OUR RIDEs IN EUROPE
The Summits of The Dolomites
Irish Castle Escape
The Sierra Morena - An Andalusian Safari
Lusitanos & Dressage in Provence
Black Beach, Hot Springs & Waterfalls
Loire Valley Castles Tour
Tölt, Glacier & Wellness
Castles of Tuscany Tour
The Golden Circle Ride
Abbey to Castle Getaway
Calcione Experience
Versailles Palace & Its Gardens
What our riders say
While on a work trip to Paris, I decided to throw Nomad Riders a challenge: create a horseback riding adventure that would let me experience the French countryside, enjoy great wine, see some iconic sights, and fit into a relatively short timeframe. Not only did they accept the challenge—they absolutely nailed it. The itinerary Nomad Riders created exceeded every expectation I had. The horseback riding experiences were incredible, with a perfect mix of trail rides, garden rides, and different horse breeds that kept each day unique and memorable. It felt like every ride offered a new perspective on France's beauty and equestrian culture. And then there were the accommodations. Seriously, how often do you get to stay in a 10th-century château, ride through the grounds of a 15th-century château, and enjoy a private indoor tour while it's being renovated? I kept waiting for someone to tell me I had accidentally wandered into a movie set. What impressed me most was the attention to detail. Every transfer was perfectly timed, every guide was fantastic, and every horse was a joy to ride. If you're considering booking with Nomad Riders, my advice is simple: do it. They transformed a simple idea into one of the most memorable travel experiences I've ever had. You'll come home with amazing memories, a camera full of photos, and possibly unrealistic expectations for all future vacations.
We had a fantastic time on our nomadic adventure. Riding through the Tuscany countryside and staying at the castles was spectacular. The staff were great, helpful and flexible to meet my needs. The horses were beautiful and so much fun to ride. I enjoyed getting to know the various riders and made same new friends from all over the world. I would recommend this adventure to other horse enthusiasts, but make sure you’re in shape, it’s three days of fast, fun riding. The trip of a life time !
This was a phenomenal trip that exceeded my expectations. Ari, Steinunn and Loa are fantastic guides and expert caretakers of their wonderful horses. The horses! So beautiful and sturdy. Tolting in a vast volcanic valley amid majestic scenery was an experience I will never forget. The lava cave tour is not to be missed. And, I loved the Husafell hotel, too. Perfect accommodations with a delicious restaurant and on-site hot pools.
Thank you for an amazing trip! Unforgettable and beautiful experience with extremely knowledgeable guides who took us on a lovely adventure while keeping us safe! We also greatly appreciated having transit to the trail start points taken care of too! I highly recommend using them for your next equestrian vacation! Great communication before, during and after our trip! Thank you Rita!
What a wonderful experience. Every detail was paid attention to and planned out. The horses were happy, well taken care of, and perfectly paired to my family's varied experience level. This created a once-in-a-lifetime ride for all of us through the Versailles gardens, which was amazing! The lunch was delicious and unforgettable, and then the guided tour of the palace was perfect. Everyone we met from Manon and Cedric who picked us up in the morning and took us around, to our horse guide to our tour guide at the palace, were friendly, passionate about what they were doing, and tremendous people to spend time with. I could not recommend Nomad Riders any stronger, it was a perfect day for our family !
ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES - BEYOND
OUR RIDEs IN EUROPE
Beach Ride in Camargue
The Camargue horse, one of the oldest breeds in the world, is the iconic symbol of this untamed region.
Perfectly adapted to the marshlands, with its grey-white coat, it has been the trusted companion of the gardians — the legendary local herdsmen — for generations. With Nomad Riders, discover our high-quality horseback riding experiences along the Camargue beaches, surrounded by stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and the deep authenticity of local traditions.
Night at Château de Bourron-Marlotte
Treat yourself to an additional night at the Château de Bourron-Marlotte, a historic 17th-century château set within a 40-hectare park on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest.
Step into a world of timeless elegance, with refined rooms and manicured gardens surrounded by centuries of history. Savor a gourmet dining experience with selected wine tastings, showcasing the best of French gastronomy. A perfect way to complete your riding tour, and end your stay a peaceful stay outside the bustling streets of Paris.
