Day 1: Miklósvár
ITALY / BUCHAREST / MIKLÓSVÁR (-/-/D)
In the saddle through the legendary Carpathian Mountains, land of Count Dracula... Discovering Transylvania on horseback means riding through rolling hills and valleys dotted with wildflowers, patches of forest, and quaint villages, with the majestic Carpathian Mountains as a backdrop. This is likely the last European paradise for horseback trekking.
The Carpathians, a mountain range stretching across Romania, Slovakia, and Poland, were once the site of bloody battles. Today, dense spruce forests are home to wolves, bears, and lynx.
Transylvania is forever linked with the legendary Count Dracula, a character inspired by the historical figure Vlad III of Wallachia, known for his cruelty, and made famous by Bram Stoker’s novel written in the late 1800s. Yet these lands also bear the marks of the dramatic history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
We invite you to explore its medieval villages, fine local wines, and a timeless atmosphere that harks back to the 1800s, when horses were still used for transportation. We will follow ancient routes connecting villages, through hills and forests, starting from Miklósvár and continuing our horseback adventure through Transylvania.
Highlights include:
Miklósvár, a remote village with a 16th-century manor at the foot of the Carpathians
Murgò, an inactive volcano
Zalánpatak, once part of the Kálnoky family estate, now the private residence of the Prince of Wales
Transfer from Bucharest International Airport (OTP) or Brașov train station (on request, for an additional fee) to Miklósvár, a medieval village with a former hunting manor owned by the Kálnoky family, now a museum.
This area was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and became part of Romania after World War I. Most of the village’s original houses have been restored, giving it a unique charm.
Dinner and overnight in a guest house, where your host will welcome you and introduce the horses for the start of the tour.
Day 2:
MIKLÓSVÁR / MALNAȘ BĂI (B/L/D)
After breakfast, a 40-minute transfer by car will take you to the riding center in Valea Crișului.
The trek begins heading north, climbing toward pastures with stunning views of the Carpathian peaks.
From above, we’ll see the villages of Kálnok and Zalán, riding through valleys and forests to reach Malnaș Băi by late afternoon.
Overnight in a local hunters’ house (shared facilities).
Optional visit to a local spa with beautiful architecture (reservation required, extra cost), open exclusively to riders.
Dinner and overnight stay in Malnaș Băi.
Day 3:
MALNAȘ BĂI / BATANII (B/L/D)
We’ll descend into the forests of the Hatod region, where bear tracks may be seen.
We'll ride around the crater of the inactive “Murgò” volcano, then descend toward the village of Bățanii, where a local family will host us and show us their still-functioning traditional watermill.
Day 4:
BATANII / MIKLÓSVÁR (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we head northeast to the top of Szép Arca hill, offering views over the Barót and Olt valleys.
Picnic lunch near a scenic lake formed by an abandoned mine.
From there, we follow the Olt River back to the Miklósvár estate in the afternoon.
Free time to visit the castle and museum.
Dinner and overnight in the guest house.
Day 5:
MIKLÓSVÁR / ZALÁNPATAK (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we head east, passing through Szárazajta and climbing to a ridge overlooking a valley with views of the Carpathians.
We then descend southeast to Zalánpatak, once Kálnoky family land and now the private retreat of the Prince of Wales.
We’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the estate.
Dinner and overnight in recently restored traditional houses.
Day 6:
ZALÁNPATAK (B/L/D)
We ride to return the horses to Kőröspatak, following a well-traveled route historically used by the Kálnoky family between the two villages.
Beautiful views of green pastures throughout the ride.
Return to Zalánpatak by vehicle for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7:
ZALÁNPATAK / BUCHAREST / ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast, check-out, and transfer to Bucharest Otopeni International Airport (or train station – upon request for a fee).
Note:
The above itinerary is for reference only. It may be subject to change due to weather conditions or other factors beyond our control.
Non-riders are welcome and may participate in alternative activities such as cycling, birdwatching, or carriage rides to meet up with the group at meals (pricing upon request).
Key:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty Level: from ° to °°°°°
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Difficulty: °°° (Intermediate)
Accommodation: Guest houses and traditional homes
Tack: English saddle with saddlebags
Horses: Shagya-Arabian, Gidran, and Lipizzaner crossed with Hutzuls — native Carpathian ponies. These horses are lively yet gentle and well-suited to the terrain.
Pace: 3 to 6 hours of riding per day. Walk in the mountains, with trots and canters in open valleys. Riders must be comfortable controlling the horse at all three gaits in open terrain.
What to Bring: Layered riding clothes, waterproof gear, comfortable trekking shoes, helmet, insect repellent, sunscreen, basic first aid kit, binoculars.
Maximum weight: 90 kg
Type: Itinerant horseback trek with overnight stays in guest houses/traditional homes
ACCOMMODATION:
Throughout the journey, accommodations will be varied. You’ll experience traditional village life hosted by local families, as well as charming and historic cottages: in Miklósvár at Count Kálnoky’s, In Zalánpatak at The Prince of Wales’s retreat
Breakfast and dinner (featuring traditional dishes) are served where you stay, while lunches are simple picnics.
Overnights:
Night 1: Count Kálnoky’s Castle in Miklósvár
Night 2: Malnaș Băi
Night 3: Bățanii Mici
Night 4: Count Kálnoky’s Castle in Miklósvár
Nights 5 & 6: King Charles III’s Private Retreat in Valea Zălanului
SUPPLEMENTS & DISCOUNTS:
Single room supplement: €30 per night (payable on-site, where available)
Transfer from Bucharest Airport: €90 per person one-way (minimum 2 people, payable on-site)
Transfer from Bucharest city: €100 per person one-way (minimum 2 people, payable on-site)
