Equestrian Vacations

Enjoy the beautiful Alentejo Region in Portugal from no other than on horseback

On this fantastic horse riding holiday, Equestrian Escapes are giving you the chance to ride Lusitano horses through some of the most beautiful parts of Portugal.  Accommodation here is a wonderful and old XVI Century convent that still stands in all its glory today.  This horse riding holiday allows you to combine excellence in equestrian instruction, with historical and cultural extravagance.

The Alentejo Region in Portugal is well known for its beauty and is something that is not to be missed.  Being rich in ancient legends and traditions, this area is dripping with magic!  From the light early morning air, to the deep sundowns, with the rolling hills and ever reaching countryside, this holiday will most certainly make an impression on you.

The equestrian centre is only a short walk from the luxurious hotel.  Lessons can start on the day of arrival if there is time, otherwise the next morning.  You will have a combination of lessons and hacks out in the beautiful countryside, though you may choose your riding schedule, ensuring you get the most out of your horse riding holiday.

Take some time to check out the local town Evora – a UNESCO World Heritage site that is incredibly breath-taking as it is one of the finest examples of the Golden Age of Portugal.  This site takes you back almost 2000 years, with its wall paintings and labyrinth-style setting.

This horse riding holiday from Equestrian Escapes allows you to explore Portugal like no other holiday.  This offers a tranquil break away where you can immerse yourself in equestrianism, beauty and culture.  For more information please go to our website, or give us a call to discuss your perfect horse riding holiday.

Discover Tuscany, and the beautiful countryside that surrounds it!  The breath-taking scenery is even more glorious when experienced on horseback and no true horse lover should deprive themselves from such a thing.  Joie de vivre – INDEED!  Equestrian Escapes offers a range of Italian holidays for all standards of rider.

All holidays on offer are castle based with wonderful trail ride opportunities.  Riding attractions are all very varied and very exciting, including riding on the stunning beaches of Lake Bosena and cantering through the local vineyards.  opportunities to sample the local delights are also on offer, including tasting fresh olive oil and visiting the local dairy to watch the production of ricotta cheese and sample if you wish.  Our holidays range from top-class luxury to a more comfortable form of accommodation.  Swimming pools are available at each destination, and you can be assured that every comfort you will need will be available to you.  All riding tuition is of very high standard, as are the horses who are kept in fabulous condition.  So now your mind is set at ease, do you need much persuasion to click the link?…..  http://www.equestrian-escapes.com/

Italy has always been famously beautiful, and romantic.  With a wonderful selection of Italian horse riding breaks in store for you, I assure you that beautiful and romantic are the words that first spring to mind.

Lounge by the pool with a book in Italy....

To start with we have a wonderful Italian family horse riding holiday for you, nestled between Tuscany and Umbria this ongoing countryside works wonders with the kids.  You would stay in an enchanting castle so the adventures keep going on and on.  What is wonderful about this holiday package is that you are able to choose how much riding you would like to do.  Non-riders are most welcome and they will find plenty to amuse themselves with in this fabulous Italian countryside.

We offer a wonderful long weekend break in Italy that is only on offer when the children are back at school.

Exploring the beautiful countryside around the castle

Again you stay in the castle and on arrival you can meet your companion for the weekend, tack up and go for a hack in the countryside surrounding the  castle and even wading through the Stridolone River.  Whilst riding out the wildlife is very varied including deer, wild boar and various birds in the surrounding areas and especially from Lake Bolsena to Lake Mezzano.  All of the horses are very well looked after and excellent riding tuition is on hand in a variety of languages.  So, all that is left is to pack your jodhpurs, then you’ll be on your way!