Vineyard visit & Wine Tasting
Set off for an immersive visit of a local vineyard, where passionate winemakers share the story behind every bottle.
Along with the Maître de Chai, explore the vines, uncover their time-honored techniques, and discover what makes each of their wines unique. From organically and biodynamically grown grapes to centuries-old cellars, every detail reflects a deep commitment to quality and tradition. Following your visit, enjoy a wine tasting, featuring their signature wines — a sensory experience that pairs perfectly with a day in the saddle.
Snæfellness Peninsula Tour
The Snæfellsnes national park is home to the seal colony, shark museum and the charming village of Stykkishólmur. On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you can experience the vast nature of Iceland including Snæfellsjökull glacier, black sandy beaches, mountains and volcanic craters and much more.
Truffle Hunting
Truffle hunting is a one-of-a-kind harmonious break offering nature, gastronomy, relaxation, and culture.
Castello del Calcione is home to one of the region’s most important Tartufaia.
This precise area in the woods is particularly fertile and adapted to the natural growth of tuber melanosporum, which is one of the finest types of black truffles. Your search for black gold will be led by a hunter and his dog.
Visit the Equestrian Academy of Versailles
Step behind the scenes of one of the world's most iconic equestrian institutions with a private tour of the Académie du Spectacle Équestre de Versailles.
Walk through the historic riding arena, the stalls, the saddlery, and feel the timeless elegance of this place. Alongside an expert guide, uncover the fascinating history of the Great Stables — from their construction under Louis XIV to their role today as a living monument to French equestrian excellence. And with a bit of luck, you might even catch a training session of the squires in action.
Silver Circle Tour
The Silver Circle is a 146 km journey through the varied terrains of Borgarfjörður in West Iceland featuring geothermal hot springs, waterfalls, and historic sites linked to Iceland’s early settlers. This tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing and cultural legacy discovery, providing a richer insight into the environmental and human influences that have shaped Iceland over the centuries.
The Nomad Riders Experience
At Nomad Riders, we craft more than riding holidays; we design immersive luxury horseback riding vacations that blend exclusive rides, cultural discovery, gastronomic experiences, wellness rituals, and refined accommodations into one seamless adventure.
- Exclusive Riding Adventures: From tölting on Iceland's black-sand beaches to riding Gaucho-style across Patagonia, every journey takes you off the beaten path. Our trips are designed for small groups of riders, seeking singular experiences in the world's most breathtaking landscapes.
- Cultural Immersion: History and heritage are woven into every itinerary. On each journey, we invite you for an immersive cultural experience for you to truly connect with the local heritage of your destination.
- Refined Accommodations: Rest in places as memorable as the rides themselves. From historic French châteaux and Indian Maharaja palaces, every property is handpicked for its charm and refinement — the perfect retreat after a day in the saddle.
- Gastronomy: We believe a region is best discovered through its flavors. On every ride, we handpick partner restaurants where local chefs craft seasonal, traditional cuisine turning every meal into a highlight of your horseback riding tour.
- Wellness Rituals: Riding is exhilarating, & restorative moments matter. On each adventure, you can enhance your ride with wellness experiences, from yoga sessions and spa treatments to natural hot springs - for a restorative break between rides.
Why Book Your Horseback Riding Experience with Us?
We believe horseback riding holidays are about connection, freedom, and experiencing travel at a different rhythm.
To bring this vision to life, we ensure that every experience is thoughtfully crafted and tested firsthand. We handpick each ride, travel on-site, meet the horses and guides, and try the full experience to ensure it meets our highest standards. This allows us to offer only high-quality horseback riding experiences.
Above all, we place horse welfare at the core of every decision we make. On all of our horseback riding tours, we collaborate exclusively with trusted partners who provide attentive care, balanced routines, and the highest standards of well-being. Riding with Nomad Riders means being part of a community that values the horse as much as the experience itself.
To offer you a fully immersive experience, we work closely with passionate local guides who bring each destination to life. Beyond leading the ride, they share their knowledge, culture, and stories, creating a deeper and more enriching experience. From guides to hosts and chefs, every partner contributes to making your journey seamless and authentic.
