Tisza to Danube Ride

Introduction
Southern Hungary Hungary
Join us on a riding adventure from the blond Tisza river to the blue Danube river!

This tour takes you from the flood plains of the Tisza river through the sand dunes of the Kiskunság region and the salty plains of Solt to finally end on the banks of the Danube river.
We ride about 35-45 km each day. It is impossible to cover such a long distance on foot. The horses however, can carry us on long distances. Thanks to them, we discover places which reflect the genuine characteristics of the region.

Because of the riding terrain and the long distances covered, this tour is best covered on our homebred Akhal Teke horses. This is the horse breed that ancient Magyars rode during the conquest of Hungary. This horse is renown for its high level of comfort and is nicknamed the 'ancient treasure of the Orient'.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights are spent in different accommodations along the way.

Description
Most nights are spent in local guesthouses and farmhouses, with shared facilities.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1-2: Yurts near Ópusztaszer
Night 3: Guesthouse near Kiskunmajsa
Night 4: Farmhouse near Bugac
Night 5: Farmhouse near Kiskoros
Night 6: Ranch near Bakodpuszta
Night 7: Guesthouse near Danube River



Yurts near Ópusztaszer
There are 5 yurts and 8 cabins at our basecamp.
You are accommodated in a yurt. Our Yurts are located in the grazing field of our stud. Our guests can see the starry sky through the open ceiling of the yurts, and can also hear the horses in a nearby field, so they rest in harmony with nature in close proximity with the horses just like our ancestors over 1000 years ago.
Light is provided by oil lanterns and there are no bathrooms. there are shower cabinets with hot and cold running water near the yurts.
The yurts are decorated with carpets and blankets are provided.
Each yurt can accommodate up to 6 people.

For the other nights, accommodations vary based on availability but wi-fi is usually available during most overnights.


Room Occupancy
In case we are unable to find a roommate for a solo traveler, then the single supplement fee applies.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

During our daily ride, we usually have a picnic lunch.
Dinner often features Hungarian specialties, eaten at the accommodation or at a local restaurant.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

This package is ideal for fit and experienced riders who want to ride long distances (30-40 km) with many opportunities for long canters.
Note: there is no possibility to return halfway, riders who started the tour have to ride until the destination!
Being able to keep the rising position in gallop and trot even in long distances is a basic requirement.



Tack
We use custom-made Hungarian-style saddles, modernized for today’s riding needs and horses. They are extremely safe and comfortable.
The structure of our saddles is based on a historical Hungarian saddle, the “Tiszafüred saddle”. During a course of several decades of development and continuous testing the design of the saddle has been adjusted to modern requirements thus ensuring the comfort of horses and the safety and convenience of riders. Our saddles continues to preserve the heritage of old Hungarian saddles, which is reflected in materials and design.

We provide a bottle holder with each saddle. If you want to bring snacks and other personal small object, we suggest you bring a waist bag.
Please, note that saddle bags are not allowed on this trip. Your luggage will be transported in our support vehicle.

Horses
The Akhal Teke is a breed that ancient Magyars rode during the conquest of the land of Hungary. This horse is renowned for its comfortable pace and endurance.

Akhal Tekes are light weight with an elongated body structure and sportive appearance. The breed features various hues of dun and peculiar metallic glitter.
It is an intelligent, dynamic and sensitive breed.

As a result of its geographical origin, the breed has great endurance. Since it is a desert breed, it is capable of covering long distances even in extreme conditions.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
After your transfer from the airport, you have some time to settle in your yurt.
If time allows, we will do a test ride and visit the Akhal Teke Stud.
Tonight, dinner is served between 7 and 8 pm.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 2 (Sunday): Tisza River Ride
Breakfast is served at 8 am and we aim to be in the saddle at about 9 am. Today's ride goes through the romantic old floodplain of the river Tisza.
After riding for about 3-4 hour, we stop for our picnic lunch by the river.
Then, we ride back to our Yurt Camp, where dinner awaits us.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 3 (Monday): Ride to Kiskunmajsa
This morning, we ride through a beautiful sandy landscape, typical of this region. The region we ride through is called Kiskunság. During our journey, we are surrounded by the rich flora and fauna of the Tisza's former floodplain. Moving away from the Tisza, we can admire cattle and buffalo herds on huge grassy pastures.
In the evening it is possible to visit the thermal bath of Kiskunmajsa to relax after this long day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse near Kiskunmajsa

Day 4 (Tuesday): Kiskunmajsa to Bugac
After breakfast (around 8 am), we get in the saddle at 9 am and ride towards our picnic location.
Our trail leads us across a sandy area dotted with juniper bushes. Our destination for the day is the village of Bugac, located in a traditional horse and cattle breeding region.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse near Bugac

Day 5 (Wednesday): Bugac to Kiskoros
We are in the saddle by 9 am, making our way towards Kiskoros. Today's path leads us through the plains of Bugac.
In the morning, we ride among the dunes and, in the afternoon the tour goes across the largest vineyards of the Great Plain.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse near Kiskoros

Day 6 (Thursday): Kiskoros to Bakodpuszta
During today's ride, we learn more about the romantic world of the Great Hungarian Plain. With some luck, we can see native animals and protected species of water birds… We ride across the westernmost strip of the Eurasian steppe, on the “Solti plain” parallel to the Danube. The sandy-salty steppes we pass through are similar to the ancient steppes and give the image of a monumental panorama.
We spend the night at a Ranch near Bakodpuszta. Our hosts are good friends of us, who are always pleased to welcome us. They authentically preserve the ancient csikós (traditional horse breeders) /gulyás (cattle breeder) traditions, which we get a glimpse of through them.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Ranch near Bakodpuszta

Day 7 (Friday): Riding to the Danube
Today, we will finally reach the Danube! The vast saline-alkaline desert that characterises this region is similar to the ancient steppes.
For our last night, we sleep in a village guest house.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse near Danube River

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Departure is scheduled after breakfast. After covering about 210km on Horseback, we transfer you back to Ferihegy Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Tisza to Danube Ride

Dates Note: Custom dates available on request depending on availability - please inquire

Other Info
Meeting: Ópusztaszer
Airport: Budapest Ferihegy airport
Transfer: Budapest airport or Kistelek train station

Climate:
                                                    Sinj area