Navigate

Horseback Riding in Romania

Transylvania Trail

Home » Europe » Romania » Transylvania Trail

Overview

Transylvania is a land made for riding, and there is no better way to explore the endless hills, meadows, and medieval villages than on horseback.

Tucked away into the meadows on the edge of the traditional village of Șinca Nouă, lies the guesthouse and riding center which combines international standards and animal treatment with Romanian traditions, cuisine and lifestyle. The owners, Barbara and Christoph Promberger, run a large conservation program and have obvious passionate for the area.

This 6 day trail starts from the stables in Sinca Noua and takes you from the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains over more than 200 km in 6 days through the picturesque rolling hills of Transylvania. Medieval villages, shepherd camps, and a beautiful landscape inhabited by a variety of rare bird species are part of this journey. There are just a few spots left in Europe where time seems to stand still like it does here. The hills invite for endless canters on horseback on fast and sure-footed Arabian and Arabian crosses. Ride mainly on grass-covered trails and across pastures, and occasionally come through oak and hornbeam forests. On the way experience an abundant birdlife – lesser spotted eagles, bee-eaters, hoopoes, and golden oriole, just to name a few.

Spend the nights with local families in small villages, or in over 300 years old renovated rectories, beautiful wooden manors or in private guesthouses which give a deep insight into rural Transylvanian life. Without roads, power lines, or antennas, it sometimes is hard to tell in which century you are, as the horse-carriages and shepherds convey a feeling of ancient times, as do the many remains of the old Saxon culture with its 800 years old fortified churches.

Accommodations

First and last nights are spent at the hosts’ guesthouse with private bathrooms. The rest of the nights are spent in local guesthouses and family homes, often with shared rooms and shared bathroom facilities.

Meals & Drink

All meals are included starting with dinner on the first night to breakfast on the last morning. Wine and beer are served with dinner. A honor system bar is available for drinks outside of dinner.

Ride & Horse Details

  • Overview:
    The horses are a mix of Shagya Arabs, Kisberi, Gidran, Hungarian half breeds.; they are responsive and fit, and are a pleasure to ride. The riding is a mix of paces to suit the terrain and can be fast in places with several canters and gallops each day. The horses are ridden in English tack. A riding helmet is mandatory. Good footwear is essential as you will be walking with the horses about 20 min daily, up and down some steeper trails. A good non-slip tread sole is a must, hiking boots can also be worn.
  • Horse Breeds:
    a mix of Shagya Arabs, Hungarian Sport Horses and local mixed breeds
  • Trip Pace:
    moderate to fast
  • Tack:
    English
  • Weight limit:
    187lbs/ 85kg

Rider Requirements

This ride is only suitable for experienced riders who are confident and in control at all paces. You must be confident handling a horse at speed in a group situation and comfortable riding over varied terrain. You may also need to negotiate natural obstacles such as ditches, logs and streams.

During the trail you are expected to look after and tack up your horse. You must also be physically fit as well as riding fit; there is also a certain amount of walking on foot to negotiate the steeper descents. A riding boot with a grip sole such an Ariat All Terrain boot is recommended.

Hard hats are mandatory on this ride. The upper age limit is 70 yrs.

Activities for Non - Riders

This is not a good option for non-riders to join unless they are independent and have a rental car available to meet up at the accommodations at night and spend their days exploring on their own.

Meeting Point

Bucharest Airport (OTP)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Saturday: Plan on arriving in Bucharest no later than 4PM to take advantage of the transfer by minibus from Bucharest to Sinca Noua. Arrive at the farm and settle into your room. Get to know your guide and fellow riders as you learn about your upcoming adventure while you meet the horses. Afterwards a delicious welcome dinner will be served in the dining room.

Day 2

Sunday: After being introduced to the horses, you will leave Şinca Nouă (pronounced Shinca Noah) and ride along the valleys and over the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains towards the plains of the Olt River valley. You pass several Romanian Villages and have your first long canters through the fields. Cross the Olt River just before you arrive at your destination in Hălmeag, where you stay in the houses of local families.

18 miles/ 29 km / 6 hour saddle time

Day 3

Monday: Today you ride along the Olt River from Hălmeag to Șona. You are now in the hills of Transylvania. Ride along a beautiful ridge with marvelous views to the Fagaras Mountains and reach your destination of the day in Cobor, an old Hungarian village in the middle of the Saxon area. You start to experience the beauty of this ancient land.

In Cobor, your hosts run a conservation project, which includes the development of an organic farm with emphasis on biodiversity conservation and the traditional restoration of some of the abandoned houses. You overnight in one of these new-old guesthouses for the next two days.

16 miles / 26km / 5-6 hours saddle time

Day 4

Tuesday: Today is a full day ride around Cobor with stunning views, fast canters, and rich birdlife; you are likely to see bee-eaters, hoopoes, great grey shrikes, stone chats, or lesser spotted eagles. In the late afternoon arrive back in Cobor and one can chill out in the old stables or in the cellar bar. Overnight Cobor guesthouse.

