Emese Trail

Introduction
Southern Hungary Hungary
A historian in the court of Béla IV of Hungary, in his cronicle refers to Emese as the daughter of chieftain Eunedubelianus, and the mother of Prince Álmos. The saga of Álmos and that of the Turul (peregrine falcon), the totemistic bird of ancient Hungarians, are connected to her name. According to the legend, the turul bird enticed her with a dream in which a river originated from the womb of Emese, which would grow and spread over a foreign land. According to dream speakers, this meant that she would give birth to a son who would lead his people out of their homeland.

This new tour combines elements of the Hungarian Plains Tour and the Tisza to Danube tour. What makes this tour extra special is the visit of the eastern Akhal Teke stud and the Eco-Park in Sándorfalva, a 1200 acre nature conservation area.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent in the same location.

Description
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.


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.

Meals are taken in the large communal yurt.

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 tour caters to strong intermediate riders and above who are comfortable at a moderate pace (many trots and short canters). We cover about 15-20 km each day.
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 (Sunday): Arrival
After your transfer from the airport, you have some time to settle in your yurt.
Tonight, dinner is served between 6 and 7 pm.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 2 (Monday): Introduction Ride & Stud Visit
Breakfast is served at 8.am. Then, we meet the horses, and aim to be in the saddle at about 9 a.m. We will do a test ride in the arena, for riding skill assessment and to make sure horse and riders are well matched.
Then, we go for a short ride around the stud, getting back to the yurt camp in time for lunch.
In the afternoon we will ride in a nearby forest.
Dinner will be served at yurt camp around 6-7 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 3 (Tuesday): Pusztaszeri Tower Ride
Today, we visit the Pusztaszer Nature Conservation Area. This is a valuable saline area that features a wide variety of terrains and wildlife. The area is an important habitat for nesting, migrating, summering and wintering birds. During regular observations, the occurrence of 232 bird species has been proven, of which nearly 80 species are nesters. Among the nesting species, the Siki birds are the most important.
We tour over some of the characteristic natural and cultural values of the nature conservation area and its surroundings on horseback.
We will then ride back to the camp for lunch.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 4 (Wednesday): Eco Park Ride
This morning, we do some warm up exercises in the arena before heading out on the trails. We will head towards the eco-park in Sándorfalva, where we will have lunch. We ride along trails through the reeds and a sand quarry lake, from which you can pleasantly observe the local wildlife. After lunch in the eco-park, we ride back to the camp and expect to arrive between 3 and 4 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 5 (Thursday): Seven Chieftain’s Arrows Ride
This is a day when the group of riders can hide from the strong sunlight and continue its journey on forest paths to the monumental statues depicting the Seven Chieftain’s Arrows. Here, according to legends, the arrows of the 7 Hungarian chieftains first hit the ground.
After our lunch break, we will visit the National Historical Park and view the monumental panorama painting depicting the arrival of the Hungarians.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 6 (Friday): Cattle & Forest Ride
This morning, we ride out to the cattle herd pasture. We enjoy a good view of its special and protected fauna, free-grazing water buffaloes, colorful birds and a wild horizon of untouched wilderness.
In the afternoon, we will ride through the Süli forest, where 100-150-year-old oaks line our way. This forest is a great habitat for owls, ravens and roe deer as well as, rabbits. Even meadow eagles roost in it temporarily.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
Departure is scheduled after breakfast (around 9 am).
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Emese Trail

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