Knappogue Castle

Built in 1467, the castle has accommodated heads of state including Charles de Gaulle and Ronald Reagan. Beautifully appointed with antique furniture, fine paintings, and 5 fireplaces, the castle boasts a Neo-Gothic style. From May to October, medieval banquets are held in the gardens. The castle offers 2 double bedroom en-suites and 2 twin bedrooms en-suites.

Group size: maximum 8, double occupancy.

Smithstown Castle

The castle has played an exciting part in Irish history. The Great Hall boasts a large original gothic fireplace and is overlooked by a medieval gallery. The castle offers 3 double bedroom en-suites.

Group size: 6, double occupancy

ITINERARY

Day 1:
Arrival at Shannon Airport and transfer to Knappogue Castle

Day 2: Ride into the peaceful forests of the Slieve Aughty Mountains and across the rural pastures to the old tracks of the historical Sarsfield Ride. The tracks will take you along the bog - vast carpets and domes of peat and moss.

Day 3:
Your horse will carry you over the hills of the Slieve Aughty to view the majestic Lough Derg and Shannon River. The region of Lough Derg is unique as it still manages to maintain a pace where people move more slowly and the mind can be stilled. You will learn about the potato famine and watch farmers cut bog in the traditional way. You will be intrigued by a 9th century dolmen and the ruins of a monastic settlement on Holy Island.

Day 4:
You will descend onto the sandy shores of Lough Graney and enjoy a brisk canter along the
beach. Your afternoon is spent along lush pastures with endless stone walls and grazing
sheep.

Day 5:
You will ride along wood tracks to Glandaria, the valley of the Irish Kings. After lunch, you
will ride to Burren National Park for your first glimpse of Galway Bay. Your evening will
be spent in the charming village of Corofin with its countless pubs.

Day 6:
You will be immersed in the unique landscape of the burren - lunar-like terrain,
colorful flora and fauna. Dolmens, wedge tombs and Celtic ring forts are yours to explore.
You will pass a fulacht fiadh, an ancient cooking site. In the evening you will enjoy
traditional music in the village of Lisdoonvara.

Day 7:
Transfer to Smithstown Castle. You will ride to the Poulnabrone Dolmen and the surrounding caves. After lunch, you will lead your horse up the last hill for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Aran Islands and the rugged Connemara Mountains. The afternoon will find you before the impressive Cliffs of Moher. Your ride will end near the eerie ruins of the Ballinalaken castle.

Day 8:
After breakfast you will be transferred back to the airport.

Details:

Dates: Arrival day - Saturday: April, May, September, October, June, July, August
Riding days: 6
Meeting point: Shannon Airport
Riding Ability: walk, trot, canter
Horses: Irish Draught, Connemara, Piebald
Group size: 4 - 6
Saddles: English
Non-riding activities: golfing, hiking
*Prices: Castles -$9,899, Ride - $2,854 per person

*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 private castle accommodations, 6 days guided trail rides, all meals, horse, tack, guide, luggage transfers, transfer to and from airport and groom

Not included: Air fare

Cloghan Castle

Originally built as an outpost fort in the 12th Century, the castle was last inhabited in the 15th century by the Earl of Ulster.

The walls are natural stone topped with wood beamed ceilings. A 90 step winding stairway connects the floors. Impressive stone fireplaces grace the dining halls, drawing room and 3 bedrooms.

The castle offers 3 double bedrooms ensuite

Group size: maximum 6, double occupancy

Knappogue Castle

Built in 1467, the castle has accommodated heads of state including Charles de Gaulle and Ronald Reagan.

Beautifully appointed with antique furniture, fine paintings, and 5 fireplaces, the castle boasts a neo-Gothic style.

From May to October, medieval banquets are held in the gardens.

The castle offers 2 double bedrooms ensuite and 2 twin bedrooms ensuite.

Group size: maximum 8, double occupancy

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Shannon Airport and transfer to your castle.

Day 2: Enjoy the surrounding grounds of your castle.

Day3: You will ride across the peaceful and rolling countryside dotted with sheep. A brisk canter and the smell of peat and fresh grass will invigorate you. In the afternoon, you will take a ferry to explore the monastic ruins of Holy Island, one of Ireland’s most important religious settlements and learn the enchanting reason of its name.

Day 4: After a full Irish breakfast you will ride through dense forests to the impressive Williamstad house, a manor home that hosts a wonderful garden and is perfect for lunch and a stroll after your meal.