Finally, as every rider is unique, we take pride in creating fully private, tailor-made riding experiences that reflect your preferences and riding level. Thanks to our close relationships with trusted partners and refined accommodations, we create journeys that are truly your own. Whether you dream of riding from castle to castle in the Loire Valley, tölting on Iceland’s black-sand beaches, horse-trekking at the summits of Dolomites, riding by Gaucho tradition in Patagonia or horseback riding in Paris, we craft experiences that stay with you long after the ride ends.
Eager to join one of our luxury horse riding vacations in Europe & worldwide ?
Reach out to us and start planning your next Nomad Riders adventure.
Frequently asked questions
Not necessarily !
At Nomad Riders, we believe every rider should have the opportunity to experience the unique connection, freedom, and sense of adventure that comes from exploring the world on horseback. That is why we curate horse riding holidays in Europe for all riding levels, with each itinerary tailored to your riding abilities.
On every ride page, the required riding level is clearly indicated to help you choose the most suitable experience. Before confirming any booking, we always assess your riding level through a detailed riding form. This allows us to ensure that each journey is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for every rider.
- If you are a first-time rider, we usually recommend our day trips and weekends from Paris, where experiences such as 2-hour horseback riding in Versailles provide a gentle introduction to riding in one of France’s most iconic settings.
- Intermediate riders looking to build confidence and improve their skills often enjoy experiences such as our horseback riding in Ireland, where varied landscapes, longer riding days, and a relaxed rhythm create the perfect balance between progression and enjoyment.
- For experienced riders seeking a more challenging and immersive adventure, destinations such as horseback riding in Tuscany offer longer distances, thrilling canters through rolling hills, and a more engaging pace in the saddle.
If you are unsure about your riding level or which itinerary would best suit your expectations, our team will always be happy to guide you toward the most suitable equestrian vacation in Europe.
There is no single “best” horse riding holiday in Europe - the right choice depends on your riding level, your travel aspirations, and the type of landscape and culture you wish to discover.
For riders drawn to scenic and challenging rides across open landscapes, Italy offers the perfect setting. In regions such as Tuscany, you will ride through rolling hills, lush vineyards and enjoy exhilarating gallops along famous horse race training tracks. In contrast, our Summits of the Dolomites ride leads you into the heart of the Alps, where the terrain invites a slower and more technical style of riding.
If culture and heritage are central to your travel experience, France remains one of the most iconic destinations for horse riding vacations in Europe. Our horseback riding in the Loire Valley allows you to experience the French Art de Vivre, riding from château to château through charming villages and vineyards, while staying in historic estates and savouring the very best of French gastronomy. Around Paris, shorter experiences such as our horseback riding near Paris day trips offer an accessible introduction to French heritage.
For riders seeking nature and authenticity, Spain and Iceland offer memorable experiences. Our horseback riding in Spain takes you through the Sierra Morena mountains range, a region rich in equestrian tradition, where each ride deepens your connection with nature and local culture. Further north, Iceland reveals a striking landscape of volcanic terrain, lava fields, and vast open spaces - yet offers the same spirit of connection to nature, culture, and heritage.
For a blend of adventure, comfort, and history, our Irish Castle Escape combines cross-country riding through lush green landscapes with stays in remarkable castle estates.
If you are unsure which escape best suits your wishes, our team of specialists will be pleased to guide you in selecting the most suitable horse riding holiday.
Of course - Non-riders are more than welcome on our European rides except on The Summits of The Dolomites Ride.
We understand that in many families, groups of friends, or couples, not everyone is a rider. For this reason, we do our best to offer horse riding vacations in Europe that can also accommodate non-riders, allowing everyone to enjoy the journey together - whether on multi-day riding adventures or shorter experiences such as horseback riding near Paris.
While riders explore the trails, we invite non-riding guests to enjoy a curated selection of activities depending on the destination — from e-bike tours, golf, and tennis to canoeing, wine tastings, SPA treatments or cultural visits. Each of these activities is designed to offer its own enriching experience of the region, and is carefully selected, with the same attention to detail as our riding activities.
Throughout the journey, our flexible format allows riders and non-riders to reconnect for lunches, aperitifs, and group experiences, ensuring that moments of the adventure are enjoyed all together.
