URUGUAY ON HORSEBACK - 9-DAY RIDING ADVENTURE

A country the size of England and Wales with a warm, friendly population of about 3.5-million, unexpectedly diverse landscapes, vast open skies and stunning beaches – Uruguay is a lesser-known destination ideal for riding! Ride well-schooled horses along the Atlantic coast, over sand dunes, through native butia palm groves then alongside working gauchos, staying in traditional estancias and dining on superb home-cooked meals during Equine Adventures’ 9-day Ride Uruguay holiday, next departing Montevideo 1st and 15th November 2008.

An initial night is spent in Montevideo before the ride begins in the province of Rocha on the Brazilian border. From the stone Fortress of San Miguel, a reminder of the turbulent years from its discovery by Europeans in 1516 to independence in 1828, take in spectacular views across one of South America’s largest fresh water reserves. After lunch, enjoy an exhilarating ride across the rolling hills of San Miguel National Park, offering panoramic views over the Brazilian border. Return to the fortress for a sumptuous dinner and a good night’s sleep! Next day, cross the border, riding for several kilometres in Brazil and across wide flat expanses of pastureland, passing locals and horse carts along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing along deserted beaches to La Coronilla, base for the night. After breakfast, ride into Santa Teresa National Park and the immense granite Santa Teresa Fort, from where Whales and Dolphins may be seen. Transfer by road to meet new horses at Laguna Negra – where there’s a tempting opportunity for a bareback ride and swim! The area is fantastic for wetland birds including Black-necked Swan, Spoonbill and Ibis. After a lakeside lunch, ride towards the Don Bosco hills through tropical palm groves and forests of Strangler Fig before reaching Estancia El Sauce. Here, experience an authentic working estancia and gain a unique insight into the gaucho way of life. Enjoy fast riding across the property to view livestock, rice fields and other crops, spotting wildlife such as Capybaras, Rhea and Otter along the way, then relax by the pool before dinner. Later, follow the coastline to the fishing village of Cabo Polonio and continue across huge sand dunes to El Charabon. Two nights are spent here enjoying scenic rides across the estancia lands, traversing Eucalyptus forest and vast grassland, offering numerous wildlife sightings from the saddle. Finally, ride alongside local gauchos, helping them herd their cattle before returning to Montevideo for homeward flights.

The tour costs from £1,125 p/p (ride only) including return transfers from Montevideo, hotel, estancia or ranch accommodation, most meals and all riding. Flights are not included but are available from Equine Adventures.

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SPRING IN THE CAPE - 4 OR 8-DAY SOUTH AFRICAN HORSEBACK HOLIDAYS

Nowhere in South Africa is spring more spectacular than in the Cape provinces as thousands of flowering plants cover the fynbos, national parks are filled by game and Southern Right Whales return to the coast for the mating season. From the beaches of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, to the wheat and winelands and secluded stretches of the Western Cape Mountains, experience South Africa’s pristine and breathtaking scenery on the back of a willing horse. Equine Adventures’ 4 or 8-day Cape Rides offer a unique perspective on the region’s stunning landscapes of unforgettable variety. Tours depart Cape Town 5th August and 5th and 26th October 2008. (Other dates available).

The entire route covers approximately 180km on eight different rides, using four different stables, allowing riders to choose from English Thoroughbreds to American Saddlebreds and South African Boerperds. Guests are accommodated in high standard inns, guest-farms and camps along the way - experiencing the well-known South African hospitality, excellent culinary culture and outstanding wines! On arrival in Cape Town travellers are transferred across the Cape Peninsula, over breathtaking Chapman's Peak Drive, to the gracious Lavenhof homestead, situated in Noordhoek. Next day, travellers visit a racing stable, ride along wide and empty Noodhoek beach on one of the race-horses, then finish the day with a meal overlooking the South Atlantic. On to Kleinmond Lagoon Nature Reserve, and a new horse for rides passing flocks of flamingos and pelicans, before spending two nights in the Cape Dutch home of a nearby wine estate owner. Next up, follow an ancient ox-wagon trail through mountain fynbos (indigenous shrub land) and climb the Groenlandberge (700m). After breakfast, cross Overberg’s rolling hills to the remote 36,000-hectare De Hoop Nature reserve. Here, ride over huge white sand dunes – up to 85m high - then continue through herds of antelope and Cape Mountain Zebra, together with Baboon, Ostrich and later, numerous water-birds, before heading down to the Indian Ocean for possible whale sightings. Continue by vehicle to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, at the foot of the Warmwaterberg, home to the Big Five, before spending a last night at the luxurious Tilney Manor lodge. Here, enjoy a game drive before returning to Cape Town where the tour concludes.
The holiday costs £1,715 p/p (8-day) (land only) including transfers, guest-house, farm-house and luxury camp accommodation, all meals and soft drinks, entrance fees, all riding and guided activities. A shorter 4-day itinerary is available costing £855 p/p.