Day 5: You will ride through the mountain pass of the Slieve Aughty to enjoy the scenic views of the Shannon River.
Your afternoon is spent at the Portumna Castle considered without equal in its time for style and grandeur. It boasts a unique inner courtyard, the Grianan, the ladies pleasure ground, with shrubs, seats, pathways and lawns for the ladies of the castle to congregate.

Day 6: Your horse will carry you along the magical landscape of bog and heather. In the afternoon, you will be driven to Pallas Castle for a visit to one of the best preserved tower-houses and castle grounds of the 14th century. Here you will have ample opportunity to learn about the history of this structure and how the Irish clans survived and ruled for centuries. 


Day 7: Transfer to the airport

DETAILS:
Dates: Begin ride on Sunday - April, May, June, July, September, October, November
Riding Days: 4.
Meeting Point: Shannon Airport
Riding Ability: Walk, trot, canter
Horses: Irish Draught, Connemara, Piebald
Group size: 4 – 10
Saddles: English
Non-riding activities: Golf, hiking
*Price:  CLOGHAN Castle - $16,074  Ride - $2,639 per person                                          KNAPPOGUE Castle - $8,516  Ride - $2,089 per person

Includes: 6 nights castle accommodations, 1 non-riding day, all meals, transport to and from airport and stable, 4 days riding, horse, guide, groom and entrances to historic sites.
Not included: Airfare 

*Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars but are billed in Euros.  A currency adjustment will be made at your final booking.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Sunday
Transfer from airport or train station to the riding center. You will meet your guide and your fellow riders around a welcome drink.

Day 2 Monday
You will ascend a narrow, rocky trial to the hills of the Luberon. A scenic view is yours of Monts Ventoux, “the giant of Provence” and the Lure Mountain. A stoic oak forest will lead you towards the Plateau of Claparèdes, a famous producer of lavender. After a picnic lunch in the hills, you will descend to Aiguebrun Gorges, the border between the Small and Big Luberon.

Day 3 Tuesday
In the morning, your horse will carry you along lush lavender fields, old stone walls and bories, small shepherds’ pens, to the quaint perched village of Saignon where the horses will drink from the town’s fountain. Ancient paved trails will lead you to the Valley of Apt. After lunch, you will follow a winding forest trail above the ochres of Rustrel and Gignac to the Vaucluse Mounds, a dense forest of white oaks. After enjoying a beautiful view of medieval perched village of Simiane la Rotonde surrounded by purple fields of lavender, you will end you day with a traditional Provencal dinner.

Day 4 Wednesday
The ride will turn north to the border of the Plateau of Albion which is abundant with lavender. Breathe in the soothing aroma! After passing the ruins of the medieval village of Monsallie, your horse will carry you to Banon, famous for the production of goat cheese. Hills of dotted with stately oak trees will lead you to St Etienne les Orgues, perched on the foothill of the Lure Mountain.

Day 5 Thursday
Today, you will visit a distillery of lavender. Afterwards, you will enjoy a short morning ride to Cruis and Malefougasse. A lovely canter will take you to the chapel “Sainte Magdeleine” then onward towards Peyruis and the Durance Valley. Before arriving at the guesthouse, you will visit the chapel “Saint Donat”, a jewel of Romanesque art. From the horses paddock, you will marvel at the strange rock formations and discover the legend of the “Pénitants des Mées.”

Day 6 Friday
You will enjoy the crisp fragrance of the Mediterranean forest as you ride through the woods to the mystical Plateau of Ganagobie. Lunch will be served at a 12th Century priory. Narrow forest trails will lead you to the historical path called “the Bishops’ Walk” which over-looks the beautiful village of Lurs as well as the entire region of Forcalquier.

Day 7 Saturday
Transfer to airport or train station after breakfast

DETAILS:

Dates: Sunday – Saturday: June 20-26, June 27-July 3, July 4 - 10
Meeting Place: Aix-en- Provence Train Station or Marseille Airport
Riding Days: 5
Riding Ability: Walk, Trot, Canter
Group Size: Minimum of 2 required.
Accommodations: 3*** Inns
*Price: $1,929 per person, double occupancy, $365 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 accommodations, horse, tack, guide, transfers to and from airport/train station, all meals
Not Included: airfare

Day 1 Monday
Transfer from the Marseille airport or Aix-en- Provence train station to the riding center. During lunch, you will meet your guide and fellow riders. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, an old Roman fluvial harbor used to transport wood from the Alps to Marseille and the Mediterranean coast. Your horse will carry you on pleasant wooded trails and along abundant vineyards to Jouques. You will ride through this medieval village to historic Peyrolles where you will see a Roman castle reconstructed in the typical 17th century Provencal style.

