Transylvania Tours
Transylvania Tours
Transylvania Tours
Transylvania Tours
Transylvania Tours

Horseback in the hills of Transylvania - a medieval experience

Relax, tranquil and let the horse to drive you everywhere!

Villa Abbatis is an equestrian center located in Apoș, an old Saxon village in Sibiu county, the heart of Transylvania, in an area surrounded by fortified churches and century-old forests.

 

“Villa Abbatis” is the Latin name of the village and means “The abbey-priest’s village”, because in the Middle Ages it used to belong to the Cistercian Abbey in Cârța, which had been built by Cistercian monks (a branch of the Benedictines). The legend goes that Cistercian monks were only allowed to build on swampy areas, to eat the food and use the tools they would make themselves.

 

The second and last-standing Cistercian church in the country is to be found in Apoș, right across the street from our equestrian center. It was built in the 14th century and its clock tower - in 1799. Truth is the area surrounding the church is still swampy today.

Day 1. Bucharest - Transfagarasan - Apos

Driving up the mountains and cross them to Transylvania along Transfagarasan road, one of the most scenic and stunning from Romania. Breathtaking views from the mountaintops. Descend into the Medieval rural Transylvania.

The Gothic style Cistercian Abbey from Carta is the first of its kind, built in the 12th century by skilled stone masons from France; they brought with them some noble vines from Burgundy, contributing at the wine-making future local activity. Later, it played an inspirational role in the architecture of the fortified churches from Transylvania. In spite of the decay, the monument has kept its impressive architecture: capitals, keystones, windows and consoles, including the 15th century western portal.

Visit the abbey and short stop at the nearby restaurant for a sweet refreshment - cakes with cheese and raisins, sprinkled with socata ,a traditional Romanian lemonade.

Accommodation at Villa Abbatis, 3*.

Day 2. Apos - horseback riding at Villa Abbatis

The viilage is located at the end of the road, in a place where the time seems to stand still, tranquil. Feel free and spend an enjoying time at the guesthouse built in the same style as the stable, following the local architecture, from the angles and height of the roof, to the materials used.

Eat what locals do: chicken dumpling soup, veal stew, hanklich (tradition Saxon pie) and the best wood oven baked-bread in the whole Hartibaciu Valley. All cooked and served by the village ladies.

The range of activities includes:

- horseback trails in the hills of Transylvania;

- carriage rides;

- rides and picnic;

- nature observations while riding;

- visits of the locals workshops.

 

Day 3. Apos - Bucharest

The journey back to Bucharest folows a different scenic road, including a visit to the Sinca Veche Temple Cave, an underground mysterious chapel with enigmatic origins and purpose.

While the original builders of the Sinca Veche monastery cave are unknown, the site has been dated to around 7,000 years old. Regardless of who originally built out the space, it has been home to a number of different religious administrators, as evidenced by the strange mix of religious symbols that have been carved into the walls of the cave.

Return to Bucharest.

PHOTO GALLERY

What you will see

Tour costs

Ask for price
Book now
Description

Villa Abbatis is an equestrian center located in Apoș, an old Saxon village in Sibiu county, the heart of Transylvania, in an area surrounded by fortified churches and century-old forests.

 

“Villa Abbatis” is the Latin name of the village and means “The abbey-priest’s village”, because in the Middle Ages it used to belong to the Cistercian Abbey in Cârța, which had been built by Cistercian monks (a branch of the Benedictines). The legend goes that Cistercian monks were only allowed to build on swampy areas, to eat the food and use the tools they would make themselves.

 

The second and last-standing Cistercian church in the country is to be found in Apoș, right across the street from our equestrian center. It was built in the 14th century and its clock tower - in 1799. Truth is the area surrounding the church is still swampy today.

Day 1. Bucharest - Transfagarasan - Apos

Driving up the mountains and cross them to Transylvania along Transfagarasan road, one of the most scenic and stunning from Romania. Breathtaking views from the mountaintops. Descend into the Medieval rural Transylvania.

The Gothic style Cistercian Abbey from Carta is the first of its kind, built in the 12th century by skilled stone masons from France; they brought with them some noble vines from Burgundy, contributing at the wine-making future local activity. Later, it played an inspirational role in the architecture of the fortified churches from Transylvania. In spite of the decay, the monument has kept its impressive architecture: capitals, keystones, windows and consoles, including the 15th century western portal.

Visit the abbey and short stop at the nearby restaurant for a sweet refreshment - cakes with cheese and raisins, sprinkled with socata ,a traditional Romanian lemonade.

Accommodation at Villa Abbatis, 3*.

Day 2. Apos - horseback riding at Villa Abbatis

The viilage is located at the end of the road, in a place where the time seems to stand still, tranquil. Feel free and spend an enjoying time at the guesthouse built in the same style as the stable, following the local architecture, from the angles and height of the roof, to the materials used.

Eat what locals do: chicken dumpling soup, veal stew, hanklich (tradition Saxon pie) and the best wood oven baked-bread in the whole Hartibaciu Valley. All cooked and served by the village ladies.

The range of activities includes:

- horseback trails in the hills of Transylvania;

- carriage rides;

- rides and picnic;

- nature observations while riding;

- visits of the locals workshops.

 

Day 3. Apos - Bucharest

The journey back to Bucharest folows a different scenic road, including a visit to the Sinca Veche Temple Cave, an underground mysterious chapel with enigmatic origins and purpose.

While the original builders of the Sinca Veche monastery cave are unknown, the site has been dated to around 7,000 years old. Regardless of who originally built out the space, it has been home to a number of different religious administrators, as evidenced by the strange mix of religious symbols that have been carved into the walls of the cave.

Return to Bucharest.

Price

Ask for price

 

Included:

- 2 nights accommodation in double room 

- half-board - local specialties

- return car transport by car from Bucharest

- English speaking guide assistance

- visits as per program.

 

Not included:

- other meals

- entrance fees

- optional local activities.

Map
Tour costs
Ask for price
Book now
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Other tours