Famous for its misty mornings, warm days and cool crisp nights, fall or autumn is the perfect time of year to plan a trip away. With a number of holidays that are spectacular during this season, The Riding Company takes a look at some of the best breaks not to be missed in the coming months.
Getaway to Moelltal Valley in Hohe Tauern National Park in Salzburg, Austria
Watch the golden, browning leaves fall from the comfort of your cozy hotel room, tucked away in Austria’s stunning Moelltal Valley. The traditional hotel full of rich cultural heritage is surrounded by the grand peaks of the High Tauern National Park, including Austria’s highest mountain, the Grosslockner.
And with The Schlosswirt Riding Centre close by, riding trips into the national park can be arranged for both the novice and the experienced rider. During the autumn months, overnight trips up into the high alpine landscape are recommended to see the forests rich, rustic colours from horseback.
For the adventurous, The 3000m Ride up into Austria’s largest glacier in the Eastern Alps is a must. The trip consists of two nights in a mountain hut and three full days riding into the high alpine region, before finally reaching the summit of a 3000m high peak. With tennis courts, a fitness centre, swimming pool, mountain biking and adventure sports, there are plenty of ways to keep entertained even if you are not a rider.
But if that sounds far too tiring, why not plan a peaceful break to the Pule Estate in Slovenia?
Five-Star Supreme Spa Hotel near Vienna
Tucked away amongst the stunning countryside just south of Vienna, is the five star spa hotel, Supreme, which holds Austria’s largest Lipizzaner stud farm.
Known for its historical castles and beautiful woodland, the dressage horses can be taken for hacks or carriage rides around 450 km riding trails on varied terrain around the Burgenland valleys. You can also watch wine being harvested during the Autumnal months, in this region famous for its tipple.
After a long day out riding; soothe those aching muscles with a tailored, invigorating massage by the resident monk from the Shaolin Monastery in China. Classes in the Chinese martial art, Qi Gong and a form of Ashtanga Yoga especially adapted to riders’ needs are also on tap.
But if the thought of all that exercise sounds far too tiring, a tranquil haven can be found at the Yin-Yang Spa. As just one of two spa hotels in Austria to be awarded top marks for its wellness facilities, the resort is built around natural hot water springs with thermal water – perfect for boosting energy and increasing immunity. Enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools filled with natural healing thermal waters, an outdoor whirlpool, saunas and steam rooms, filled with organic herbs or aromas and some even come with flat-screen TVs.
Live Like a King & Queen in an Austrian Medieval Castle
Experience Autumn’s clear, crisp evenings as you sit down to a candlelit gourmet meal in one of Austria’s award-winning medieval castles.
The beautifully restored one thousand year old castle, situated along the Danube offers everything from a picturesque water garden, swimming pool, fishing in the lake, an Ayurvedic spa to 300km of trails for cross country riding.
Visitors can learn to drive a Marathon or dressage carriage with one or two horses, which are both two and four wheelers. The novice-driving programme includes learning how to harness the horse, the correct use of reins to control and steer the horse as well as safety and proper procedure during traffic.
The Baroque city of Linz is just half an hour away with guided sightseeing, flea markets and there are cruises down the Danube. Hidden just outside the castle walls, lies a 27 golf course and new and exclusive to the castle is heli-golfing, to some of the most beautiful golf clubs across Austria.
Cross Country Riding Along the Danube for Solo Travellers
During September and October, get-together trips for solo travellers are available with cross country riding along the Danube including a drive around the estate in a historical carriage, visit to the farrier and first aid for horses session and last but not least, a scrumptious picnic lunch.
For more information on any of the trips visit www.theridingcompany.com.