# Travel >> Types of Travel >> Other Types of Travel

Horseback Riding Vacations in the Alps

The love of horses and equestrian pursuits is deeply ingrained in European history and culture. Not surprisingly, many options are available to vacationers of all ages and riding abilities for either short or extended equestrian tours in all European Alpine countries. A full spectrum of sights exists to explore the Alps by horseback: mountain peaks, dense forests, high-elevation meadows and charming towns and villages that have retained their timeless appeal.

Europe-Mountains Travel
- Alpine horses are well known for their calm dispositions.
  
  Europe-Mountains Travel organizes touring vacations on horseback in the French Alps. They claim that their horses have a reputation for having calm and kind dispositions. Tours are for riders of all ability levels and are organized into small groups of riders with similar riding skill levels. Areas traveled include Saignelgier, where the famous March-Councours National de Cheveaux (National Parade of Horses) takes place in the second week of August. This annual celebration includes a huge horse market, parades, races and celebrations. Europe-Mountains Travel also offers excursions in Austria's expansive national park, Bad Kleinkirchheim. Programs and packages reflect a great deal of flexibility for the vacationer; guests can go out on excursions that last several days or ride by day at the stables and riding schools.
  
  Europe-Mountains Travel
  StayPoland Sp. z o.o.
  00-180 Warsaw, Poland
  (011) 48 22 351 22 29
  europe-mountains.com
Hidden Trails
- Alpine equestrian tours are for all ages and riding abilities.
  
  Hidden Trails offers touring vacations on horseback, all over Europe, for riders of all ages and skill levels. The "Austrian High Tauern Mountain Tour" takes vacationers into the heart of the Austrian Alps, covering 1,800 square kilometers of scenic Alpine landscapes. The "Panorama Star Ride" tour includes six days of riding. They also offer the option of shorter tours, such as the three-day "Glacier Ride." Excursions can be either day trips from the ranch or extended tours that involve overnight stays in small, equestrian hotels. The minimum number for a tour group is four; the maximum is nine. Western tack is available. Vacation packages include accommodations, riding program and most meals.
  
  Hidden Trails
  659A Moberly Road
  Vancouver, BC V5Z 4B3
  888-987-2457
  hiddentrails.com
Ranch des Maragnenes
- Valais, France, in the heart of the Alps
  
  Located in the heart of the Alps in the town of Valais, France, Ranch des Maragnenes offers touring vacations that range from equestrian day trips to Balade to 11-day excursions to Mont Blanc. Guests can choose their accommodations from hotels, hospices and apartments. Overnight camping in tents is also available. Guests are permitted to bring their own horses, if they choose. Scheduled tours are offered March through October.
  
  Ranch des Maragnenes
  Route du Val d'Herens
  CH-1950 Sion
  Valais, France
  (011) 41 27 203 13 13
  ranch.ch