Horseback riding vacations are ideal for any skill level, from beginners to seasoned riders. Many trails are gentle, and guided tours are the perfect way to learn how to ride and explore an exciting destination. Experienced riders are also accounted for with plenty of more challenging trails, where you can try out different paces, including cantering.
Best Horseback Riding Tours in Europe
Iceland
Volcanoes, glaciers, lakes—Iceland is an isolated land in the North Atlantic known for its fire and ice. Horseback riding trails take travelers around volcanic peaks, over moss-covered lava fields, along steaming hot springs, and through vibrant forests.
Follow the old folktale routes and embark on a journey across the lava rocks from the eruption of Volcano Hengill 1000 years ago. In between rides, indulge in traditional Icelandic cuisine, and soak in the local geothermal pools.
Our “Around the Volcano” multi-day tour is ideal for beginners who are keen for a bit of a challenge and can be booked between May and September.
Spain
This sun-soaked nation in western Europe delivers riders the perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. For example, the Castles of Gredos Mountains tour in central Spain offers plenty of gentle riding trails with green and gold meadows, rolling hills, and endless sunshine. The region is dotted with well-preserved medieval fortresses. The saddle makes it easy to explore the villages and towns that shaped Spain’s history.
This moderately difficult 8-day tour takes you on a culinary journey of Spain as well. Try home-cooked paella and tortilla española in between riding through mountains, rivers, woods, and fields. Be sure to pack lightweight layers and plenty of sunscreen and hats as the sun and heat can be strong in this region!
Portugal
Portugal, in western Europe, is perfect for nature lovers. Horseback riding tours in Portugal unlock sweeping mountains, rolling valleys, forests, serene lakes and ponds, and even charming villages.
Our Northern Portugal Mountain Paths tour explores the untouched beauty of Peneda-Gerês National Park, where the gentle pasture trails lead you to rare wild horses and elevations of 1,000 meters, featuring views of wilderness with no other people. This 8-day tour is more challenging and therefore requires a good level of fitness.
There are plenty of departures throughout the year. However, if you want to enjoy pleasant weather and wildflowers, March to May would be a great time to plan your trip! September to October also offers mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
France
For lovers of history and coastal views, France is a perfect location for your European horseback riding vacation. Take a step back in time and discover landmarks and stories of World War II. Explore charming village streets and remains of the Viking era, all set against the backdrop of the beaches of Normandy. You can also take in the iconic views of the awe-inspiring Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perched above the serene waters.
Our 7-day Horseback Riding in Normandy tour is the perfect blend of nature and history. With its romantic and elegant accommodations, including a chateau, this tour would be a wonderful honeymoon or a couple’s getaway! It also suits anyone with a good level of fitness.
Italy
Italy has plenty to offer horse riders! Another exquisite blend of historic villages and beach trails, the Tuscan region of Italy is a magical destination for your equine riding vacation in Europe. Our tour, A Week in The Natural Reserve of Tuscany, takes travelers through wooded trails, along the bluest sea, through the charming Maremma village, and even to La Pierotta winery and Scarlino Castle.
Sip Italian wine and indulge in Tuscan cuisine, all while exploring sun-soaked golden landscapes. This tour has plenty of departures throughout the year, making it suitable for travelers who prefer the shoulder seasons or the height of summer!
Ireland
Dramatic, plunging cliffs, green meadows flecked with ancient fortresses, and the wild Irish Sea splashing against your face. Ireland is an excellent destination for horse riding in Europe. Our 6 Day Hills and North Coast Adventure takes travelers on a unique exploration of untouched Irish wilderness, where salty air blends with lush and vivid landscapes. You can soak in the charm of local towns and indulge in Irish delights such as a pint of Guinness.
The cool thing about this tour is that your guide will tailor the trek to your experience level, making it ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike!
Albania
Where nature meets legends, folklore, and melodies, Albania is a unique yet unforgettable choice for a horse riding vacation in Europe. Our Following Zagoria Pathways tour, which starts in Gjirokastra, about a 3-hour drive from Tirana, is an immersive journey of history and nature.
