By the end of the course, the rider is able to walk and trot independently, feeling secure on and around the horse, able to make an easy outside trip, tack the horse independent and possibly a first canter.

Itinerary
Day 1

Arrival, a welcome at Country Hotel Velani ****, a dive in the pool and evening diner in the Restaurant Velani.

Day 2

Private lesson on the lunge without saddle, but with a blanket, the rider holds a vaulting band. Lesson concentrates on finding balance, rider position and sitting trot. If rider has a good balance also a few strides with a canter are introduced. (30 min)

Day 3

Private lesson on the lunge with saddle. Learning correct body position with stirrups, sitting trot without holding on the saddle and learning the rising trot. (30 min) Group lesson in tacking and brushing the horse. (30 min)

Day 4

Group lesson with the other starters, for the first independent ride. Learning how to hold the rains, steer and stop the horse. Practice the use of the lacks as learned before on the lunge. Learning to brush and tack the horse, each rider prepares its own horse with the help of the instructor. (1 hours)

Day 5

Group lesson confirming the learned skills of the last day and more trot. In this lesson the rider will take part in some games, like slalom race, mounting race etc, to practice your skills and to make the pushing lacks more effective. Everybody takes his/her own horse out of the stable, brush and tack, with instructor supervision. (1 hours)

Day 6

The first careful outside hack, walking and some short trots. Possibly, a small canter. (1.5 hour) Children continue inside with 1 hour group lesson or private lesson 30 min.

Day 7

Another outside trip, this time with some longer trots. (1.5 hour) Children continue inside with 1 hour group lesson or private lesson 30 min.

Day 8

Breakfast and departure.

DETAILS:


Dates: On demand weekly, January 1st – December 31st

Meeting Place: Heraklion Airport

Riding days: 6

Riding ability: Beginner

Horses: Arabic, Berber, Thoroughbred, Dutch Warm Blood and Greek Warm Bloods

Saddles: Multi-Purpose

Group size: 3 – 10

Accommodations: 4**** Equestrian Country Hotel Velani

Non-riding activities: Paragliding (experienced only), golf, hiking, caving, swimming, mountain biking and mountain climbing

*Price: $956 per person, double. $215 single supplement, $195 room upgrade

*This price will fluctuate with the dollar/euro exchange and will be fixed at your final payment


Includes: 7 nights accommodations, breakfast and dinners, luggage transfer, horse, tack and instructor

Not Included: airfare, drinks, lunch, desserts, transfers to and from airport (50 Euro each way)

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival, a welcome at Country Hotel Velani ****, a dive in the pool and evening diner in the Restaurant Velani.

Day 2
Ancient Lyttos Ride: Ride up to visit the archaeological site of the ancient city of Lyttos giving an excellent view over the valley of Kastelli. The city of Lyttos was a strong town and a rival of Knossos. The army of the city joined the Trojan War. The city was also mentioned by Homer as Lyktos. During the roman period Lyttos was an autonomous city with great fame. It had an aqua duct, theatre and acropolis, nowadays little can be seen of this as excavations of the site have not been completed. After the visit to the city, ride along the remains of the roman aqua ducts in the area.

Day 3
Olive Ride: Start off to the north with a quick pace, up to the hills of Sfendili. The group will pass the Byzantine church of Avdou, then a ride over the plateau of Mochos and have an excellent view to the Psiloritis Mountains, the highest peaks of the island.

Day 4
River Ride: Ride along and across the Aposelemis River. Lunch under the shade of olive trees.

Day 5
Red Rock Ride: A steep climb up the mountain leading to an excellent view over the stables and the Langada valley. Ride through Kerm Oak forest to visit the mysterious Church of the Saint Fotini which is hidden deep in a cave.

Day 6
Vulture Gorge Ride: Ride through the gorge of Gonies to start your spectacular climb to the Greek village of Kera at 800 meters. A lunch break in Restaurant Niki, before starting a decent along the springs of Kera.

Day 7
Cypress Ride: The last day will be spent riding through a very quiet and beautiful valley olive groves. Ride along a small cypress forest and make some steep descends with the horses which the group now fully trust.

Day 8
Breakfast and departure.