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SADDLE-UP FOR CHIANTI! ITALY - TUSCANY

With its golden light, stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage Italy has inspired poets and painters for centuries. From the Villa de Colognole farm estate, ride deep into Tuscany’s spectacular countryside, experience the beauty of the Chianti Rufina wine region, the wilderness of the Monte Giove National Park, and the harmonious rolling plains, hills and mountains of the Mugello. Combine this with an excellent climate, superb food, fabulous wine and well-schooled horses - the epitome of a perfect riding holiday! Equine Adventure’s 8-day, centre-based Chianti Rufina riding holiday, next departs Pontassieve (near Florence) 2nd, 9th and 23rd August 2008. (Other dates available).

From Pontassieve station, near Florence, guests are transferred to a restored 18th century farmhouse on the Villa de Colognole farm estate, a base for 7-nights. After getting acquainted with equine companions, set off on tracks used by WWII partisans, take in the breathtaking panoramic views across the Florentine Basin then enjoy a typical Tuscan lunch. Next, ride through the wine making village of Rufina, and on to the beautiful vineyards above Pontassieve, passing fields of wild flowers, lakes, and the ever present rolling landscapes typical of the area. Cross the river Sieve and enjoy an exhilarating canter along the flatlands, before returning to base. Head through the village of Dicomano, through private vineyards and farmland to Il Lago, where in warmer months riders can swim in the secluded lake, nestled amongst pine forest. After a picnic lunch on the banks, followed by a lazy siesta under the shade of the trees, return to the farm via lush vineyards, forest tracks, cool chestnut woods and olive groves. On final day, choose from a guided trip to Incisa for top Italian labels, an Italian cooking class, or just relax by the pool before the holiday concludes next day. Located in the heart of the Chianti Rufina region, the wildest of all Chianti winemaking areas, the holiday is an excellent option for non-riding partnres, as those taking four-legged excursions return every evening to the same location. For time out of the saddle, full-day and half-day rides allow guests the flexibility to relax by the pool or visit nearby Florence.

The tour costs from £995 p/p including return transfers from Pontassieve railway station, B&B accommodation in a restored 18th century farmhouse at Ville de Colognole and all riding. Flights are not included but are available from Equine Adventures. Transfers can be arranged from Florence Airport for a supplement of £38.

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SADDLE-UP IN FRANCE - RIDING FROM AN 18TH CENTURY FRENCH FARMHOUSE IN THE DORDOGNE

From the recently restored 18th century Le Bourdil Blanc, saddle-up and head out into an ancient land of forest, meadows and valleys, sampling local cuisine and regional wines en route, during Equine Adventures’ exclusive 7-day centre-based riding holiday amongst the spectacular countryside of the Dordogne. The Dordogne Ride next departs Bergerac 27th September and 11th and 25th October 2008.

From Bergerac, transfer to Le Bourdil Blanc, an 18th century manor house, where outstanding freshly prepared meals, regional wines, and a welcoming atmosphere allows for guests to relax and feel at home. Spend 5-days riding through thousands of hectares of the region's most beautiful private estates, following trails through dense ancient forest, lush valleys, flower-filled meadows, and terraced vineyards, meeting no other riders and encountering hardly a gate to open all day long. A different ride is offered each day, ensuring that riders have the freedom to enjoy long energetic trots, exciting canters, and lazy relaxing walks. Ride through the village of Lamonzie Montastruc and across La Foret de Liorac to enjoy a picnic lunch on a terrace overlooking the formal gardens of Chateau Garraube. Visit Ste Foye de Longas truffle farm then ride to the Dordogne River, taking in the spectacular views before an evening wine tasting at Chateau Belingard. Next, continue through the Caudeau valley, visiting the villages of Montclard, Saint Georges, St Martin des Combes and Clermont de Beauregard and passing the Chateau de la Gaubertie. For time out of the saddle, visit local sites including Sarlat - the best preserved medieval village in France, or remain at the house, which offers a swimming pool, tennis court, Carp lake, designated trout stream, and croquet lawn – all within the grounds of the manor. Alternatively, curl up in the living room in front of the log fire with a good book!

The riding holiday costs £950 p/p (accompanying non-riders £600 p/p) including transfers from Bergerac, accommodation at Le Bourdil Blanc, most meals, wine with dinner and all riding.