From Steppes to Mountains

Introduction
Southern Hungary Hungary
Visit 2 completely different regions in two different countries in just one week.

Start your tour in the Great Hungarian Plains and sit in the saddles of our beautiful Akhal horses. Then, make your way to the mountains of Transylvania.

This tour will also allow you to immerse yourself in the heart of Hungarian culture while enjoying traditional accommodation in yurts. You will also discover Hungarian landscapes that will fascinate you: from the Tisza River to the magical Süli Forest.

Accomodation

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

Description
The first half of the trip is spent in Hungary while the second part in spent in Romania.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1-4: Yurts near Ópusztaszer
Nights 5-8: Guesthouse in Pádis



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.

Guesthouse in Pádis
You sleep in small wooden chalets equipped with two bunk beds and an ensuite bathroom. Wi-Fi and phone coverage are available at this property.
There is a sauna and a small pool where guests can relax in the evening.

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.

The meals are based on regional cuisine. Romanian cuisine is a diverse blend of different dishes from several traditions with which it has come into contact, the Turks brought meatballs (perișoare in a meatball soup), from the Greeks there is musaca, from the Austrians there is the șnițel, and the list may be continued. The Romanians have many types of food in common with countries in the Balkan area and the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Breakfast usually includes coffee/tea/water, butter, cheese, jam, pastries, ham, eggs and vegetables.
Lunches mainly consist of picnics eaten out on the trail (sandwich, fruits, dried fruits and mixed nuts, chocolate).
Dinners feature a hot meal starting with a soup, a second course and dessert.

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.
Tonight, dinner is served between 7 and 8 pm.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 2 (Sunday): 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 (Monday): Forest & River Ride
This morning, we 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.
After our lunch in the shade of a 100-year-old ash tree, we will continue our ride into a saline terrain, the Ányás bend, which stretches along the banks of the Tisza River.
Here, you can have a little insight into the Tisza flora, including mushrooms and floodplain plants.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 4 (Tuesday): Seven Chieftain’s Arrows Ride & Cattle Herd
We start the day with a 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.
This afternoon, we ride 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.
Tonight is our last dinner in Hungary
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 5 (Wednesday): Transfer to Transylvania
We cross the border between Hungary and Romania by car and enter into Transylvania. We expect to arrive at the famous Géza Balla winery in time for lunch. Then with our local tour guide, the journey continues all the way to Pádis. We should arrive at our accommodation around 4-5 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Pádis

Day 6 (Thursday): Britei Peak Ride
This is the most difficult and also the longest ride of this tour. Starting from Padis, our first stop is at Varasoaia lake. Passing through the Voiosu crest we reach the Britei peak. On our way back we stop by Piatra Arsa (the burnt stone), and we can enjoy the Padis Cave before reaching our accommodation in Padis. It is a 25 km long trail, and the highest peak is 1759 m high. Due to the very rocky terrain, it is required to dismount and lead the horses several times, which means that the riders are expected to be in good physical condition.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Pádis

Day 7 (Friday): Shepherd's Trails
Today, the ride is easier and shorter. We will ride for about 18 km. Starting from Padis, we cross paths with a shepherd’s camp right after which a steep mountain ridge will await in front of us. After the climb, endless meadows brighten our day which will make way for long gallops. A very old shepherd village will be welcoming us along the road, and we will have the opportunity to roam around a little, and visit its famous wooden church. On our way back we will stop at Batrana’s Cavern and ride across more endless meadows back to Padis.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Pádis

Day 8 (Saturday): Meadows Ride
For our last riding day, we enjoy an easy trail with a scenic view. We ride through Padis meadow and reach the Glavoi valley. On the way, we will have a short stop, dismount and walk to a beautiful waterfall at Izbucul Ponor and will visit some natural whirlpools. On our way back to Padis, we will ride through several amazing meadows and forests.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Pádis

Day 9 (Sunday): Departure
After breakfast, we drop you off at Cluj Napoca's airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for From Steppes to Mountains

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

Other Info
Meeting: Ópusztaszer
Airport: Budapest Ferihegy airport
Transfer: Budapest airport

Climate:
                                                    Sinj area