22.5 miles/ 26km / 6 hours saddle time

Day 5

Wednesday: A long 7 hour day in the saddle awaits, taking you over the hills to Viscri, your destination for tonight. Viscri is probably the famous most Saxon village in Transylvania with a stunning fortified church, and the UK based Mihai Eminescu Trust (under the patronage of Prince Charles) has restored the village in its original setting. Spend the night in the old farmhouses, which have been transformed into quaint little guesthouses, and enjoy the traditional Saxon cuisine. In the evening there is time to explore the village.

24 miles/ 38km / 7 hours saddle time

Day 6

Thursday: In the morning explore the fortified church in Viscri, enjoy the beautiful view and lunch before heading out in the afternoon. Ride over the hills to a log-style hunting lodge in the forest near the village of Jibert. Revel in stunning scenery and great canters along the way. Today is a rather fast but shorter ride, ca. 3 – 3,5 hours.  A feast will be served for dinner. Afterwards enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Transylvanian countryside.

13 miles/ 22km / 3 -3.5 hours saddle time

Day 7

Friday: Today is our last day and there are again plenty of canters over the hills and through the forests. Eventually you arrive back in the Olt Valley, have a beautiful ride along the ridge through ancient oak pastures and descend from there through the forests towards Halmeag, where the ride ends. Enjoy a snack before a minibus takes you back to farm and the horses are also transported home. Surprise dinner in the evening.

21 miles/ 34km / 6 hour saddle time

Day 8

Saturday: After breakfast transfer back to Bucharest. Please do not book a flight departing before 3PM.

Tour Map

Tour Dates & Pricing

2027 Departures & Options

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Apr 24, 2027
May 1, 2027
May 8, 2027
May 15, 2027
May 22, 2027
May 29, 2027
Jun 5, 2027
Jun 12, 2027
Jun 19, 2027
Jun 26, 2027
Jul 3, 2027
Jul 10, 2027
Jul 17, 2027
Jul 24, 2027
Jul 31, 2027
Aug 7, 2027
Aug 14, 2027
Aug 21, 2027
Aug 28, 2027
Sep 4, 2027
Sep 25, 2027
Oct 2, 2027
Oct 9, 2027
Oct 16, 2027
Oct 23, 2027
Oct 30, 2027

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $2,990

  • Single Supplement
  • single room supplement of 25 Euro per night, payable locally when available - it can't be guaranteed every night
  • Transportation
  • Included from Bukarest airport (OTP) at specific times

Request Booking

Tell us more about your riding experience and trip preferences below so we may find the perfect options to meet your needs. We will research availability and get back to you with a booking confirmation detailing suggested departure, cost and extended ride itinerary.

Meet your tour consultant Biggi Hayes

About: Hi, I'm Biggi! Originally from East Germany, I spent over 25 years in Wyoming and now live on the north coast of Ireland in County Donegal, an area I fell in love with while doing our tours. I've been working for Equitours since 2001 and have enjoyed matching countless guests with their ideal tours!

Do you have questions about this tour itinerary? Do you want to make sure that this it is the right tour for you? Or are you ready to book? Please call or email our experienced and friendly ride consultants for more detailed information. With first-hand knowledge of the exciting tours we offer, the tour consultants at Equitours look forward to answering any questions you might have

Call us

Speak with our reservation team directly.

1.800.545.0019

Customize this tour

Our reservation team would be happy to customize this tour to meet your groups needs. Customize your tour.

Email this tour consultant

Contact Biggi Hayes

Having ridden along positively pinching ourselves that we were finally doing what we had for so long longed to do, and that we were not dreaming but actually riding across this beautiful, open, hospitable countryside and seeing so many historical treasures, we can confidently say that we think others would enjoy the experience. Imagine the pleasure of hours in the saddle under a mild September sun, splashing through rivers, riding through shady groves, trotting and cantering along earthen tracks, and stopping in picturesque villages to drink Turkish tea in delicate little glasses with our friendly hosts. What could be better? - Donna Landry, professor of English at Kent University and well known Ottoman scholar.

Donna Landry

Related Tours

Browse other Mountain Riding tours

Heritage Paths of the Alps

Location: France

  |  

Duration: 6 nights

Ride the border between the French and Italian Alps, spending a few nights in each country. Explore the beautiful natural biodiversity and learn about the importance... Browse itinerary

Starting at $4,245 / per person

Home in Patagonia

Location: Argentina

  |  

Duration: 3 nights

Spend three nights at your hosts’ home in the valley of the Chubut River in the Argentine Patagonia. This lush oasis is an idyllic base for... Browse itinerary

Starting at $1,490 / per person

Patagonian Andes

Location: Argentina

  |  

Duration: 8 nights

Start and end in Bariloche, Argentina, riding between the Pre-cordillera and the Cordillera of the Argentinean Patagonia. Spend nights camping and in a mountain lodge, ride... Browse itinerary

Starting at $3,710 / per person

Criollos Wild Land

Location: Uruguay

  |  

Duration: 7 nights

Join us on a horse journey into the most natural and diverse area in Uruguay, through the UNESCO East Wetlands Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar sites, discovering... Browse itinerary

Starting at $3,290 / per person

Loading Trips...