Rugged hills and valleys hold ancient Illyrian remnants, medieval villages, and isolated churches and monasteries. Climb mountain trails, enjoy sweeping views, and live like a local in village homes, trying traditional dishes and drinks. You can even take breaks from the saddle and the sun by enjoying a swim in mountain lakes and ponds.
Be sure to have a good level of fitness for this moderately challenging tour!
Romania
For a winter escape and a glimmering winter wonderland, try Romania! Our Transylvanian Winter Rides tour takes riders into the Carpathian Mountains, with rolling hills coated with pristine powdery snow, flecked with forests and old farmhouses. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as wolves, bears, and the elusive lynx.
Spend each night tucked into a warm and cozy guesthouse and enjoy hot lunches between rides every day of the tour. You can even enjoy a visit to the iconic Bran Castle, the so-called Dracula Castle, where you can learn the true history of the site, explore the rooms and grounds, and even the local markets!
For winter trips in Romania, be sure to bring layers including a rainproof jacket as the weather can be unpredictable at times.
Serbia
Endless woodlands, bubbling creeks, and rolling meadows—Serbia, in the Balkans, is an enchanting place to explore on horseback. The Sumadija region, where our Serbian Woodland Ride tour takes place, offers majestic mountains that hold 14th-century Serbian architecture. The local churches and monasteries are still used today, and their inhabitants love to welcome visitors.
In between serene riding trails, you can immerse yourself in the unique Balkan heritage, and enjoy local hospitality, including homemade dishes and local drinks like rakija.
This tour is generally better suited to riders with some experience and who are comfortable with different riding paces, including the canter.
Sweden
Sweden, in northern Europe, draws horseback riders for its pure wilderness and adventure. Our Sami Mountain Trek in Swedish Lapland tour will take you through untouched landscapes, including green meadows, serene lakes, and up into the mountains for stunning views of the valleys below.
This tour offers an authentic and immersive experience of Swedish culture, including a traditional Sami home (lávvu), and meals cooked over an open fire. Due to its more challenging terrain and riding paces, this is a tour ideally suited to experienced riders and is only available during the summer months of July and August to ensure the best possible weather.
Montenegro
Tucked between the Adriatic coast and the Balkans, Montenegro is one of Europe's best-kept secrets for serious riders. The country's wild interior — a world of glacial lakes, ancient forests and high mountain plateaus — sits just a few hours from the airport, yet feels genuinely remote.
Most riding tours operate in the north and center of the country, following old shepherd trails through Biogradska Gora National Park, one of the last primeval rainforests in Europe, and across the Sinjavina plateau toward Durmitor — a UNESCO World Heritage site carved by the deepest river canyon on the continent. You'll ride local Balkan horses, a calm and sure-footed breed that handles rocky descents and river crossings with ease.
Overnight stays in traditional mountain katuns — summer pastures where local families still live and cook — are a highlight that sets Montenegro apart from more polished European riding destinations.
Tours here suit intermediate to advanced riders and run from May through early October. If you're looking for a riding adventure in Europe that combines raw landscapes, physical challenge and authentic Balkan culture, Montenegro is hard to beat.
Horse Trekking in Europe: Unparalleled Adventure
Horse riding holidays in Europe offer the perfect blend of wild nature, deep history, and a variety of culture. Hopping into the saddle makes it easy to cross into untouched landscapes, escape deeper into the wilderness, and explore in a sustainable and eco-friendly way.
Europe offers diverse locations to explore, including sparkling coasts, enchanting woods, mountains, lakes, and arid grasslands. The landscapes are embedded in plenty of stories, legends, medieval villages and monasteries, and even ancient ruins, all perfect for exploring from the saddle. There are also plenty of options for beginners and experienced riders alike, making it a thrilling and dynamic vacation for any rider!
A guided tour is the best way to explore a region in Europe because your guide is an expert in safety, the local trails, and has an abundance of knowledge about the local history and landscape. If you are interested in an equestrian vacation in Europe, be sure to check out our range of guided tours!
Ready to explore Europe on horseback? Check out our top equestrian tours and book your next adventure today.
