We GUARANTEE you won't find the same horse riding holiday at a lower price through any other source... and if you do, we promise to refund the difference!
from £1,525 or €1,765
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Note: There are also large rooms that sleep 3-5 people, and we can offer you a discount on above prices if you are happy to share a dorm style room, please ask.
Included – All your riding, full board accommodation (except meal on arrival day), drinks, wine & beer with meals.
Excluded – Flights, other drinks, tips & airport transfers.
Getting There
International flights to Bordeaux Airport.
Transfer
There are fixed airport transfer times which are 2pm on arrival day from Bordeaux airport Hall A at “Meeting point”. Return flights should be booked after 1pm on day of departure. The cost is €100 per person return.
12 – 19 May
9 – 6 June
23 – 30 June
8 – 15 September
22 – 29 September
6 – 13 October
Remember our Horse Riding Holidays GUARANTEE. You won’t find these Horse Riding Holidays (or any of our Horse Riding Holidays) at a lower price through any other source… and if you do we will refund the difference.
Riding in the Basque country on the Spanish/France border this unique trail starts with 4 days in the mountains before ending up with fantastic gallops along the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. On this journey you will ride fit and very fast Anglo Arabs over varied terrain.
Located along the Atlantic coast, split between France and Spain, the Basque country offers you a stunning combination of lush forests, verdant hills and slopes, windy beaches and rocky cliffs plunging into the Atlantic Ocean. A riding trail through this stunning scenery is the best way to discover this region, which is perched proudly on the coastline, dotted with traditional fishing villages.
It is so remote; along the way you may come across herds of wild horses grazing freely in the high mountain pastures. These horses are called ‘Potokka’, a breed native and exclusive to the Basque Country, these proud animals in the wild are fiercely safeguarded by a brave stallion.
Deemed one of the oldest nations on Earth, barely changed over centuries, the Basques are often misunderstood because they have been openly trying to reclaim their independence from France and Spain. While here you will get to know their true identity, their rich culture and delicious cuisine.
There are long days in the saddles, 6-7 hours per day, covering on average 30 – 35 km. This is a challenging ride that requires a certain level of fitness and confidence. While riding on varying terrains there will be rugged sections where you will need to dismount and walk on foot.
What makes this ride unique is that everywhere else, you are at liberty to trot or canter your horse at your will – so fit are these horses, they are tough and fit enough to keep going over long distances at speed.
Saint Etienne de Baiggory
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, located on Santiago de Compostella
Coast of New Aquitaine
This trail really has it all, mountain riding, fast beach riding, fit horses, swimming in the sea and a whole heap of delicious food and culture! We say book now and have the prefect riding holiday of your dreams!
Horses – There are about 45 horses, the majority are Anglo Arabs bred by your family and host. There are also a few French Trotters.
Level of Riding & Pace – Intermediate to advanced riders. You must be able to canter in control in open countryside with an independent seat and hands. You should have good fitness and be able to ride for up to 6 hours per day.
Tack – English style, with saddle pads and bags, very comfortable saddles for trail riding.
Weight Restriction – 85kg / 188lbs / 13.4 stone.
Maximum Numbers – 9 Riders
You will spend the first 4 nights at variety of 2- and 3-star hotels and gites before you are driven to the Atlantic Coast, where you will spend the last 3 nights in a gite near the equestrian centre. Bedrooms are Single, Double or Twin with the exception of the Mountain Guest House on the second night.
You can expect a very high standard of freshly prepared local food.
Food is an important part of the experience. Lunches are either out on the trail picnic style or at a local restaurant. Dinners are at your accommodation or a local restaurant you can expect a French aperitif and appetizers, Bordeaux red wine, soup or salad (weather dependent), chicken or meat and vegetables, French cheeses, dessert and coffee or tea. Beer & wine are included with meals.
Horse Riding Holidays like our Basque Mountains to Atlantic Coast Trail ride holiday are part of the Zara’s Planet collection of Horse Riding Holidays
Day 1
Transfer from Bordeaux 2pm, and arrival at Saint Etienne de Baigorry where you will have time to explore this famous old city. You have dinner at a typical Basque restaurant in the centre of the historic part of Saint Jean Pied-de-Port. Overnight at B&B.
Day 2
After breakfast, we begin our trail ride from St Jean Pied de Port or Saint Etienne de Baigorry heading to Banca. The goal is to get to the top of Monhoa and enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding area – the Aldudes Valley and on to the sea. Overnight mountain Guest House.
Day 3
We ride up onto a spectacular ridge with stunning views of Spain. We continue riding along this ridge line, between France and Spain until we reach the picturesque village of Urepel in the Aldudes Valley. Overnight in hotel in Banca.
Day 4
Today we get to know the traditional life of the Basque people in the valley and enjoy a typical Basque lunch. We ride up Mount Marguibel on the Spanish side and then cross a native Spanish forest in what is an unforgettable moment. Overnight in hotel in Banca.
Day 5
Today we cross the Elhorrieta Pass and enjoy the stunning views over Spain to the sea as we ride down the Ispeguy Pass. After lunch at a typical Spanish restaurant, we continue downhill on an old smuggling route towards Erratzu, a Spanish village, crossing the picturesque countryside and the nearest city on horseback. Dinner on the way to Mimizan and overnight at a guest house in Mimizan which has a swimming pool.
Day 6 & 7
Over these two days you will discover Europe’s largest forest, with views over the most beautiful beach in France. It is also where you will get the opportunity to enjoy some exciting gallops on the white sandy beaches of the Aquitaine coast. Dinner and watching the sunset over the beach. Overnight gite at the equestrian centre.
Day 8
Breakfast and transfer to the airport. You will be in Bordeaux around 11.30 pm. Please book a flight back home after 1pm. The transfer takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Note: This is a provisional program only and may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
All our horse riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book one of our horse riding holidays and will refund the difference should you find the same horse riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
If you are having trouble finding exactly the right horse riding holiday for you from our horse riding holidays collection, please contact us directly using the form below and tell us in your own words what you would like to do and we will use our extensive knowledge to make sure we find that perfect horse riding holiday.
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