Day 2 Tuesday
You will ride through the pristine Mediterranean forest of Peyrolles. Fill your lungs with the pungent odor of pine trees, green oaks, rosemary and thyme! The ride will follow the old Verdon canal, built in 1865 to bring the Alps water to the numerous Aix-en-Provence fountains. North of the Sainte-Victoire, you will discover many sheepfolds and Roman ruins. A copious picnic lunch awaits you under the shade of pine trees. Afterwards, you will ride among the golden broom plants to the Bimont Lake where you will be able to enjoy a swim in the turquoise water with your horse! Your evening will be spent near the village of Vauvenargues, famous for the castle where Picasso is buried.

Day 3 Wednesday
Your horse will carry you across the northern side of Mount Sainte-Victoire, to the Sinne pilgrim oratory. The ride will continue through the Gardiol forest and along the bubbling Vacon stream toward the town of Rians, an important crossroads between the Alps and the coast. Legend says that Hannibal took this road to the Alps before his Rome conquest.

Day 4 Thursday
After riding along abundant vineyards, you will reach the sunny side of the Sainte-Victoire. You will trace the footsteps of the famous artist, Cezanne, as he walked along the perfumed trails surrounded by lofty white limestone cliffs and contrasting green forests.

Day 5 Friday
You will be fascinated with the unique Sainte-Victoire mountain as you ride across the Bimont barrage which retains the Verdon River. After the ride passes a Roman aqueduct, your trail will lead you to the Bibemus stone quarry. From early civilization until the 18th century, the monuments in Aix-en-Provence were built with these red stones. Cezanne fell in love with the cross currents of mineral and vegetation. The region was subject of his eleven oil paintings and sixteen aquarelles. Your day will end near Aix-en-Provence at Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde where you will enjoy your final lunch in a lovely auberge, a French restaurant. The afternoon will bring a visit to Cezanne’s workshop, a stroll and shopping in the village. In late afternoon, you will be transferred to the train station or airport.

DETAILS:

Dates: Monday – Friday: April 19-24, May 17 -22, September 13-18, October 4-9, November 8 - 13
Meeting Place: Aix-en- Provence Train Station or Marseille Airport
Riding Days: 4 ½
Riding Ability: Walk, Trot, Canter
Group Size: Minimum of 2 required.
Accommodations: 3*** Inns
*Price: $1,689 per person, double occupancy, $292 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: 5 nights accommodations, horse, tack, guide, transfers to and from airport/train station, all meals
Not Included: airfare

4**** Castle Leslie is located in County Monaghan, 80 minutes north of Dublin, 60 minutes south of Belfast. Still in the hands of its founding family, it is steeped in history and full of character and charm creating the ultimate Irish rural escape. You can ride across 21 miles of meandering bridle paths in the undulating Irish countryside dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, challenge yourself with a mile all-weather gallop and 300 country jumps or take lessons in either the indoor or outdoor riding arena. Beginning riders will gain confidence on The Virtual Horse - Ireland’s first fully sized simulated horse. Additional activities include: cookery, fishing, spa facilities, hiking.

Includes: 5 nights accommodations, breakfasts, 3 hours riding per day, tack, horse instructor
Not included: airfare, transportation to and from airport(160 euros), lunches, dinners, gratuities

*Price: May 1 – September 30: $2,018 per person, double occupancy, $2,479 single occupancy. October 1 – April 30: $1,909 per person, double occupancy, $2,310 single occupancy
*Prices are based on the dollar/euro exchange and are subject to change. Your price will be fixed on your final payment.

Also available: 3 day packages, lodge accommodations, self catering accommodations, novice riding and country hacking only.

4**** Mount Juliet is located in County Kilkenny, south of Dublin. You will enjoy this picturesque manor estate which offers 16 miles of bridle paths and cross country jumps across rolling lands. The international standard equestrian facility offers 2 riding arenas for professional riding instruction tailored to your riding ability and discipline. The estate is also the home of the Ballylinch Stud, breeder of champion race horses. Additional activities include: fishing, clay target shooting, archery, golf and spa facilities.

Dates: April - November, Sunday - Thursday
*PRICE: $1,898 per person, double occupancy, Hunter’s Yard
*Prices are based on the dollar/euro exchange and are subject to change. Your price will be fixed on your final payment.

