There are European vacations, and then there are European vacations for horse lovers. Every year, hundreds of riders of all skill levels book horseback riding adventures through various European countries. These unique riding vacations enable visitors to see gorgeous, and oftentimes remote, European landscapes that are otherwise difficult or impossible to access. Here are 30 of the most amazing horseback riding adventures in Europe.
Across Wales Ride
High Pointe Tours
Equestrian adventurers participating in High Pointe Tours’ Across Wales Ride will get to experience Wales on a level much more intimate than the average traveler. Over six days of riding, participants will traverse the country, experiencing pristine lakes and rivers, mountain ranges, coastal paths, and postcard-perfect beaches. Along the way, the group will stop in historic towns to eat at pubs and comfortable B&Bs.
Ancient Etruscan Trails
High Pointe Tours
Famous for its rolling hills and quaint hilltop villages, Tuscany is one of Italy’s most beloved regions. But Tuscany can also be hard to access.This makes the Ancient Etruscan Trails horseback riding adventure from High Pointe Tours a must-do for any horse lover wanting to explore Italy to its fullest potential. The six-day trek takes you through the Estruscan Necropoles of Poggio Prisca, the lost cave settlement of Vitozza, the Ildebranda Tomb, and the medieval village of Sorano. Along the way, riders will experience beautiful scenery.
Ancient Pathways
Unicorn Trails
Albania is quickly becoming a tourist hotspot, and that makes this horseback riding adventure from Unicorn Trails quite appealing. The Ancient Pathways trip is an eight-day trek through the mountains of Albania. Riders will spend their days visiting medieval monuments, historic villages, and stunning nature spots. Nights are spent in local guesthouses.
Atlantic Coast Trail
Equitours
While it’s sure to thrill just about anyone, Equitours’ Atlantic Coast Trail is especially perfect for fans of the poet W.B. Yeats, who inspired this particular trek. The eight-day ride spans much of Ireland’s Atlantic coastline, traversing beaches, mountains, valleys, pine forests, and myriad historical sites.
Autumn Highlights in Lapland
Unicorn Trails
When most people consider a trip to Lapland in Finland, they think of winter. But those looking for a horseback riding adventure to this beautiful northern region should consider going in the fall. Unicorn Trails offers the Autumn Highlights in Lapland horseback riding adventure, a seven-night trip. Riders will spend five days riding on Finnish horses through the Arctic Circle.
Azores Island Ride
High Pointe Tours
The Azores are an archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean, near(ish) Portugal. The beautiful and historic islands are rich with Portuguese heritage, and have even won tourism awards for everything from their sustainability to their beautiful landscapes. Those who take part in High Pointe Tours’ Azores Island Ride will spend 4.5 days riding Lusitano and Cruzado Portuguese horses across the breathtakingly beautiful Sâo Miguel island, known also as the Green Island.
Balkan Rides
In the Saddle
Bulgaria remains one of the less touristy European countries. On the Balkan Rides horseback riding adventure offered by In the Saddle, riders will ride across wide-open terrain ideal for long canters and interesting riding. Historical sights and villages are must-sees that are found along the way.
The Basque Mountains and Ocean Trail
High Pointe Tours
Spain is one of the most exciting places for a horseback riding adventure! It’s the first of three Spanish riding adventures to make our list is High Pointe Tours’ The Basque Mountains and Ocean Trail. Over the course of this six-day trek, riders traverse the mountain range which separates France from Spain’s Basque country. Much of the course follows the pilgrimage path of Santiago de Compostela, which passes by stunning ocean sceneries and through quaint historic villages.
Chateau en Auvergne
Equitours
Folks who prefer staying in one spot over an intensive riding tour are sure to be happy with Equitours’ Chateau en Auvergne. Located in the heart of France, this stunning chateau has been carefully restored to four-star luxury. Booking a stay here comes with two hours of riding opportunities each day. Guests may hack through the beautiful French countryside surrounding the chateau, or receive professionally led lessons in equitation, jumping, or dressage.
Chianti Riding
In the Saddle
Tuscany is a tourism hotspot, but riders on In the Saddle’s Chianti Riding trip will see this beautiful region of Italy in an entirely different way. This relaxing seven-night trip consists of about two hours of riding each day. Guests will stay in an 18th-century farmhouse, then ride out each day. Experienced riders will explore different trails throughout the region, while lessons are given to riders of all abilities.