If you are travelling as a mixed group, our team will guide you toward the horse riding holiday in Europe that best suits both riders and non-riders.
For most of our horse riding vacations in Europe, travel insurance is not strictly required by our partner operators to join the ride. However, we highly recommend securing travel insurance and medical coverage for your convenience and peace of mind.
Should you decide to purchase insurance, please ensure that it covers personal liability, medical expenses (including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation), accidental injury, and holiday cancellation. The coverage must be valid from the moment your booking is confirmed until the end of your trip.
While travel and medical insurance are not included in our standard packages, we are happy to arrange it for you at an additional fee of 5% of the total journey cost. We recognize the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, and, upon request, we will provide a comprehensive insurance package to ensure you can travel with confidence.
To check whether a specific ride requires mandatory insurance, please refer to the dedicated FAQ for that tour.
If you have any questions about the insurance options available, please don’t hesitate to reach out via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp. Your safety and peace of mind are our highest priorities.
Across most of our horse riding vacations in Europe, the riding is based on a classical English-style approach. Well suited to long-distance riding, it offers balance, precision, and comfort for both horse and rider over varied terrain.
What varies from one destination to another is the type of saddle used, which is adapted to local terrain, horses, and riding traditions.
For example, during horseback riding in Iceland, riders use the Hekla Royal saddle, specifically designed for Icelandic horses and their unique gaits. In the Dolomites, we use the Italian Trekker saddle, inspired by military saddle design and adapted for mountain terrain. In Andalusia, riders experience the traditional Potrera saddle, reflecting the region’s working equestrian culture and long riding heritage.
In all destinations, the saddles and tack are chosen not only for rider stability and comfort, but also for the well-being of the horses, ensuring proper fit, reduced pressure points, and a natural freedom of movement.
Yes - Our commitment lies in curating tailor-made experiences that cater to the unique preferences and needs of each of our guests. This includes accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey.
Prior to embarking on any Europe horse tours, we request guests to complete a comprehensive form. This form allows us to gather essential information, not only about dietary restrictions and allergies but also about your gastronomic preferences. By doing so, we can craft an experience that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Your safety, well-being and satisfaction are at the forefront of our personalized service, making every ride with us a truly unforgettable experience.
At Nomad Riders, our horse riding vacations in Europe are designed as fully curated, seamless journeys, where every detail is thoughtfully arranged so you can focus entirely on the experience - riding, discovering, and immersing yourself in each destination.
Our riding adventures in Europe* typically include everything you need throughout your journey** : private transfers, selected accommodations, all meals, riding activities, and, upon request, travel insurance. We believe this all-inclusive approach allows riders to travel with complete peace of mind, with no unexpected surprises along the way, to enjoy a fully taken-care-of experience.
Depending on the destination, your experience may also include other activities such as private guided châteaux visits, vineyard tours with wine tastings, wellness rituals, or immersion into local equestrian traditions. These carefully chosen experiences complement the riding and allow you to discover each destination beyond the saddle.
*For our Irish Castle Escape and Icelandic Riding Tours, dinners are not included, offering you greater freedom and flexibility to choose how to spend your evenings.
**The only element we are unable to include in our horse riding holidays is international airfare, which remains the responsibility of the guest.
Yes - we specialize in creating fully privatized and tailor-made horse riding holidays in Europe, designed around each rider’s individual preferences. Whether you are travelling with family or friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a more exclusive experience, we can design a private equestrian journey dedicated entirely to you.
A private horse riding holiday in Europe allows you to fully set the rhythm of your journey and shape the experience around what matters most to you. Whether you are looking for horseback riding in France, horseback riding in Italy, or immersive trail rides through Icelandic landscapes, your itinerary can be adapted to your riding level, interests, and preferred pace.
You may wish to spend longer in the saddle, enjoy leisurely rides combined with cultural discoveries, or place greater emphasis on wellness, gastronomy, wine, or local heritage - each element can be carefully selected to create the experience you envision.
Our team takes care of the details behind the scenes, allowing you to enjoy the freedom, flexibility, and intimacy of a private journey.