INCLUDES: 5 nights’ Hunter’s Yard accommodations, 4 days riding 3 hours per day, horse, tack, instructor, breakfasts
NOT INCLUDED: airfare, lunches, dinners, gratuities, transport to and from Dublin Airport (400 euros)

Riding Package can be extended and lodging can be upgraded on request.

5***** Ashford Castle is located on the western coast of Ireland, 40 minutes north of Galway City. This original Guinness Castle was built in 1300 and ranked as the “Number 1 European Castle Hotel” by Trip Advisor, April 2007 and the “Number 1 Resort Hotel” in Ireland by Conde Nast. Stunning lake and river views including staterooms featuring four poster beds, chandeliers, high ceilings, stand alone bathtubs, open fire places and soft furnishings. Award winning chef Stefan Matz’s George V Restaurant offering a range of menu’s from the A la carte to the seven course tasting menu. The accommodation at Ashford Castle is unique in the spaciousness of rooms, the elegance of the furnishings and the comforts of gracious living. You will ride across beautifully manicured estate acres and/or receive flat or jumping lessons in the state of the art equestrian facility. Additional activities include golf, spa facilities, clay shooting, fishing, falconry and boating.

Includes: 5 nights’ lodging, all breakfasts, 2 dinners, 4 days of flat, stadium jumping or country hacks
Not included: air fare and transfer to and from airport (460 euros). all lunches and 3 dinners

*Price: $4,218 per person, double occupancy
*Prices are based on the dollar/euro exchange and are subject to change. Your price will be fixed on your final payment.

Riding packages can be extended and lodging upgraded on request. .

Country: France

The Luberon Regional Nature Park is one of the most exquisite places in Provence.  With forest of green and white oaks, cliffs of limestone and dry stone villages, the Luberon displays an authentic and picturesque landscape well-described by author, Peter Mayle.   Over the hills and through the villages, you will ride on the tracks of the famous author. Come and discover the mysterious Colorado Provencal, fill your senses with the fragrance of lavender and unique Provencal herbs. Savor the Provencal cuisine!  A colorful trip, filled with the legends and poignant history of their unique and preserved territory.

Itinerary:                                                                                                    Day 1: Monday
Transfer to the equestrian center. You will ride the rolling Luberon hills to the perched village of Bonnieux, where 16th and 17th century earth-toned stone houses were built for affluent popes and bishops. You will see the castle of the notorious Marquis de Sade. Your horse will then descend into the Valley of Apt, abundant with cherry orchards and vineyards. You will end your day with a visit to the famous medieval village of Roussillon.
Day 2: Tuesday
Undulating hills covered with fragrant pine will take you to Gargas, a village known for its rich fauna and its fossils. You will enjoy brisk canters along the ocher cliffs to the perched village of Saint Saturnin les Apt which is nestled along the base of a long, low cliff and skirted with the ruins of a castle and an old windmill. After a refreshing lunch in a cool pine forest, you will pass the village of Villars. Your trail will take you along the bed of the Doa River to your destination of Rustrel, the gateway to the Colorado Provencale.
Day 3: Wednesday
You will be amazed at the limestone finger cliffs and the hills of ocher as you ride toward the Luberon foothills. After you ride through the charming village of Viens, you will continue at a leisurely pace along the Calavon River to your hotel in the medieval village of Cereste located at the foot of the Luberon mountain range. You will enjoy walking in the paved streets lined with beautiful stone houses from the 15th and 18th century.
Day 4: Thursday
You will be surrounded with cherry, apricot, and peach orchards as you ride to the picturesque perched old village of Aurebeau. After descending to the Aiguebrun River, the ride will cross the green canyon to your stone built hotel.
Day 5: Friday
You will ascend the crest of the Luberon for a breathtaking view of the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. Lunch will be served in the quaint village of Lourmair. You will visit a 12th century castle which inspired author Peter Mayle. Your ride will continue through olive and cherry orchards along Cezanne’s favorite mountain side, Sainte Victorie.
Day 6: Saturday
Transfer to train station or airport

Dates: Apr. 19 - 24 and May 17 - 22
Length of ride: 5 days
Meeting point: Marseille airport, TGV station or Centre station, transfers included at pre-set time
Ability level: Walk, trot, canter
Horse: French, Spanish and Arab cross
Group size: 5 - 12
Saddles: English, Randoval
Non-riding activity: Hiking, sight-seeing
Accommodations:  2** & 3*** guesthouses and inns 
Price per person:$1,858 per person, shared
$292 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: 5 nights B & B/hotel accommodation,4½ day guided trail, riding horse, all meals, tack, luggage transfers, transfer to/from airport/train station at pre-set time and tax. 

