Riders on a riding holiday in Hungary, Europe

Maja's farm adventures

On this flexible riding holiday you will be riding through open plains, sandy hills and crossing beautiful forests in Hungary. You will have the opportunity to explore Kiskunság National Park and its landscapes which are ideal for long canters! This is a stationary holiday, based at your guide Maja’s farm, complete with a a sauna and hot tub: the perfect way to relax after a long riding day. This centre equestrian short break in Hungary is suitable for riders looking for a shorter riding adventure.
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Centre based holidays
5 days/3 days riding
From £605
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Itinerary

Highlights

- Explore Kiskunság National Park
- Enjoy the comfortable accommodation at Maja’s farm
- There is an opportunity to watch a traditional Hungarian horse display at a local Lipizzaner stud
  • Day 1 1: BUDAPEST - PUSZTA - No riding

    Maya's Farm
    Flights to Budapest are not included. You should arrive between 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm if possible.

    You will be transferred from the airport to the farm. At the farm you will be met by your guide who will show you around and talk to you about your ability and horse preferences.

    Dinner and night at the farm.
  • Day 2 2: RIDING ON THE FARM - 3-4 hours riding

    Maya's Farm
    After breakfast you will be introduced to your horse before setting of for an introductory ride of couple of hour to another farm and return. This is your first chance to glimpse your beautiful surroundings. Back to Maja's farm for lunch with another short ride in the afternoon.

    Dinner and overnight at the farm.
  • Day 3 3 : RIDING ON THE FARM - 4-5 hours riding

    Maya's Farm
    After breakfast, riding for two hours across the plains until reaching a charming traditional farmhouse where you stop for lunch (or picnic lunch). After lunch break you will get back on the horses to ride back to Maja's farm.
  • Day 4 4: RIDING ON THE FARM - 2 hours riding

    Maya's Farm
    Set out on horseback for a 2-hour ride this morning. After lunch, there is a possibility to go watch a traditional Hungarian horse display at a Lipizzaner stud farm (not included) or use the hot tub/sauna back at the farm!
  • Day 5 5: BUDAPEST - DEPARTURE - No riding

    Departure after breakfast.

    If you have requested a transfer to the airport then you will depart from the farm between 7:30 and 11:00 a.m.

    If your flight is late in the day then you can be dropped in the city and explore for the afternoon

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights to your destination are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a double or twin room.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 2 international riders and a maximum of 7 riders, plus guides.

- Transfers to and from Budapest airport are not included and have an extra cost of €60 per person, return rate (paid locally). The times for arrival/pick-up should be between 2:00-6:00 pm and for departure 7.30-11 am. If your flights don't match this schedule, a private transfer can be arranged for around €100/£90/$110 per car, each way. Transfers to/from the city centre are possible on request.

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will be charged a single room supplement of approx. €80/£70/$90. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date.

- If your flight is later in the day you can be dropped off in the city to explore in the afternoon. Taxi to the airport will cost around €20.

- Accompanied children 12 years and older are welcome

- If opting for the Horse Display on Day 4: €25/£21/$28 extra (subject to change)
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 support vehicle
1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle

Accommodation

Double or twin room at Maja's farm

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 5
Mineral water

Extras

Use of the sauna at Maja's farm (two sessions)

Price doesn't include

Meals

Alcoholic beverages and personal extras

Transport

Airport transfers
International flights can be booked upon request

Extras

Tips to the local team
Small group supplement. See above for price details

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement
  • Departure Return Price without flights Price including flights Status
    05/04/2023 09/04/2023 £605 €684 $750 Open Book now
  • Departure Return Price without flights Price including flights Status
    12/07/2023 16/07/2023 £605 €684 $750 Open Book now
    19/07/2023 23/07/2023 £605 €684 $750 Open Book now
    26/07/2023 30/07/2023 £605 €684 $750 Open Book now
    02/08/2023 06/08/2023 £605 €684 $750 Open Book now
    09/08/2023 13/08/2023 £605 €684 $750 Open Book now
    16/08/2023 20/08/2023 £605 €684 $750 Open Book now
  • Departure Return Price without flights Price including flights Status
    06/09/2023 10/09/2023 £605 €684 $750 Open Book now
  • Departure Return Price without flights Price including flights Status
    01/11/2023 05/11/2023 £605 €684 $750 Open Book now
    08/11/2023 12/11/2023 £605 €684 $750 Open Book now
    15/11/2023 19/11/2023 £605 €684 $750 Open Book now
    22/11/2023 26/11/2023 £605 €684 $750 Open Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

The horses are a mixture of Hungarian warmbloods, sport horses, Furioso (from English Thoroughbreds) and Kisberi. They are very forward going, balanced and well trained. They are all in great condition and have very healthy, hard hooves, allowing them to be ridden barefoot.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

This ride is open to intermediate and advanced riders, capable of cantering and galloping in balance across open terrain in a group whilst maintaining full control of your horse.