DETAILS:

Dates: January 1st – July 1st, August 26th – December 31st
Meeting Place: Heraklion Airport

Riding days: 6

Maximum Daily Riding Hours: 5 

Riding ability: Intermediate

Horses: Arabic, Berber, Thoroughbred, Dutch Warm Blood and Greek Warm Bloods

Saddles: Multi-Purpose

Group size: 3 – 10

Accommodations: 4**** 

Non-riding activities: Paragliding (experienced only), golf, hiking, caving, swimming, mountain biking and mountain climbing

*Price: $1,164 per person, double. $215 Single Supplement

Room upgrade: $195

*This price will fluctuate with the dollar/euro exchange and will be fixed at your final payment


Includes: 7 nights accomodations, breaksfasts and dinners, luggage transfer, horse, tack and guide
Not Included: airfare, drinks, lunch, desserts, transfers to and from airport (50 Euro each way)

ITINERARY:

Day 1:
You will transfer from the train station to your hotel. Depending on your arrival, you may have time to visit the national riding school.

Day 2:
The ride begin across wooded and hilly landscapes to Saumur where a picnic lunch will be served. You will then l visit the 14th century castle. In the afternoon, the ride continues through Saumur and passes the national riding school. Meal and dinner at the hotel in Saumur

Day 3:
Your horse will carry you towards Chinon by following the Indre River. A picnic lunch will be served near the Fontevraud Abbaye. Built around 1047, the abby is one of the most important monastic buildings remaining in France and houses the tombs of the Plantagenet. The ride continues to your day’s destination, Turquan, on the banks of the Loire.

Day 4:
After a visit of 15th century Azayle Rideau Castle to enjoy the architecture, a perfect alliance of traditional elements and Italian art. You will then ride to the Usse Castle. This historical fortress inspired Charles Perrault to write the tale of Sleeping Beauty. After a picnic lunch, the ride will follow a forest trail to Chinon.

Day 5:
The ried will be escorted by the mounted police through Tours. one of the last impressive Renaissance castles built along the Loire and boasts one of the most beautiful gardens of France. A picnic lunch in the courtyard of Villandry Castle will proceed a ride to your day’s final destination, Azay le Rideau, nestled on the banks of the Indre River.

Day 6:
You will enjoy a magnificent ride along the valley of Cher. The Castle of la Bourdaisiere (16th century) will be your venue for lunch. The manor was built as wished by François 1st, for his mistress Marie Gaudin, In the afternoon, you will ride along the Cher in the region of Tours, where you will spend the night at a hotel in the city centre.

Day 7:
Your morning begins with either a visit to the Amboise Castle or the Clos Luce. The 15th century Amboise was constantly enlarged and embellished by kings during the 15th century. The city is also famous for Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence: the Clos Lucé. The ride continues through the verdant Amboise forest, the premier royal hunting ground, to the 16th century Chenonceaux Castle for lunch and a tour. This “Castle of the Ladies”, was occupied for more than 400 years by the kings’ legitimate wives as well as by their mistresses. A leisurely walk along the Cher River guides you to your evening’s lodging.

Day 8:
Departure to the Amboise train station.

DETAILS: Dates: July 7 – 14

Length of ride: 6 days

Meeting point: Amboise train station

Ability level: Intermediate – Advanced 

Horse: French cross breeds

Group size: 5 – 8

Saddles: English

Non-riding activity: none

Hotel/s: 3*** Chateaux and Bed and Breaksfasts

Price per person: $2,093 p.p. double, $285 single supplement
*Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars but are billed in Euros. The exchange rate will be fixed on the date of your final payment.

Includes: 7 nights accommodations, 6 days guided trail rides, all meals, horse, tack, guide, luggage transfers
Not included: Air fare, transfer to from airport and trains stations to hotels, entrances to all Castles

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival, a welcome at Country Hotel Velani ****, a dive in the pool and evening diner in the Restaurant Velani. Also, a briefing about the trail route.

Day 2
You will begin your trip headed north; ride up the hills of Sfendili. Cross the Byzantine church of Avdou, over the plateau of Mochos and enjoy an excellent view to the Psiloritis Mountains, highest peaks of the island. Overnight in Country Hotel Veláni.