Cotswold Country Estates Ride
High Pointe Tours
The region of England known as The Cotswolds is like something out of a storybook. Horse lovers and riders of all ability levels are sure to enjoy this four-day ride offered by High Pointe Tours. The ride treks 65 miles through the Cotswolds, and allows riders to experience beautiful scenery, quaint villages with thatched roof houses, grand manor homes, and traditional meals served by candlelight.
Crete Trail of the Gods
Equitours
Skip the overcrowded beaches and touristy sites and choose instead to see the Greek island of Crete by horseback. The Crete Trail of the Gods horseback riding adventure by Equitours consists of eight days riding across this beautiful island. Sights seen and experienced include historic inns and farms, the ocean’s radiant blue waters, olive and fruit orchards, and true Greek island life.
Croatia Hinterland Ride
High Pointe Tours
Croatia is one of Europe’s trendiest travel destinations, but few people think to see this beautiful country on a horseback riding adventure. The Croatia Hinterland Ride offered by High Pointe Tours consists of six riding days spent traversing Svilaja and Mosec Mountains. Riders will visit picturesque villages, lush meadowlands, ancient Roman roads and ruins, and even the coastal city of Split, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dalmatian Mountain Explorer
Unicorn Trails
The Dalmatian Mountain Explorer is an eight-day horseback riding adventure offered by Unicorn Trails. Riders spend six days riding through the rarely-visited Croatian countryside. Along the way, they’ll experience fast riding through stunning scenery, and enjoy the hospitality and homemade cooking of friendly hosts.
Discover Cornwall
Equitours
Riders intermediate and above are invited to join Equitours’ Discover Cornwall horseback riding adventure. This remote region located on the southern tip of England is ideal for exploring via horseback, and this seven-day trip is perfect for seeing it all. Riders are paired with a Cob, Shire, or Moorland Pony — all horse breeds native to England and Cornwall — before setting out from Bodmin Moor. Highlights of this equestrian adventure include:
- coastlines boasting 700-foot-high cliffs
- picturesque fishing villages
- scenic architecture
- even King Arthur’s Castle in Tintagel.
Galiny Palace Ride
High Pointe Tours
Eastern Poland may not be the first place you think of when you think of a European vacation, but we assure you, it’s gorgeous — and the perfect place to explore on horseback. While taking part in the Galiny Palace Ride by High Pointe Tours, riders will stay in a 19th century grange and the 16th century palace for which this tour is named. Galiny Palace is one of Europe’s best examples of restored architecture, and is the perfect place to unwind after a long day in the saddle. In addition to hacking local trails, riders may participate in riding lessons or a course in carriage driving.
Great Transhumance
Unicorn Trails
Unicorn Trails offers equestrian adventurers the unique opportunity to take part in the ancient tradition of transhumance. Over the course of six days, riders will trek through the French and Italian Alps, herding horses to their summer grazing grounds. The guided ride passes through the lush Riviera dei Fiori (Riviera of Flowers), medieval towns, and alpine landscapes.
Horse Round Up
Unicorn Trails
Every year in October, hundreds of horses are rounded up in Iceland. This is a long-time tradition, and one of the few authentic horse round-ups left in the world. On Unicorn Trails’ five-day Horse Round Up horseback riding adventure, equestrians have the unique opportunity to take part in this fascinating cultural tradition.
King Arthur’s Trail
High Pointe Tours
Trekking through the rugged country of Wales on horseback is the type of adventure that should top anyone’s bucket list, horse lover or not. High Pointe Tours’ King Arthur’s Trail is an excellent tour option to do just that. The five-day ride spans one of the last untouched regions of the British Isles, a place which is protected by World Heritage Site status. Riders will see medieval buildings and farms, stunning coastline, and of course, the legendary landscapes and castle ruins said to have inspired the legend of King Arthur.
Lassithi Trek
In the Saddle
In the Saddle’s Lissithi Trek is a great way to see the Greek island of Crete! The seven-night trip takes riders through the Ditki Mountain Range and all the way to the Libyan Sea — a total of more than 200 kilometers! Once on Crete’s south coast, there are lots of opportunities for riding near the sea, exploring small villages, and learning about the local olive and grape industries.
