Montiferru Mountains, Sardinia
Reviews
“Excellent hotel, beautiful scenery and lovely horses. Favourite memory was taking the horses in the sea. The garden suite was perfect and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Both horses suited us very well - very fit, forward going and easy to ride too. Danielle and Francesco were both excellent guides and made an effort to be helpful. They care for their horses with devotion. ”
Horses
Type of horses:
Anglo Arab /Sardinian
Nature of horses:
Well schooled, fit and very forward going
Height of horses:
14.2-15.2
Weight limit:
None within reason
Tack type:
English
Weather
Current Conditions:
Partly Cloudy, 18 C
Forecast:
Sat - Sunny. High: 26 Low: 16
Sun - Sunny. High: 26 Low: 17
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Weekly Programme
2010 rates: Half board includes: Continental breakfast, dinner and 12 hours of riding. Rates also include the use of the swimming pool. the solarium and the jacuzzi (heated in the winter).
£720 per person double room accommodation
Single supplement charge: 50%
Extra riding can be arranged.
Lessons £10 30 minutes
Hacks £17 one hour
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Trail to the Sea
£916 per person based on double occupancy
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This is a highland resort situated between the brown summit of the Montiferru mountain and the beaches of Oristano's coastline. You will enjoy top class facilities in a luxurious setting. The rooms and suites are beautifully but simply furnished and decorated with wood and elegant fabrics.There is an all year round swimming pool powered by solar energy and a jacuzzi in the grounds.
The farm has a menage and fabulous stables where you are able to ride the Anglo Arab and Sardinian horses mainly bred and schooled by Daniele your host. The family have been breeding horses for more than 100 years. With help of Marshal Dino Costantini they breed horses for international competitions even to Olympic level.
The stables have twelve boxes and riding can be taken as lessons, treks or you can join the trail ride. We can tailor make a programme to suit.
This farm is so special, not only for its magnificent location but also the owners true dedication to Sardinian traditions. Your food is a gastronomic delight - cooked using local homegrown organic ingredients making meal times a real pleasure after a day in the saddle. However, this is true Sardinian cooking so may not appeal to the those with more traditional tastes.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The accommodation and stables are situated between the brown summit of the Montiferru mountain and the beaches of Oristano's coastline. It is surrounded by woods in a quiet countryside characterised by a magical and intriguing landscape.
There are eight suites and four bedrooms with bathroom, telephone, ISDN line, satellite TV, air conditioning, hair dryer, safe deposit box and bar. Each suite is decorated to a high class standard utilising local stone and materials to provide a truly luxurious stay.
The cuisine here is top class but reflects local specialities so may not suit the more traditional palate. Fresh homegrown organic vegetables, fruit and locally reared meat are served. You will be able to see the kitchen and observe the chef at work.
Dinner includes; starter, first course, second course and dessert. Served in the hotel dining room or on the terrace. Lunch can be prepared on request; a light brunch.
The food here is definitely one of the highlights - a typical meal would be antipasti of wild boar, salamis and olives, pasta with ricotta, barbecued suckling pig and watermelon drizzled with myrto (myrtle liquer).
Activities
There is a gym and solarium as well as a fabulous swimming pool and jacuzzi. The swimming pool is open all year around due to the fact it uses solar energy to heat the water. It is equipped with every comfort, a bar, deckchairs, sunbeds.
There are visits to wineries, local golf courses, opportunities to paint, to learn traditional cooking. Mountain bikes can be rented and there are many beautiful walks in this tranquil countryside. You may also take advantage of the 4 wheel drive excursions.
All the facilities are available for the non rider. There is a beauty salon now available where you can have a massage, pedicure or facial. Sardinia is a wonderful destination for those wishing to explore this unique countryside. There is much to see and you can return to your fabulous accommodation to relax after a day exploring.
Further Details
Languages: English and Italian
Health requirements: No special vaccinations are required.
Age limit: None
Tuition: No
Included: Accommodation and riding as booked
Not included: Massages, extra drinks, pedicure and manicure, transfers
Travel Information
There are now low cost airlines flying into three airports in Sardinia. Alghero, Cagliari, and Olbia. Ryanair have a reliable service from Stansted to Alghero.
Jet2.com is launching a weekly direct service from Edinburgh to Olbia for 2009.
The transport infrastructure in Sardinia is poor. The bus and trains services do not extend all over the island. Therefore, taxis and transfers are expensive.
We recommend you hire a car.