The enchanting 17th Century castle that will be your home for your stay

Equestrian Escapes proudly offers you an Italian Castle & Trail horse riding holiday that was designed with the adventurous in mind.  If you like to don your riding attire and gallop off into the distance on an adventure then you should most definitely look at this horse riding holiday very carefully.   You will head out along the Brigands Trail and towards the stunning Lake Bolsena where the views are quite literally breath-taking.  Accommodation is half board and you will be staying in a stunning 17th Century castle perched atop a hill, and you will feel on top of the world with this horse riding holiday of a lifetime…

Stay in luxury accommodation in the form of three different castles!

If the idea of staying in beautiful medieval castles thrills you, then read on!  This wonderful Italian castle-based horse riding holiday is more than thrilling as you have the opportunity to stay in not one, not two, but three castles (two medieval, and one historic fortress)!  This holiday is only available to intermediate and advanced riders and you will thoroughly enjoy the luxurious castle accommodation, as well as the first-class horse riding tuition.  Riding out in this location could not be more luxurious either – cantering along the beaches of Lake Bolsena and through the surrounding vineyards of the area.  perhaps even try some of the local grape – luxurious for sure!

Why Not Choose To Do Something Truly Amazing?

Equestrian Escapes offers first class equestrian riding holidays that are tailor-made to ensure you have the perfect holiday.  The locations on offer are of excellence so that every comfort can be yours.  The equestrian facilities are all of excellent standard, with fully qualified instructors and British Horse Society approved too and furthermore we inspect all the horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you. 

What More Can You Ask For?

Equestrian Escapes caters for riders of all standards, so there’s no excuses why not to bring along your mother-in-law…

For all information on our horse riding holidays, please visit our website, or get in touch to talk about your dream holiday….

My Father used to love old buildings, and whilst growing up my parents used to take us around old broken down ruins and French Chateaus often tumbling down the hill side.  The usual scenario would be that we would be driving in some remote area of France, a grey wreck would be seen in the distance and Dad would decide THAT would be the picnic spot.  So, the usual climbing through thorns, and having to route around for the odd dock leaf because of stinging nettles everywhere, would ensue.  This could take a while, but Dad was dedicated.  Upon arrival, as it were, you were then made to perch on some mossy damp stone that had once been a chimney, and marvel at the arches as you munched on your bacon roll.

So, now that I was married, I thought it would be nice to stay in a proper castle.  And where better than Italy?  It really was a delight to feel the warmth of the place, and not have to zip your Musto right up to the top to prevent wind chill.  The surroundings were a complete sensation, and the castle was sheer luxury.

The Perfect Italian Castle Retreat

The beaches were as beautiful as advertised and not crowded so it was such bliss to canter along, before having the most delicious lunch.  Whilst I was thinking this could not get better, the vineyards stretched out before us, and the whole setting was breathtaking.  And that was only day one!

The most amazing holiday I have been on, a real experience, and something I would certainly suggest to anyone who is passionate about beautiful scenery, good food, luxurious buildings and above all, horses!

Many thanks, Jan Richards

Castles in Tuscany hold a reputation among historians around the world

We have recently returned from a new tour in Tuscany, Italy. We are always looking for tours that are just a little bit different and the Medieval Castle Tour certainly fits the bill. During your holiday you will be staying in two medieval castles and a fortress. The first castle we stayed at was a splendid 17th century castle complete with a fairy tale turret. The riding is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders and you spend about four to five hours in the saddle each day. The scenery is spectacular as you follow ancient tracks and pass through vineyards and around the hillsides. The horses that we rode on The Medieval Castle Tour were a mixture of haflinger, appaloosa and maremanno, they all had excellent temperaments and looked after us very well! One highlight of the castle tour were the lovely picnic lunches laid out on the hillside and in shady glades. The horses were happy to graze quietly while we rested and prepared for the afternoons ride. All too soon we came to the end of the medieval castle tour and retuned to our starting point. We celebrated with a farewell dinner and said farewell to our new friends. This was one of my favourite historical riding holidays.

Or if you fancy something a little closer to the coast… read about the Beginners Beach Ride in Andalucia.