Day 3
The trail starts with a spectacular climb. After riding through the gorge of Gonies, climb up from sea level to 1100 meters, over an old donkey route. In the past this was the the only possible path to the Lassithi Plateau. Enjoy the breathtaking views and eat a lunch cooked in a traditional oven. in the evening, ride over the Lassithi Plateau. This fertile Plateau between the tops of the Dikti Mountains is known for its white windmills irrigating the land. Meet the locals still working with their donkeys on the land. Overnight in Magoulas, Hotel Dionissos or in Dzermiado Hotel Kourites.

Day 4
Today you will cross through the Dikti mountain range, headed south. Peaceful and serene, experience the special feeling of being alone with the horses, the mountains, the nature. Overnight to Country Hotel Velani****, the horses will stay in the mountains

Day 5
Ride downhill through a desert land dried by the south winds out of Africa to the clear blue water of the Libyan Sea to relax with a refreshing dive. Go for a swim with the horses (As long as the sea conditions permit). You will sleep next to the sea and of course eat fresh fish from the wood-fire oven. Overnight in Keratokambos, Finikas Rooms.

Day 6
Ride along the sea and then turn inland again. You will follow the Anapodaris River, along a 5-km long gorge. Suddenly the land becomes more friendly, hilly with many olive and wine yards. Cross through villages and let the horses drink in lake Ini. Overnight transport to Country Hotel Veláni.

Day 7
You will ride back to Avdou through typical Greek countryside. Pass Greek villages where time seems to stand still. Feel welcomed to stop and drink an Ouzo with the Cretans at one of the village squares. Overnight in Equestrian Country Hotel Veláni.

Day 8
Breakfast and departure.

DETAILS:

Dates: March 25th – April 1st, April 8th – 15th, April 29th – May 6th, May 6th-13th, May 27th – June 3rd, June 3rd – 10th, September 2nd – 9th, September 23rd – 30th, October 7th – 14th, November 4th – 11th, December 26th – January 2nd, 2013
Meeting Place: Heraklion Airport

Riding days: 6

Maximum Daily Riding Hours: 6

Riding ability: Strong Intermediate to Advanced

Horses: Arabic, Berber, Thoroughbred, Dutch Warm Blood and Greek Warm Bloods

Saddles: Multi-Purpose

Group size: 3 – 10

Accommodations: 4**** and 3*** 

Non-riding activities: Paragliding (experienced only), golf, hiking, caving, swimming, mountain biking and mountain climbing

*Price: $1,476 per person, double. $215 single supplement, $195 room upgrade

*This price will fluctuate with the dollar/euro exchange and will be fixed at your final payment


Includes: 7 nights accommodations, breakfast and dinners, luggage transfer, horse, tack and guide
Not Included: airfare, drinks, lunch, desserts, transfers to and from airport (50 Euro each way)

ITINERARY:

Day 1
Transfer from the Rome Airport, Perugia Sant Egido Airport or Fabro Train Station to the country hotel/spa nestled in the mountains of Umbria. During dinner, you will meet your “butler” who will assist you with your non-riding needs and your ride guide.

Day 2
The ride will head towards the small medieval town of Parrano to view the village’s restored castle. Then your horse will carry you along a path in the Manziana Woods to the summit of the Arale Mountain for a picnic lunch. The ride will descend the mountain through the lovely small villages of Montegabbione and Casteldifiori to the vineyards of the Corini Estate. Here the owners will welcome you with an “aperitivo” a guided visit of their wine cellar and a wine tasting dinner. Your lodging will be at a nearby Bed and Breakfast.

Day 3
Your trail will lead you across the gentle foothills of Mount Cetano to the Siena province of Sarteano. In the courtyard of medieval Castle of Sarteano. a delicious lunch of local produce and wines will be served with a visit of the castle to follow. The ride will end in Chianciano Terme, where your hotel offers a spa complete with thermal water pools for your relaxtion.