Mediterranean Trail
Equitours
Advanced riders are sure to love this trek through Spain’s most beautiful Mediterranean coastline, aptly named the Mediterranean Trail. Riders, each of whom is paired with an Andalusian horse, have ample opportunity for fast riding through flatlands and on the beach. Other highlights of this seven-day tour include visiting beautiful ancient villages and other historic sights.
Monte Velho
In the Saddle
Dressage riders will love a visit to Monte Velho, a Lusitano stud farm in Portugal. Bookable through In the Saddle, a trip to Monte Velho offers riders the opportunity to receive professional dressage instruction, guided hacks into the Alentejo countryside, and luxurious accommodations right on the farm.
Normandy Ride
Equitours
We think Normandy, the region on the northernmost coast of France, is one of the best places in the world to see via horseback. Equitours’ Normandy Ride offers riders and their borrowed horses a unique glimpse of this area which holds a special significance for Americans. The week-long ride includes visits to historic beaches — where adventurers will see remnants of World War II — the spectacular Mont St. Michel, and charmingly historic coastal villages. Nights are spent along the way in grand estates and chateaux.
Northern Lights and Midnight Sun Ride
High Pointe Tours
When one plans to visit Norway, there’s no doubt that seeing the Northern Lights tops the wish list. High Pointe Tours offers the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun Ride for those riders who want to experience this must-see natural phenomenon from some of the country’s remotest sites. The four-day ride, for which riders are paired with Viking horses, traverses original Viking trails. Adventures include:
- beautiful natural landscapes
- remote farmland
- sheltered bays
- untouched beaches.
Sierra Nevada Short Break
In the Saddle
Don’t have a ton of time to spend in southern Spain? Then consider In the Saddle’s Sierra Nevada Short Break, a four- or six-night trip that includes three or four days of riding through the beautiful, yet remote Sierra Nevada Mountains. Included in the adventure’s itinerary is a day trip to Grenada, home to the stunning Alhambra.
Three Island Ride
High Pointe Tours
Expand your trip to Denmark with the Three Island Ride offered by High Pointe Tours. Over the course of six days, participants ride trusty Icelandic horses through forests, dunes, lakes, and heather to visit three unique Danish islands:
- Koresand
- Romo
- Mando Isle
Nights are spent in 3-4 star hotels where riders can spend their evenings feasting on traditional seafood delicacies.
Trails of Andalusia
Equitours
On Equitours’ Trails of Andalusia horseback riding adventure, participants have the chance to ride Andalusian horses through the beautiful region of Spain from which they originate. Riders will spend eight days riding across beautiful countryside, visiting historic towns and villages, and learning about local Andalusian culture.
Trails of the Black Forest
High Pointe Tours
As the setting for many German fairy tales, the Black Forest is steeped in mystery, tradition, and of course, stunning beauty. High Pointe Tours gives adventurous horse lovers the chance to experience this one-of-a-kind European region from the back of a horse. Unforgettable sights include picturesque villages, 500-year old timbered castles, and dense forests. After a long day of riding, adventurers will settle into their quaint inn to enjoy traditional German cuisine. This ride is also available for those who would prefer to stay at one inn and take leisurely hacks throughout the day.
The Ultimate Hekla — Riding and Exploring in Iceland
Equitours
If there’s any country that practically requires one to take a horseback riding adventure, it’s Iceland! Equitours’ The Ultimate Hekla is exactly that — the ultimate Icelandic experience that combines the country’s stunning natural landscapes with its famous Icelandic horses. Spanning five days and four nights, The Ultimate Hekla ride covers:
- the Hekla Volcano
- the Ranga River
- the largest man-made cave in Iceland
- an historic lava sheepfold, among other cool sights
Because there is also some exploring via van as part of this trip, The Ultimate Hekla is ideal for families or those who would like a slower pace.
Wines of Provence Ride
High Pointe Tours
Like wine and horses, but can’t decide which should be the focus of your trip? Combine them with High Pointe Tours’ Wines of Provence Ride! Consisting of five riding days, this luxurious ride goes through various parts of Provence and the Rhone Valley, France’s premiere wine region. Riders are paired with a horse companion for the duration of the trip, and yes, wine tasting throughout is included.
Interested in amazing horseback riding adventures in North America? We’ve covered them here.
By BHB Staff
January 2020