 Not included: Air fare

Ride Costa Rica’s province Guanacaste, on the wide, tropical beaches of the Golden Pacific Coast where dreams come true. A canter in the surf at a wonderful tropical palm beach at low tide, a climb with the horses on one of the numerous peaks with view over the ocean or a ride to ravines and rivers on farmland are options for an unforgettable riding experience on the Creole horses. The horses are calm, well tempered and sure footed, our guides are trilingual and well experienced.

Day 1: Sunday
Transfer from airport to your hotel in the tiny village of Junquillal on the Pacific Ocean. Meeting with your tour guide at dinner time.

Day 2: Monday
Ride north along the beach to popular Golf Course of Hacienda Pinilla. On the way you pass several peaks on the cliffs to have an amazing view of the coastline, and you will visit the beaches Playa Negra and Avellanas witch are famous for their surf. Pass teak wood plantations, see tropical birds and enjoy the canter along the Golden Pacific Coast.

Day 3: Tuesday
The ride starts along the beach and heads past the village of Venado where afterwards you will climb the hilly back land to have an impressive view of the coastline. You ride by huge trees of Costa Rica while monkeys, iguanas, tropical birds and butterflies keep you company. Enjoy Costa Rican’s hospitality by lunch under a typical rancho with home made food. On the way home beach gallops end the day.

Day 4: Wednesday
A day to relax or explore. You can enjoy sun bathing at the pool or the beach or decide for other activities like Costa Rica’s famous Canopy Tours in the rainforest trees.

Day 5: Thursday
The group will visit a working cattle farm or visit the famous Spanish horses breed in Costa Rica. You will delight a Working Finca Show that presents the famous horse races of the locals as well as their high stepping parade horses compete against local cowboys at their typical horse race.  Afternoon ride along the beach and across the estuary.

Day 6: Friday
Head to the fishing village Lagarto, passing the long sandy beach of Marbella and across many hidden lonely bays and beaches on the way south.  Ride quiet paths and watch howler monkeys overhead.

Day 7: Saturday
Day off riding to relax by the pool, see the turtles, kayak or Canopy and enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica.

Day 8: Sunday
Transfer to the airport or other destinations.

Details:

Dates: April 4 -11 and May 23 - 30
Length of ride: 4 days guided trail riding.
Meeting Point: Liberia or Tamarindo Airport.
Riding Ability: Walk, Trot, Canter
Horses: Criollo Mix
Group Size: 2 - 8
Saddles: McClellan or Australian
Non-Riding Activities: Fishing, surfing, snorkelling, golfing, tennis, scuba diving.
Accommodations: 3***
Price: $1,970 per person, shared, $310 single supplement. Room upgrade to studio with queen bed, sofa and kitchen available.

Included: 7 nights hotel accommodation, 4 days guided trail riding. all meals (drinks and beverages not included), horse, tack, guide and tax. Not Included: Airfare and transfers to and from airport.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Monday -
Transfer from Dublin Airport to your Castle hotel. Enjoy an afternoon hack in the countryside.

Day 2 - 4: Tuesday – Wednesday
Your days will be filled with three hours of riding per day tailored to your riding discipline (dressage, show jumping and/or cross country jumping) and daily hacks.

Day 5: Thursday
You will transfer to your Dublin hotel. After you have settled into your room, you are free to enjoy the sights of Dublin.

Day 6 - 7: Friday - Saturday
You will spend two day enjoying the Nations’ Cup and other activities at the Royal Dublin Horse Show.

Day 8: Sunday
Transfer to Dublin Airport

DETAILS:
Dates: Monday, August 2 – Sunday, August 8
Meeting Place: Dublin Airport
Riding Days: 2 1/2
Riding Ability: Novice – Advanced
Riding Instructor: BHS certified
Group Size: minimum 2
Non-riding activities: Pike fishing, hiking, spa
Hotel/s: 4**** Castle Inn and Dublin Hotel
*Price: $2,659 per person, double occupancy, $3,426 singe occupancy

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

Included: 3 nights Castle Leslie accommodations, 3 nights Dublin hotel accommodations, transfer from airport to Castle Leslie, transfer to Dublin Hotel, transfer to airport, 2 1/2 days riding, instructor, horse, tack, breakfasts, 2 day pass to Royal Dublin Horse Show

Not Included: Airfare, lunch, dinners, transfer to and from horse show