Day 4
Your horse will carry you through the nature preserve of Pietraporciana for a wonderful view of the the two valleys, Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana. Afterwards, the ride will traverse across the sloping hills to La Rocca di Radicofani to visit a fortress that was built in the dark ages. Your visit will conclude with a “medieval” lunch at the castle. The scenery changes to arid as you ride through the arid Argil hills. Your destination is a Bed and Breakfast Inn nestled at the foot of Mount Amiata. Here you will be welcomed with drink and cheese produced on the grounds.

Day 5
Several latches along the reservoir of Elvella line your trail as you ride to San Casciano dei Bagni for a lunch next to the natural pools of thermal water. Your day concludes with a leisurely ride to your Bed and Breakfast Inn.

Day 6
The ancient path, Le Taje, will lead you back to the stable. Along the way, you will have lunch at Le Tane del Diavolo where you can swim in thermal waters during the summer. At the resort, you can reminisces your adventure in the spa.

Day 7
After breakfast, transfer to the airport.

DETAILS:

Dates: April 1st-7th, May 13th-19th, June 17th-23rd, September 2st-8th, September 30th-October 6th
Airport: Rome Airport, Perugia Sant Egido airport

Train station: Fabro

Riding days: 5

Maximum Daily Riding Hours: 5

Riding ability: Intermediate

Horses: Maremmani, cross breds

Saddles: English

Group size: 4 – 8

Accommodations: 4**** Inn and 3*** Bed and Breakfastas 

Non-riding activities: spa, hiking, *4×4 tours, *mountain bike, *cave explorations, cooking classes, wine tasting, swimming, billiard (*must be prebooked)

*Price: April – July $2,135 per person, double. September – October $2,223 p p double,  $100 single supplement
*This price will fluctuate with the dollar/euro exchange and will be fixed at your final payment


Includes: 6 nights’ accommodation, spa, 5 days guided riding, all meals and wine, butler, transfer from riding, meals, transfer from Fabro train station, entrances to castles
Not Included: airfare, train or taxi from airport

Itinerary:

Day 1: Sunday
You will be met on arrival at Budapest “Ferenc Liszt” Airport. AFter a scenic drive across the Hungarian Southern Great Plain, you will arrive at the charmingly restored farmhouse. After meeting your horse and touring this working farm, you will enjoy a typical Hungarian meal accompanied by the local wine.

Day 2 Monday
After a hearty breakfast, your horse will carry you across open country with seemingly never-ending sandy tracks, meadows and forests. You will return for lunch served in the fragrant garden of the farmstead. The afternoon offers swimming in the natural pond, a warm sauna or a visit to local tourist attractions. Fresh fruits from the property and home made drinks will be also be served. In the early evening, a typical Hungarian dish, “Bogrács”, a fantastic stew will prepared on open fire in the garden and tasting the meal while its cooking is considered a Hungarian tradition! You will also enjoy a “fröccs”, light white wine with soda, a perfect night cap on your first active day.

Day 3 Tuesday
After breakfast, the ride will laden fruit plantations, fields with bright red Hungarian red peppers or paprika, so hot that their taste takes your breath away! You can choose to return to the farmhouse for lunch or you may stop for lunch by the side of a lake, where a local fisherman will prepare a traditional Hungarian soup for you called “Halaszle”. The afternoon ride will have you searching for the Hungarian Longhorn Cattle. In the evening, there will be be a BBQ prepared in the garden of the farm.

Day 4 Wednesday
After breakfast, if you feel confident with your horse, there may be some faster riding as you traverse the “Putza.” The horses love to gallop along the endless sandy roads (if you choose!) After lunch, you can choose to participate on a game vehicle drive in search of native game like roe deer, fallow deer or, if you are lucky, wild boar. This evening brings lively traditional entertainment, “Mulatság”, accompanied with live zither music. After supper, you can learn to dance the Hungarian ‘csárdás’.

Day 5 Thursday
This is your morning to relax! Begin with a late brunch, followed by a massage and/or you can shop for gifts and souvenirs like home made farmerś products, handicrafts and traditional clothes. After a light lunch, you will a hack towards the old bunker which was used during the Revolution in 1956. This ride offers an invigorating gallop across the open plains and shady forest tracks to cool down. Later you may explore the Puszta in a typical Hungarian horse drawn cart which will drop you off at the thermal spa of Mórahalom. The spa welcomes you in winter with 16 and in summer with 21 different pools. Apart from medical water with high mineral content, there are saunas, steam baths, adventure pools and a 15000m2 green park. Dinner will be served at a Hungarian restaurant where you can sample an array of splendid local dishes.

