stretch all the way down to the coast. Then
you reach the vineyards of the Cote de Blaye. At the castle ‘du Corps du
Loup’ you’re invited to taste their noble wines. Enjoy the appellation
Cote de Blaye Cru Bougois – Cheers! In Blaye, at the shore of the river
Gironde, you stay overnight at the hotel de la Citadelle. Approx. 3
riding hours.
Day 3: With the horses you cross the estuary of the Gironde by ferry
boat – a great experience! Enjoy the boat ride while seeing big cargo
ships as well as small fishing boats. Following the river crossing you
reach Fort Medoc, an impressive stronghold which was built in 1689 by
the famous master-builder Vauban. Here you will enjoy your picnic lunch.
With new strength you continue your ride to the castle of Beychevelle
(appellation Grand Cru Classé) and stop for a visit. On horseback you
reach the Chateau Lanessan, where you can admire a large private
collection of carriages. At the hotel d’Angleterre you’re welcomed for
dinner and overnight. Approx. 4 riding hours.
Day 4: On horseback we keep following the traces of great wines and
today you discover beautiful castles like Beaucaillou, Lagrange and
Gruaud-Larose. Soft trails through forests and fields allow nice
canters. After a picnic you visit the famous castle of Mouton
Rothschild. Then - back into the saddle - you reach St. Estephe in the
afternoon with its castle Cordeillan-Bages from the 17th
century. Look forward to a gourmet-dinner at the castle, which is also
mentioned with two stars in the guide Michelin (a famous hotel guide for
France). Overnight at the castle Pomys in Saint Estephe. Approx. 4,5
riding hours.
Day 5: The discovery journey through vineyards of the Médoc and Haut
Médoc leads you to more castles: Cadournes, Le Bosq, Bel Orme and Calon
Sègur. Then you reach the river Gironde that forms the largest river
estuary in Europe. Wine tasting at the castle Loudenne with its
beautiful large park where you also enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon
you reach Lesparre en Médoc which used to be an important location for
the aristocracy and of which today only a defense tower from the 14th
century remains. Dinner and overnight at the Chateau Layoga. Approx. 4
riding hours.
Day 6: Your ride takes you across the heath of “La Lande de
Vignolles” and through pine forests which allow nice canters. Along the
lake of Hourtin, the largest inland lake of France (9 miles), you reach
your hotel “des Dauphins” in the evening which is situated directly at
the Atlantic Coast.
Day 7: You ride on through pine forests and sand dunes. Long canters
take us to the lagoon of Carcans. Lunch picnic at Maubuisson. In the
afternoon you can enjoy more great canters through the forest of Lacanau
and as a final highlight of your ride a long gallop on the beaches of
the Atlantic! Approx. 4,5 riding hours.
Day 8: After breakfast farewell and transfer to Bordeaux airport or
train station.
Au Revoir La France!
Subject to change |
See Slide Show
Vineyard of Bordeaux
Illustre Château de Vin
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