Rider weight limit: 85 kilos, 187 lbs, 13.3 st. Riders over 85 kg can sometimes be accommodated on request (please contact us before booking) and must be excellent riders with a light seat.

Pace

There are lots of opportunities for longer trots/canters and gallops across the open plains where the going is a mixture of sandy tracks and grassy meadows. There can be some long periods of canter.

Tacking ability and participation

Guests can help groom and tack, although this is not expected. You can also assist with feeding and watering if you wish.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You need to be fit and in good physical condition.

Equestrian equipment

English tack only.
Saddlebags and seat savers are not provided.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit

Travel info

Comfort

All nights are spent at Maja's farm, which is comfortable but basic. They have recently added a sauna and jacuzzi which can be used on request (two sessions of 1.5 hours are included). There is WiFi in the main areas but not in the rooms.

Meals

You eat traditional local Hungarian fare. Lunches and dinners are taken at Maja's farm or are picnic lunches.

Water is included throughout. Extra drinks and beverages are not included but can be purchased locally.

Climate

The southern plains have a continental climate with strong differences between the harsh winters and hot, dry summers. It can be humid in May/June with thunderstorms. Maximum temperatures are around 26c in summer and 1c in winter, although it can reach 30c in July/August.

Guide and local team

Your guide, Maja, is from Budapest and speaks good English. She left the formality of riding schools in the city for the wide open landscapes of the plains for unbridled gallops!

Tips

It is customary to tip 10% in restaurants and to taxi drivers. You may wish to leave a tip with the guide who can split it amongst all members of the team - this is not obligatory and is entirely at your discretion (we recommend €20-30 per person, split between the team)

Packing list

Head
- Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. There are many lightweight options available nowadays.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana

Upper body
- Thermals (long or short sleeved)
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and add an extra layer
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm fleece or jumper (and a spare in case one gets wet)
- Warm and waterproof jacket - it can rain at any time of year and the evenings can be cold in the low season

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Thermals
- Casual trousers for the evenings, such as jeans or tracksuit bottoms
- Waterproof over trousers

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps.
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, cold or rain whilst riding. Waterproof gloves can be particularly useful

Nightwear
- Pyjamas

Other useful items
- A soothing cream to alleviate any areas irritated by long days spent in the saddle
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Water bottle
- Swiss army knife (or equivalent)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)

Medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

Miscellaneous
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

In your hold luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic Ziplock bag. We recommend biodegradable washing products where possible.

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.

Visa & Health

Formalities

British citizens: other nationalities, please contact us.

Visas
The rules for travelling or working in European countries changed on 1 January 2021:
- you can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training
- if you are travelling to Hungary and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days

At border control you may need to:
- show a return or onward ticket
- show you have enough money for your stay, and
- use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing
- Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit.

Passport validity
From 1 January 2021, you must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).
If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip. You will need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.

Please visit for the FCO website for up-to-date information - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hungary/entry-requirements

Addresses of consulates

  • Ambassade de Hongrie en France
    5 square de l'avenue Foch
    75116 Paris
    Tél. : 00 33 1 45 00 94 97
    Fax : 00 33 1 56 36 02 68
    mission.par@mfa.gov.hu

  • Ambassade de France en Hongrie
    27 Lendvay Utca
    1062 Budapest
    Tél. : 00 36 (1) 374 11 00
    Fax : 00 36 (1) 374 11 40
    consulat.budapest-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr

Health

UK Citizens: A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. It does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment.

Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine

For recommended vaccinations, please visit https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/103/hungary#Vaccine_recommendations

Insurance

It is a condition of your booking with Equus Journeys that you have travel insurance which covers you for the riding activities to be undertaken. Your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses and repatriation. Your guides will require your travel insurance details before they allow you to ride and may refuse to let you ride if you cannot provide them. You should take your insurance documents with you.

Voltage

220 V, 50 Hz

Budget and money

The local currency is Hungarian Forint.

Don’t use street money changers. Take care not to accept bank notes that are no longer valid but which are still in circulation. There have been a small number of reports of taxi drivers deliberately passing these notes to tourists - as well as notes from neighbouring countries that are not valid in Hungary.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hungary/money

Telephone and jetlag

Country code: + 36
Hungary is on GMT+1 (one hour difference with the UK)

Did you know?

Did you know?

Furioso-North Star, the Hungarian horse breed Although the breed is present in the whole of Central Europe, it is relatively rare and on the verge of extinction. Used for both leisure and light farm work, The Furioso is a Hungarian horse breed developed at the Mezőhegyes Stud Farm, with a large thoroughbred influence. It also called Furioso-North Star, after the two primary stallions of the breed. The Furioso generally shows a bay coat, whereas black and chestnut coats are less common. It has a calm and energetic temper, and is renowned for his balance and intelligence.
Today it's more used as a sport horse and can be seen at carriage driving competitions.