Day 6 Friday
After breakfast, the ride will meander through shady forests abundant in wildlife. After a long canter across the forest, you reach a curious place owned by a local inventor. After looking at his amazing solar energy devices and other extraordinary constructions, you will enjoy a traditionally prepared lunch cooked on an open fire and in an old oven. You can choose a faster ride home as a candle light dinner will be served at the natural pool. You will be amazed by the Pusztas clear night sky and look for falling stars

Day 7 Saturday

Return transfer to Budapest after breakfast.

DETAILS:

Dates: July 1st through August 25th, every week Sunday through Saturday
Meeting Place: Budapest Airport
Riding Days: 4.5
Ride Time: 3 to 4 hours per day
Riding Ability: Intermediate and Advanced
Restrictions: Minimum age is 18, maximum weight is 90 kg.
Group Size: Small, max. 7 people
Horses: Hungarian warmbloods
Saddles: English, Western, South African Trail, Australian Stock
Accommodations: Restored Hungarian Farmhouse
Non-riding Activities: visit the “city of Sunshine, Szeged, National Memorial Park of Opusztaszer, Folkore evening (min. 3 persons), Carriage drive
Price: $1,113 per person, $394 single supplement

*Prices are quoted in dollars but are billed in euros. The exchange rate will be fixed on the date of your final payment.

Included: 6 nights / 4.5 days riding, full board including drinks, guided tours, one horse driven cart ride, one musical evening, a spa visit in Mórhalom, horse, tack and guide.
Not Included: airfare, transfers to and from airport ($190, from hotel or downtown Budapest – additional $26),

You can book following non riding options during your stay:

1. Explore Szeged, the “city of sunshine” following some guidelines and a map provided by your host. Situated along the River Tisza, the avenues and boulevards are lined with striking Art Nouveau buildings from the early years of the 20th Century. The street cafes are reminiscent of Paris or Vienna and it is easy to spend the afternoon people-watching. The impressive Cathedral and Synagogue are definitely worth a visit.

2. Visit the National Memorial Park of Ópusztaszer. There you can learn more about the Hungarian culture and its origins from the far Asian steppes, watch a horse show demonstrating 1000 years old Hungarian riding traditions and see the world famous panorama picture of Árpád Feszty depicting the Arrival of the Magyars in 896 AD.

The excitement surrounding the London 2012 Olympic Games is undeniable. With a variety of carefully selected High Pointe Favorites to choose from, this is your chance to strike a balance between rightfully immersing yourself in the energy of the Games whilst exploring the dynamic host city London. These opportunities promise to ignite a passion for the Games!

Includes:

• 6 nights Hotel Accommodations at:
  • The Bermondsey Square Hotel (4✭)
  • Check in 7/26/12. Check out 8/1/12
• Daily Breakfast
• 2 roundtrip private ground transportation from airport to your hotel
• Airport meet and greet service with baggage handling
• Eventing – July 28th, Greenwich Park – 10:00AM
• Eventing – July 29th, Greenwich Park – 10:00AM
• Eventing – July 30th, Greenwich Park – 12:30PM
• Eventing – July 31st, Greenwich Park – 10:30AM
• Transfers (limited)
• Special Souvenir Pack with commemorative items from the
• Information packet, customized travel itinerary, access to staff & concierge services
• All taxes & service charges included

Summer Games and London including a local cell phone with prepaid minutes, Travel Guide, Maps and more for two

• Access to travel staff and concierge services
• All taxes & service charges included

*Price:
$7,750.00 per person, double occupancy (total investment $15,500.00)

Add another room and a third person – $10,590.00 (total investment $31,770)

For closing ceremony tickets add $3,500 per person
Upgrade to 4****Rubens at the Palace Hotel – add $1,500
Upgrade to 5*****Hotel 41 – add $3,000