Airport: Alghero (AHO)
Alternative Airport: Cagliari (CAG)
Programmes
Weekly Programme
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This is a based ride perfect for all levels of rider who want to combine luxury accommodation with tuition and/or trails on well schooled forward going horses. They can offer tuition in flatwork and jumping so you can brush up on your skills. Riding here allows you to explore unique scenery Sardinia offers with the companionship of responsive Anglo Arab and Sardinian horses. Leaving daily from the farmhouse house your path will lead you past mountains crossing woods of local trees, oaks and the mediterranean scrub. On the first day guests arrive at the farmhouse in the afternoon and can relax in the beautiful grounds taking advantage of all the wonderful facilities. There is time for relaxation in the swimming pool, jacuzzi or beauty salon. Your fresh organic dinner will be served at 8-8:30 pm accompanied by local Sardinian wines. Each day you will enjoy a continental breakfast with delicious home made jam and cakes. As an example, following breakfast you will leave the farmhouse at 8:30 to ride up into the mountains of Santu Lussurgiu for a two hour trail or opt for some training sessions in the arena. |
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| Accommodation: |
The accommodation and stables are situated between the brown summit of the Montiferru mountain and the beaches of Oristano's coastline. It is surrounded by woods in a quiet countryside characterised by a magical and intriguing landscape. There are eight suites and four bedrooms with bathroom, telephone, ISDN line, satellite TV, air conditioning, hair dryer, safe deposit box and bar. Each suite is decorated to a high class standard utilising local stone and materials to provide a truly luxurious stay. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Riders of all levels can be catered for. |
| Type of ride: | Trails and tuition can be provided, by arrangement. |
| Total riding time: | Six days for two hours per day |
| Departure dates: | Dates to suit. Minimum stay 3 nights. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Trail to the Sea
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This is a based trail ride through the Montiferru mountains and down to the sea returning each night to your very comfortable accommodation. You will leave your horses and return to them to resume your ride each day. Your trail will take you over ancient shepherd paths, woody mountains, wild torrents and majestic falls. The limestone volcanic rock, the beautiful smell of the mediterranean herbs and wild plants, the white sandy beaches and clear blue skies make this a wonderful equestrian escape. Guide itinerary: One day will consist of dressage or jumping tuition. Day 1: Arrival in the afternoon. Relax in your comfortable room and have a drink before dinner which is served between 8-8:30 pm. You will have the opportuntiy to talk over the details of your trail. Day 2: Breakfast is served between 8:30 and 10:00 am. After this you will meet the horses and have a ride to see how you get on with your new horse. After lunch you can relax in the comfortable grounds and perhaps take a swim or jacuzzi. We can arrange a massage for you (not included). Dinner is served around 8.00. Day 3: After breakfast you will leave the hotel and explore the mountains on horseback. The ride will take around 3 hours and you will visit the historical village of Santa Lussurgiu. You will enjoy a delicious packed lunch in the countryside The horses will be left at the end of your ride and you will return to the hotel. On your return you can once again enjoy the swimming pool and jacuzzi. Another delicious dinner is served around 8.00 pm Day 4: After breakfast you will be driven back to the horses stabled in the mountains. You will leave Santa Lussurgiu and you will really enjoy riding in this interesting countryside. Your ride takes you from the village across Mount Ferru riding from 700-1200 metres. The flora consists mainly of mediterranean mountainous species along with rare shrubs and grasses whereas the fauna, quite rich, includes some remarkable specimens, mouflon, boar, Sardinian wild cat, marten, weasel and fox. You will enjoy another 3-4 hour ride hopefully having seen some of this wildlife. You will have a picnic once again and prepare your horse for his stay at Mount Seneghe. You will be driven back to the hotel by jeep On your return once again you can relax and enjoy the lovely grounds and facilities here. Dinner is served around 8.00 pm. Day 5: After breakfast you will leave the hotel by jeep and find your horse stabled in the mountains. You will help get your horse ready and leave Mount Seneghe and head towards the sea You will ride from a height of 800 metres down to 50 metres. A ride of approximately three hours. Lunch may be taken at Ranch Catzeddu or, weather permitting, a picnic by the sea Again, you will leave your horses and return to the hotel by jeep for lunch and relaxation in the sunshine before dinner. A massage is possible and can be arranged for an extra cost. Day 6: After breakfast you will be driven back to your horse at Ranch Catzeddu. Today you help get your horse ready will again ride along the beach and explore this wonderful coastline for around 3 hours. You will ride along the Is Arenas beach for 8 km, From the beach you head onward to Cape Mannu where you can enjoy a beautiful sea view from the very top. You will have wonderful picnic on this glorious beach. You will go back to the hotel by jeep and your horses will be collected and driven back and enjoy a lovely dinner as you will too. Day 7: After breakfast you can then have a lesson in either dressage or jumping or perhaps a hack around the farm. You can enjoy one last jacuzzi, swim or massage before dinner. Day 8: Breakfast and then you will depart for the airport or the next part of your holiday. Please note that this itinerary may vary. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate to experienced riders, must be confident. |
| Type of ride: | Trails |
| Total riding time: | 3 hours per day minimum on trail |
| Departure dates: | 11 September, 16 October (please contact the office for other dates. Trail departures are between March-July, September-November) |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |